NPCs

Rhetorical Label

Short Definition

A borrowed gaming term ("Non-Player Character") used as a metaphor for scripted, predictable, or low-agency commentary behavior.

Expanded Description

The term predates Adams and comes from video games. In his commentary, it is used to describe responses perceived as repetitive or socially scripted, especially in political and media discourse.

In that sense, "NPC" functions as rhetorical shorthand more than formal doctrine. It reframes disagreement around predictability and narrative conformity.

Persuasion Insight

Labeling an argument as "NPC behavior" moves attention from specific claims to perceived independence of thought, which can change how audiences evaluate the exchange.

Three Favorite Examples

"Swimming is the best exercise."
"If you get rid of CO2, all the trees will die!"
"The French press makes the best coffee!"

NPC Tells (Compiled List)

The most structured tells list appears in Adams' 2022-09-21 "How to spot NPCs" post:

They have no accomplishments or stories.
They believe art is NOT subjective.
Are binary thinkers (My team good! Your team bad!).
Say the most obvious thing one could say.
Believe the common narrative without question.

Source: x.com/ScottAdamsSays/status/1572572098148864001

He has referenced or added to this concept in other posts, often calling out new tells reactively.

Related Concepts

Source Note

This entry is grounded in recurring X posts where Adams explicitly uses "NPC tell(s)," "How to spot NPCs," and related scripted-response framing language.