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40d:Preferences
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Each dwarf prefers particular materials, objects, animals, and foods, and also has a personality. This information can be brought up either by typing v from the unit list, or by showing a dwarf and then typing p for Prefs, z to view profile, and enter to view thoughts and preferences.
All of this information is used by the game.
A dwarf with a preference for a material or an object will produce higher-quality results for a given skill when working with that raw material or making that object. This is especially important in cases where you're short of raw materials to train on, as even a dabbling dwarf with the right preferences can occasionally produce quality objects. The dwarf above is not only an ideal candidate to become a glassmaker, she has real potential as a carpenter or even trapper as well.
The preferences screen also contains a short section detailing any positions a dwarf holds, his squad of dwarves and enemies of this particular dwarf. While an entire fortress may be at war with an other civilization, specific dwarves only become enemies after entering into direct combat with opponents of these civilizations.
Dwarves prefer particular foods and/or drinks. They will (probably) seek them out instead of always choosing whatever's closest[Verify], and get a more intense happiness boost from a given quality of food or drink. The dwarf above will be especially grateful if you find some turtles or include quarry bush leaves in your prepared meals.
Dwarven personality is a newer addition to Dwarf Fortress and still a work in progress. Also "under construction" is our knowledge of what precisely "feels strong urges and seeks short-term rewards" means. We do know - because Toady One has said so - that there are at least a dozen or so places in the game that use personality to determine dwarven actions, so they're worth keeping in mind. The above dwarf is probably not the best choice for a expedition leader, as she is neither particularly sociable nor good at appeasing, intimidating, or comforting dwarves who come to her with troubles.