Setting the Stage
You’re sitting around a dinner table covered with papers, laptops, electric candles, and WAY too many dice (as if that's a thing). You’re surrounded by your longtime friends, and perhaps some new ones, as your Dungeon Master begins Session Zero for your new campaign. Each of you has spent hours before this crafting the perfect character, and now you get the chance to share this character with your friends! As each person explains their backstory, your final party member clears his throat, stands up and says “I shall be a Chaotic Evil warlock!” The groans from the rest of the party fill the room.
We’ve all been there, but why is playing a Chaotic Evil character such a cardinal sin within D&D? Is it even possible to play a CE character without the rest of your party hating you? Hopefully this article will shed some light on these questions. So let’s get into it!
So what is “Chaotic Evil”?
Chaotic Evil is one of the nine possible alignments that define the moral and social standings of every creature within Dungeons & Dragons. The Player’s Handbook defines Chaotic Evil as a creature who “...act[s] with arbitrary violence, spurred by their greed, hatred, or bloodlust.” (PHB, Ch 4). No wonder people hate Chaotic Evil players! However, if we dig a bit deeper we find that this is a poor definition of what it means to be Chaotic Evil.
Alignment is organized into two parts, the first being the creature’s perception of morality (good, neutral, or evil). An easier way to understand this is in terms of selflessness. Good creatures are selfless, Evil creatures are selfish, and Neutral creatures sit in the middle. The second part defines a creature’s attitude towards society (lawful, neutral, or chaotic). Lawful creatures follow societal expectations or personal codes, Chaotic creatures do what they want regardless of expectations, and once again, Neutral creatures fall right in the middle.
With this breakdown in mind, let’s try a more reasonable definition for CE characters. Chaotic Evil defines a creature who acts selfishly and does so without concern for the expectations of others. So yes, Chaotic Evil characters won’t be winning the “Most Helpful” award after you next session, but at least they’re not being defined as extremely violent and greedy with a burning hatred and bloodlust for every living thing as the PHB suggests.
Exploring the “Anti” in Anti-Hero
Think about your favorite superhero. Some might think about Superman, Spiderman, or Captain America. These are all powerful, wholesome heroes who would be welcome in any D&D campaign! Yet others would say Deadpool or The Punisher. Awesome heroes, but not the type of friends you introduce to your parents. This is where the concept of the “Anti-Hero” comes in. For those who don’t know, an Anti-Hero is a protagonist who lacks the typical attributes expected of a hero. While Superman is humble, compassionate, and altruistic; Deadpool is arrogant, cruel, and selfish. Superman respects the law, while Deadpool destroys an entire highway in search of one man. And yet, we view both of these men as “heroes”.
So why do we love these “Anti-Heroes” like Deadpool so much? Anti-Heroes break the mold of what we expect from our protagonist. Though we don’t always agree with their methods, we are able to sympathize with their struggles. And that is where Chaotic Evil characters find their place. Chaotic Evil doesn’t mean you have to be a bloodthirsty monster. You can be manipulative, conniving, arrogant or greedy, but that doesn’t make you a villain. Let’s take a look at four Chaotic Evil archetypes that have been popularized by today’s media:
1. The Reluctant Hero
Heavy Sigh Loading…..
The Reluctant Hero is the tamest archetype on the Anti-Hero spectrum. This is the type of character who plays the part of a hero, but does so out of obligation rather than conviction.
Example:
Geralt of Rivia from the “The Witcher”
Geralt fights monsters and helps those in need, but not out of the kindness of his heart. He rarely takes a job unless there’s coin involved. In his interactions with others, he is largely apathetic and goes against what others expect of him.
Tyrion’s lifelong struggle to survive and prove his worth is what makes him such an interesting character to follow throughout the show.
2. The Pragmatic Hero
The Pragmatic Hero is not pure evil, but is still capable of committing horrible acts. These characters are often cold, calculated, and logical above all else. He will try to protect innocent people, but if the stakes are high, the pragmatic hero will survive at any cost.
Example:
Tyrion Lannister from “Game of Thrones”
Tyrion was seen as a protagonist for much of the series and proves to be a valuable ally. However, he repeatedly showed his capacity for cruelty and overwhelming urge to survive.
Gollum/Sméagol is the classic conflicted hero: Two Personalities + One Ring to Rule them All = Endless Moral Dilemmas
3. The Conflicted Hero
The Conflicted Hero commits vicious acts with little remorse and is typically driven by selfish desires. However, these characters most often compromise these desires in favor of accomplishing another goal.
Example:
Gollum from “Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit”
Gollum is the literal representation of a person being corrupted by greed. He is willing to kill, lie, and steal to get what he wants, and yet he often doesn’t. He constantly wrestles between good & evil, until eventually succumbing to his greed.
I didn't ask to be super, and I'm no hero. But when you find out your worst enemy is after your best girl, the time has come to be a f***ing superhero.
4. The Villainous Hero
The Villainous Hero is the archetype most similar to the traditional perception of “Chaotic Evil”. These characters are violent, vengeful, and egomaniacal. They are heroes by name only. They fight against even greater villains, but often for the sole purpose of gaining something from them.
Example:
Deadpool from “Deadpool”
Deadpool is arguably the most popular Chaotic Evil character in today’s culture. His motives are selfish and his methods are ruthless. But he has one redeeming quality, his humorous attitude when faced with horrible situations.
So why use some of the most beloved characters in film and television, knowing it would frustrate pretty much anyone reading this? To prove a point. We love these characters. Not in spite of their flaws, but because of them. Perfect people are boring and predictable. We can relate to an invincible killing machine in a red leather suit because we know what it’s like to be broken, to be selfish, and to be flawed. We know what it’s like to be Chaotic Evil.
How to Play a Chaotic Evil Character in D&D
As you’ve seen from what we’ve discussed, the Chaotic Evil alignment covers a wide range of character types. But most examples of Chaotic Evil characters highlighted here are loners, so how do they fit into a typical D&D party? Like any character, they have a certain goal that drives them and informs their decisions. Here are several options that can help you figure out what that goal is for yourself:
Whether it is Power, Revenge, Glory, or Redemption, find the WHY that your character has chosen the path they are on.
Power: You crave the strength or influence to crush those who oppose you and discredit those who may have doubted you in the past. How might your party help you obtain that power more easily?
Revenge: You lost someone or something you love, and you will stop at nothing to get justice against those who stole from you. How does working with others help you achieve your revenge?
Glory: You want to be remembered, to have your name echoed with fear and reverence for generations to come. Will working with other capable warriors (but not as capable as yourself) help you on your path to glory?
Redemption: Like Golem, you wrestle between good and evil. Something from your past taught you that to be strong, you must be cold. How might your party help pull out the good buried deep within you?
Selfish people don’t willingly surround themselves with good people, but smart people realize that most ambitions cannot be achieved single-handedly. There is a very good chance your character goes with your party out of necessity over anything else. What skills, connections, or resources do they have that you need? And why can’t you simply take it from them?
Above all else, remember that your alignment does not define your character. You do. Alignment is simply a loose description of your character’s typical attitude towards others. It is a tool to help you roleplay, not a box meant to confine you. Let your character struggle. Allow yourself to fall into selfishness at times, but allow yourself to have moments of uncharacteristic kindness as well. Be exciting, be unpredictable, be Chaotic Evil.
An Important Note: If you do create a Chaotic Evil character, be clear with your party about why and how you are doing so. Your alignment should never be an excuse to be a jerk. Remember to allow others to experience the spotlight and don’t do anything that you worry might upset or offend someone else at the table.
Meet the Blogger
Jesse D. @dnd_tips
Jesse is an educator and game designer in the Chicagoland area. He is passionate about teaching others, telling stories, and exploring different ideas and perspectives. As a Dungeon Master and player, he enjoys building captivating worlds, dynamic characters, and roleplaying strange and unique characters without shame!