nonplayer character

noun

1. a character in a tabletop role-playing game who is controlled by the Game Master.
2. a character in a video game who executes scripted roles and is not controlled by the player. : NPC

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonplayer character¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

He’s an NPC, a nonplayer character—essentially just window-dressing for the players to shoot at if they feel like it, or ignore if they don’t.

From Time