Virtues form the core of the a Jedi character. They determine a character's relation to the Force, and they greatly impact their world view.
Each Jedi character has 10 virtues. Of these, 5 are light virtues and 5 are dark virtues. Each virtues has a rating from 0 to 10. Virtues are required for the understanding and use of Force Powers.
It is important to note that The Light and Dark virtues are not each others' counterparts. That is, they do not form five pairs of virtues and vices. Furthermore, the virtues are defined such that there will be situations where the virtues within a set will advice contradictory courses of action.
A Jedi Initiate starts out with a 15 virtue points: all light virtues start at 2, all dark virtues start at 1. A Jedi Padawan starts out the same as an initiate, but must shift a point from a Dark virtue to a Light virtue.Light Virtues
These virtues are traditionally associated with the Light side of the Force:
Benevolence is about kindness and helping others. You heal the sick out of compassion, rescue children trapped in burning buildings, and otherwise save the meek from their misfortunes. Tolerance determines your reaction to other's behavior and social norms. You are accepting of cultural norms, and observe local customs and traditions, even when they go against what you belief to be correct. Righteousness seeks justice and uprightness and abhors crime and corruption. You expose a magistrate who takes bribes, you convince a ruler to pass a law that is fairer to his subjects, and you track down and apprehend a murderer who was never caught. Serenity is the freedom from disquieting or oppresive thoughts and emotions. You remain steadfast even as your spaceship breaks down while being chased by pirates, withstand pain and emotional turmoil without letting it affect you, and remain steadfeast even as everyone around you starts celebrations. Perseverance sees commitments through to the end. You continue your trek on foot through the mountains, even if the weather becomes prohibitive. You can be relied upon to keep your word, even if what you promised goes against what you think is right.Dark Virtues
These virtues are traditionally associated with the Dark side of the Force:
Ferocity does not restrain its own power but indiscriminately inflicts it upon all who oppose it. You kill a guard instead of knocking him out, or blackmail someone instead of friendly asking them. Selfishness places its own desires above all others. You defy your superiors, stubbornly refuse to be convinced by reasonable arguments, and allow bad things to happen to others if you benefit from it. Obsession values its goals so much that it stops at nothing to achieve them. Those goals could be shared by others. You want to possess or control a specific person, complete orders to the letter even if this hurts yourself or others, and forsake other duties to fulfill this one. Vengeance pays back any wrong tenfold. No insult or injury can be left unchallenged. You fiercely protect a reputation, and challenge others to a duel over an insult. Ruthlessness means the end always justifies the means. You burn down a village to flush out a criminal, willingly sacrifice your followers to accomplish your goals.