Lawful - The kind of person who stops at a red light on a deserted
highway when it is safe to cross. Someone interested in plans and
rules.
Neutral - One who would follow the law without really thinking
about it, but might break the law if it seemed necessary to accomplish
something valued.
Chaotic - One who cares little for laws and rules, she might even
enjoy breaking them. A rebel, spontaneous. Not very trustworthy.
Good - the sort of person who gives to charity despite being in
need herself- Compassionate.
Neutral - willing to help out, but more considered about immediate
family and friends, less likely to risk danger for strangers.
Evil - typically only helps others if she can get something out
of it. Self-centered. There are extremes of these alignments, especially
among the fallen (former astrals), but just because someone is chaotic
evil does not mean that they will slit the throats of their best
friends or even strangers.
These basic alignments are spread out fairly evenly throughout
the population. The local baker might be chaotic evil because is
takes some advantage of famine to raise prices. The town guard might
be lawful good because he won¼t open the gates past dark, but he
will send food and blankets out to those trapped outside after curfew.