Editing Card Index (section)

= Roles and Personas =
In ''Capitalism: The Ruthless Pursuit of Stuff'', every player takes on a '''Primary Role''' and an optional '''Secondary Role'''. These roles shape your strategy, alliances, abilities, and—of course—your scandals.

== Primary Roles ==
There can only be one of each Primary Role per game.

=== '''Banker''' (1 per game) ===
* Acts as the host and central point of the economy
* Controls cash flow, tax collection, and scandal resolution
* Has privileged knowledge and slight game influence
* Can be targeted by other players for being “too powerful”

=== '''Lawyer''' ===
* Excels at blocking scandals, navigating bureaucracy, and protecting assets
* Can use Favor cards more effectively in legal contexts
* Can partner with the Banker or act as a watchdog

=== '''Politician''' ===
* Draws extra Political cards
* Can influence the People Meter more directly
* May pass special legislation (game modifiers) in longer versions

=== '''CEO''' ===
* Gains bonus value from Industry assets
* Can convert Favor into Capital more efficiently
* Often draws attention—both admiration and scandal

=== '''Activist''' ===
* Can manipulate the People Meter
* Starts with low cash but high favor
* Wins in unconventional ways (e.g., zero-scandal victories)

=== '''Consultant''' ===
* Has flexible abilities: can “borrow” traits from others once per year
* Can charge for advice (Favor economy role)
* Slippery, strategic, hard to pin down

=== '''Grifter''' ===
* Can pull extra Scandal cards—but might profit from them
* Thrives in chaos, especially when others suffer
* Great for unpredictable players

=== '''Influencer''' ===
* Doubles the impact of short-form plays (quick gains, PR moves)
* Can rise fast but fall hard if scandal hits
* Gets rewarded for trending (mini-event triggers)

== Secondary Roles ==
Players choose one Secondary Role OR are assigned at random. Multiple players can hold the same secondary.

* '''Lobbyist:''' Gain extra influence in Political outcomes
* '''Journalist:''' Expose others for scandals (earn cash)
* '''Crony:''' Gain bonus when supporting the Banker
* '''Philanthropist:''' Reduce People Meter at no cost
* '''Intern:''' Extra action per year, but low income
* '''Shadow Donor:''' Secretly bankrolls another player (or sabotages them)

== Role Dynamics ==
* The '''Banker''' has unique power but also paints a target
* '''Politician + Lawyer''' combo can create power blocks
* '''Grifter + Influencer''' can cause chaos and go viral
* Secret alliances between roles create layered strategy

== NPC Role: The People ==
* A non-player force that reacts to public unrest
* Triggers Uprisings, Scandals, Charity Drives
* Can be manipulated but never fully controlled

== Gameplay Tip ==
Some roles thrive early. Others build late. Watch how your Primary and Secondary synergize—and don’t be afraid to pivot alliances mid-game.

== See Also ==
* [[How to Play the Game]]
* [[Card Index]]
* [[The People Meter]]
* [[Dev Hub]]