Cersei Lannister


Character Source Material: Game of Thrones (TV Series, HBO)


Cersei Lannister embodies a complex and formidable persona driven by an unyielding desire for power, control, and the preservation of her family's legacy. Intelligent, fiercely ambitious, and fiercely protective of her children, Cersei wields manipulation and cunning as her primary weapons, navigating the intricate political landscape of Westeros with calculated precision. Her unwavering love for her children is juxtaposed with her ruthless and often Machiavellian tactics, showcasing her willingness to employ any means necessary to secure her family's dominance. Cersei's character is marked by her deep-seated pride, sharp intellect, and an unrelenting determination to safeguard her position and the Lannister name.


5 Factor Personality Summary for Cersei Lannister

Trait Percentile Trait Disposition
Neuroticism 99.96 High
Agreeableness 0 Low
Extraversion 39.89 Average
Conscientiousness 38.11 Average
Openness 16.97 Low
personality chart
Link to full personality profile report.



5 Factor Personality Items and Responses for Cersei Lannister

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

'Moderately inaccurate'. Cersei Lannister has been exhibited to have a vivid imagination. While her imagination often manifests in complex schemes, manipulations, and predicting other characters' actions, it still indicates a strong capacity for abstract thinking and imaginative ideas. However, it should be noted that her imagination often leans toward strategizing and perceiving potential threats, which could be perceived as a more negative or destructive form of this trait.

Openness Am not interested in abstract ideas. Moderately Accurate 2

'Moderately accurate'. Cersei Lannister is a pragmatic character who is often rooted in realities and immediate concerns, she does demonstrate a lack of interest in abstract ideas. However, she does show strategic thinking and an ability to manipulate based on her understanding of human nature and power dynamics, which could be considered a type of abstract thinking. Thus, we can conclude that the statement is moderately accurate.

Openness Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. Moderately Inaccurate 4

'Moderately inaccurate'. Cersei Lannister typically does not have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. She is portrayed as an intelligent, cunning and devious character, able to devise complex plans and schemes to take and keep power and eliminate her rivals. Evidence of her understanding complex, abstract ideas can be seen in her grasp of politics and social dynamics. That being said, she doesn’t always value the importance of these abstract concepts which can sometimes lead to her downfall.

Openness Have a vivid imagination. Moderately Inaccurate 2

'Moderately Inaccurate'. Cersei Lannister doesn't often demonstrate a vivid imagination in the traditional sense. Her mental capacities are more inclined toward cunning, manipulation, and strategic intrigue as she constantly plans her moves in the quest for power. While this shows a certain kind of imagination in terms of planning and plotting, she doesn't show a consistent ability or tendency to create, dream, or imagine in abstract, artistic, or fantastical terms. It's worth noting that her perception of the world and people around her is often defined by her suspicions, mistrust, and lust for power, which could also be seen as limiting her imaginative scope.

Neuroticism Seldom feel blue. Very Inaccurate 5

I would say 'Very inaccurate'. Cersei Lannister is known for her complexities of persona, including her tendencies towards spite, paranoia, and periods of deep sorrow. While she often attempts to maintain a facade of strength and control, she frequently shows signs of emotional distress. Thus it's clear that she does not 'seldom feel blue,' instead, she experiences periods of unhappiness quite often, mainly due to her tumultuous personal and political life.

Neuroticism Am relaxed most of the time. Very Inaccurate 5

I would rate this as 'Very inaccurate'. Cersei Lannister is frequently portrayed as being on edge, scheming, or strategizing. Her high-stress political environment, tumultuous personal life, and ambitious goals keep her in constant urgency and tension. Therefore, Cersei would not be considered as someone who is relaxed most of the time.

Neuroticism Get upset easily. Very Accurate 5

Very accurate. Cersei Lannister is often depicted as volatile and quickly upset—especially when things aren't going her way, her family is threatened, or someone challenges her power. Her emotional response is often sharp and can escalate rapidly to anger and vindictive behavior. This suggests a high level of emotional reactivity.

Neuroticism Have frequent mood swings. Moderately Accurate 4

'Moderately accurate'. Cersei Lanniste is known for her complex emotional state. However, to label it as 'frequent mood swings' may be moderately accurate but not entirely precise. She definitely experiences a range of emotions and shows variability in her demeanor due to her circumstances. She can be happy and pleasant one moment, specifically when things are going well for her, such as when she seizes power. In contrast, she can be irritable, cruel, and malicious when she perceives threats to her or her children's safety, or when her power is at risk. However, let's note that these changes often relate to the context and situation, rather than being reflective of unpredictable, frequent mood swings. Her actions are generally driven by self-interest and desire for power, which can make her behavior seem erratic when her circumstances shift. Therefore, it's important to distinguish between her tactical manipulations and embodied emotional fluctuations.

Conscientiousness Make a mess of things. Moderately Accurate 2

Evaluation: Moderately accurate. Explanation: Cersei Lannister is known for her cunning, political savvy, and ambitious nature. She frequently plots and schemes situations to accrue power and elevate her position. However, her decision-making is often fueled by paranoia, self-interest, and emotional responses rather than logical, far-thinking strategies. This has led to disastrous consequences at times, such as the destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor and indirectly causing the suicide of her own son, King Tommen.

Her inability to consider the long-term ramifications of her actions often leads to her plans' unravelling or having unintended, often worse, consequences. Using this understanding, it can be said it is 'moderately accurate' to describe Cersei Lannister as 'making a mess of things', although her intention was always to secure power and not to create chaos.

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

The statement 'Cersei Lannister forgets to put things back in their proper place' would be 'very inaccurate.' Cersei Lannister is depicted as intensely strategic, self-assured, and meticulous. She always seems to be aware of everything around her and manipulates events to her favor, suggesting she would not overlook such details as returning things to their place. Her conscientiousness and attention to detail are cornerstones of her character.

Conscientiousness Like order. Moderately Accurate 4

Evaluation: 'Moderately accurate'. Explanation: Cersei Lannister is someone who appreciates order, but mainly because it serves her pursuit of power and control. She tries to control situations and people around her in a specific direction, and this need for control often extends to her wanting things to be organized in a specific pattern that may be interpreted as a liking for order. However, she is also willing to disrupt order if it benefits her (like blowing up the Sept), suggesting that her priorities lie more in maintaining her power and control rather than preserving order for its own sake. Thus, it's moderately accurate to say she likes order.

Conscientiousness Get chores done right away. Moderately Inaccurate 2

'Moderately inaccurate'. Cersei Lannister is depicted as a member of the highest nobility - hence, she isn’t directly involved in doing chores, having people to do them for her. However, if we interpret 'chores' to mean her own personal tasks or duties, Cersei is somewhat calculated, and doesn't necessarily rush to get things done right away. Instead, she often waits for the most opportune moment, a strategy that could be interpreted as procrastination or as strategic delay.

Agreeableness Am not interested in other people's problems. Very Accurate 1

Based on the available character information, the evaluation of Cersei Lannister being not interested in other people's problems is 'Very accurate'. Cersei Lannister is consistently portrayed as self-centered and primarily concerned with her own interests and the interests of her children. She often appears dismissive or uninterested in the struggles or problems of others unless they directly impact her or her family's position of power. Therefore, it is highly accurate to say that she does not show interest in other people's problems.

Agreeableness Am not really interested in others. Moderately Accurate 2

I would rate the statement 'Cersei Lannister is not really interested in others' as 'moderately accurate'. While it's true that she seems primarily motivated by self-interest and the well-being of her children, she shows an ability to manipulate and strategize that suggests she must be able to understand others' motivations, desires, and fears. Her interest in others, however, is usually utilitarian in nature and not out of genuine empathy or concern for their well-being. Therefore, while she does exhibit interest in others, it's typically tethered to her own personal motivations and gains, leaning towards 'moderate accuracy' of her lack of genuine interest in others.

Agreeableness Feel others' emotions. Moderately Inaccurate 2

'Moderately inaccurate'. Cersei Lannister, a character from the 'Game of Thrones' series, is known for her high personal ambition and manipulation traits, which frequently overshadow her ability to empathize with others. Although she is seen to show care and empathy for her children, it is often entwined with her own ambitions and fears, rather than a consistent understanding or caring for others' emotions. Her focus on self-preservation and her relentless pursuit of power often lead to a lack of empathy and emotional understanding.

Agreeableness Sympathize with others' feelings. Very Inaccurate 1

Based on available character information on Cersei Lannister, the statement that she sympathizes with others' feelings is 'Very inaccurate'. Cersei, from the Game of Thrones series, typically demonstrates narcissistic and power-centered behaviors. She focuses on her own desires and plans, often ignoring or actively disregarding the feelings of others. She even sometimes takes pleasure or advantage in others' suffering. Therefore, she wouldn't usually be described as empathetic or sympathetic.

Extraversion Keep in the background. Moderately Inaccurate 4

Moderately inaccurate. Cersei Lannister is known for her desire for power and control. She is often front-and-center in the political plays of the series, plotting and scheming to maintain her and her family's positions of power. Therefore, it doesn't quite resonate to say she prefers to stay in the background. She continually strives to be in a position where she can influence outcomes and command authority.

Extraversion Don't talk a lot. Moderately Inaccurate 4

'Moderately inaccurate'. Cersei Lannister is not characterized as an individual who refrains from speaking. She is known for her eloquent speeches, political discussions, and manipulation in the forms of conversations to uphold her power. However, there are moments where she chooses calculated silence to maintain her authority or enigma. But on the whole, to claim she 'doesn't talk a lot' seems moderately inaccurate.

Extraversion Talk to a lot of different people at parties. Moderately Accurate 4

'Moderately accurate'. Cersei Lannister is typically portrayed as highly intelligent, manipulative, and socially adept. She frequently engages with a variety of individuals at social gatherings, including parties, using these opportunities to form alliances, gather information undetected, or push her personal and political agendas. However, her interactions are often motivated by strategic necessity rather than desire for socialization, and she tends to prefer intimate, controllable gatherings rather than large, raucous parties. Thus, she does talk to a lot of different people at parties but it may not always be in a casual, friendly conversation way, and she spends considerable time with a select few individuals within her inner circle.

Extraversion Am the life of the party. Very Inaccurate 1

Based on available character information, it would be 'Very inaccurate' to say that Cersei Lannister is the life of the party. Cersei is characterized by her power-hungry and calculated demeanor. Typically, she is not seen as being outgoing or as someone who seeks the company of strangers for pleasure. Rather, she is more concerned with political maneuvering and securing her family's power. Her primary interactions at social events are often strategic rather than joyous or lighthearted in nature.

* 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?".