This article is part two in a series about how to better understand and roleplay D&D character alignments. In this installment, we will discuss Lawful characters, archetypes, and natural tendencies, explain some actions and mindsets to take (and some to avoid), and think about how to create interesting moral conflicts for Lawful characters.
What Makes A Character Lawful?
Sometimes, players assume something like the following: because they intend for their character to generally follow and respect the law and be obedient to local authorities, they must immediately choose a Lawful alignment. Others avoid Lawful alignments entirely because of this same assumption, as they believe that choosing a Lawful alignment means they have to always behave this way. Each of these positions makes the mistake of assuming that a character's alignment creates rules for their behavior that must be followed at all times.
The term "Lawful" as part of an alignment name is somewhat misleading, as it inherently suggests adherence and conformity to the literal systems and codes of law that are established in the setting. Taken on its own, this makes lawful alignments seem restrictive and imposing. Who would want to have to use a character who never questions authority or exercises individual creativity?
What some fail to realize is that the term "Lawful" is in reference to laws that are much less tangible than the kingdom's justice system. When it comes to character alignments, "Lawful" means a character's respect for and trust in their personal code of ethics, which is influenced by their background, experiences, and outlook on existence. Often, but not always, such a code includes tendencies in line with those of a kingdom's code of martial law, which can sometimes produce confusion about the basis of a Lawful character's moral code.
This means that behaving Lawfully and behaving in a manner congruent with local regulations are not always the same thing. A character can be Lawful through adherence and devotion to their personal code of ethics, or through obedience to legal regulations, but is not restricted by having to behave in certain ways. Instead, a character's Lawfulness is a measure of the strength and seriousness with which the character upholds their moral code.
How Can I Make a Lawful Character?
The first step in making an effective Lawful character should be to build a moral code of ethics that your character follows. This often, though not always, includes your character's viewpoint on ideas like justice, fairness, truth, honor, responsibility, duty, and authority. Consider how your character's moral code compares to the legal code of the realm in which your character resides, your character's point of view on legal systems in general, and how that affects your character's moral code. Work with your Dungeon Master to reach a system that works for your character.
A Lawful character should demonstrate, through their words and actions, a tendency to adhere to their moral code, as well as to legal codes that are in line with their moral code. In practice, they should show a tendency to avoid breaking their bonds to their moral code and a tendency to behave in a manner conducive to following their moral code. Similarly, they should encourage (but never direct or command) others to respect their own codes of ethics. If it should occur that a Lawful character's actions go against their moral code, they should demonstrate a tendency to seek proper reconciliation with their ideals.
What (Usually) Not To Do
There are a few things that Lawful characters are stereotyped as doing that can cause havoc or make problems within an adventuring party, and it is the player's responsibility to avoid creating situations that cause serious hostility or unrest within an adventuring party, no matter their alignment. While there can be group atmospheres or situational examples where such actions may be agreeable or applicable, in general behaviors like the following should be avoided.
It's not generally helpful to nominate yourself the fist of the law within your party and attempt to control other party members to keep them from breaking the law. As a Lawful character, you should have a tendency to be obedient to the law and encourage others to do the same, but your character should also respect the fact that other individuals see the world differently and have different moral outlooks. It may not be Lawful for the party rogue to pickpocket that merchant, and a guard who notices the thievery is fully within the bounds of the kingdom's law to attempt to apprehend the rogue, but for you to actively arrest a fellow party member would impose your worldview on someone else, which isn't fair to either character. However, it would be perfectly rational for your character to express their dislike for thievery to the rogue, encouraging a roleplay discussion and perhaps reaching a compromise between clashing ideals.
Occasionally, situations will develop where there is no way to easily obey the law and still accomplish your objective. It's easy to assume that a Lawful character would react by becoming inflexible and refusing to do anything that would bring their standing with their moral code or local regulations into jeopardy, but this can be counterproductive if not handled well. Rather than avoiding any situation that requires you (as the player) to think critically about how your character can respond effectively, you should look for ways for your character to contribute to a solution that meets your character's core ideals while still being conducive to group success.
A Moral Conflict for a Lawful Character
A well-used tool to make an adventure engaging and foster character growth is through the presentation of a moral conflict or dilemma that the character must solve or decide upon in order to continue successfully. Handling a conflict-ridden situation well can improve a character's trust in themselves and add depth to their world outlook. A character's alignment is a useful tool for determining what sorts of hard decisions will help the character to grow and develop. Dungeon Masters and players alike can benefit from observing these moral conflicts, coming up with ideas for how to create their own, and thinking about how a character could respond to scenarios that test their personal limits.
Consider: It is revealed that a high-ranking noble within the city your party has arrived at is the treacherous villain you have been chasing across three kingdoms. However, your Lawful character's moral code includes a belief that attacking others without proper authority should not be done, and it is highly unlikely that the local authorities will accept your word and allow you to apprehend the villain. Do you work to find a solution that works with your character's moral conduct, or do you break your moral bonds on the instant when they become difficult to uphold? How does your character feel about the situation?
Additional questions:
Does your character have a superior (like a cleric's relationship with a high priest, for example) who will be disappointed in your character if his/her conduct doesn't meet the moral code they share?
If you are forced to take the long, difficult route to a successful solution, are there others who may be harmed by the villain? (Perhaps innocent bystanders, or simply the danger of giving the villain so much extra time for their scheme?)
What if your character's moral code isn't the only barrier? What if this kingdom's legal code forbids the use of weapons within the city limits? Or imposes heavy penalties on persons convicted of assault?
What if the villain realizes your party has followed him to the city and falsely accuses you of criminal activity? Do you still obey the law then?
Summary
A Lawful character doesn't have to be a lackey for local laws, but should instead have a moral core that that gives them conviction, direction, and strength. They should tend to remain true to their ideals through their words and deeds. Players should focus on finding creative solutions that work with their character's moral obligations, and DMs should look for ways they can construct adventures to add depth and experience to those characters' Lawful goals.
This ends part two of our discussion about alignments in D&D. In part three, we will take a look at Chaotic alignments, which are diametrically opposed to Lawful alignments, but still bear certain similarities in how they should be role-played.
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