Character Source Material: Harry Potter (Book Series by J.K. Rowling)
Trait | Percentile | Trait Disposition |
---|---|---|
Neuroticism | 90.52 | High |
Agreeableness | 0.53 | Low |
Extraversion | 0.84 | Low |
Conscientiousness | 63.88 | Average |
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 | 'Moderately inaccurate'. There are various circumstances in the Harry Potter series that suggest Severus Snape does indeed have a good imagination. For instance, the creation of new spells, like Sectumsempra, demonstrates his ability to think creatively and innovatively. Additionally, his abilities as a double agent for Dumbledore required a great deal of cunning, rapid decision-making, and the ability to imagine various outcomes and responses. However, his imagination is not often presented in a light-hearted or whimsical way, as he largely employs it in serious or dangerous situations. Therefore, saying he does not have a good imagination would be moderately inaccurate. |
Openness | Am not interested in abstract ideas. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | Evaluation: Moderately Inaccurate. Explanation: Severus Snape is a character known for his deep understanding and command of Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts, both requiring abstract thinking and imaginative capacity, as well as a strong interest in abstract ideas to excel. Snape invented his spells, which certainly requires creativity and an understanding of abstract magical principles. Additionally, in the entire Harry Potter series, Snape has been portrayed as a character dealing with intricate emotions and challenging loyalties, demonstrating his ability to comprehend and manage abstract concepts beyond academics. Therefore, it would be moderately inaccurate to say he is not interested in abstract ideas. |
Openness | Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | I would say 'very inaccurate'. Severus Snape shows a great understanding of complex and abstract ideas. He is a professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, serving as the head of the Potions department and later as the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. Moreover, Snape has created his own spells and potion recipes, which involves creativity and abstract thinking. He is also capable of Occlumency and Legilimency, techniques that require a deep understanding of the human mind and its abstract concepts. |
Openness | Have a vivid imagination. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | I would say 'moderately accurate'. Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series is not often portrayed as having a vivid imagination in the traditional sense, such as conjuring up fantastical scenarios or imaginary worlds. However, as a talented potion master and spells creator, he demonstrates creative thinking and problem-solving skills that imply a form of imaginative prowess. His invention of new spells during his school years and his ability to devise complex methods of teaching demonstrate his capacity to think outside the box. |
Neuroticism | Seldom feel blue. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | 'Evaluation: 'Very inaccurate'. Severus Snape is a character that often seems to be in a state of melancholy or sadness. His past, filled with infatuation, loss, regret, and a shrouded loyalty, weighs heavily on him. This, coupled with his professional dissatisfaction, his constant struggle, and complicated personal relationships, contribute to a character that frequently feels 'blue'. His cynicism and sarcasm also apply a shroud of negativity around his personality. Most importantly, his unrequited love for Lily, Harry's mother, haunts him throughout the series, adding a constant source of internal sadness. Therefore, saying that Severus Snape 'seldom feels blue' is 'very inaccurate'. |
Neuroticism | Am relaxed most of the time. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | I would say 'Very inaccurate.' Severus Snape is typically depicted as very severe and stern, with a constant high level of intensity and alertness both in his role as a teacher and in his secret role as a member of the Order of the Phoenix. He often appears angry or perturbed, especially when dealing with Harry Potter or his fellow members of Gryffindor. Furthermore, he carries the burden of his past and secret allegiance, which contributes to his state of perpetual unease. So, it's not accurate to say he is relaxed most of the time. |
Neuroticism | Get upset easily. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | I would judge the statement 'Severus Snape gets upset easily' as 'Moderately Inaccurate'. Though the stoic Potion Master of Hogwarts does have a pessimistic and often grumpy demeanor, he does not necessarily seem to get upset 'easily'. His displeasure or anger generally comes about in relation to specific characters (like Harry or other Gryffindor students) or situations that challenge his goals and personal loyalties. Snape is capable of maintaining a calm and controlled exterior, especially in situations of high stress or danger, evidenced by his capacity to successfully deceive Voldemort for years. This indicated an ability for strong emotional constraint. Therefore, while he can be harsh and dismissive, it's not quite accurate to say he gets upset easily in the ordinary sense. Snape's complex emotions are more nuanced and context-specific rather than explosive or volatile. |
Neuroticism | Have frequent mood swings. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | Evaluation: 'Moderately inaccurate.' Explanation: Severus Snape is often portrayed as quite steady in his emotional disposition, despite it being commonly negative. He consistently comes off as cold, stern, and unfriendly. He shows disdain and dislike for Harry Potter and his friends throughout the series, hardly showing any fluctuations in his emotional state or mood towards them. Although he does have moments of strong emotion, they don't seem to be variable or unpredictable in the sense of mood swings, they are more based on particular events or triggers. |
Conscientiousness | Make a mess of things. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | 'Moderately inaccurate'. Severus Snape has a complex character that has long been subject to debates amongst the fans. He is shown to be meticulous, clever, and calculating, whether it's in his teaching of Potions or his double life as a spy against Voldemort. Indeed, situations do not always go according to his plans; however, it's often due to circumstances beyond his control or because he's purposely moderating events to suit a bigger plan (like protecting Harry), rather than because he is intrinsically messy or prone to error. It's worth noting that his methods and intentions are often misunderstood as him making a mess of things, owing to his closed-off personality and secretive nature. However, in general, he demonstrates a high level of control and foresight over the situations he is put in, highlighting his capacities as a strategist, not a mess-maker. |
Conscientiousness | Often forget to put things back in their proper place. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | 'Moderately inaccurate'. Severus Snape is portrayed as a highly meticulous and organized individual. As a potions master, he would naturally make sure that all ingredients and tools are properly organized and put back in their designated place. However, since there are no specific instances in the series where we see him dealing with everyday mundane activities, it's hard to perfectly judge this trait. But considering his general traits and occupation, it would be moderately inaccurate to say that he forgets to put things back in their place. |
Conscientiousness | Like order. | Very Accurate | 5 | Based on the available character information, it is 'Very accurate' to state that Severus Snape likes order. Snape is known for his stern and disciplined demeanor as the Potions Master and later Headmaster at Hogwarts. He demands respect and obedience from his students, demonstrating a preference for order and discipline. He abides carefully by rules, except those he deems unjust or counterproductive, and expects others to do the same. This inclination for order could also be seen in his very systematic approach to potion making, which requires meticulous execution of the instructions. |
Conscientiousness | Get chores done right away. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | I would say 'moderately inaccurate'. Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series is not typically portrayed as a character who is concerned with mundane tasks or 'chores'. Although he is seen to fulfil his responsibilities as a professor and head of Slytherin house promptly, these responsibilities are not the same as common chores, hence the distinction is crucial. However, without more direct information about Snape's habits outside of his professional obligations, a definitive assessment cannot be made. |
Agreeableness | Am not interested in other people's problems. | Moderately Accurate | 2 | I would say, 'moderately accurate'. Severus Snape often appears disinterested or dismissive of other people's problems, especially those of the students he does not favor. He can come off as cold and unsympathetic, particularly in his interactions with Harry Potter and his friends. However, Snape's apparent disinterest may also be seen as a mask for deeper, concealed emotions and motivations. For instance, his protection of Harry Potter throughout the series, albeit grudgingly, indicates an interest in the well-being of others despite his outward indifference. Therefore, it might not be entirely accurate to say he is not interested in other people's problems. He just expresses his concern in a unique, often indirect way. Still, from an external point of view, his interest in other's problems is not usually evident or straightforward. |
Agreeableness | Am not really interested in others. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | I would rate this as 'Moderately inaccurate'. While it may initially seem that Severus Snape is uninterested in others due to his seemingly cold demeanor and distant attitude, this is not completely accurate. Throughout the Harry Potter series, it becomes clear that Snape is actually deeply interested in select others, notably Lily Potter. His interest in Harry, while complicated, is also substantial and impacts his actions significantly throughout the narrative. His broader lack of social involvement may be due to guardedness, driven by past experiences, rather than a lack of interest in others. |
Agreeableness | Feel others' emotions. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | 'Moderately Inaccurate'. Severus Snape does show instances of empathy and understanding, particularly in regards to Lily Potter's emotions. However, he is predominantly shown as a stern, introverted, and detached character who does not openly engage with or easily display understanding of others' emotions. Therefore, saying he frequently or genuinely feels others' emotions does not always align with his depicted personality traits. His ability to feel others' emotions seems usually confined to specific individuals and past experiences, rather than a general aptitude. |
Agreeableness | Sympathize with others' feelings. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | 'Moderately inaccurate'. Severus Snape's character, for a majority of the Harry Potter series, comes across as cold, aloof, and emotionally withdrawn. Though he does show instances of understanding and sympathy towards others, these moments are comparatively rare and often concealed. Importantly, in these moments, Snape rarely offers comfort or empathy in a traditional manner, often maintaining his stern and somewhat intimidating demeanor. His sympathy is typically covert and slyly enacted to protect or aid others, especially in relation to Harry, rather than to console or understand their feelings. Therefore, to say 'Snape sympathizes with others' feelings' would seem moderately inaccurate as his character presents complex layers of emotional expression. |
Extraversion | Keep in the background. | Moderately Accurate | 2 | Evaluation: Moderately accurate. Explanation: Severus Snape is seen as a rather reserved and enigmatic figure. He consistently avoids the limelight and often stays in the background, showing a preference for solitude over socialization. However, as the Potions Master and later, the Headmaster at Hogwarts, his roles require him to take a prominent position in a number of cases. Therefore, while he has a preference for staying in the background, his professional duties often place him in the spotlight. Furthermore, Snape plays a significant role in the preservation of Harry's life and the ultimate defeat of Voldemort, showing that despite his preference for the background, he can be a key player when needed. |
Extraversion | Don't talk a lot. | Moderately Accurate | 2 | I would say 'Moderately accurate'. While it's true that Severus Snape is not typically gregarious or outgoing, he does communicate when necessary, especially in his role as a Professor at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His conversations are usually direct, to the point, and often imbued with sarcasm or a biting wit, which aligns more with an introverted communication style, frequently interpreted as him not talking a lot. However, he does have considerable dialogues throughout the series, indicating that the character does communicate purposefully and often, albeit in a terse manner. |
Extraversion | Talk to a lot of different people at parties. | Very Inaccurate | 1 | Based on the available character information, the evaluation for the statement 'Severus Snape talks to lots of different people at parties' would be 'Very inaccurate'. Severus Snape is depicted as a fairly solitary figure who rarely engages in socialization unless absolutely needed. He doesn't show any enjoyment in social gatherings or parties - quite the contrary, he usually stays away from them, and when he does attend (like in some Hogwarts’ events), he interacts minimally. Moreover, he is characterized by a stern and often unwelcoming demeanor, indicating an introverted personality type which typically prefers limited and deep engagements over broad and surface-level social interactions. Therefore, it's highly unlikely Snape would be found actively talking to lots of different people at parties. |
Extraversion | Am the life of the party. | Very Inaccurate | 1 | The statement 'Severus Snape is the life of the party' would be 'Very inaccurate'. Severus Snape is depicted as a very reserved and serious character throughout the Harry Potter series. He tends to withdraw from social situations whenever possible and has a dour, intimidating demeanor. He's more likely to be found in the shadows or in his potions classroom than in the center of a social gathering, making jokes or engaging in light-hearted conversation. Though he proves himself to be deeply complex and dedicated in his own way, he's not the kind to be considered as the life of the party by any means. |