Plenty of people are familiar with identifying a character's motives and the actions said characters take to achieve their motives. But plenty of people aren't sure how exactly to classify it; that's why the Alignment Chart has been such a useful tool throughout the years.
What is an Alignment?
I know I'm going to sound nerdy for this, but bear with me. The alignment system dates back to the good old days of the table-top role-playing game known as Dungeons & Dragons. This was a tool is used to help identify your character's morals, personality and general additude in some respects. Nowadays, the alignment system is a miracle worker in the world of writing, since it allows you to give characters near infinite depth. Note that Alignments are not straitjackets for restricting your character; it is very possible to have a egotistical lawful good character, a megalomaniac as a chaotic neutral character, a benevolent chaotic evil character, etc. It is also worth saying that characters shouldn't follow such a rigid archetype of their alignment, as it would risk making a cliche of the character. Also note that given the previous restrictions of the alignment system used in earlier versions of Dungeons and Dragons (certain classes requiring a certain alignment) no longer apply today.
Alignments are separated into two general characteristics, how the characters feel about laws (lawful, chaotic), and the character's respect for other sentient beings(good, evil).
Good vs. Evil
A war as old as humanity itself, the moral war of good and evil resides in everyone. The definition of good and evil always varies from person to person, but the generally accepted explanations are as follows.
Good characters have a general respect for the life and dignity of sentient beings. Good characters are often seen laying themselves on the wire so the other guy can cross. (:: D20srd.org)
On the other end of the spectrum, however, we see evil in it's true form. Evil characters often see sentient creatures as mere pawns or obstacles and will not hesitate to oppress, hurt, or outright kill other creatures, regardless of affiliation. (:: D20srd.org) Of course, this is a drastic example; other cases of an evil character are that of the character seeing morality as relative and see nothing wrong with resorting to manipulation, harassment or killing to achieve a goal.
And in the middle, we have neutrals. These people are in the middle of the road in respect with good and evil. The easiest way to identify a neutral character is to see if the character is only committed to people whom have a deep bond with the character. These kinds of people do have the emotional capacity to kill, yet have regrets if the aliased was an innocent civilian. Interestingly enough, the neutral can often lack commitment, such an example would be someone refusing to make sacrifices to protect or aid people. (:: D20srd.org)
Good characters have a general respect for the life and dignity of sentient beings. Good characters are often seen laying themselves on the wire so the other guy can cross. (:: D20srd.org)
On the other end of the spectrum, however, we see evil in it's true form. Evil characters often see sentient creatures as mere pawns or obstacles and will not hesitate to oppress, hurt, or outright kill other creatures, regardless of affiliation. (:: D20srd.org) Of course, this is a drastic example; other cases of an evil character are that of the character seeing morality as relative and see nothing wrong with resorting to manipulation, harassment or killing to achieve a goal.
And in the middle, we have neutrals. These people are in the middle of the road in respect with good and evil. The easiest way to identify a neutral character is to see if the character is only committed to people whom have a deep bond with the character. These kinds of people do have the emotional capacity to kill, yet have regrets if the aliased was an innocent civilian. Interestingly enough, the neutral can often lack commitment, such an example would be someone refusing to make sacrifices to protect or aid people. (:: D20srd.org)
Order & Chaos
Another battle long waged since man existed is one of order and chaos.
Lawful people will tell the truth, commit, respect laws and local authorities, and keeps in touch with tradition. The downsides of a lawful character come by virtue of need to obey laws. Lawfulness can often result in people being closed-minded, self-righteous and unable to adapt to an ever changing social world. (Alignment)
Chaotic individuals are just that; individuals. They are often seen resenting the laws, doing as they wish, even if it's illegal (especially if it's illegal).
Neutrals don't really care for the law, yet don't resent them either. It can be hard to determine a neutral character, but if they follow laws for the sake of avoiding legal trouble, but are willing to break laws should push come to shove (Zed).
Lawful people will tell the truth, commit, respect laws and local authorities, and keeps in touch with tradition. The downsides of a lawful character come by virtue of need to obey laws. Lawfulness can often result in people being closed-minded, self-righteous and unable to adapt to an ever changing social world. (Alignment)
Chaotic individuals are just that; individuals. They are often seen resenting the laws, doing as they wish, even if it's illegal (especially if it's illegal).
Neutrals don't really care for the law, yet don't resent them either. It can be hard to determine a neutral character, but if they follow laws for the sake of avoiding legal trouble, but are willing to break laws should push come to shove (Zed).
Exact Implications in Writing
By using character alignments, you are able to have a basic grasp of what a character will do in order to meet their goals. It gives a basic outline on their views on the sanctity of life and the necessity of law. Like all characteristics, these views are derived from events in the past, which left a profound impact on a character's viewpoint.
It is important to remember that these alignments are to give the basics as to who your character is; how exactly the character fits into the alignment and possibly develops into a different one is up to the roadblock the writer imposes on them.
It is important to remember that these alignments are to give the basics as to who your character is; how exactly the character fits into the alignment and possibly develops into a different one is up to the roadblock the writer imposes on them.
Sources (MLA)
"Alignment." :: D20srd.org. Web. 17 Dec. 2015.
Zed. "A Roleplayer's Guide to Alignments." Ten Ton Hammer. 13 Feb. 2009. Web. 11 Mar. 2016.
Zed. "A Roleplayer's Guide to Alignments." Ten Ton Hammer. 13 Feb. 2009. Web. 11 Mar. 2016.