Character Source Material: Downton Abbey (TV Series, ITV (UK) and PBS (US))
Lady Mary is the eldest daughter of Robert and Cora Crawley, the Earl and Countess of Grantham. She is the sister of Lady Edith and Lady Sybil, and the wife of Henry Talbot, a former racing driver. She is also the mother of George Crawley, the heir to the Downton estate.
Lady Mary is a complex and dynamic character, who undergoes significant changes throughout the series. She is initially cold, snobbish, and proud, but also intelligent, witty, and loyal. She struggles with her romantic relationships, her role in society, and her family conflicts. She eventually becomes more compassionate, independent, and resilient, as she faces various challenges and tragedies in her life. She also develops a strong bond with her father, her grandmother Violet, and her butler Carson.
Trait | Percentile | Trait Disposition |
---|---|---|
Neuroticism | 53.27 | Average |
Agreeableness | 30.57 | Average |
Extraversion | 74.49 | High |
Conscientiousness | 84.45 | High |
Openness | 70.45 | Average |
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. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | I think Lady Mary Crawley does have a good imagination, but she may not always show it. She may have a sense of realism or pragmatism that makes her focus on the facts or the evidence. She may also have a sense of logic or rationality that makes her rely on the reason or the argument. She may also have a sense of tradition or heritage that makes her value the past or the history. However, I think Lady Mary Crawley also has moments where she shows her imagination, such as when she dreams of marrying Matthew, when she fantasizes about Lord Gillingham, or when she envisions running the estate. She may also have moments where she appreciates imagination, such as when she reads a novel, when she watches a movie, or when she listens to music. She may also have moments where she encourages imagination, such as when she supports Edith’s writing, when she compliments Rose’s dress, or when she plays with George. Therefore, I think Lady Mary Crawley is not a dull or boring person, but a smart and interesting one. She may not always show her imagination, but she does have it in her own way. She may not always be creative or original, but she does have a sense of style and taste. She may not always be imaginative, but she does have a flair and a spark. |
Openness | Am not interested in abstract ideas. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | I don’t think Lady Mary Crawley is not interested in abstract ideas, but she may not always pursue them. She may have a sense of responsibility or duty that makes her focus on the practical or the urgent. She may also have a sense of ambition or aspiration that makes her aim for the realistic or the achievable. She may also have a sense of pressure or expectation that makes her conform to the conventional or the acceptable. However, I think Lady Mary Crawley also has moments where she pursues abstract ideas, such as when she explores new possibilities with Matthew, when she experiments with new styles with Rose, or when she expands her horizons with Henry. She may also have moments where she enjoys abstract ideas, such as when she reads a novel, when she watches a movie, or when she listens to music. She may also have moments where she shares abstract ideas, such as when she debates with Tom, when she converses with Violet, or when she advises Edith. Therefore, I think Lady Mary Crawley is not a boring or indifferent person, but a lively and interested one. She may not always pursue abstract ideas, but she does not lack interest in them in her own way. She may not always be adventurous or daring, but she does have a sense of fun and excitement. She may not always be interested in abstract ideas, but she does have a passion and a spirit. |
Openness | Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | I don’t think Lady Mary Crawley has difficulty understanding abstract ideas, but she may not always agree with them. She may have a sense of practicality or efficiency that makes her prefer concrete or tangible ideas. She may also have a sense of skepticism or criticism that makes her question or challenge abstract or vague ideas. She may also have a sense of conservatism or caution that makes her resist or reject abstract or radical ideas. However, I think Lady Mary Crawley also has moments where she understands abstract ideas, such as when she grasps the concept of inheritance, when she learns the theory of evolution, or when she comprehends the idea of democracy. She may also have moments where she accepts abstract ideas, such as when she adopts new farming methods, when she embraces new technology, or when she supports the hospital merger. She may also have moments where she applies abstract ideas, such as when she uses diplomacy to deal with the government, when she employs strategy to save the estate, or when she utilizes innovation to modernize the house. Therefore, I think Lady Mary Crawley is not a simple or narrow-minded person, but a complex and broad-minded one. She may not always agree with abstract ideas, but she does not have difficulty understanding them in her own way. She may not always be open or flexible, but she does have a sense of intelligence and curiosity. She may not always be abstract, but she does have a depth and a vision. |
Openness | Have a vivid imagination. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | I think Lady Mary Crawley does have a vivid imagination, but she may not always use it. She may have a sense of realism or pragmatism that makes her focus on the facts or the evidence. She may also have a sense of logic or rationality that makes her rely on the reason or the argument. She may also have a sense of tradition or heritage that makes her value the past or the history. However, I think Lady Mary Crawley also has moments where she uses her imagination, such as when she dreams of marrying Matthew, when she fantasizes about Lord Gillingham, or when she envisions running the estate. She may also have moments where she appreciates imagination, such as when she reads a novel, when she watches a movie, or when she listens to music. She may also have moments where she encourages imagination, such as when she supports Edith’s writing, when she compliments Rose’s dress, or when she plays with George. Therefore, I think Lady Mary Crawley is not a dull or boring person, but a smart and interesting one. She may not always use her imagination, but she does have it in her own way. She may not always be creative or original, but she does have a sense of style and taste. She may not always be imaginative, but she does have a flair and a spark. |
Neuroticism | Seldom feel blue. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | I don’t think Lady Mary Crawley seldom feels blue, but she may not always admit it. She may have a sense of pride or dignity that makes her hide her sadness or pain. She may also have a sense of strength or courage that makes her endure her hardships or challenges. She may also have a sense of hope or optimism that makes her look forward to the future or the possibilities. However, I think Lady Mary Crawley also has moments where she feels blue, such as when she mourns Matthew’s death, when she regrets losing Lord Gillingham, or when she fears losing the estate. She may also have moments where she shows her blue feelings, such as when she cries at Matthew’s grave, when she confides in Anna, or when she argues with Henry. She may also have moments where she seeks comfort for her blue feelings, such as when she hugs Cora, when she talks to Tom, or when she kisses Henry. Therefore, I think Lady Mary Crawley is not a cold or heartless person, but a human and emotional one. She may not always admit her blue feelings, but she does not seldom feel them in her own way. She may not always be happy or cheerful, but she does have a sense of humor and charm. She may not always be positive or upbeat, but she does have a potential for happiness and fulfillment. |
Neuroticism | Am relaxed most of the time. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | I don’t think Lady Mary Crawley is relaxed most of the time, but she may not always show it. She may have a sense of responsibility or duty that makes her worry about the estate, the family, or the staff. She may also have a sense of ambition or aspiration that makes her strive for excellence, success, or happiness. She may also have a sense of pressure or expectation that makes her feel stressed, anxious, or insecure. However, I think Lady Mary Crawley also has moments where she relaxes, such as when she reads a book in bed, when she rides a horse in the countryside, or when she watches a movie with Henry. She may also have moments where she enjoys herself, such as when she attends a party in London, when she travels to France, or when she visits Downton Abbey. She may also have moments where she unwinds, such as when she talks to Tom over a drink, when she listens to music with Rose, or when she cuddles with George. Therefore, I think Lady Mary Crawley is not a tense or restless person, but a busy and active one. She may not always show her relaxation, but she does have it sometimes in her own way. She may not always be carefree or easygoing, but she does have a sense of fun and adventure. She may not always be relaxed most of the time, but she does have a balance of work and play. |
Neuroticism | Get upset easily. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | I don’t think Lady Mary Crawley gets upset easily, but she may not always hide it. She may have a sense of pride or dignity that makes her sensitive to insults or criticisms. She may also have a sense of justice or fairness that makes her angry at injustices or wrongdoings. She may also have a sense of love or loyalty that makes her hurt by betrayals or losses. However, I think Lady Mary Crawley also has moments where she handles her upset, such as when she forgives Edith for writing to the Turkish ambassador, when she accepts Robert’s decision to sell the paintings, or when she reconciles with Violet after the hospital merger. She may also have moments where she overcomes her upset, such as when she moves on from Matthew’s death, when she lets go of Lord Gillingham, or when she marries Henry. She may also have moments where she transforms her upset, such as when she uses it to motivate herself to save the estate, to support Anna, or to help Edith. Therefore, I think Lady Mary Crawley is not a fragile or volatile person, but a strong and resilient one. She may not always hide her upset, but she does not get it easily in her own way. She may not always be calm or composed, but she does have a sense of grace and elegance. She may not always be happy or content, but she does have a capacity for growth and change. |
Neuroticism | Have frequent mood swings. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | I don’t think Lady Mary Crawley has frequent mood swings, but she may not always control them. She may have a sense of sensitivity or intensity that makes her react strongly to different situations or stimuli. She may also have a sense of complexity or nuance that makes her feel conflicted or ambivalent about different choices or outcomes. She may also have a sense of honesty or authenticity that makes her express herself openly or bluntly. However, I think Lady Mary Crawley also has moments where she regulates her mood, such as when she puts on a brave face after Matthew’s death, when she acts politely towards Lord Gillingham, or when she speaks calmly to Henry. She may also have moments where she balances her mood, such as when she jokes with Tom after Sybil’s death, when she dances with Jack Ross after Matthew’s death, or when she smiles at George after his birth. She may also have moments where she enhances her mood, such as when she kisses Matthew after their engagement, when she hugs Cora after Sybil’s death, or when she tells Henry that she loves him. Therefore, I think Lady Mary Crawley is not a moody or unstable person, but a passionate and expressive one. She may not always control her mood swings, but she does not have them frequently in her own way. She may not always be cheerful or pleasant, but she does have a sense of humor and charm. She may not always be consistent or predictable, but she does have a range of emotions and feelings. |
Conscientiousness | Make a mess of things. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | I don’t think Lady Mary Crawley makes a mess of things, but she may not always avoid it. She may have a sense of adventure or risk that leads her to try new or dangerous things. She may also have a sense of passion or emotion that drives her to act impulsively or recklessly. She may also have a sense of pride or stubbornness that prevents her from admitting or correcting her errors. However, I think Lady Mary Crawley also has moments where she fixes things, such as when she covers up Mr. Pamuk’s death, when she saves the estate from bankruptcy, or when she reunites Edith and Bertie. She may also have moments where she prevents things from getting worse, such as when she stops Robert from selling the paintings, when she intervenes in Rose’s marriage, or when she calms down the staff during the fire. She may also have moments where she improves things, such as when she introduces new farming methods, when she modernizes the house, or when she embraces new technology. Therefore, I think Lady Mary Crawley is not a clumsy or destructive person, but a resourceful and constructive one. She may not always avoid making a mess of things, but she does not intend it in her own way. She may not always be careful or cautious, but she does have a sense of courage and resilience. She may not always be perfect or flawless, but she does have a potential for excellence and achievement. |
Conscientiousness | Often forget to put things back in their proper place. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | Lady Mary is portrayed as a meticulous and detail-oriented character who pays attention to the proper functioning and maintenance of the estate. She is often involved in overseeing the management of the household and ensuring that things are organized and well-maintained. That being said, like any character, Lady Mary may occasionally make mistakes or overlook certain details. However, it is not a defining trait or a recurring theme within her characterization that she frequently forgets to put things back in their proper place. |
Conscientiousness | Like order. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | Lady Mary Crawley does like order, but she may not always follow it. She may have a sense of etiquette or protocol that guides her behavior and expectations. She may also have a sense of hierarchy or authority that respects her position and role. She may also have a sense of tradition or heritage that values her family and history. However, I think Lady Mary Crawley also has moments where she breaks order, such as when she sleeps with Mr. Pamuk, when she marries Matthew, or when she cuts her hair. She may also have moments where she challenges order, such as when she opposes Robert, when she confronts Violet, or when she defies the police. She may also have moments where she changes order, such as when she inherits the estate, when she hires Henry, or when she supports the hospital merger. Therefore, I think Lady Mary Crawley is not a rigid or conformist person, but a flexible and independent one. She may not always follow order, but she does like it in her own way. She may not always be obedient or compliant, but she does have a sense of dignity and honor. She may not always be predictable or stable, but she does have a capacity for growth and transformation. |
Conscientiousness | Get chores done right away. | Very Accurate | 5 | Lady Mary Crawley is not a lazy or irresponsible person, but a diligent and efficient one. She may not always do chores herself, but she does get them done right away in her own way. She may not always be hands-on or involved, but she does have a sense of vision and direction. |
Agreeableness | Am not interested in other people's problems. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | I think Lady Mary Crawley is interested in other people’s problems, but she may not always know how to help or solve them. She may have a pragmatic or realistic outlook that makes her seem dismissive or unsympathetic. She may also have a busy or stressful life that makes her seem distracted or impatient. She may also have a competitive or ambitious nature that makes her seem ruthless or unkind. However, I think Lady Mary Crawley also has moments where she shows interest or concern for other people’s problems, such as when she tries to find a solution for the hospital merger, when she worries about Edith’s safety in London, or when she consoles Tom after Sybil’s death. She may also have moments where she shows support or assistance for other people’s problems, such as when she helps Anna get an abortion, when she encourages Edith to pursue her career, or when she arranges for Tom and Henry to meet. She may also have moments where she shows empathy or compassion for other people’s problems, such as when she cries with Cora after Matthew’s death, when she apologizes to Isobel for hurting her feelings, or when she forgives Edith for writing to the Turkish ambassador. Therefore, I think Lady Mary Crawley is not a cold or uncaring person, but a practical and helpful one. She may not always be interested in other people’s problems, but she does try to make things better in her own way. She may not always be gentle or tender, but she does have a sense of duty and responsibility. She may not always be happy or satisfied, but she does have a desire for improvement and change. |
Agreeableness | Am not really interested in others. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | I don’t think that’s true. I think Lady Mary Crawley is interested in others, but she may not always show it or say it. She may have a reserved or guarded personality that makes her seem aloof or distant. She may also have a high standard or expectation for herself and others that makes her seem critical or demanding. She may also have a sarcastic or dry sense of humor that makes her seem rude or insensitive. However, I think Lady Mary Crawley also has moments where she shows interest or curiosity in others, such as when she asks Anna about her personal life, when she listens to Tom’s political views, or when she compliments Rose on her dress. She may also have moments where she shows respect or admiration for others, such as when she praises Violet for her wisdom, when she thanks Carson for his loyalty, or when she acknowledges Henry’s bravery. She may also have moments where she shows affection or warmth for others, such as when she hugs Cora after Sybil’s death, when she kisses Matthew after their wedding, or when she smiles at George after his birth. Therefore, I think Lady Mary Crawley is not a selfish or indifferent person, but a curious and observant one. She may not always be interested in others, but she does care about them in her own way. She may not always be friendly or polite, but she does have a sense of humor and charm. She may not always be open or expressive, but she does have a heart and soul. |
Agreeableness | Feel others' emotions. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | I think Lady Mary Crawley does feel others’ emotions, but she may not always express them or act on them. She may have learned to suppress or hide her feelings as a way of coping with the pressures and expectations of her social class and status. She may also have a hard time trusting or opening up to others, especially after losing some of the people she loved, such as Matthew and Sybil. She may also have a strong sense of pride and dignity that prevents her from showing vulnerability or weakness. However, I think Lady Mary Crawley also has moments where she lets her emotions show, such as when she cries at Matthew’s grave, when she dances with Jack Ross, or when she tells Henry Talbot that she loves him. She may also have moments where she acts on her emotions, such as when she helps Anna escape from the police, when she supports Edith’s decision to marry Bertie, or when she arranges for Tom and Henry to become business partners. She may also have moments where she apologizes or admits her mistakes, such as when she says sorry to Edith for ruining her engagement, when she confesses to Matthew about Mr. Pamuk, or when she acknowledges that she was wrong about Charles Blake. |
Agreeableness | Sympathize with others' feelings. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | Lady Mary Crawley may not be initially portrayed as a highly sympathetic character, she does evolve and exhibit moments of empathy and understanding as the series progresses. Her growth and development allow her to become more attuned to the feelings of others and demonstrate a deeper sense of compassion. She does show some signs of empathy and compassion throughout the series, such as when she comforts Anna after her rape, when she helps Tom adjust to his new life as a widower, or when she reconciles with Edith in the final episode. However, she also shows some signs of indifference and malice, such as when she exposes Marigold’s true parentage to Bertie Pelham, when she insults Matthew’s mother Isobel, or when she dismisses Rose’s interest in jazz music. |
Extraversion | Keep in the background. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | No, I don’t think Lady Mary Crawley prefers to keep in the background. She is not a shrinking violet or a shadow, but she is also not a spotlight hog or a show-off. She is comfortable and confident in her own skin, and she does not need to seek attention or approval from others. She is not afraid to take the lead or make decisions, but she is also not arrogant or bossy. She is a natural leader and a role model, but she is also a team player and a supporter. She is a prominent and influential figure in her family, her community and her society, but she is also humble and respectful. She is a woman of substance and style, who knows how to balance her public and private roles. |
Extraversion | Don't talk a lot. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | I wouldn’t say that Lady Mary Crawley doesn’t talk a lot. She talks when she has something to say, and she listens when she has something to learn. She is not a chatterbox or a bore, but she is also not a mute or a wallflower. She is selective and thoughtful with her words, and she chooses them carefully. She is not a fan of idle chatter or meaningless banter, but she is also not averse to humor or sarcasm. She can be witty and clever, but also serious and sincere. She is a complex and nuanced person who expresses herself in different ways depending on the situation and the person she is talking to. |
Extraversion | Talk to a lot of different people at parties. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | I think Lady Mary Crawley talks to the people she finds interesting or useful at parties. She is not shy or timid, but she is also not very sociable or outgoing. She prefers quality over quantity when it comes to conversations. She can be polite and courteous, but also blunt and honest. She does not suffer fools gladly, and she does not care much for gossip or small talk. She likes to talk about things that matter to her, such as her family, her business, her hobbies or her opinions. She is not afraid to speak her mind or stand up for herself. She is a confident and intelligent woman who knows her own worth. |
Extraversion | Am the life of the party. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | I don’t know if Lady Mary is the life of the party, but she certainly knows how to make an impression. She has a sharp wit, a keen sense of fashion and a loyal circle of friends and family. She can also be charming, generous and compassionate when she wants to be. |