Your attributes determine many aspects of your character.
Strength
Your Strength determines how much damage you deal in melee combat. Certain weapons require you to have a particular amount of Strength before you can wield them.
Dexterity
Your Dexterity determines how much damage you deal in ranged combat. Certain weapons require you to have a particular amount of Dexterity before you can wield them.
Wisdom
Wisdom is needed to understand the Seals of rune magic.
Mana
Your mana pool. The more mana you have the more spells you can cast before you need to refill your mana. Mana does not regenerate over time; it can be restored by sleeping or using mana-restoring items.
Life Energy
Your life energy shows how much health you have remaining. When your health is depleted you will fall unconscious (if knocked down by a human) or die (if knocked down by a monster). Life Energy does not regenerate over time; it can be restored by sleeping, drinking from water barrels or using healing items or spells.
Learning Points
Learning points are used to increase your skills and attributes.