Morgan le Fay


Character Source Material: King Arthur, The Legends of


Morgan le Fay, the enigmatic sorceress of Arthurian legend, was born a princess to Igraine and Duke Gorlois of Cornwall. Her early life was marked by upheaval when her mother remarried Uther Pendragon, making her the half-sister of the future King Arthur. Raised in a world of shifting alliances and magical forces, Morgan developed a fierce independence and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. She honed her magical abilities under the tutelage of Merlin and during her time in Avalon, becoming a formidable practitioner of the old ways. Morgan's character was a compelling blend of brilliance, ambition, and unpredictability. Her sharp intellect and political acumen allowed her to navigate the male-dominated world of medieval Britain with remarkable skill. Despite her often antagonistic role in Arthurian tales, Morgan's motivations remained complex, driven by a desire for power and a deep-seated resentment of the patriarchal system that sought to constrain her. Her personality was marked by passion, cunning, and a refusal to conform to societal expectations, making her one of the most intriguing and multifaceted figures in the Arthurian canon.


5 Factor Personality Summary for Morgan le Fay

Trait Percentile Trait Disposition
Neuroticism 99.45 High
Agreeableness 4.11 Low
Extraversion 89.77 High
Conscientiousness 63.88 Average
Openness 97.88 High
personality chart
Link to full personality profile report.



5 Factor Personality Items and Responses for Morgan le Fay

This section displays the detail item responses that were used to generate the above personality summary. The methodology for selecting the item responses for this fictional character involved using research from a generative artificial intelligence tool to summarize a descriptive response to a question related to each item. The research was reviewed and a judgement was made on the most appropriate response on that item. You can view an example script for collecting these responses (see: Script for Automated Five Factor Assessment)

Trait Item Item Response Item Score AI-Generated Research*
Openness Do not have a good imagination. Very inaccurate 5

Morgan le Fay's entire character is built around her extraordinary imaginative capabilities. From her elaborate magical illusions described in early Arthurian texts to her complex schemes in later romances, Morgan consistently demonstrates a powerful imagination. In works like Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur' and modern adaptations, Morgan's ability to conceive and execute intricate plots, create magical artifacts, and envision alternative futures for the realm all require a highly developed imagination. Her role as a sorceress inherently demands imaginative thinking in conceptualizing and manifesting her magical works.

Openness Am not interested in abstract ideas. Very inaccurate 5

Morgan's character is deeply engaged with abstract concepts throughout Arthurian literature. Her mastery of magic, her understanding of power dynamics, and her often philosophical conflicts with the ideals of Camelot all demonstrate a keen interest in abstract ideas. In works ranging from medieval texts to modern reinterpretations, Morgan grapples with abstract concepts of fate, power, gender roles, and the nature of reality. Her magical practices and her challenges to the established order are rooted in her engagement with abstract thinking.

Openness Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. Very inaccurate 5

As a powerful sorceress and a character often associated with wisdom (albeit sometimes dark wisdom), Morgan demonstrates a clear ability to grasp and manipulate abstract concepts. In many versions of Arthurian legend, including modern interpretations, Morgan's understanding of magic, power dynamics, and the nature of reality itself shows a high level of abstract thinking. Her ability to work with magical forces and to see beyond the surface of situations indicates a strong capacity for dealing with abstract ideas.

Openness Have a vivid imagination. Very accurate 5

Morgan's abilities as a sorceress and her complex schemes demonstrate a powerful imagination. In various Arthurian tales, Morgan creates elaborate illusions, devises intricate plots, and envisions alternative futures for the realm. Her magical practices, as depicted in works from the Vulgate Cycle to modern adaptations, require a vivid imagination to conceptualize and manifest her spells and plans. Her ability to challenge the established order of Camelot also speaks to her imaginative capacity to envision different realities.

Neuroticism Seldom feel blue. Moderately inaccurate 4

While Morgan is often depicted as a strong and willful character, many versions of her story involve elements of sadness and resentment. In some interpretations, such as Bradley's 'The Mists of Avalon,' Morgan (as Morgaine) experiences periods of deep melancholy, particularly regarding the fading of the old ways and her complex relationships with Arthur and others. Her often-tragic character arc in many tellings suggests that feelings of sadness or regret are not uncommon for her.

Neuroticism Am relaxed most of the time. Very inaccurate 5

Morgan le Fay is consistently portrayed as a character driven by intense motivations and engaged in complex schemes. In most Arthurian narratives, Morgan is actively plotting, using her magic, or involved in conflicts. Her role as a powerful sorceress and her often antagonistic relationship with Arthur and Camelot suggest a state of constant vigilance and activity rather than relaxation. The tension inherent in her character and her actions precludes a generally relaxed demeanor.

Neuroticism Get upset easily. Moderately accurate 4

Morgan is frequently depicted as having a quick temper and being prone to strong emotional reactions. In many versions of Arthurian legend, including Malory's work, Morgan's anger and jealousy drive many of her actions against Arthur and Camelot. Her passionate nature and the intensity of her feelings, whether positive or negative, suggest a tendency to become upset or emotionally charged relatively easily.

Neuroticism Have frequent mood swings. Moderately accurate 4

Morgan's character is often portrayed with a complex and sometimes volatile personality. In various Arthurian texts, including modern reinterpretations, Morgan's emotions can shift dramatically based on circumstances or her own whims. For example, in some versions of the legend, she vacillates between hatred and grudging assistance towards Arthur. This emotional complexity could be interpreted as mood swings, reflecting her multifaceted and sometimes unpredictable nature.

Conscientiousness Make a mess of things. Moderately inaccurate 4

While Morgan's actions often create conflict and chaos in the Arthurian world, her schemes are usually calculated and effective rather than messy. In works like Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur,' Morgan's plots, though disruptive, are often clever and well-executed. Her magical abilities and intelligence generally allow her to manipulate situations with precision. However, the ultimate outcomes of her actions can sometimes be seen as 'making a mess' of the ideal of Camelot.

Conscientiousness Often forget to put things back in their proper place. Very inaccurate 5

As a powerful sorceress, Morgan le Fay is typically depicted as meticulous and deliberate in her actions. In various magical traditions associated with Morgan, such as those hinted at in Geoffrey of Monmouth's works and elaborated in later tales, proper order and arrangement are crucial for spells and rituals. Her careful plotting and attention to detail in her schemes suggest she would be unlikely to be forgetful or careless with objects or information.

Conscientiousness Like order. Moderately inaccurate 2

Morgan le Fay is often associated with disrupting the established order of Camelot. In many Arthurian legends, including Malory's work, Morgan's actions frequently create chaos and discord. Her use of magic and her plots against Arthur often serve to undermine the orderly structure of the court. However, her desire to establish her own power could be seen as a form of imposing her own order, making this trait complex in her case.

Conscientiousness Get chores done right away. Moderately accurate 4

While not typically associated with mundane tasks, Morgan's portrayal as a skilled sorceress and schemer suggests efficiency in achieving her goals. In various accounts, Morgan is shown as proactive and thorough in her magical workings and plots. For instance, in the 'Suite du Merlin,' her careful planning and immediate actions to undermine Arthur demonstrate a propensity for addressing her 'chores' - in this case, her schemes - promptly and effectively.

Agreeableness Am not interested in other people's problems. Moderately inaccurate 4

Morgan's involvement in the affairs of Camelot and her manipulation of various characters suggest she is indeed interested in others' problems, albeit often for her own benefit. In many Arthurian tales, including modern adaptations, Morgan actively creates or exacerbates problems for others as part of her schemes. Her interest, while not altruistic, demonstrates a keen awareness and involvement in the troubles of those around her.

Agreeableness Am not really interested in others. Moderately inaccurate 4

Morgan's interest in others is often driven by how they fit into her plans rather than genuine care. However, her elaborate schemes and manipulations in works like the Vulgate Cycle demonstrate a keen interest in understanding and influencing others. While her motivations may be self-serving, Morgan's actions show a significant, if not always benevolent, interest in the lives and actions of those around her.

Agreeableness Feel others' emotions. Moderately inaccurate 2

While Morgan's magical abilities might give her insight into others' minds, she's not typically characterized by emotional empathy. In traditional Arthurian stories, Morgan often seems detached from or indifferent to others' emotional states, focusing more on her own goals. However, her complex character development in some modern versions suggests a capacity for emotional understanding, even if it's not her primary trait.

Agreeableness Sympathize with others' feelings. Moderately inaccurate 2

Morgan le Fay is often portrayed as self-serving and manipulative, with limited genuine sympathy for others. In many versions of Arthurian legend, including Malory's work, Morgan's actions frequently disregard or exploit others' feelings for her own ends. However, some modern reinterpretations, like Bradley's 'The Mists of Avalon,' present a more nuanced view where Morgan (as Morgaine) shows deeper empathy, particularly towards women and the old ways.

Extraversion Keep in the background. Very inaccurate 5

Morgan le Fay is consistently a prominent and active figure in Arthurian legend. From early Welsh mythology to later medieval romances and modern retellings, Morgan plays a central role in shaping events. Her magical powers, her plots against Arthur, and her complex relationships with other characters ensure that she is rarely in the background. In works like the 'Lancelot-Grail Cycle,' Morgan's actions often drive significant parts of the narrative.

Extraversion Don't talk a lot. Very inaccurate 5

Morgan le Fay is frequently portrayed as articulate and persuasive when it serves her purposes. In various Arthurian tales, including the Vulgate Cycle, Morgan uses her words as skillfully as her magic to influence events. Her role as a schemer and manipulator necessitates significant communication, whether it's casting spells, making alliances, or confronting her adversaries.

Extraversion Talk to a lot of different people at parties. Moderately accurate 4

As a powerful figure in Arthurian legend, Morgan would likely interact with various individuals to gather information and further her plans. In many versions of the legend, including modern interpretations like Marion Zimmer Bradley's 'The Mists of Avalon,' Morgan is depicted as adept at moving through different social circles, engaging with diverse groups to manipulate events to her advantage.

Extraversion Am the life of the party. Moderately accurate 4

While not typically portrayed as gregarious, Morgan le Fay's magical abilities and complex character often make her a center of attention. In works like Sir Thomas Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur,' Morgan's presence at court events is often notable and impactful. Her knowledge of magic and her scheming nature suggest she could be captivating in social situations when it suits her purposes.

* AI-Generated Responses are text output captured from entering an item-related question for this character into a generative AI model such as Chat-GPT, Google Gemini, or Anthropic's Claude. For example, a question for the item "Like order" would be "Does <Character Name> like order?".