Characters in Dwarf Fortress are complex. Most of their current status can be gleaned from the character sheet page. That page is dense with information, and is bewildering at first.

The sheet is divided into sections. Once you know where to look, finding the detail you need to know is easier. Here’s a description of which section is which. Click picture to enlarge.

Title of Sheet

Name in the language of their parents, followed by that name in English, followed by current profession. Note that both their “first” and “last” names are personal names; they are not family names.

Current Thought

What the character might say at the moment.

Recent Thoughts

Starting with most recent thoughts, ending with older thoughts. The situation text is in gray, the emotional reaction is color-coded to indicate whether the thought made the character happier or sadder. Some characters have different reactions to the same situation. Characters can also have different reactions to a situation depending on circumstances. For example, someone who has never seen violence might be terrified at seeing a dead body. That same character, after getting military training and experiencing battle, may be unphased by seeing a dead person. Also, people tend to enjoy doing things that they are good at.

Relations

Lists immediate family relationships (parents, spouse, children.) Also shows gods, monsters, and forces personally worshipped.

Memberships

These are current/former memberships in various groups. Groups can be national governments, local governments, religious sects, mercenary bands, performance troupes, necromantic research organizations, and bandit groups.

Note that religious group memberships are different from having a relationship with an object of worship. Characters may join or leave religious groups during their life time, but once they have started worshipping a specific thing, they will always worship that thing.

Age

How old this character says they are.

Physical

Physical description, followed by a list of any physical traits that differs from their racial norm.

Opinions

Their favored and hated things. Followed by a list of any mental traits that differ from their racial norm.

Morals

The gray list is set during childhood, matching the morals of the civilization in which they grew up. The light blue text lists ways in which their personal morals differ from the civilization norm. Finally, if they have a life dream, it is listed in yellow at the end.

Psychology

The white text shows their personal mental and behavioral quirks. If the character has consumed alcohol lately, there will be yellow text showing temporary psychological traits that will wear off when they sober up.

Needs (“Emotional Status” in the screen shot)

Each dwarf has needs based on their morals and psychology. The longer a dwarf goes without something they need, the more dissatisfied they become. How quickly a particular dissatisfaction grows (or if they care at all) depends on their morals and psychology.

Like good / bad thoughts, these are color coded. When a need goes unsatisfied too long, it will cause stress and show up in the “recent thoughts” section. In the screen shot above, this character is feeling stress because their need for alcohol has not been satisfied for too long.

Racial Stereotype

This piece of text is the same for all members of a race. Actual psychology varies by individual, and may conflict with the stereotype.