If you’re a fan of video games, you’ve probably encountered NPCs—those characters that mill around towns, give you quests, or repeat the same line of dialogue over and over again. But what if I told you that NPCs aren’t just confined to the digital world? What if there are real-life NPCs walking among us right now?

Yes, I’m talking about Non-Playable Characters in our very own reality. Before you laugh it off, hear me out—because once you start paying attention, you might just realize that not everyone around you is as ‘fully player-controlled’ as they seem.

What Are NPCs?

In video games, NPCs are characters that the player can interact with but do not control. They serve various functions, from populating the world to providing information, challenges, or rewards. They’re programmed to behave in specific ways and don’t possess the free will or decision-making abilities that the player character does.

Now, let’s transpose that concept to the real world. An NPC in reality would be someone who seems to lack a certain depth, spontaneity, or free will. They go about their daily routines, often without much deviation or introspection, and they seem to exist primarily to fill out the background of our lives. In the most extreme (and tongue-in-cheek) theories, these NPCs might not even be fully sentient beings—they’re just here to make the world seem more populated and functional.

Are NPCs Really Walking Among Us?

The idea that NPCs could be real might sound far-fetched, but let’s break it down:

1. Simulation Theory: If you subscribe to the idea that our reality is a sophisticated simulation (think “The Matrix” but less dystopian), then it’s entirely possible that some people aren’t fully sentient beings. They’re there to make the simulation more convincing, following pre-programmed scripts and routines.
2. Biological Automatons: This is a less sci-fi and more philosophical perspective. Some argue that most people operate on autopilot, driven by habits, social conditioning, and biological imperatives. In this sense, they’re not much different from NPCs in a video game—they react predictably and lack true autonomy.
3. The “Background People” Theory: This theory posits that a significant portion of the population exists solely to fill out the world, much like extras in a movie. They don’t drive the plot (or in this case, your life) forward; they’re just there to provide context and make the world seem bustling and real.

Signs You Might Be Dealing With An NPC

So, how do you spot an NPC in the wild? Here are some red flags that might indicate you’re not dealing with a fully autonomous, player-controlled human being:

1. Repetitive Behavior: NPCs often exhibit repetitive behaviors without any variation. Does this person always say the same things, have the same reactions, or follow the same routines without fail? You might be dealing with an NPC.
2. Lack of Depth: Engage them in a conversation that requires critical thinking or deep emotional response, and if they consistently revert to surface-level topics or generic phrases, this could be a sign.
3. Rigid Adherence to Social Norms: NPCs tend to follow societal rules to the letter, without questioning them or thinking outside the box. If someone seems overly concerned with sticking to ‘the script’ of life, they might be a real-world NPC.
4. Glitchy Responses: Ever ask someone a question, and they respond with something completely irrelevant, almost as if they misheard or misinterpreted what you said, even though they clearly didn’t? That’s a classic NPC glitch.
5. Uncanny Valley Vibes: Sometimes, an NPC can just give you an odd feeling—like they’re almost human, but something is just a little off. This could be their expressions, their tone, or their overall demeanor. It’s hard to pin down, but you’ll know it when you see it.
6. Inability to Deviate from Routine: Try inviting them to do something spontaneous or out of the ordinary, and if they react with confusion or outright refusal, that might be a sign. NPCs aren’t built for spontaneity—they thrive on routine.
7. Scripted Conversations: Pay attention to conversations that feel strangely scripted. If you’re getting the same responses no matter what you say, or if they’re using oddly generic phrases, you might be talking to an NPC.

But What If You’re the NPC?

Here’s a fun twist: What if all this talk about NPCs has you questioning your own reality? If you’re wondering whether you might be the NPC in someone else’s story, don’t worry—you’re probably not. Real-life NPCs, if they exist, wouldn’t have the self-awareness to question their existence. The fact that you’re even considering it means you’re likely a full-fledged, player-controlled human being. (Or so we hope.)

So, are NPCs real? Maybe. Maybe not. But the next time you encounter someone who seems a little too predictable, a little too routine, or just a bit off, remember this article. Whether you believe in the existence of real-life NPCs or not, it’s a fun way to navigate the quirks and oddities of human behavior.

And who knows? The next time you’re stuck in a boring meeting or having a repetitive conversation, you might just catch yourself wondering: “Is this person really here, or are they just filling out the background of my life?”

Stay curious, stay aware, and—most importantly—stay player-controlled.