# Character class

- Term: Tabletop term
- Date: 1974
- Canonical: https://www.lanternhall.org/lexicon/character-class/

> A package of abilities that defines what a character does, such as fighter, wizard, cleric or thief. Classes make roles distinct and parties interdependent, and they became a backbone of computer and online RPGs, from Wizardry to World of Warcraft.

A package of abilities that defines what a character does, such as fighter, wizard, cleric or thief. Classes make roles distinct and parties interdependent, and they became a backbone of computer and online RPGs, from Wizardry to World of Warcraft.

**Origin:** Dungeons & Dragons (1974) introduced three classes: Fighting-Man, Magic-User and Cleric. The Greyhawk supplement (1975) added the Thief.

## Quick answers

**What does "Character class" mean?**
A package of abilities that defines what a character does, such as fighter, wizard, cleric or thief. Classes make roles distinct and parties interdependent, and they became a backbone of computer and online RPGs, from Wizardry to World of Warcraft.

**Where does the term "Character class" come from?**
Dungeons & Dragons (1974) introduced three classes: Fighting-Man, Magic-User and Cleric. The Greyhawk supplement (1975) added the Thief.

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From The Lantern Hall (https://www.lanternhall.org/), a museum of fantasy literature and roleplaying games.