A playable character is a character in a video game that can be used as the player's avatar within the game world. Most games only have one such character available by default (for example, Samus Aran in Metroid). Many games have multiple characters available for play. Some characters, called secret characters, cannot be played without finishing some specific, often arcane labor in the game. Some games automatically change the playable character during the course of the game. Other games give the character control over more than one character at the same time, or allow one character to directly or indirectly control one or more other characters.

In some role-playing games, players may construct playable characters from a range of aspects, such as race and class. Playable characters can also refer to the multiple characters the player can control (such as the members of their party), especially in single player computer RPGs that allow the player to control more than one character.

In contrast, a non-playable character is one that cannot be used by the player. Most non-playable characters are designed as AI opponents, bosses, or non-player characters that might not be properly balanced for a player.