"Chaotic Good" Explained, with 16 Popular Examples

PDF download Download Article
Learn all about this D&D alignment & how to use it yourself
PDF download Download Article

What characteristics define a chaotic good character—and what’s a good example of a chaotic good character, anyway? We’ve got the answers! Basically, chaotic good characters are free-spirited altruists who tend to be a tad more ruthless than other good characters. They believe in total freedom so long as it brings no harm to others; some chaotic good characters (like Han Solo) believe laws to be restrictions of freedom, while others (like Robin Hood) believe breaking the law is necessary to do good. In this article, we’ll show you many other examples of chaotic good characters and explain how to apply this alignment to a character of your own.

Popular Chaotic Good Characters

  • Robin Hood
  • Batman
  • Han Solo from Star Wars
  • Mulan
  • The Hulk from the Marvel Cinematic Universe
  • Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings
  • Korra from Avatar: The Legend of Korra
Section 1 of 4:

What is a chaotic good character?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Chaotic good characters seek to do what’s right by their own standards. These characters are the ultimate proponents of free will for all—so long as no harm is done to others in the process. Some chaotic good characters are staunchly opposed to laws of all kinds, while others simply don’t consider the law when making their decisions; they do as much good as possible without restriction. [1]
    • A chaotic good adventurer might perform the following actions:
      • Risk their life to save someone else
      • Take a hit for someone (a friend, ally, or even a stranger)
      • Take prisoners (rather than kill an enemy)
      • Help other people during a crisis, even at their own expense
      • Use their own money to help the less fortunate
      • Let an enemy pick up their dropped weapon before continuing a fight
      • Work to catch a dangerous murderer after the city guard told them to stop
      • Undermine authority figures, especially if they’re corrupt or tyrannical
      • View many people in society as narrow-minded and stiff
      • Give their life to defend their community
    • A chaotic good adventurer would see the following actions as evil or dishonorable:
      • Killing an opponent who can’t fight back
      • Running from a battle or surrendering
      • Hurting or killing someone who helped them, even if they’re on the enemy’s side
      • Committing an act of treason or betrayal
      • Letting themselves be taken prisoner (whether or not they’re innocent)
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Chaotic Good Character Examples

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Robin Hood The fabled Robin Hood is pretty much the definition of chaotic good—he’s an outlaw who steals from the rich to feed the poor. He lives as an outcast because he firmly believes that society favors the wealthy and feels he can do the most good when working outside the constraints of the law. And yes, he has a bounty on his head; how chaotic of him! [2]
  2. 2
    Wolverine Wolverine’s alignment may go back and forth depending on his current “era,” but overall, he’s a spot-on example of chaotic good. He wants to do good but has a certain disregard for the rules— anyone’s rules. And, even when he agrees to follow orders, he’ll usually grumble about it first. You can trust Wolverine to do the right thing; he just doesn’t particularly care about following the rules to get the job done.
  3. 3
    Avatar Korra Her first line in The Legend of Korra was, “I’m the Avatar! You gotta deal with it!” True to form, Korra begins TLoK as a chaotic good character, seeking to do the most good she can as Avatar and feeling frustrated by the rules that hold her back. She arguably starts to play more by the rules as the series continues, but even so, she maintains her overall “chaotic good” streak.
  4. 4
    Han Solo Mind you, we’re talking about post- A New Hope Han Solo, after he’s committed himself to the “good” part of chaotic good. When he fully joins the rebellion, Han becomes the picture of chaotic good: a freedom fighter battling unjust laws and a violent, fascist regime, putting himself on the line because it’s the right thing to do.
    • When Han is first introduced, he’s more of a chaotic neutral character. He’s motivated by profit and more of a self-serving scoundrel (without being outright evil).
  5. 5
    The Rebel Alliance This example isn’t so much a single character as it is an organization (and, by extent, most of the members in the organization). In Star Wars , the Rebel Alliance works to overthrow the Empire, which conquers peaceful planets and unjustly restricts people’s freedoms under the guise of bringing order to the galaxy.
    • However, the Rebel Alliance’s mission wasn’t to create anarchy; instead, it was to restore the Galactic Republic, a system of government with more freedom and representation for the galaxy’s people.
  6. 6
    Batman While Batman isn’t always chaotic good, he’s still a vigilante working outside the law—and, at his best, he’s committed to the cause of good and helping others (in a dramatic costume with high-tech gadgets, of course). Take a look at the character in The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One for a better idea of chaotic good Batman .
    • Batman’s compatriot, Catwoman, also has her moments. She’s portrayed mainly as leaning toward chaotic neutral—but when she protects Gotham and acts altruistically, she embodies the spirit of chaotic good!
  7. 7
    Drizzt Do’Urden Drizzt Do’Urden is one of Faerûn’s most iconic heroes (and one of D&D ’s most iconic heroes, too). He’s also canonically chaotic good according to the Dungeons & Dragons alignment system; he strives to do as much good as he possibly can without regard for laws or rules. He doesn’t necessarily go out of his way to defy the law but won’t bat an eye at having to do it, either.
  8. 8
    The Guardians of the Galaxy The Guardians of the Galaxy (as a whole team) are another excellent example of formerly more neutral mercenary types turning chaotic good! They get on the wrong side of the law in their adventures and aren’t afraid to do so in the slightest, but they get in trouble for the right reasons—to help people who need it.
    • In the latest film installment, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 , the Guardians even ally with a criminal syndicate to help their friend and liberate the imprisoned test subjects of an evil company. Very chaotic good!
  9. 9
    The Hulk Considering how uncontrollable The Hulk is while in green monster form, it’s not surprising that he’s considered chaotic good. Yes, he saves people and fights the bad guys, but there’s also a fair amount of destruction involved, and he’s usually following his instincts—not somebody else’s orders. Classic Hulk!
  10. 10
    Gandalf and Eowyn The Lord of the Rings features two characters who fit the “chaotic good” archetype. There’s Gandalf, whose wisdom and power as a wizard give him a certain degree of freedom when interacting with the different societies of Middle-earth. He gets away with breaking rules everywhere from Rohan to Gondor—and ultimately, he’s doing it to help people.
    • Then, there’s Eowyn, a shield-maiden of Rohan, forbidden to fight by her uncle and brother.
    • Determined to make a difference and do her part in the fight against evil, she joins the battle of Gondor in disguise and ultimately defeats the Witch-King, triumphantly declaring that she is “no man.”
    • Gandalf and Eowyn both believe in good over chaos; they want to act according to their conscience and have no patience for the rules that get in their way.
  11. 11
    Mulan Disney’s Mulan features a thoroughly chaotic good protagonist. When confronted by a law that prevents her from saving her father’s life, Mulan ignores it, impersonates a man, and joins the army—even knowing she could be killed for her act of rebellion. As a strong-willed heroine, helping people is more important to her than unjust established laws.
  12. 12
    Garrus Vakarian Quite a few characters in the Mass Effect series could potentially be labeled chaotic good, but none more than Garrus—particularly in the second game, Mass Effect 2 . He openly admits to leaving his job as a cop on the Citadel to get away from the “bureaucratic crap” and turns vigilante on Omega to help people without red tape getting in the way.
    • Liara T’soni is another good example of chaotic good in Mass Effect , but not until the second game, when she becomes an information broker.
    • After her career change, Liara is much more comfortable doing “shady” things for the greater good and operating outside the bounds of the law—but she does it to help Shepard stop the Reapers.
  13. 13
    Hawkeye Marvel Comics’ Hawkeye is known for having a healthy skepticism of authority; he doesn’t particularly like taking orders from others (even other Avengers) and sometimes ends up clashing with Captain America or Iron Man because of this. He works with SHIELD and the Avengers because he wants to use his skills to help people—but he’s not fond of all the oversight.
  14. 14
    Toph Beifong In Avatar: The Last Airbender , Toph is easily the most “chaotic good” member of the Avatar crew . Everyone else tends more toward neutral or even lawful good. In contrast, Toph openly expresses her distaste for authority, being told what to do, and any “rules” that get in her way. She’s also fond of pulling the odd scam (to help the Gaang, of course), but her good heart always keeps her on the right track.
  15. 15
    The Doctor and Rose Tyler In Doctor Who , The Doctor (either Nine or Ten) and Rose make quite the dynamic duo—and their adventures together put them both squarely in the “chaotic good” camp. Both are driven to help people and leave every situation better than they found it on their adventures…and since they can travel through time and space, neither is too concerned with breaking the rules along the way.
  16. 16
    Iron Man Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, is a bit of a conundrum. Yes, he ends up supporting more government control of the Avengers in Civil War —but before that, he’s pretty chaotic. In fact, he seems to completely disrespect authority at times, and he’s convinced that he doesn’t need anyone else telling him how to use his technology; he’s a superhero on his own terms, nobody else’s.
    17. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Characteristics of a Chaotic Good Character

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Chaotic good characters value both freedom and benevolence. They’re rebels who strive to do good regardless of what the rules say! Some consider chaotic good to be the most moral alignment—the best a person can be. That’s because chaotic good characters believe in freedom for all while also striving to ensure each person’s welfare. They tend to be individualists with a propensity for kindness. [3]
    • Chaotic good characters have their flaws, too. They can be selfish (since personal freedom is so important to them), and some see them as troublemakers in society.
  2. 2
    Some chaotic good characters simply follow their conscience above all. These chaotic good characters don’t really have a problem with the law or the powers that be; they just don’t want to be constrained by them. To these characters, “good” is the primary concern; they feel responsible for the welfare of others and won’t let the law tell them what they can and cannot do. [4]
    • When playing a chaotic good character, you can decide their specific values, including characters who take a “good before freedom” approach to the chaotic good morality.
  3. 3
    Other chaotic good characters see laws as restrictions of freedom. These characters adopt a “freedom before goodness” approach to chaotic good; to them, absolute freedom is the top priority. They don’t always feel compelled to do good but end up doing good anyway. They also don’t really see themselves as heroes; they simply stand up for the freedom of all because they believe it’s necessary.
    • These chaotic good characters tend to be roguish and on the wrong side of the law. They might commit a crime but would never hurt an innocent person.
  4. 4
    Chaotic good characters can be anarchists, rebels, or vigilantes. Some chaotic good characters take the stance that fighting for freedom leads to good—for themselves and everyone else. Others strive for a balance between doing good and maintaining their independence; they feel they should be able to do good in whatever way they deem necessary, but understand that not everyone agrees. [5]
    • A chaotic good character is exactly the type of character to try and overthrow a corrupt government or remove a tyrant from power.
  5. 5
    Despite disregard for the law, “chaotic good” comes with a code of honor. Chaotic good characters don’t wreak havoc with abandon; they’re free spirits with a benevolent streak. They might stir the pot in society and buck the rules, but they want to do good, too. Thus, a chaotic good character would likely adhere to the following code or set of personal rules:
    • Help people in need
    • Do good, even if you have to break the law or go against your duty
    • Work to bring freedom and prosperity to others
    • If you can perform an act of service or kindness, do it
    • If you can help an ally or a good person in need, do it
    • If a law restricts your freedom beyond what is necessary, don’t follow it
    • Do not lie to, harm, betray, or murder innocents
    • Do not help tyrants or those who work for the forces of evil
    6. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Chaotic Good vs. Other Alignments

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Lawful good Lawful good and chaotic good characters can work together, but they can just as easily clash. Lawful good characters strive to do good through society’s laws, using them to help people and uphold justice. Chaotic good characters couldn’t care less about the law and believe happiness is achieved through freedom; while both alignments want to do good, they disagree on how to do it. [6]
    • A chaotic good character might see someone lawful good as commendable for their altruism but much too zealous about law and order.
    • Want to find your moral alignment—chaotic good, or otherwise? Take our quiz!
  2. 2
    Neutral good There are definitely similarities between chaotic and neutral good characters. The main difference is that neutral good characters try their best to work within the law (while understanding that sometimes disobedience is necessary for the greater good). On the other hand, chaotic good characters don’t think about laws or rules when making decisions; they act according to their conscience, nothing else. [7]
    • Chaotic good characters are also more willing to tell a lie, whereas neutral good characters will honor their word once given.
  3. 3
    Chaotic neutral Chaotic good and chaotic neutral characters both believe in total individual freedom. However, good-aligned characters feel people should have this freedom as long as they aren’t hurting anyone else. In contrast, chaotic neutral people don’t particularly care whether others use their freedom for good or evil; they don’t want to hurt people but also don’t particularly care about the plight of others. [8]
    • The key difference between these alignments is altruism.
    • Chaotic neutral characters don’t understand why they should care so much about others.
    • Conversely, chaotic good characters feel that chaotic neutral individuals are hypocritical because they’re concerned with their own freedom but not anyone else’s.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Write the Most Epic Fight Scenes: 20+ Creative Tricks
      How to
      Describe a Person's Physical Appearance
      How to
      Write a Descriptive Paragraph
      How to
      Describe a Character's Looks Well
      How to
      Write Two Characters Talking at Once
      What to Write About When You're All Out of Ideas
      How to
      Describe a Kiss
      How to
      Write a Preface
      How to
      Do Automatic Writing
      How to
      Describe the Setting in a Story
      The Ultimate Guide to Types of Characters in a Story
      How to
      Write a Narrative
      How to
      Write a Good, Descriptive Story
      How to
      Format Dialogue in a Story
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://allthetropes.org/wiki/Chaotic_Good
      2. ↑ https://www.wnyc.org/story/the-chart-that-explains-everyone-character-alignment/
      3. ↑ https://allthetropes.org/wiki/Chaotic_Good
      4. ↑ https://dungeonsanddragonsfan.com/dnd-alignment-chart/
      5. ↑ https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1869-breaking-down-alignment-in-d-d
      6. ↑ https://dungeonsanddragonsfan.com/dnd-alignment-chart/
      7. ↑ https://dungeonsanddragonsfan.com/dnd-alignment-chart/
      8. ↑ https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1869-breaking-down-alignment-in-d-d

      About This Article

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement