Your character is focused on a system called S.P.E.C.I.A.L, with each letter being something different (C is for Charisma, S is for Strength, etc). You get a certain amount of points in the beginning (28 I believe) where you can distribute them into each letter up to 10. Depending on the amount of points you put into a letter you'll open up perks involving that letter. For example, if you put 10 points into Charisma at the start of the game, then when you next level up you'll have 10 perks revolving around Charisma to choose from. Some of those perks can help you convince people or help you barter with people better. On the other hand, if you have 1 point onto Charisma then you can only unlock the first initial perk for it.
You can also choose to put another point into your SPECIAL instead of choosing a perk. So if you want to be a stealthy romantic then you need to realize which one of those letters benefits those two traits (C and A I believe). the most.
The game revolves around perks. Those perks give you benefits. It wasn't like in the previous games where you can put points into specific traits (i.e shooting skills or hacking skills) instead they are now a perk and under a letter.
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