Goals Quote by Greg Stafford
![“[Since] a player controls every character, it is that player's intelligence that dictates the character's goals and actions, not an arbitrary number on a character sheet. Thus, in a sense, the player _is_ the character's "intelligence score"!” quote by Greg Stafford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f2e/greg-stafford-240694_goals_since-a-player-controls-every-character_977905.jpg)
““[Since] a player controls every character, it is that player's intelligence that dictates the character's goals and actions, not an arbitrary number on a character sheet. Thus, in a sense, the player _is_ the character's "intelligence score"!””
About This Quote
Player agency makes the character's actions a direct expression of the player's intellect, blurring the line between character and player.
In simple terms: Players control characters through their own intelligence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize your influence on the game world.
Themes
gaming
agency
design
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
theoretical
insightful
When to use this quote
- tabletop RPGs
- video game design
- strategy sessions
Key Concepts
player agency
role‑playing theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does player skill shape narrative?
- When does design constrain agency?
A Different Perspective
Complex mechanics can still limit true player freedom.
![“Since we think about ourselves so much of the time, it is comforting to assume ... that we really know the score… [But] this is not an easy assignment. [As] Santayana wrote, 'Nothing requires a rarer intellectual heroism than willingness to see one's equation written out.'” quote by Gordon Allport](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f3b/gordon-allport-29384_assignments_since-we-think-about-ourselves-so-much-o_1110919.jpg)
