NPCs in Life: A Psychological, Spiritual, and Historical Exploration

Introduction

The term NPC (Non-Player Character) originates from role-playing games and video games, referring to characters controlled by artificial intelligence or game masters, whose actions are predetermined or limited to a functional role within a fictional universe. However, in recent years, this concept has transcended its gaming origins to enter psychological, spiritual, and even philosophical debates. Some individuals wonder: "What if, in real life, certain people are just NPCs?"—meaning beings whose behaviors, reactions, and existences are as predictable, stereotyped, and devoid of autonomous consciousness as those of game characters.

This provocative question opens the door to a multidisciplinary reflection:

• In psychology, it questions the perception of autonomy and consciousness in others.
• In spirituality, it echoes traditions where some beings are seen as "sleeping souls" or actors in a grand cosmic narrative.
• In the history of ideas, it finds parallels in philosophical, religious, or scientific concepts where humans are sometimes reduced to functional roles within larger systems.

This essay explores these dimensions, demystifying the connections between the modern NPC concept and similar, lesser-known ideas rooted in history, science, and human thought.

I. The NPC in Modern Psychology: Between Projection and Dehumanization

1. Definition and Origin of the Concept

In video games and role-playing games, an NPC is a character whose actions are preprogrammed or scripted: they fulfill a function (merchant, guide, enemy) without ever deviating from their role. Transposed to real life, the term describes individuals perceived as acting in a stereotypical manner, without genuine consciousness or the ability to break free from a pre-established social script.

2. Psychology: Why Do Some See Others as NPCs?

Several psychological mechanisms explain this perception:

• Dehumanization effect: When a person is reduced to a function (cashier, coworker, subway passenger), it becomes easy to perceive them as an "accessory" rather than a complex being.
• Theory of mind: Some individuals, particularly those with autistic traits or strong introversion, may struggle to attribute complex mental states to others, seeing them as "social automatons".
• Actor-observer bias: We tend to see ourselves as free and complex beings, while others are often perceived as acting according to simple, predictable patterns.

3. Consequences: Loneliness and Social Disconnection

Viewing others as NPCs can lead to disillusionment and isolation. Online communities, such as those on Reddit, testify to this perspective: "I am convinced that most people are real-life NPCs". While often ironic, this idea reflects a crisis of meaning in modern societies, where interactions are increasingly standardized.

II. The NPC in Spirituality: Sleeping Souls and Actors in a Grand Narrative

1. The Idea of "Unawakened" Souls

Many spiritual traditions distinguish between beings based on their level of consciousness:

• Gnosticism: Humans are divided between those who are "awakened" (capable of understanding divine mysteries) and those trapped in material illusion, acting as automatons in a world created by a demiurge.
• Hinduism and Buddhism: The concept of maya (illusion) suggests that most beings live in a state of unawareness, repeating cycles of suffering without true self-awareness.

2. The NPC as a Metaphor for Spiritual Sleep

In these traditions, "NPCs" can be seen as metaphors for unawakened souls—individuals who follow societal scripts without questioning their purpose or existence. This aligns with the idea that enlightenment or gnosis (knowledge) is the path to breaking free from this scripted existence.

3. Historical and Esoteric Parallels

Similar ideas can be found in:

• Hermeticism: The figure of Hermes Trismegistus teaches that most humans are trapped in ignorance, acting as "NPCs" in a divine play until they awaken to higher truths.
• Alchemy and Kabbalah: These traditions describe ordinary humans as "sleepwalkers," while the initiated (or "players") seek to transcend their programmed roles through symbolic and spiritual practices.

III. Historical and Scientific Precursors to the NPC Concept

1. Philosophical Roots: Determinism and Free Will

Philosophical traditions have long explored the tension between free will and determinism:

• Stoicism: The idea that most people are slaves to their passions and societal roles, while the sage (or "player") achieves freedom through reason.
• Spinoza: Humans are often "determined" by external causes, acting like automatons unless they attain self-awareness.

2. Scientific Perspectives: Behaviorism and Social Roles

Modern science offers additional parallels:

• Behaviorism (Skinner, Pavlov): Humans can be conditioned to respond predictably to stimuli, much like NPCs following a script.
• Erving Goffman's "Dramaturgical Theory": Social life is a performance where individuals play roles, often without deeper reflection—akin to NPCs in a societal play.

3. Literary and Cultural Examples

Literature and culture have also explored these themes:

• Plato's Cave Allegory: Most humans are like prisoners chained in a cave, mistaking shadows for reality—similar to NPCs unaware of the "game" they are in.
• Borges and Simulation Theory: The idea that reality is a constructed narrative, with most people unknowingly playing minor roles.

IV. Comparative Analysis: NPCs, Free Will, and the Search for Meaning

1. Common Themes Across Disciplines

Across psychology, spirituality, and philosophy, the NPC represents an entity bound by external rules, lacking true agency. The shared theme is the tension between predetermined roles and the possibility of awakening or transcendence.

2. Divergences and Nuances

Each discipline offers a unique perspective:

• Psychology focuses on perception and cognitive biases.
• Spirituality frames the NPC as a metaphor for unawareness.
• Science and philosophy describe predictable behaviors and the struggle for autonomy.

Conclusion

The NPC metaphor challenges us to reflect on autonomy, consciousness, and the nature of reality. Whether through psychological introspection, spiritual awakening, or philosophical inquiry, the question remains: Are we merely following a script, or can we rewrite our roles?

This exploration reveals that the NPC concept is not just a gaming term but a powerful lens through which to examine human behavior, belief systems, and the eternal quest for meaning.

Selected Bibliography

A short, selective list intended to guide further reading (not exhaustive):

1. Haslam, N. Dehumanization: An Integrative Review.
2. Baron-Cohen, S. The Essential Difference: Men, Women, and the Extreme Male Brain.
3. Copenhaver, B. P. Hermetica: The Greek Corpus Hermeticum and Related Writings.
4. Watts, A. The Wisdom of Insecurity.
5. Spinoza, B. Ethics.
6. Goffman, E. The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life.
7. Reddit threads and online communities discussing "real-life NPCs" (2024).
8. Jorion, P. Perspectives d’avenir pour les personnages non-joueurs (PNJ).

Acknowledgements

Note: The author extends sincere acknowledgment to online communities and thinkers who have explored the NPC metaphor in depth. Special thanks to Reddit users, gaming forums, and interdisciplinary researchers for their candid reflections and contributions to this evolving discourse.

Additional thanks to colleagues who provided critical feedback on earlier drafts and to the scholarly librarians who assisted in tracking down comparative manuscripts and fragments.

Appendix — Editorial Remarks

The present text is intentionally concise. It aims to model a rigorous comparative approach rather than deliver an exhaustive monograph. For technical notes, textual variants, and fuller citations, the reader is referred to extended bibliographic resources.