Role

A Role is an archetypal designation that serves as an indicator of a character's particular mechanical function within Neverwinter. Each player character class is assigned one or more than one Role based upon the properties of their powers and class mechanics, while non-player characters are assigned only one Role based upon their dominant traits of their abilities and powers-- even if that non-player character functions effectively in more than one Role.

Leader
Leaders are someone who supports and guides the efforts of their party. To that end, they heal wounds, increase the survivability of their allies and often weaken enemies. Devoted Clerics and Oathbound Paladins are natural Leaders.

Striker
Strikers are primarily damage dealers: their powers often making them an ideal adventuring companion when you want to tear a target apart. Barbarians, Rogues, and Rangers are excellent Strikers.

Controller
Controllers are a powerful party member to have with many of their powers hindering enemies in some way and occasionally empowering allies. Many Controller's powers inflict status effects upon the target(s), such as slow, dazed, chilled, frozen, et cetera. Wizards epitomize what it is to be a Controller.

Defender
Defenders are those who can take a beating and still come back for more. They often hurl themselves into combat before the rest of the group in order to bait groups of enemies into attacking them before they attack their comrades, shouldering most of the engagements opening blows and shielding their allies from threats. Their powers likely include abilities that allow them to "taunt" enemies, forcing the target to attack the Defender instead of turning their attentions to another target who may have caught their interest. Fighters and Paladins are proficient Defenders.