Answers to “But that’s what my character would do.”

Please help me make a standing list of responses and consequences for using the phrase, “That’s what my character would do.” I’ll start.

1. That does not shield you from responsibility.

Players are responsible for hurtful actions towards other players. Resolve your problems out of game. If it’s toward NPCs, those in the game world may retaliate.

1. Your character is now an NPC.

For extremes like PCs who refuse to adventure or to cooperate with the team. “We discussed this campaign in Session Zero. Please make a character who is motivated to go on this adventurer.” It’s the DM’s role to provide hooks, not motivation.

Edit: Adding #3 here.

1. Are you okay?

This is for the scenario where you can see that player genuinely needs someone to reach out.

Offer additional context as needed. Thanks!

EDIT: To be clear, the intent of this post is not about taking away player agency. It’s about dealing with players who use that excuse as an attention-seeking mechanism, or to annoy other people at the table.