Cora Crawley


Character Source Material: Downton Abbey (TV Series, ITV (UK) and PBS (US))


She is the wife of Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, and the mother of three daughters: Lady Mary, Lady Edith, and Lady Sybil. She is also the grandmother of George, Marigold, and Sybbie.

Cora is an American heiress who married Robert in 1890 for his title and estate. Her fortune helped save Downton Abbey from financial ruin, but also tied her inheritance to the male line of succession. Cora is a kind, gracious, and sensible woman who adapts well to the British aristocratic society. She is supportive of her husband and daughters, and often acts as a mediator between them. She is also involved in charitable causes, such as turning Downton Abbey into a hospital during World War I and becoming the president of the local hospital board.



5 Factor Personality Summary for Cora Crawley

Trait Percentile Trait Disposition
Neuroticism 5.97 Low
Agreeableness 93.83 High
Extraversion 94.22 High
Conscientiousness 91.02 High
Openness 41.72 Average
personality chart
Link to full personality profile report.



5 Factor Personality Items and Responses for Cora Crawley

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

Cora Crawley has a good imagination, but she does not use it very often. She is more of a realist than a dreamer, and she prefers to deal with the facts rather than the fantasies. She is also very busy with her duties as the Countess of Grantham, and she does not have much time to indulge in her imagination.

However, there are some moments in the show where we can see glimpses of her imaginative side. For example, in season 2, episode 8, she tells her husband Robert a story about how they met and fell in love in New York, which is different from the actual version. She says that she made up the story because she wanted to have a more romantic memory of their courtship. This shows that she can create fictional scenarios in her mind and enjoy them.

Another example is in season 3, episode 9, where she dresses up as a flapper for a party at Downton Abbey. She wears a short dress, a feather boa, and a headband, and she dances with Matthew Crawley. She says that she always wanted to be a flapper when she was young, but she never had the chance. This shows that she can imagine herself in different roles and styles, and have fun with them.

So, I would say that Cora Crawley has a good imagination, but she does not show it very often. She is more practical and sensible than imaginative and creative.

Openness Am not interested in abstract ideas. Moderately Accurate 2

I would say that Cora Crawley is not very interested in abstract ideas. She seems to be more practical, sensible, and down-to-earth than her husband and some of her relatives. She is also very compassionate and caring, often helping others in need. She does not seem to have much interest in politics, philosophy, art, or literature, except when they affect her family or the people around her. She is more focused on the present and the reality of her situation than on hypothetical or theoretical scenarios.

Openness Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. Moderately Inaccurate 4

No, I don’t think Cora Crawley has difficulty understanding abstract ideas. She is a smart and educated woman, who has a broad range of interests and knowledge. She is also curious and open-minded, and willing to learn new things and explore different perspectives. Here are some examples of how Cora Crawley demonstrates her ability to understand abstract ideas:

  • Cora Crawley is interested in art and history, and often visits museums and galleries with her family or friends. She appreciates the beauty and meaning of various artworks, such as paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. She also understands the historical and cultural context of the artists and their works .
  • Cora Crawley is involved in various social and political causes, such as women’s rights, education, and health care. She supports the suffragette movement, and encourages her daughters to pursue their careers and passions. She also helps to improve the conditions of the local hospital, and becomes its president. She understands the importance of democracy, equality, and justice for all.
  • Cora Crawley has a strong sense of morality and ethics, and often acts as a mediator between her family members and friends. She tries to balance the traditions of the aristocracy with the changes of the modern world. She respects the opinions and feelings of others, even when they differ from her own. She also forgives the mistakes and faults of those she loves .
Openness Have a vivid imagination. Moderately Accurate 4

I would say that Cora Crawley has a fairly vivid imagination, but she does not always express it openly. Here are some reasons why I think so:

  • Cora Crawley is an American heiress who married into the British aristocracy. She had to adapt to a different culture and lifestyle, which must have required some creativity and flexibility. She also had to deal with the challenges and changes of the early 20th century, such as the war, the social reforms, and the technological innovations. She was open to new ideas and progressive causes, such as women’s rights, education, and health care. She also supported her daughters’ choices and ambitions, even when they went against the norms of the time.
  • Cora Crawley enjoyed some leisure activities that involved imagination, such as reading, gardening, and playing cards. She also had a passion for clothes and jewels, and often wore elegant and fashionable outfits and accessories. She appreciated art and music, and hosted or attended various parties and events at Downton Abbey or elsewhere.
  • Cora Crawley had a loving and loyal relationship with her husband Robert, but she also had some romantic fantasies or temptations. She was briefly attracted to a Turkish diplomat named Kemal Pamuk, who died in her bed after seducing her. She also flirted with a charming art historian named Simon Bricker, who tried to woo her away from Robert. She did not act on these impulses, but they showed that she had some imagination in her love life.

These are some of the reasons why I think Cora Crawley has a vivid imagination.

Neuroticism Seldom feel blue. Moderately Accurate 2

Cora Crawley does not seldom feel blue, but she does experience sadness and grief at times. She is not immune to the hardships and losses that affect her and her family, such as the death of her youngest daughter Sybil, the miscarriage of her son, or the departure of her maid and friend O’Brien. She also struggles with some marital problems with Robert, such as his infidelity, his conservatism, and his resentment of her inheritance. Cora is not a cold or indifferent person, but rather a sensitive and caring one, who feels deeply for others. She is also resilient and optimistic, and she does not let her sorrow consume her. She finds joy and comfort in her remaining daughters, her grandchildren, her friends, and her hobbies. She is also open to change and progress, and she supports various causes, such as women’s rights, education, and health care.

Neuroticism Am relaxed most of the time. Moderately Accurate 2

Cora Crawley is relatively relaxed most of the time, compared to some of the other characters in Downton Abbey. She does not let the pressures of being a countess or a mother overwhelm her, and she tries to maintain a positive outlook on life. She also enjoys some leisure activities, such as reading, gardening, and playing cards. However, Cora is not always relaxed. She can be stressed or worried by certain situations, such as the war, the financial crisis, or the health of her loved ones. She can also be emotional or passionate when she feels strongly about something.

Neuroticism Get upset easily. Moderately Inaccurate 2

Based on the events of the show, Cora does not seem to get upset easily. She is usually calm, dignified, and reasonable, even in the face of challenges and tragedies. She is also compassionate and supportive of her family and friends, often acting as a mediator between them. However, Cora does have moments of anger and frustration, especially when she feels betrayed or disrespected by someone she loves. For example, she was furious with Robert when he almost had an affair with a maid, and she blamed him for Sybil’s death. She also clashed with her mother-in-law Violet over various issues, such as the hospital merger and Edith’s wedding. Cora is not a pushover, and she will stand up for herself and her beliefs when necessary.

Neuroticism Have frequent mood swings. Very Inaccurate 1

Cora Crawley does not have frequent mood swings. She is a kind, gracious, and sensible woman who cares deeply for her family and the people around her. She is also intelligent, dignified, and adaptable to the changing times. She is not a moody or unstable person, but rather a calm and steady one. She does not let her emotions get the best of her, but rather manages them with maturity and wisdom. She is not easily angered or upset, but rather patient and forgiving. She is not depressed or anxious, but rather optimistic and hopeful. She is not impulsive or irrational, but rather thoughtful and rational. Cora Crawley is indeed a lady who does not have frequent mood swings, but rather has a balanced and stable personality.

Conscientiousness Make a mess of things. Moderately Inaccurate 4

She is a well-meaning character, but like any human, she is not exempt from making mistakes or causing misunderstandings. Throughout the series, there are instances where Cora's decisions or actions may lead to unintended consequences or create complications in the lives of those around her. However, it's essential to note that the character's intentions are generally good, and she often tries to do what she believes is best for her family and the people around her.

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

She does not forget to put things back in their proper place, but rather takes care of them with care and attention. She is not careless or sloppy, but rather meticulous and organized. She is not a hoarder or a clutterer, but rather a minimalist and a declutterer. Cora Crawley is indeed a lady who values orderliness, but also appreciates simplicity.

Conscientiousness Like order. Moderately Accurate 4

She likes to have everything in order and under control. She does not like chaos or confusion, and she always tries to maintain harmony and stability. She follows the rules and traditions of the aristocracy, but she also respects the rights and opinions of others. She is not rigid or inflexible, but rather open-minded and pragmatic. Cora Crawley is indeed a lady who likes order, but also knows how to adapt to change.

Conscientiousness Get chores done right away. Very Accurate 5

She is a diligent and efficient person who does not like to leave things unfinished or unresolved. She oversees the management of the house and the estate, as well as the welfare of her family and the staff. She also hosts various guests and events at Downton Abbey, such as dinners, parties, weddings, and charity functions. She is involved in the local community as well, especially in the hospital board. She is not a procrastinator or a slacker.

Agreeableness Am not interested in other people's problems. Very Inaccurate 5

No, it is not true that Cora Crawley is not interested in other people’s problems. As I mentioned before, she is a kind, gracious, and sensible woman who cares deeply for her family and the people around her. She is also empathetic and understanding, and she can relate to the emotions and struggles of others. She often shows compassion and generosity to those in need, such as the wounded soldiers during the war, the villagers affected by the Spanish flu, or the refugees from the Russian Revolution. She also tries to comfort and support those who are grieving or suffering, such as her husband after the death of his heir, her daughters after their losses and heartbreaks, or her staff after their troubles and hardships. Cora Crawley is indeed a very interested and caring lady who can help anyone with their problems.

Agreeableness Am not really interested in others. Very Inaccurate 5

She is a kind, gracious, and sensible woman who cares deeply for her family and the people around her. She is also empathetic and understanding, and she can relate to the emotions and struggles of others. She is interested in learning about different cultures and perspectives, as she herself comes from a different background than most of the British nobility. She is a courteous and sociable lady who knows how to mingle with the guests and make them feel welcome. She is a generous and compassionate person, who supports various causes and charities. Cora Crawley is indeed a very interested and caring lady who can make friends with anyone.

Agreeableness Feel others' emotions. Very Accurate 5

Cora Crawley does feel others’ emotions. She is not only sympathetic, but also empathetic. She can put herself in the shoes of others and experience their feelings as if they were her own. She can sense the mood and atmosphere of any situation and adjust her behavior accordingly. She can also express her emotions in a genuine and appropriate way. She is not fake or insincere, but rather honest and sincere. Cora Crawley is indeed a sensitive and emotional lady who can connect with others on a deep level.

Agreeableness Sympathize with others' feelings. Very Accurate 5

Cora Crawley does sympathize with others’ feelings. She is a kind, gracious, and sensible woman who cares deeply for her family and the people around her. She is also empathetic and understanding, and she can relate to the emotions and struggles of others. She often shows compassion and generosity to those in need, such as the wounded soldiers during the war, the villagers affected by the Spanish flu, or the refugees from the Russian Revolution. She also tries to comfort and support those who are grieving or suffering, such as her husband after the death of his heir, her daughters after their losses and heartbreaks, or her staff after their troubles and hardships. She is not cold or indifferent, but rather warm and affectionate. Cora Crawley is indeed a sympathetic and loving lady who can touch the hearts of others.

Extraversion Keep in the background. Very Inaccurate 5

It is not true that Cora Crawley prefers to keep in the background. As I mentioned before, she is a lively and engaging lady who can talk to lots of different people at parties. She is not a passive or timid person, but rather an active and confident one. She has a lot of influence and authority, and she often takes charge of the situations and decisions at Downton Abbey. She is not afraid to challenge or confront anyone who threatens her family or her values. She is also a generous and compassionate person, who supports various causes and charities. She is not a follower or a bystander, but rather a leader and a participant. Cora Crawley is indeed a prominent and admirable lady who can make an impact in any setting.

Extraversion Don't talk a lot. Very Inaccurate 5

She is a great conversationalist who can talk to lots of different people at parties. She is not a quiet or reserved person, but rather a lively and engaging one. She has a lot to say and share, and she enjoys expressing her opinions and feelings. She is not afraid to speak her mind or stand up for what she believes in. She is also a good listener and a good speaker, and she can charm anyone with her grace and poise. Cora Crawley is indeed a talkative and eloquent lady who can make any conversation interesting and enjoyable.

Extraversion Talk to a lot of different people at parties. Very Accurate 5

Yes, Cora Crawley does talk to lots of different people at parties. She is a courteous and sociable lady who knows how to mingle with the guests and make them feel welcome. She is also interested in learning about different cultures and perspectives, as she herself comes from a different background than most of the British nobility. She is not shy or aloof, but rather friendly and approachable. She can converse with anyone, from royalty to servants, and from politicians to artists. She is well-informed and well-read, and she can hold her own in any topic of discussion. She is also respectful and diplomatic, and she does not offend or criticize anyone unnecessarily. She is a good listener and a good speaker, and she can charm anyone with her grace and poise. Cora Crawley is indeed a great conversationalist who can talk to lots of different people at parties.

Extraversion Am the life of the party. Moderately Accurate 4

Cora is not a very outgoing or flamboyant person, but she does enjoy socializing and hosting guests at Downton Abbey. She has a passion for clothes, jewels, and dancing, and she is a popular hostess among the aristocracy. She also has a good sense of humor and can be witty and charming when she wants to. However, she is not very fond of gossip or scandal, and she often tries to avoid conflicts or controversies. She is more interested in supporting her husband and daughters, as well as contributing to the community through her involvement in the local hospital. Cora Crawley may not be the life of the party in the sense of being loud or flashy, but she is certainly a pleasant and elegant presence who can make any occasion more enjoyable. She is a lady of many parts who deserves respect and admiration.

* 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?".