NPC

An NPC (or a non-player character) is any character in a game that is not controlled by the player. The term originated in traditional tabletop role-playing games where it applies to characters controlled by the gamemaster or referee rather than by another player. In video games, this usually means a character controlled by the computer (instead of a player) that has a predetermined set of behaviors that potentially will impact gameplay, but will not necessarily be the product of true artificial intelligence.
== Use in Role-Playing Games ==
In traditional tabletop role-playing games (such as Dungeons and Dragons), an NPC is a character portrayed by the gamemaster (GM). While the player character forms the narrative's protagonist, non-player characters can be thought of as the "supporting cast" or "extras" of a roleplaying narrative. Non-player characters populate the fictional world of a game, and can fill any role not occupied by a player character. Non-player characters might be allies, bystanders or competitors to the PCs. NPCs can also be traders that trade currency for things such as equipment or gear. NPCs thus vary in their level of detail. Some may be only a brief description while others may have complete game statistics and backstories.
There is some debate about how much work a gamemaster should put into an important NPC's statistics; some players prefer to have every NPC completely defined with stats, skills, and gear, while others define only what is immediately necessary and fill in the rest as the game proceeds. There is also some debate regarding the importance of fully defined NPCs in any given role-playing game (RPG).
== Use in Video Games ==
The term "non-player character" is also used in video games to describe entities not under the direct control of a player. The term carries a connotation that the character is not hostile towards players; hostile characters are referred to as enemies, mobs, or creeps.
NPC behavior in computer games is usually scripted and automatic, triggered by certain actions or dialogue with the player characters. In certain multi-player games a player that acts as the GM can "possess" both player and non-player characters, controlling their actions in order to further the storyline. More complex games allow the player to customize the NPCs' behavior by modifying their default scripts or creating entirely new ones.
In some online games, such as massively multiplayer online role-playing games, NPCs may be entirely unscripted, and are essentially regular character avatars controlled by employees of the game company. These "non-players" are often distinguished from player characters by avatar appearance or other visual designation.
== Trivia ==
=== Insult ===
(Main Article: NPC)
On the Internet, NPC is often used as an insult to suggest that some people are unable to form thoughts or opinions of their own.