Non-player character

A non-player character or NPC is a character that is not under the control or management of any player. NPCs can be friendly or hostile. NPCs mostly serve a game play function. An example of this is a trader, combat ally or non-charmable animals.

Technically, henchmen, heroes and pets are NPCs, but they inhabit a grey area in the definition due to the fact they can be directed by players.

Hostile NPCs are often referred to as "mobs" or "monsters".

Types of NPCs
In addition to all the NPC types identified as NPC services, the following round up the list of NPC types:
 * Allies
 * Heroes
 * Quest givers
 * Mission briefing NPCs
 * Generic NPCs
 * Foes
 * Bosses
 * Boss-like foes
 * Normal foes