Character Source Material: Downton Abbey (TV Series, ITV (UK) and PBS (US))
Mrs. Hughes is a loyal and dignified servant who takes care of the household staff and ensures that everything runs smoothly at Downton Abbey. She is also devoted to serving the Crawley family, especially Lady Mary Crawley, the eldest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Grantham. She often gives her advice and guidance, and considers her as her own daughter. She has a close friendship with Mr. Carson, the butler of Downton Abbey.
Mrs. Hughes is also respected for her wisdom, kindness, and humor. She has witnessed many changes and events in the history of Downton Abbey, such as the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, the Spanish flu pandemic, and the rise of socialism. She has also faced many challenges and difficulties in her personal and professional life, such as surviving cervical cancer, coping with her husband’s palsy condition, and adapting to the modern era. Through it all, she has remained faithful and steadfast to her principles and values.
Trait | Percentile | Trait Disposition |
---|---|---|
Neuroticism | 2.46 | Low |
Agreeableness | 93.83 | High |
Extraversion | 83.23 | High |
Conscientiousness | 97.72 | High |
Openness | 41.72 | 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 Accurate | 2 | Mrs. Hughes is not a very imaginative person, at least not in the conventional sense. She is more practical and realistic, focusing on the tasks and duties of her job as the head housekeeper. She is not one to indulge in fantasies or daydreams, nor does she have a creative hobby or passion. She is more concerned with the facts and the truth, rather than the possibilities and the what-ifs. |
Openness | Am not interested in abstract ideas. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | No, Mrs. Hughes is not uninterested in abstract ideas. She is a very intelligent and educated person, who has a keen interest in the world and its affairs. She is well-read and well-informed, and she enjoys learning new things and expanding her horizons. She is not afraid to challenge herself and explore new perspectives and opinions. She is also very open-minded and respectful of other people’s beliefs and values, even if they differ from her own. Mrs. Hughes is able to grasp abstract concepts and ideas, such as philosophy, religion, politics, art, and literature. She can appreciate the beauty and meaning of different forms of expression, such as poetry, music, painting, and sculpture. She can also understand the complexity and diversity of human nature and behavior, such as emotions, motivations, morals, and ethics. She is a very thoughtful and insightful person, who can analyze and evaluate any situation with clarity and wisdom. |
Openness | Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | No, Mrs. Hughes does not have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. She is a very intelligent and educated person, who has a keen interest in the world and its affairs. She is well-read and well-informed, and she enjoys learning new things and expanding her horizons. She is not afraid to challenge herself and explore new perspectives and opinions. She is also very open-minded and respectful of other people’s beliefs and values, even if they differ from her own. Mrs. Hughes is able to grasp abstract concepts and ideas, such as philosophy, religion, politics, art, and literature. She can appreciate the beauty and meaning of different forms of expression, such as poetry, music, painting, and sculpture. She can also understand the complexity and diversity of human nature and behavior, such as emotions, motivations, morals, and ethics. She is a very thoughtful and insightful person, who can analyze and evaluate any situation with clarity and wisdom. |
Openness | Have a vivid imagination. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | Mrs. Hughes is not a very imaginative person, at least not in the conventional sense. She is more practical and realistic, focusing on the tasks and duties of her job as the head housekeeper. She is not one to indulge in fantasies or daydreams, nor does she have a creative hobby or passion. She is more concerned with the facts and the truth, rather than the possibilities and the what-ifs. However, that does not mean that Mrs. Hughes has no imagination at all. She does have a vivid imagination when it comes to understanding and empathizing with other people. She is very good at reading people’s emotions and motives, and she can often anticipate their actions and reactions. She is also very good at solving problems and finding solutions, using her logic and intuition. She can imagine different scenarios and outcomes, and choose the best course of action accordingly. So, Mrs. Hughes may not have a vivid imagination in terms of artistic or literary expression, but she does have a vivid imagination in terms of social and emotional intelligence. She is a very wise and compassionate person, who knows how to deal with any situation with grace and professionalism. |
Neuroticism | Seldom feel blue. | Very Accurate | 1 | Mrs. Hughes seldom feels blue. She is a very optimistic and resilient person, who does not let the hardships of life bring her down. She has a strong faith and a positive outlook on the future. She is also very grateful for what she has and does not dwell on what she lacks. She is always ready to help others who are in need or distress. Mrs. Hughes is a very happy and contented character, who knows how to appreciate the simple joys of life. |
Neuroticism | Am relaxed most of the time. | Moderately Accurate | 2 | Yes, Mrs. Hughes is generally relaxed most of the time. She does not let the stress of her job or the drama of the household affect her mood or well-being. She is able to handle any situation with grace and professionalism. She also enjoys some leisure activities, such as reading, knitting, and listening to music. She has a good sense of humor and a warm personality. She is often seen smiling or laughing with her friends and colleagues. Mrs. Hughes is a very admirable and admirable character, who knows how to balance work and relaxation. |
Neuroticism | Get upset easily. | Very Inaccurate | 1 | No, Mrs. Hughes does not get upset easily. She is described as strict and dutiful, but patient and even-tempered. She is firm, but kind, providing both criticism and encouragement. She is also dedicated to running a strong household staff with respect and work ethic. She is a friend to all of her staff, but she never allows herself to be manipulated by her sympathies. Mrs. Hughes is a very calm and composed character, who rarely loses her temper or shows her emotions. She is one of the most reliable and trustworthy servants in Downton Abbey. |
Neuroticism | Have frequent mood swings. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | Mrs. Hughes does not have frequent mood swings. She is a calm, sensible, and compassionate character who is the moral center of the show. She is also resilient and adaptable, as she would have fared well during lockdown and set herself some challenges. She is not one to roll over and die with her legs in the air. She is also loyal and supportive of her husband Mr. Carson, even when he struggles with his health and his role in the household. She is almost a mother to the downstairs staff, and she has a kind farewell for Thomas, despite his past troubles. She is also forthright and honest, as she does not hesitate to speak her mind when she disagrees with someone or when she needs to defend herself or others. She is not afraid to stand up to Lady Mary or Lord Grantham when necessary. She is also witty and humorous, as she often makes sarcastic remarks or jokes with Mr. Carson or Mrs. Patmore. She is a well-rounded and complex character who has many positive qualities and few negative ones. |
Conscientiousness | Make a mess of things. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | I don’t think that Mrs. Hughes makes a mess of things. She is the head housekeeper of the Crawley family’s estate, and she is responsible for managing the domestic staff and ensuring the smooth running of the household. She is very organized, efficient, and diligent in her work. She does not tolerate any chaos, mess, or disorder in Downton Abbey. She expects her staff to follow the rules and regulations, and to perform their duties with excellence and professionalism. |
Conscientiousness | Often forget to put things back in their proper place. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | I don’t think that Mrs. Hughes forgets to put things back in their proper place. She is the head housekeeper of the Crawley family’s estate, and she is responsible for managing the domestic staff and ensuring the smooth running of the household. She is very organized, efficient, and diligent in her work. She does not tolerate any chaos, mess, or disorder in Downton Abbey. She expects her staff to follow the rules and regulations, and to perform their duties with excellence and professionalism. |
Conscientiousness | Like order. | Very Accurate | 5 | I think that Mrs. Hughes likes order. She is the head housekeeper of the Crawley family’s estate, and she is responsible for managing the domestic staff and ensuring the smooth running of the household. She is very organized, efficient, and diligent in her work. She does not tolerate any chaos, mess, or disorder in Downton Abbey. She expects her staff to follow the rules and regulations, and to perform their duties with excellence and professionalism. |
Conscientiousness | Get chores done right away. | Very Accurate | 5 | Yes, I think that Mrs. Hughes gets chores done right away. She is the head housekeeper of the Crawley family’s estate, and she is responsible for managing the domestic staff and ensuring the smooth running of the household1. She is very organized, efficient, and diligent in her work. She does not procrastinate or neglect her duties. She is always on top of things and ready to deal with any problems or emergencies that may arise. |
Agreeableness | Am not interested in other people's problems. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | She is a compassionate, kind, supportive, and loyal person who can empathize with the feelings and needs of others. She is always ready to lend a helping hand, offer a word of advice, or share a moment of joy or sorrow with them. She is not indifferent or aloof to the problems that affect her or her colleagues. She is very interested and invested in the lives and well-being of the people around her. |
Agreeableness | Am not really interested in others. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | I think she is very interested and invested in the lives and well-being of the people around her. As I mentioned in my previous response, she is a compassionate, kind, supportive, and loyal person who can empathize with the feelings and needs of others. She is also respectful and courteous to her employers and guests, and she tries to maintain harmony and order in Downton Abbey. She is not indifferent or aloof to the events and issues that affect her or her colleagues. She is always ready to lend a helping hand, offer a word of advice, or share a moment of joy or sorrow with them. For example, in season 3 episode 5, Mrs. Hughes shows her interest and concern for Ethel Parks, a former housemaid who became a prostitute after having an illegitimate child. Mrs. Hughes tries to help Ethel find a better job and a new life for herself and her son, even though it causes some trouble and tension with Mr. Carson and Mrs. Crawley. In season 4 episode 3, Mrs. Hughes shows her interest and care for Anna Bates, who was raped by a visiting valet. Mrs. Hughes comforts Anna, protects her from further harm, and supports her decision to keep the incident a secret from her husband. In season 6 episode 3, Mrs. Hughes shows her interest and love for Mr. Carson, whom she marries after a long courtship. She stands up for herself and her wishes when Mr. Carson tries to impose his preferences on their wedding arrangements, but she also compromises and accommodates his feelings when possible. These are just some of the many examples that demonstrate Mrs. Hughes’ interest in others. She is not a selfish or cold-hearted person who only cares about herself or her duties. She is a warm-hearted and generous person who cares about others and their happiness. She is one of the most beloved characters in Downton Abbey because of her interest in others. |
Agreeableness | Feel others' emotions. | Very Accurate | 5 | Mrs. Hughes seems to have a high level of emotional intelligence, meaning that she can understand and empathize with the feelings and needs of others. She is often shown to be compassionate, kind, supportive, and loyal to her friends and colleagues, as well as respectful and courteous to her employers and guests. She is also able to handle difficult situations with grace and dignity, such as when she helped Anna Bates deal with her rape trauma, or when she married Mr. Carson despite his initial reluctance. Therefore, it is reasonable to say that Mrs. Hughes does feel others’ emotions, and that she uses her emotional skills to maintain harmony and order in Downton Abbey. She is a well-rounded and admirable character who has earned the respect and affection of many viewers. |
Agreeableness | Sympathize with others' feelings. | Very Accurate | 5 | Mrs. Hughes is a very compassionate and empathetic person, who cares deeply for others’ feelings and well-being. She is always ready to offer a shoulder to cry on, a word of comfort, or a hug of support. She is also very understanding and forgiving, and she does not judge or criticize anyone harshly. She tries to see the best in everyone, and she helps them overcome their difficulties and challenges. She is especially kind and gentle with those who are vulnerable or suffering, such as Anna, who was raped by Mr. Green, or Mr. Carson, who developed palsy in his hands. She is also very loyal and faithful to her friends and family, and she will do anything to protect them and make them happy. Mrs. Hughes sympathizes with others’ feelings. She is a warm and loving person, who has a big heart and a lot of compassion. |
Extraversion | Keep in the background. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | As the head housekeeper, Mrs. Hughes is responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the household and ensuring that everything is in order and ready for the guests. She is not one to seek attention or recognition for her work, and she prefers to let the Crawley family and their visitors take the spotlight. She is modest and humble, and she does not like to impose or intrude on anyone’s privacy. She also respects the social norms and boundaries of her time and position, and she does not try to overstep them or challenge them. However, that does not mean that Mrs. Hughes is always in the background. She is also a strong and confident woman who can take charge and lead when necessary. She is not afraid to confront or challenge anyone who threatens or harms her or her loved ones, such as Mr. Green, the valet who raped Anna, or Mr. Barrow, the underbutler who tried to sabotage Mr. Bates. She also stands up for her rights and dignity, such as when she refused to wear a uniform at her wedding, or when she demanded a fair share of the inheritance from her former suitor. She also has a lot of influence and authority among the staff, and they look up to her and follow her example. Mrs. Hughes prefers to keep in the background when it comes to her professional duties and social etiquette, but she does not shy away from taking the foreground when it comes to her personal values and relationships. |
Extraversion | Don't talk a lot. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | Mrs. Hughes may not be the most talkative or outspoken person, but she is not silent or withdrawn either. She speaks her mind when she needs to, and she is not afraid to voice her opinions or stand up for herself and others. She also has a good sense of humor and a witty remark for every occasion. She can be gentle and comforting, or firm and authoritative, depending on the situation. She is a good listener and a good communicator, and she knows how to handle different personalities and moods. She also has a lot of wisdom and experience, and she shares them generously with those who need her guidance or support. Mrs. Hughes doesn’t talk a lot. She talks just enough to make herself heard and understood, and to make others feel valued and respected. |
Extraversion | Talk to a lot of different people at parties. | Very Accurate | 5 | I think she does. She is friendly and sociable, and she has a lot of connections and acquaintances through her work at Downton Abbey. She also has a good rapport with the Crawley family, especially Lady Mary and Lady Cora, who often confide in her or seek her advice. She is not shy or reserved, and she can hold a conversation with anyone, from royalty to servants. She is also curious and open-minded, and she likes to learn new things and experience different cultures. For example, in the 2019 film, she is fascinated by the drag show and even compliments one of the performers. She also enjoys travelling with Mr. Carson, and they visit places like London, Liverpool and New York. Mrs. Hughes talks to lots of different people at parties. She is a charming and engaging woman who can make friends easily. |
Extraversion | Am the life of the party. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | I don’t know if she is the life of the party, but she certainly knows how to have fun and enjoy herself. In the 2019 film based on the series, she joins Mr. Carson and some of the other staff in sneaking into a local pub to watch a drag show. She also dances with Mr. Carson at Lady Rose’s wedding and at Mrs. Patmore’s bed and breakfast opening. She is well-liked and respected by everyone at Downton Abbey, and she often participates in their celebrations and festivities. I would say that Mrs. Hughes is not necessarily the life of the party, but she is definitely a lively and lovely part of it. |