For information on human ability in general, see expertise.

An ability score is any attributes possessed by a fictional character (usally a player character) in a role-playing game, which serve to define the character's basic statistics. Abilities are the values from which other characteristics are derived.

Ability score is the name used by Dungeons & Dragons. Other games call these characteristics (Hero System) or attributes (FUDGE, GURPS).

Different systems use different sets of abilities.

Dungeons & Dragons and the d20 System:

• Strength - physical strength
• Dexterity - agility and speed
• Constitution - ability to resist damage and disease
• Intelligence - mental acuity
• Wisdom - intuition and sense of things around himself
• Charisma - force of personality and physical attractiveness

GURPS:

• Strength - physical strength
• Dexterity - agility and speed
• Intelligence - mental acuity and sense of the world
• Health - ability to resist damage and disease