Character Backgrounds – 10 Interesting Backgrounds and How to Use Them

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, character backgrounds play a vital role in shaping a player’s identity and motivation within the game. A character’s background provides context for their abilities and personality, and it can also serve as a source of inspiration for roleplaying and decision-making. There are many different character backgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and potential for storytelling. In this article, we will explore these 10 D&D character backgrounds and how to use them in your campaign.

1. Acolyte:

The Acolyte background represents a character who has spent their life in service to a religious organization. They may be a cleric, a monk, or a member of any other class that is closely tied to a deity or pantheon of gods. Acolytes are typically devout and well-respected members of their community, and they often possess knowledge and skills related to their faith.

As an Acolyte, your character may have traveled extensively in order to spread their faith or to seek out holy relics or knowledge. They may also have spent a significant amount of time performing charitable work or performing other duties within their religious organization.

To use the Acolyte background effectively, consider incorporating elements of your character’s faith into their personality and decisions. For example, an Acolyte of Tymora, the goddess of luck, may be more prone to taking risks and looking for opportunities to help others, while an Acolyte of Kelemvor, the god of death and the dead, may have a more somber and serious demeanor.

2. Criminal:

The Criminal background represents a character who has spent time on the wrong side of the law. They may be a thief, a smuggler, or a member of a criminal organization. Criminals are often skilled at deception and stealth, and they may have a network of contacts within the criminal underworld.

As a Criminal, your character may have a troubled past filled with brushes with the law. They may have turned to a life of crime out of necessity or as a result of poor choices. Alternatively, they may have been drawn to a life of crime due to a desire for excitement or a sense of belonging.

To use the Criminal background effectively, consider incorporating elements of your character’s criminal past into their personality and decisions. For example, a Criminal who has spent time in prison may have a tough exterior and be more skeptical of authority, while a Criminal who has worked as a thief may be more stealthy and cunning.

3. Folk Hero:

The Folk Hero background represents a character who has risen to prominence in their community due to their deeds and actions. They may be a member of a local militia, a hero who has saved their village from a terrible threat, or a leader in their community. Folk Heroes are often respected and admired by their peers, and they may have a strong sense of justice and a desire to help others.

As a Folk Hero, your character may have a history of standing up for what they believe in and fighting for the common good. They may have faced difficult challenges and made sacrifices in order to defend their community or cause.

To use the Folk Hero background effectively, consider incorporating elements of your character’s heroic deeds into their personality and decisions. For example, a Folk Hero who has fought against an oppressive ruler may be more rebellious and willing to challenge authority, while a Folk Hero who has saved their village from a dragon may be more confident and courageous.

4. Noble:

The Noble background represents a character who was born into a wealthy and influential family. They may be a member of a royal court, a lord or lady, or a member of a wealthy merchant family. Nobles are often well-educated and have access to a wide range of resources and connections.

As a Noble, your character may have grown up with a sense of entitlement and privilege. They may have received a classical education and be well-versed in politics, history, and etiquette. Alternatively, they may have struggled to live up to the expectations of their family and may feel pressure to prove themselves worthy of their status.

To use the Noble background effectively, consider incorporating elements of your character’s noble upbringing into their personality and decisions. For example, a Noble who has been raised to be a diplomat may be more diplomatic and poised in their interactions, while a Noble who has struggled to earn the respect of their family may be more driven and ambitious.

5. Sage:

The Sage background represents a character who has dedicated their life to the pursuit of knowledge. They may be a scholar, a researcher, or a historian. Sages are often well-educated and possess a wealth of knowledge in a specific area of study.

As a Sage, your character may have spent years in libraries and universities, immersing themselves in their chosen field of study. They may have a love of learning and be curious about the world around them. Alternatively, they may be more focused on practical applications of their knowledge and may use their expertise to solve problems or answer questions.

To use the Sage background effectively, consider incorporating elements of your character’s love of learning into their personality and decisions. For example, a Sage who is an expert in ancient history may be more interested in exploring ruins and uncovering lost artifacts, while a Sage who is a specialist in herbalism may be more focused on finding and using rare and exotic plants.

6. Soldier:

The Soldier background represents a character who has served in a military organization. They may be a member of a standing army, a mercenary, or a member of a local militia. Soldiers are trained in the art of war and are skilled in combat.

As a Soldier, your character may have seen a great deal of action and may have a wealth of combat experience. They may be disciplined and accustomed to following orders, but they may also have a sense of loyalty to their comrades and a desire to protect their fellow soldiers.

To use the Soldier background effectively, consider incorporating elements of your character’s military training and experience into their personality and decisions. For example, a Soldier who has served in a standing army may be more accustomed to following orders and may have a sense of duty and responsibility, while a Soldier who has served as a mercenary may be more independent and motivated by profit.

7. Urchin:

The Urchin background represents a character who has grown up on the streets, fending for themselves and living off their wits. They may be orphaned, abandoned, or simply unable to find a place in society. Urchins are often resourceful and quick-thinking, and they may have developed a number of useful skills in order to survive.

As an Urchin, your character may have grown up in a harsh environment and may have learned to be self-sufficient and independent. They may have a tough exterior and may be distrustful of authority figures, but they may also have a strong sense of loyalty to those they consider friends or allies.

To use the Urchin background effectively, consider incorporating elements of your character’s streetwise upbringing into their personality and decisions. For example, an Urchin who has learned to pick pockets and steal in order to survive may be more inclined to resort to crime when faced with difficult situations, while an Urchin who has learned to rely on their wit and charm may be more likely to use their charisma to get out of trouble.

8. Charlatan:

The Charlatan background represents a character who has made a living by conning and swindling others. They may be a grifter, a scam artist, or a confidence trickster. Charlatans are often skilled at deception and persuasion, and they may be able to talk their way out of difficult situations.

As a Charlatan, your character may have a history of using their charm and wit to get what they want. They may be quick on their feet and able to think on their feet, but they may also have a tendency to bend the truth or manipulate others in order to achieve their goals.

To use the Charlatan background effectively, consider incorporating elements of your character’s deceptive nature into their personality and decisions. For example, a Charlatan who has made a living as a con artist may be more inclined to resort to deception when faced with difficult situations, while a Charlatan who has worked as a grifter may be more focused on using their charm and charisma to achieve their goals.

9. Outlander:

The Outlander background represents a character who comes from a remote or isolated community, such as a nomadic tribe or a secluded village. Outlanders are often skilled at survival and may have a deep connection to the natural world.

As an Outlander, your character may have grown up in a harsh or unforgiving environment, and they may be accustomed to living off the land and relying on their own skills and resources. They may also have a strong sense of community and a deep connection to their cultural traditions.

To use the Outlander background effectively, consider incorporating elements of your character’s connection to the natural world and their cultural traditions into their personality and decisions. For example, an Outlander who comes from a nomadic tribe may be more adaptable and self-sufficient, while an Outlander who comes from a secluded village may have a deep respect for the natural world and a strong sense of community.

10. Haunted One:

The Haunted One background represents a character who has been scarred by a traumatic experience, such as a brush with death or a supernatural encounter. Haunted Ones may be haunted by ghosts or other supernatural beings, or they may simply be struggling to cope with the psychological aftermath of their trauma.

As a Haunted One, your character may be plagued by visions, nightmares, or other symptoms of their trauma. They may struggle with feelings of guilt or grief, and they may be isolated or misunderstood by others due to their experiences.

To use the Haunted One background effectively, consider incorporating elements of your character’s trauma and its impact on their personality and decisions. For example, a Haunted One who has been traumatized by a supernatural encounter may be more skeptical of the supernatural and more likely to avoid it, while a Haunted One who has survived a near-death experience may be more driven to live life to the fullest.

In conclusion, character backgrounds are an important aspect of Dungeons & Dragons, as they provide context and depth to a character’s identity and motivation. The 10 D&D character backgrounds discussed in this article offer a wide range of options for players, each with its own unique flavor and potential for storytelling. Whether you choose to play an Acolyte, a Criminal, a Folk Hero, or any of the other backgrounds listed here, there are many ways to make your character’s background an integral part of your campaign and roleplaying experience. So, choose a character background that speaks to you and have fun with it!