Character Source Material: Downton Abbey (TV Series, ITV (UK) and PBS (US))
Carson is a loyal and dignified servant who manages the household staff and serves the Crawley family, the owners of Downton Abbey.
Carson is a loyal and dignified servant who takes his duties very seriously. He is responsible for managing the household staff and ensuring that everything runs smoothly at Downton Abbey. He is also devoted to serving the Crawley family, especially Lady Mary Crawley, the eldest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Grantham. He often gives her advice and guidance, and considers her as his own daughter. He has a close friendship with Mrs Hughes, the housekeeper of Downton Abbey, whom he later marries in the sixth season of the show. He also has a past as a stage performer who was part of a duo called The Cheerful Charlies.
Trait | Percentile | Trait Disposition |
---|---|---|
Neuroticism | 37.15 | Average |
Agreeableness | 62.23 | Average |
Extraversion | 3.75 | Low |
Conscientiousness | 97.72 | High |
Openness | 81.87 | High |
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 Carson has a good imagination, but he does not use it much. He used to have a more creative and adventurous side, when he was a performer and a singer. He used to dream of fame and fortune, and he enjoyed entertaining and amusing people. He also used to write letters and poems to his former love Alice, and he had a romantic and passionate nature. However, he gave up his artistic career and his love for the sake of duty and honor, and he became a more practical and realistic person. He does not indulge in any fantasies or illusions, and he focuses on the facts and the reality. He is more comfortable with reality than with imagination. |
Openness | Am not interested in abstract ideas. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | I don’t think Carson is not interested in abstract ideas, as he is very interested and curious. He likes to learn and explore new things, and he is open to different perspectives and viewpoints. He likes to engage in intellectual and stimulating conversations with the Crawleys and their guests, and he can share his insights and opinions. He is not very narrow-minded or dogmatic, and he can appreciate the value and beauty of abstract ideas. He is more comfortable with diversity than with uniformity. |
Openness | Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | I don’t think Carson has difficulty understanding abstract ideas, as he is very intelligent and educated. He has a lot of knowledge and wisdom, and he can comprehend and appreciate various concepts and theories. He is very curious and eager to learn, and he enjoys reading and studying about various topics, such as history, politics, culture, and art. He is also very logical and analytical, and he can reason and argue well. He is more comfortable with facts than with opinions. |
Openness | Have a vivid imagination. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | Carson does have a vivid imagination, but he does not use it much. He used to have a more creative and adventurous side, when he was a performer and a singer. He used to dream of fame and fortune, and he enjoyed entertaining and amusing people. He also used to write letters and poems to his former love Alice, and he had a romantic and passionate nature. However, he gave up his artistic career and his love for the sake of duty and honor, and he became a more practical and realistic person. He does not indulge in any fantasies or illusions, and he focuses on the facts and the reality. He is more comfortable with reality than with imagination. |
Neuroticism | Seldom feel blue. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | Carson does feel blue sometimes, but he does not show it. He has had some sad and difficult moments in his life, such as losing his parents, his brother, and his former love Alice. He also has some regrets and doubts about his choices and his past. He also worries about the future of Downton Abbey and the Crawley family, and he fears losing his position or his purpose. He does not share his feelings or troubles with anyone, and he tries to hide them behind a mask of professionalism and dignity. He is more comfortable with strength than with weakness. |
Neuroticism | Am relaxed most of the time. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | Carson is not very relaxed most of the time, as he is very busy and stressed. He has a lot of responsibilities and duties, and he is always on the go and alert. He does not have much time or opportunity to relax or enjoy himself, and he does not indulge in any hobbies or leisure activities. He is very serious and strict, and he does not joke or laugh much. He is more comfortable with work than with play. |
Neuroticism | Get upset easily. | Very Inaccurate | 1 | Carson does not get upset easily, as he is very calm and patient. He does not let any minor or trivial things bother or annoy him, and he does not overreact or make a fuss. He is very tolerant and forgiving, and he does not hold any grudges or resentments. He is very diplomatic and respectful, and he does not argue or quarrel with anyone. He is more comfortable with peace than with conflict. |
Neuroticism | Have frequent mood swings. | Very Inaccurate | 1 | Carson does not have frequent mood swings, as he is very stable and consistent. He does not have any extreme or sudden changes in his emotions or behavior, and he does not act impulsively or irrationally. He is very rational and logical, and he does not let his feelings cloud his judgment or interfere with his work. He is very steady and dependable, and he does not disappoint or surprise anyone. He is more comfortable with balance than with extremes. |
Conscientiousness | Make a mess of things. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | No, Carson does not make a mess of things, as he is very competent and skilled. He knows how to do his job well and efficiently, and he has a lot of experience and knowledge. He is very capable and confident, and he can handle any situation or challenge that arises. He does not make any mistakes or blunders, and he does not cause any problems or troubles. He is very calm and composed, and he does not panic or lose his temper. He is more comfortable with success than with failure. |
Conscientiousness | Often forget to put things back in their proper place. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | Carson does not forget to put things back in their proper place, as he is very neat and tidy. He always remembers and follows the protocol and etiquette of Downton Abbey, and he knows where everything belongs and how it should be arranged. He always puts things back where he found them, and he makes sure that everything is clean and polished. He does not leave any mess or clutter behind, and he expects the same from the other servants. He is very attentive and careful, and he does not overlook any details or errors. He is more comfortable with cleanliness than with dirtiness. |
Conscientiousness | Like order. | Very Accurate | 5 | Carson likes order, as he is very orderly and disciplined. He likes to have everything in its proper place and time, and he follows and enforces the rules and regulations of Downton Abbey. He likes to have a clear and consistent structure and hierarchy, and he respects and maintains the authority and boundaries of his position. He likes to have a sense of control and stability, and he dislikes any chaos or uncertainty. He likes to have a clear and predictable schedule and routine, and he dislikes any changes or disruptions. He is more comfortable with tradition than with innovation. |
Conscientiousness | Get chores done right away. | Very Accurate | 5 | Carson gets chores done right away, as he is very diligent and efficient. He is very organized and meticulous, and he plans and executes his tasks with precision and care. He does not procrastinate or waste time, and he expects the same from the other servants. He is very responsible and reliable, and he takes pride in his work and his role as a butler. He does not tolerate any sloppiness or negligence, and he is quick to correct or discipline any mistakes or misconduct. He is very dedicated and hard-working, and he does not rest until everything is done to his satisfaction. He is more comfortable with routine than with spontaneity. |
Agreeableness | Am not interested in other people's problems. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | Throughout the series, it becomes evident that Carson does care about the Crawley family and the other staff members at Downton Abbey. He takes his responsibilities seriously and often provides advice and guidance to the younger staff, though it may come across as stern or reserved. Carson's upbringing and the era in which the show is set contribute to his reserved nature and reserved way of handling issues. In summary, Carson may not be outwardly expressive or inquisitive about others' problems, but he does possess a sense of duty and concern for those around him, even if it's not always evident in his actions. |
Agreeableness | Am not really interested in others. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | Carson is very interested in others, but he does not always show it. He is very curious and eager to learn, and he enjoys reading and studying about various topics, such as history, politics, culture, and art. He is also very respectful and courteous, and he likes to engage in polite and civil conversations with the Crawleys and their guests. He is also very loyal and devoted, and he takes a genuine interest in the well-being and happiness of the Crawleys and the servants. He is always ready to offer his help or advice, or to share his wisdom or experience. He is not very good at making friends or socializing, but he does have a few close and trusted companions, such as Mrs Hughes, Mrs Patmore, Dr Clarkson, and Lord Grantham. He is more comfortable with formality than with familiarity. |
Agreeableness | Feel others' emotions. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | Carson feels others’ emotions, but he does not always understand them. He is very observant and attentive, and he can sense when someone is happy, sad, angry, or afraid. He can also relate to some of the experiences and challenges that others face, as he has gone through many of them himself. However, he is not very good at reading or interpreting the subtle cues or signals that others give, such as body language, tone of voice, or facial expressions. He can also be very rigid and conservative in his views and values, and he can have difficulty accepting or appreciating the different perspectives or choices that others have. He can sometimes be insensitive or judgmental of others’ emotions, especially if they conflict with his sense of duty or propriety. He is more comfortable with logic than with intuition. |
Agreeableness | Sympathize with others' feelings. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | Yes, Carson sympathizes with others’ feelings, but he does not always show it. He is very compassionate and kind, and he cares deeply for the Crawleys and the servants. He is especially protective of Lady Mary, whom he considers to be like a daughter to him. He is also very supportive of Mrs Hughes, whom he loves and respects. He can be very understanding and forgiving of the mistakes and troubles of others, and he tries to help them in any way he can. However, he is not very good at expressing his sympathy or empathy, and he sometimes comes across as cold or harsh. He is more likely to offer practical advice or solutions than emotional comfort or consolation. He is not very good at comforting himself either, and he tends to bottle up his feelings and worries. He is more comfortable with duty than with sentiment. |
Extraversion | Keep in the background. | Very Accurate | 1 | Carson prefers to keep in the background, as he believes that is the proper place for a butler. He does not seek attention or recognition for his work, and he does not interfere with the affairs of the Crawley family, unless he is asked or required to do so. He is very discreet and humble, and he does not like to draw attention to himself or his personal life. He is content with serving the Crawleys and maintaining the standards and reputation of Downton Abbey. He does not aspire to anything more than being a good butler and a good husband to Mrs Hughes. |
Extraversion | Don't talk a lot. | Moderately Accurate | 2 | Is it true that Carson (Downton He is more of a listener than a speaker, and he prefers to keep his opinions and feelings to himself, unless he is asked or provoked. He is very respectful and professional, and he does not gossip or complain about his work or his employers. He only speaks when he has something important or relevant to say, and he chooses his words carefully. He is not very good at expressing his emotions, especially when it comes to Mrs Hughes, whom he loves but struggles to communicate with. He is more comfortable with actions than words. |
Extraversion | Talk to a lot of different people at parties. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | While Carson may not be the life of the party in the sense of being the center of attention or engaging in frivolous conversations, he is proficient in making polite small talk and maintaining a gracious and formal demeanor. He is often seen circulating among the guests, making sure their glasses are filled and attending to any requests they may have. Carson's interactions at parties are usually marked by a sense of formality and propriety, reflecting his traditional upbringing and professional training. He is respectful to all guests, regardless of their social status, and is known for his impeccable manners. So, while Carson may not be the most gregarious or outgoing person at the party, he does talk to different people and carries out his duties as the butler with the utmost professionalism and grace. |
Extraversion | Am the life of the party. | Very Inaccurate | 1 | As the butler of the Crawley family, Carson is a highly dignified and traditional character. He upholds a strong sense of formality and decorum, which doesn't align with the typical characteristics of someone who would be considered the life of the party. Carson is portrayed as serious, dedicated, and committed to his role as the butler. He takes his responsibilities very seriously and maintains a professional and reserved demeanor. He is not one to engage in frivolous or lighthearted activities that are commonly associated with being the life of the party. |