Lawful good characters uphold society and its laws, believing that these laws are created to work for the good and prosperity of all. They are both honest and benevolent. They will work within the established system to change it for the better if they percieve it to be less good than it needs to be, and will strive to bring order to goodness that other good-aligned characters might pool their resources to better the world.

Neutral good characters will obey the laws, or break them when they see a need to serve a greater good by them, but are not bound strongly to a social system or order. Ultimately, the need to help others and eliminate their suffering takes precedence over all else for these characters.

Chaotic good characters are kindly and benevolent, but are strong individualists hostile to the claims of rules, regulations, and social order. They will actively work to bring down evil or unjust rulers and organizations and to liberate the oppressed. They find lawful societies distasteful and will avoid them, often living as nomads or hermits.

Lawful neutral characters uphold existing governments or institutions, be they benevolent and democratic or despotic and tyrannical, though ultimately they would prefer clear-headed rulers who are neither. The benefits of social order outweigh any moral questions raised by the actions of rulers. Without law, they say, there can be no safety or justice for anyone.

True neutral characters seek to avoid having any one side, law or chaos, good or evil, become too powerful over them or anyone else. A few such characters actively support balance among all the other alignments, and will work against whichever one is the most powerful. They tend to side with the underdog in any situation, and are often opportunistic in their actions. Neutrality is the most common alignment.

Chaotic neutral characters deny the benefits of order in all things, often including their own actions. They are free to follow whatever whims they have, be they benevolent or malicious. Without boundaries or scruples, they make their own way in the world, and believe that everyone else ought to do the same. Chaotic neutral characters are often anarchic rebels.

Lawful evil characters use society and its laws for selfish advantage. They support law because they hope to become rich and powerful and benefit from laws that defend their wealth and power. They are very cautious about giving their word unless a bargain is clearly in their favour. These characters exploit the letter of the law over its spirit whenever it best suits their interests.

Neutral evil characters are egotists and sociopaths who are out for their own advancement, and will manipulate laws, or break them, depending on which way advantage lies. A neutral evil character cares for nothing save themselves; they have no honor or principles, and will make or break oaths for whatever advantage they can get from them.