Character Source Material: Downton Abbey (TV Series, ITV (UK) and PBS (US))
Robert Crawley is the Seventh Earl of Grantham, the head and owner of Downton Abbey, a country estate and park located in the Northern Yorkshires of England. He is married to an American heiress named Cora Levinson, whom he married to save the estate from going under. He is the father of three daughters: Lady Mary, Lady Edith, and Lady Sybil. He is also the grandfather of several grandchildren, including George Crawley, the heir to the estate.
Robert Crawley is a loyal, honorable, and compassionate man, who cares deeply for his family and his staff. He is also a traditionalist, who struggles to adapt to the changing times and the social upheavals of the early 20th century. He faces many challenges and conflicts throughout the series, such as the sinking of the Titanic, the First World War, the Spanish flu pandemic, the Irish War of Independence, and the Great Depression. He also deals with personal issues, such as his marriage troubles, his health problems, his financial difficulties, and his family dramas.
Trait | Percentile | Trait Disposition |
---|---|---|
Neuroticism | 0.27 | Low |
Agreeableness | 46.08 | Average |
Extraversion | 39.89 | Average |
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 Robert Crawley has a good imagination. He seems to be a imaginative and curious person, who likes to explore new ideas and possibilities. He may not be very adventurous or experimental, but he is open-minded and willing to learn. He may not be very artistic or expressive, but he is appreciative and respectful of others’ talents and works. He may not be very visionary or innovative, but he is adaptable and flexible to the changing times. He has a good imagination, he has a rich mind. |
Openness | Am not interested in abstract ideas. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | I don’t think Robert Crawley is not interested in abstract ideas. He seems to be a well-rounded and cultured person, who has a broad and diverse range of interests. He may not be very passionate or enthusiastic about some abstract ideas, such as metaphysics or existentialism, but he is not indifferent or bored by them. He may not be very familiar or informed about some abstract ideas, such as quantum mechanics or postmodernism, but he is not confused or intimidated by them. He may not be very involved or active in some abstract ideas, such as politics or religion, but he is not detached or apathetic about them. He is not uninterested in abstract ideas, he is selective about them. |
Openness | Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | I don’t think Robert Crawley has difficulty understanding abstract ideas. He seems to be a smart and logical person, who can grasp complex and nuanced concepts. He may not be very interested or knowledgeable in some fields or topics, such as science or philosophy, but he is not ignorant or dismissive of them. He may not be very skilled or proficient in some tasks or activities, such as mathematics or chess, but he is not incompetent or inept at them. He may not be very original or inventive in some areas or aspects, such as technology or fashion, but he is not outdated or obsolete in them. He doesn’t have difficulty understanding abstract ideas, he has difficulty applying them. |
Openness | Have a vivid imagination. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | I think Robert Crawley has a vivid imagination. He seems to be a creative and curious person, who likes to explore new ideas and possibilities. He may not be very adventurous or experimental, but he is open-minded and willing to learn. He may not be very artistic or expressive, but he is appreciative and respectful of others’ talents and works. He may not be very visionary or innovative, but he is adaptable and flexible to the changing times. He has a vivid imagination, he has a rich mind. |
Neuroticism | Seldom feel blue. | Very Accurate | 1 | I think Robert Crawley seldom feels blue. He seems to be a positive and optimistic person, who doesn’t let sadness or depression overwhelm him. He may feel blue when he experiences a tragedy or a hardship, such as the death of his youngest daughter or the near-loss of his wife, the departure of his son-in-law or the estrangement of his eldest daughter, the decline of his estate or the change of his society. But he doesn’t feel that way for long, he knows how to cope and recover. He has a strong support system of his family and his friends, who love him and care for him. He has a sense of purpose and meaning in his life, which gives him hope and motivation. He seldom feels blue, he often feels grateful. |
Neuroticism | Am relaxed most of the time. | Very Accurate | 1 | I think Robert Crawley is relaxed most of the time. He seems to be a confident and comfortable person, who doesn’t let stress or anxiety affect him. He may feel tense or nervous when he faces a challenge or a crisis, such as a war or a scandal, a financial or a legal trouble, a health or a personal issue. But he doesn’t feel that way all the time, he knows how to relax and enjoy life. He likes to spend time with his family and his friends, to engage in his hobbies and interests, to appreciate the beauty and the joy of his surroundings. |
Neuroticism | Get upset easily. | Very Inaccurate | 1 | I don’t think Robert Crawley gets upset easily. He seems to be a calm and composed person, who doesn’t let minor things bother him. He may get upset when something serious or important happens, such as a threat to his family or his estate, a loss of a loved one or a friend, a betrayal of trust or loyalty, or a violation of his principles or values. But he doesn’t get upset over trivial or insignificant matters, such as a bad weather or a rude remark. He doesn’t get upset easily, he gets upset reasonably. |
Neuroticism | Have frequent mood swings. | Very Inaccurate | 1 | I don’t think Robert Crawley has frequent mood swings. He seems to be a stable and consistent person, who doesn’t let his emotions get the better of him. He may feel happy or sad, angry or calm, worried or relieved, depending on the circumstances, but he doesn’t change his mood abruptly or unpredictably. He may express his feelings or hide them, depending on the situation, but he doesn’t act impulsively or irrationally. He doesn’t have frequent mood swings, he has appropriate emotional responses |
Conscientiousness | Make a mess of things. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | I don’t think Robert Crawley makes a mess of things. He tries to do his best for his family and his estate, and he acts with integrity and honor. He may make mistakes or errors of judgment, but he always owns up to them and tries to fix them. He may face difficulties or setbacks, but he always perseveres and overcomes them. He may cause problems or controversies, but he always apologizes and reconciles with them. He doesn’t make a mess of things, he makes things better. |
Conscientiousness | Often forget to put things back in their proper place. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | As the Earl of Grantham and the head of the Crawley family, Robert is generally depicted as a responsible and composed individual, who takes his duties seriously. Being a part of the aristocracy, he is expected to maintain a certain level of decorum and attention to detail. |
Conscientiousness | Like order. | Very Accurate | 5 | Yes, Robert Crawley, is depicted as someone who values and appreciates order and tradition. As the head of the Crawley family and the owner of Downton Abbey, he sees it as his duty to maintain the estate and its traditions with a sense of responsibility. Throughout the series, Robert is shown as a staunch traditionalist who believes in upholding the customs and practices of his class and heritage. He takes pride in the history and reputation of the Crawley family and is often resistant to significant changes or disruptions to the established way of life. His appreciation for order is not limited to the estate's management but also extends to his personal life. Robert seeks stability and predictability in his relationships and family affairs, and he can be protective of his loved ones, trying to ensure their well-being within the context of the societal norms he knows. |
Conscientiousness | Get chores done right away. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | I imagine he tries to get his daily responsibilities done right away, but he also has to balance them with his personal interests and values. |
Agreeableness | Am not interested in other people's problems. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | Being an aristocrat from a traditional background, Robert Crawley often faces challenges in understanding and adapting to the changing social landscape around him. He can be set in his ways and at times may struggle to comprehend the concerns and issues faced by people from different walks of life. However, it would be unfair to say that he is completely disinterested in other people's problems. There are numerous moments in the show where he does take an interest in supporting and helping those around him, especially his family members and close friends. Throughout the series, Robert's character undergoes growth and development, and he learns to become more understanding and open-minded, which allows him to be more attentive to the needs and problems of others. In summary, while Robert Crawley's initial reactions might not always reflect deep interest in others' problems, his character arc involves learning to be more empathetic and supportive as the show progresses. |
Agreeableness | Am not really interested in others. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | While he may come across as reserved or distant at times, it would be an oversimplification to say that he is not really interested in others. Throughout the show, there are moments where he demonstrates care and concern for his family, friends, and staff. However, like any character, Robert Crawley has flaws and limitations. He can be stubborn and hesitant to accept new ideas, especially when they challenge the traditional values and practices he holds dear. This might lead to situations where he appears less interested in the opinions or perspectives of others. As the show progresses, Robert's character undergoes development and growth, and he learns to navigate the changing world and show more empathy and understanding towards those around him. |
Agreeableness | Feel others' emotions. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | Robert Crawley seems to have a mixed record. On one hand, he can be compassionate and empathetic when others make mistakes or suffer losses, such as when he forgives his wife for her affair with a Turkish diplomat, or when he comforts his daughter Mary after her husband’s death. On the other hand, he can also be insensitive and oblivious to the feelings of others, such as when he dismisses his daughter Edith’s ambitions as a journalist, or when he ignores his wife’s opinions on the management of the estate. Therefore, it might be fair to say that Robert Crawley feels others’ emotions to some extent, but not always consistently or deeply. He is more likely to be sympathetic to those who share his values and worldview, and less likely to understand those who challenge or differ from him. |
Agreeableness | Sympathize with others' feelings. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | I think it depends on the situation and the person. Robert is often portrayed as a kind, loyal and honorable man who cares deeply for his family and his staff. He is also generous and compassionate to those in need, such as refugees, war veterans and former employees. However, he can also be stubborn, conservative and resistant to change. He sometimes clashes with his wife, his mother and his daughters over their opinions and choices. He also struggles to adapt to the social and political changes of the early 20th century, such as women’s rights, Irish independence and the decline of the aristocracy. In this context, a human might say that Robert Crawley is a complex and realistic character who has both strengths and weaknesses. He is not always sympathetic, but he is not always unsympathetic either. He tries to do what he thinks is best for his family and his estate, but he also makes mistakes and learns from them. Some people may like him more than others, depending on their perspective and values. |
Extraversion | Keep in the background. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | Robert Crawley,does not necessarily prefer to keep in the background. While he may not be as flamboyant or attention-seeking as some other characters, Robert is still an influential figure within the series. As the Earl of Grantham and the head of the Crawley family, Robert assumes a position of responsibility and authority. He is actively involved in managing the estate and making important decisions regarding the family's affairs. This often requires him to take a prominent role and be actively engaged in various aspects of the family's life. However, it is true that Robert is portrayed as a more reserved and traditional character who values dignity and decorum. He may not seek the spotlight or engage in overt displays of grandeur. Instead, he often prefers a more understated and measured approach to his responsibilities and interactions. This demeanor is in line with his aristocratic upbringing and the societal expectations of the time. |
Extraversion | Don't talk a lot. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | No, it is not accurate to say that Robert Crawley, the character from 'Downton Abbey,' doesn't talk a lot. In fact, Robert is portrayed as an important and central character who engages in various conversations throughout the series. While Robert Crawley may not be the most outspoken or talkative character compared to some others on the show, he is depicted as a thoughtful and diplomatic individual who often expresses his opinions and engages in discussions with family members, staff, and guests. He is responsible for managing the estate and making important decisions, which often require him to communicate with others. |
Extraversion | Talk to a lot of different people at parties. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | Yes, Robert Crawley, also known as the Earl of Grantham, is a prominent character from the television series 'Downton Abbey.' As the head of the Crawley family and the owner of Downton Abbey, he often interacts with a wide range of people at various social events and parties. Being a nobleman and an influential figure in the community, Robert is accustomed to engaging with numerous individuals from different backgrounds and social classes. At parties, he typically converses with fellow aristocrats, political figures, acquaintances, and other guests in attendance. His role as the host often requires him to be approachable and amiable, making conversation with a diverse group of people. |
Extraversion | Am the life of the party. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | I suppose that depends on your definition of fun. He is a loyal, honorable and kind-hearted man, but he can also be stubborn, conservative and resistant to change. He loves his family and his estate, but he sometimes struggles to adapt to the social and political changes of the early 20th century. He enjoys hunting, fishing and cricket, but he is not very fond of dancing or jazz music. He has a dry sense of humor and a strong sense of duty, but he can also be proud and overprotective. So, I would say that Robert Crawley is not necessarily the life of the party, but he is certainly a respectable and admirable person. |