The Characterisitcs of a character are set of stats. defining its physical and mental abilites (and often magical abilities as well). The set of characteristics for a character vary from game to game, but there are usually four to six of them. In the course of the game these values will be used (usually in combination with dice rolls) to determine whether the character succeeds in a task related to the relevant characteristic.

Some of the standard characteristics are as follows:

• STRENGTH (sometimes PHYS)
  A measure of the character's physical strength

• DEXTERITY
  A measure of the character's ability to manipulate objects

• AGILITY
  A measure of the character's ability to leap about, climb and perform other tasks requiring coordination.

• INTELLEGENCE (or IQ, MENTAL)
  A measure of the character's raw intellectual ability, e.g. in problem solving.

• WISDOM (less common)
  A measure of the character's knowledge and common sense.

• PERCEPTION (or OBSERVATION, ALERTNESS)
  A measure of the character's alertness and ability to spot clues, hidden objects, etc.

• CHARISMA (or PERSONALITY, ATTRACTIVNESS)
  A measure of the character's social skills and attractivness.

• HEALTH
  Another term for Hit Points.

• POWER (or PSYCHE, sometimes WILLPOWER)
  Some sort of measure of magical or psychic ability.

• WILLPOWER (or RESISTANCE)
  A measure of the character's ability to resist pain, hardship, magic etc.

See also Hit Points.