Looking at the definition for the neutral characters in 2nd edition, it is very difficult to play that type character.
- Lawful Neutral: it says in effect to follow the law without question. And if the rules conflict with other rules/promises?
- Chaotic Neutral: it says that it is the alignment of madmen, doing whatever on a whim. Look at Jan and Haer'dalis. Do they act that way.
- True Neutral: it says they actively try to balance forces, switching sides in the middle of things if the forces change. Really tough to play.
Personally, I like the 3rd edition definitions better. It defines neutral as more of an apathy, rather than an active desire to balance forces. The reason most animals are True Neutral is because they could care less about hurting others for profit or helping others out of charity; they are just trying to survive and reproduce, or in other words just get by. Neutrals could be defined the same way. They are just trying to get by; in adventuring terms they would be mercenary in their views, doing whatever needs to be done, not killing out of hand but also not doing stuff for free without good justification. A way to look at each alignment in this terms:
- Lawful Neutral: follows a certain code to the letter, with no exceptions. The code is all important. They probably do their best to follow the law, except when it conflicts with their code. Then the code trumps the law, without question. If the code requires them to kill someone, then they die. If the code requires them to save someone, then you save them. Think of a die-hard samurai that follows his lord's wishes without questions.
- Chaotic Neutral: This is the ultimate free spirit. He just looks out for himself, and lets everyone look out for themselves. He just doesn't like being "forced" to do things; if he chooses to do it, then he does it. He may not like watching others suffer, but is not terribly motivated to do anything about it unless it affects him directly. Think of Jan and Haer'dalis. They just kind of do their own thing, not going out of their way to hurt or help anyone.
- True Neutral: this is much like the average Joe. Has no problem following orders, especially with someone standing over them to make them do it. However, really has no compunctions about breaking the law in ways that do not hurt anyone, if they think they can be caught. Will gladly help out friends and relatives, but will just as quickly pass by someone on the street that needs help (probably thinking "too bad about all of these homeless people, someone should do something about them"). They just really want to get by without ruffling too many feathers. As long as things don't intrude too much on their lives, then they'll be fine.
Now there are some areas where this definition breaks down. The prime example being druids. They are supposed to take an active roles in preserving the balance, so would fall under the 2nd edition definition instead of the 3rd edition definition.