non-player character
1 of 1noun/nɑ:n-pleɪər kæ.rɪk.tər/
Forms:non-player characters
1
any character in a video game that is controlled by the computer itself rather than the playe
A non-player character (NPC) is any character in a game that is not controlled by a player. NPCs are typically managed by the game's programming and serve various roles, such as advancing the story, providing quests, offering information, or acting as merchants or enemies. They are a key part of creating a game world, making it feel more alive and interactive. For example, in role-playing games, NPCs might include villagers who give advice or shopkeepers who sell items. Unlike player characters, NPCs have limited behaviors set by the game.
- I talked to an NPC in the village who gave me a quest to find a lost artifact.
- That non-player character keeps repeating the same line every time I walk past him.
- Some NPCs in the game have really detailed backstories, making the world feel alive.
- I accidentally attacked an NPC, and now the whole town is hostile towards me.
- The friendly non-player character guided me through the tutorial and explained how to use my abilities.
2
a person perceived as lacking independent thought or originality
- He's acting like an NPC, just repeating what everyone else says.
- Stop being an NPC and think for yourself.
- That influencer's posts are totally NPC energy.
- She called him an NPC after he agreed with everything without question.
- In the debate, he was basically an NPC, following the script.