Character classes are predefined roles or archetypes assigned to characters in role-playing games (RPGs), defining their abilities, skills, and playstyles. Originating from tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, character classes have become a fundamental element in both tabletop and video game RPGs, influencing gameplay mechanics and character development.
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a tabletop role-playing game first published in 1974 by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. It pioneered the role-playing genre, allowing players to create characters and embark on imaginative adventures guided by a Dungeon Master. Over the decades, D&D has evolved through multiple editions and has significantly influenced various forms of media and popular culture.