diff --git a/main.py b/main.py
index ec02234..7ec9b68 100755
--- a/main.py
+++ b/main.py
@@ -3,12 +3,13 @@ import random
 
 class PlayerCharacter:
     def __init__(self, attributes={}) -> None:
-        self.strength =     roll_dice(3,6) if not attributes else attributes['strength']
-        self.intelligence = roll_dice(3,6) if not attributes else attributes['intelligence']
-        self.wisdom =       roll_dice(3,6) if not attributes else attributes['wisdom']
-        self.dexterity =    roll_dice(3,6) if not attributes else attributes['dexterity']
-        self.constitution = roll_dice(3,6) if not attributes else attributes['constitution']
-        self.charisma =     roll_dice(3,6) if not attributes else attributes['charisma']
+        # using a get() method to pull an attribute else use a default value
+        self.strength     = attributes.get('strength', roll_dice(3,6))
+        self.intelligence = attributes.get('intelligence', roll_dice(3,6))
+        self.wisdom       = attributes.get('wisdom', roll_dice(3,6))
+        self.dexterity    = attributes.get('dexterity', roll_dice(3,6))
+        self.constitution = attributes.get('constitution', roll_dice(3,6))
+        self.charisma     = attributes.get('charisma', roll_dice(3,6))
 
     def class_selector(self):
         # take the 4 primary attribtues