NPC
A NPC, or non-player character is any character within the game that is not controlled by the player. This includes Zombie and other survivors. In the future, NPCs will be able to display a variety of different personalities and characteristics.
Archetypes
Gun Nut
Template:Spoilers Gun nuts are human (non-zombie) NPC survivors. They are always hostile toward the player character, though they typically shout warnings before attacking. When killed they drop whatever items were on their person, including clothing, weapons, ammunition, and other items. Gun nuts will also fire on any nearby zombies.
Story Mode Locations
When playing in Story Mode there are several pre-populated Gun Nuts on the map. In Sandbox Mode these NPCs are not located as indicated below, instead loading at random in buildings around the map.
Safehouse
There is a gun nut which the player may encounter toward the end of the tutorial. After the player listens to the radio message (and turns the oven off, preventing a fire), a gun nut will approach the side door of the safehouse and enter, tearing off any barricades. If not killed or attacked, the npc threatens the player and then directs them upstairs. After directing the player inside the bedroom the npc will claim that Kate Smith is infected, then despite the player's protests will shoot Kate Smith and the player. Should the NPC miss or otherwise not notice the player, he will proceed upstairs to threaten then presumably kill Kate.
Grocery Store
Inside of the grocery store standing between two aisles is a Gun Nut. Upon seeing the player, the Gun Nut will threaten them if they enter the store. Failure to heed this warning and leave results in the NPC shooting at the player.