A non-player character, often shortened to NPC, is a character that is controlled by the gamemaster in role-playing games. When this definition extends to video games, an NPC in a video game is usually part of the program, and not controlled by a human.In a traditional role-playing game such as Dungeons & Dragons, an NPC is controlled by the gamemaster. Non-player characters populate the fictional world of the game, and can fill any role not occupied by a player character (PC). Non-player characters might be allies, bystanders or competitors to the PCs.
An NPC (Non-Player Character) is any character you encounter and interact with in World of Warcraft that is not controlled by other human players — they are generated and controlled by the game server. NPCs are either neutral or affiliated with a particular faction ( Alliance or Horde). You cannot attack NPCs of your faction and you must be "at war" (set in Reputation tab of your character sheet) with a neutral NPC's faction to attack them. Here NPC stands for "Non-Player Character." Computer-controlled characters, such as questgivers, vendors, guards, bankers, and trainers are all considered NPCs. NPCs are either neutral, meaning both factions can interact with them, or they have a faction affiliation to the Horde or Alliance.
You cannot attack NPCs and shopkeepers in your own faction. However, you can attack NPCs and shopkeepers from the opposing side, as well as some neutral NPCs. Many neutral NPCs are affiliated with a particular reputation, such as the Argent Dawn NPCs. You must be "at war" with a group (found in the Reputations tab of your character sheet) in order to attack their NPCs.
For opposing faction NPCs, keep in mind that they typically reside in the opposite faction's towns and cities. On PvP realms, enemy players will be able to attack you if you enter their towns and cities. On normal realms, attacking an NPC or shopkeeper will flag you for PvP and enable enemy players to attack you. However, defeating a prominent NPC such as a racial leader (which include the likes of Thrall, Jaina, and Sylvanas) is a memorable accomplishment.
In every area of the game, you will come across NPC’s (or non-player characters). These are the in-game toons that will give you quests, offer you training, or allow you to buy or sell loot and these are also the mobs that you will have to kill to get through the game. Here is a breakdown of the different types of NPC’s that you will see in the game and how to identify them:
Green named NPC’s are friendly to you and will offer you quests, training, or something else and will not attack you. Yellow named NPC’s are neutral to you and will either offer you quests, training, or a place to buy or sell items or they might be a part of a quest that you are on. Normally, they will not attack you unless you attack them first. Red named NPC’s are hostile to you and will attack you if you aggro them.
In the starting areas of the game, most of the NPC’s that you come across will be friendly and you will gain something from them. The first mobs that you find will normally be neutral (yellow named) and will not attack you unless you attack them first. After you exit the starting area that you are in, you will find both neutral and hostile mobs so you need to be on your toes.
In the next part of this World of Warcraft new player guide, we'll go through some of the basics of leveling, getting experience, and training in the starting areas of the game.
