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.