NPCs

NPCs are characters in the The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth which are not directly controlled by Isaac or his co-op partner. Major NPCs include characters within Isaac's thoughts, antagonists, friendly characters, characters who provide a service, and deceased, inanimate characters in the environment.

Characters Within Isaac's Thoughts
The story of the game provides two insights into Isaac's mind. Most evidently, he has recurring thoughts or memories of persons in life who cause him distress. The player is shown vignettes of moments where Isaac dwells on acts of ridicule or neglect from his peers. These characters include various children and Isaac's own mother. Additionally, the game provides moments in the introduction and endings which indicate that not all things are as they seem. The player can be led to suspect that all or part of the game takes place within Isaac's head.

Antagonists
The premier antagonists presented by the series are God and Isaac's mother. Through a trapdoor under his bedroom, Isaac will find danger at every turn. Other dangerous parties include bugs, undead, spirits, deformed children, and major foes (e.g. incarnations of The Seven Deadly Sins, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and Isaac himself).
 * For a full list of common creatures encountered through the trapdoor, see Monsters.
 * For a list of major foes, see Bosses.

Familiars
Familiars are non-playable characters and creatures in the game that serve to follow Isaac from room to room; at times, assisting him to survive or dispatch enemies by various means.
 * For a full list of Isaac's friends, see Familiar.

Services
Throughout Isaac's basement and beyond, some characters will interact with Isaac by way of exchanging resources. Isaac can choose to give them some portion of his health, money, or keys. Afterward, he may receive something in return.
 * For the usual list of services, see Beggar.
 * For more difficult choices, see Devil Room.
 * For something for nothing, see Angel Room.

Deceased Residents
In shops, arcades, and hidden areas, there is a possibility of encountering deceased, former residents who have left behind their remains. The corpse can be destroyed by stomping on it or via explosion for a chance to find pickups, trinkets, or spiders. One other area exists where Isaac will find a unique individual.