Hector


Character Source Material: Illiad, The (Epic Poem attributed to the Greek Poet, Homer)


Hector, the pillar of Troy, stands as a beacon of duty and compassion amidst the chaos of war. Eldest son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba, he bears the weight of Troy's fate on his broad shoulders. Unlike his brother Paris, whose abduction of Helen sparked the conflict, Hector embodies the responsible leader. Deeply influenced by his upbringing, shaped by the wisdom of counselors like Priam's advisor Polydamas, Hector prioritizes the city's defense above personal glory. Despite his fierce fighting spirit, a tenderness for his family simmers beneath his warrior's exterior. His tearful parting with his wife Andromache and son Astyanax reveals a depth of love uncommon for a battlefield hero. Yet, pragmatism reigns supreme. Though burdened by the potential destruction of Troy, Hector embraces his role as defender, a man forever caught between the yearning for peace and the unwavering loyalty to his city and family.


5 Factor Personality Summary for Hector

Trait Percentile Trait Disposition
Neuroticism 12.56 Low
Agreeableness 62.23 Average
Extraversion 28.74 Average
Conscientiousness 84.45 High
Openness 16.97 Low
personality chart
Link to full personality profile report.



5 Factor Personality Items and Responses for Hector

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

Moderately accurate. This is because Hector is continually depicted as a practical, dutiful and responsible character. He is shown to be a noble, brave, loyal, and protective warrior but there isn't a lot of evidence that explicitly hints on his imaginative abilities.

He focuses on tangible tasks, like leading the Trojans in battle against the Greeks and tries to fulfill his practical duties and responsibilities. He is strategic and pragmatic as opposed to being imaginative. This isn't to say he completely lacks imagination, but it is just not the main characteristic that is highlighted in the epic poem. The text, hence, lends itself more towards a portrayal of Hector's tactical prowess rather than his imaginative faculties.

Openness Am not interested in abstract ideas. Very Inaccurate 5

Moderately inaccurate. Hector is a complex character with a deep sense of duty and honor towards his city, Troy. While it's true that many of his decisions and actions revolve around physical combat and warfare strategy, there are also numerous instances where he wrestles with philosophical questions about the nature of war, the value of life and honor, and the role of gods in their lives. Hence, expressing such deep thoughts and contemplating complex ideas indicates a certain level of interest in abstract ideas. However, since we don't have comprehensive insight into Hector's thoughts beyond the themes of warfare and honor, it is only 'moderately inaccurate' rather than 'very inaccurate'.

Openness Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. Moderately Inaccurate 4

Moderately inaccurate. Hector demonstrates a strong understanding of abstract concepts like honor, duty, loyalty, love, and the complexities of war, which are highly abstract and complex ideas. He consistently makes decisions based on these concepts, indicating that he does not have difficulty understanding them. Nevertheless, he is a character in an epic poem and his comprehension can be debated depending on how readers interpret the text.

Openness Have a vivid imagination. Very Inaccurate 1

Very inaccurate. Hector is a warrior, primarily characterized by his sense of duty, honor, and his formidable skills on the battlefield. He is often depicted as a contrasting character to Achilles, focusing more on practical matters, rationality, and physical courage rather than imaginative or abstract thinking. Hence, there's no strong evidence in the source material to suggest that Hector has a vivid imagination.

Neuroticism Seldom feel blue. Moderately Accurate 2

Moderately accurate. As the primary defender of Troy and a man of honor and duty, Hector is portrayed with a range of emotions throughout the epic. However, a persistent feeling of 'being blue' or sadness is not a predominant characteristic of his personality. Hector often feels a sense of stress and concern due to the war with the Greeks and his responsibility towards Troy, but he possesses a resilience and strength of spirit that keeps him motivated. Nevertheless, he does have moments of sadness, especially when considering the fate of his wife and child should he fail in his duties. Therefore, the statement is moderately accurate, as Hector does display moments of sadness, but it's not a constant or defining part of his character.

Neuroticism Am relaxed most of the time. Moderately Inaccurate 4

Based on available character information, the description of Hector as 'relaxed most of the time' would be 'moderately inaccurate'. Hector is a dedicated warrior and a responsible prince who is frequently under a significant amount of stress due to the Trojan War. He is often seen in situations of conflict, struggle, and responsibility, which suggest that he may not have many opportunities for relaxation. While it's true that he can be calm and collected, especially when compared to more impulsive characters like Achilles, this doesn't necessarily translate to being relaxed. It's more accurate to say that Hector is disciplined, focused, and determined, rather than relaxed.

Neuroticism Get upset easily. Very Inaccurate 1

The evaluation of the question would result as 'very inaccurate'. Hector, portrayed in the Iliad, is an epitome of Greek virtues - courage, honor, duty, protectiveness, and even diplomacy. He appears to maintain a calm and composed demeanor even under intense pressure during battles and is capable of controlling his emotions. He doesn’t get upset easily, but approaches situations thoughtfully and carefully, seeking to protect his family and Trojan comrades.

Neuroticism Have frequent mood swings. Very Inaccurate 1

Based on available character information, it would be 'very inaccurate' to claim that Hector has frequent mood swings. Hector is portrayed as a very consistent character throughout the epic poems. He is characterized by his bravery, responsibility, integrity, and love for his family. There are no direct references to him having mood swings. While he does express different emotions at different times - such as anger during battle or tenderness when with his wife and child - these changes in mood are context-dependent and not random, thus they do not constitute mood swings.

Conscientiousness Make a mess of things. Very Inaccurate 5

I would evaluate the claim that Hector 'makes a mess of things' as 'Very inaccurate'. Hector is known as a brave and noble Trojan prince and is one of the main characters in 'The Iliad' by Homer. He is often portrayed as a stable, disciplined, and responsible figure. He is the military leader of Troy and is portrayed as their protector and one of their best fighters. Being a model of fidelity to duty, his character showcases dedication and commitment rather than discreetness or negligence that might lead to 'making a mess of things'.

Conscientiousness Often forget to put things back in their proper place. Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate 3

As an AI, I don't have a personal observation of Hector's behaviors. However, there is no sufficient information to evaluate his organization skills or habits such as putting things back in their proper place. Therefore, to answer, it would be 'neither inaccurate nor accurate' because the query is not relevant to the available sources of character information.

Conscientiousness Like order. Very Accurate 5

It can be assessed as 'Very Accurate' that Hector likes order. Hector, being the leading warrior of Troy and a dutiful son of King Priam, values order very much. He is mentioned as organized, disciplined, and responsible person. He is always portrayed as the defender of Troy, upholding the city's honor and rules. Hector is committed to duties and responsibilities, which indicates his preference towards order and structured lifestyle.

Conscientiousness Get chores done right away. Moderately Accurate 4

Considering Hector's portrayal as a dedicated and disciplined prince, warrior, and protector of Troy, it can be speculated that he had a sense of responsibility and diligence. Therefore, it might be 'moderately accurate' to say that Hector would get chores done right away, if applying his documented characteristics to unspecified domestic tasks.

Agreeableness Am not interested in other people's problems. Moderately Inaccurate 4

Moderately Inaccurate. Hector is characterized as a strong and pious warrior-hero who is deeply invested in his family, his people, and his kingdom's welfare. He is depicted as a character who engages with others' problems, especially those problems that impact Troy and its people. This is evident in his deep concern for his wife, brother, and people amidst the war, and his numerous attempts to protect them. It would thus be incorrect to say that Hector is not interested in other people's problems. His character is more complex and his interest extends beyond merely his personal interests, demonstrating an understanding and concern for his people, which contradicts the statement.

Agreeableness Am not really interested in others. Very Inaccurate 5

I would rate that statement as 'Very inaccurate'. Hector is portrayed as a family man who cares deeply for his wife and son. He also is the leader of the Trojans and shows strong concern for his fellow soldiers and people. This suggests that Hector is in fact very interested in others, both within his personal family circle and more broadly among his compatriots. His character consistently displays a willingness to help, protect, and understand those around him. Therefore, a statement saying he is 'not really interested in others' would be very inaccurate based on the depiction of his character in the Greek epic poems.

Agreeableness Feel others' emotions. Moderately Accurate 4

Moderately Accurate. Hector, the legendary Trojan prince in the Iliad, is described as a family man and a protector of his people. He shows empathy and compassion, particularly in his interactions with his wife Andromache and his son Astyanax. He seems to understand their fear and sadness and seems to take on their emotional states, as seen during multiple scenes throughout the Iliad. This suggests Hector could sense and understand other's feelings to some degree. Thus, it can be moderately accurate to say that Hector feels others' emotions.

Agreeableness Sympathize with others' feelings. Moderately Accurate 4

Moderately Accurate. Hector is portrayed as a character who understands and resonates with his people's feelings of fear, despair, and hope. He also shows deep affection and empathy towards his wife and son, with his desire to protect them from the impending invasion demonstrating his ability to sympathize with their feelings. His empathy is also shown when he invariably treats his enemy, Achilles, with respect, despite the latter's rage.

However, the context of warfare limits a full expression of empathy, hence the qualification of the assessment as moderately accurate. Since Hector is mainly seen in a battle setting, the moments where he can express empathy or sympathize are less frequent. At times, the demands of battle require him to step over enemy corpses towards his goal, showing a limitation in his ability to sympathize with the feelings of others.

Extraversion Keep in the background. Moderately Inaccurate 4

Moderately inaccurate. Hector is generally portrayed as a valorous and respected leader for Trojan forces during the Trojan War. Hector was the eldest son of Priam and Hecuba, and he was the heir apparent to the throne of Troy. His character predominantly showcases bravery and leadership, which suggests that he would not prefer to keep in the background. It is more likely that Hector would be at the forefront of any action, leading his people, which indicates that he would be less likely to be a background character in any circumstances.

Extraversion Don't talk a lot. Moderately Inaccurate 4

I would rate the statement 'Hector doesn't talk a lot' as 'moderately inaccurate'. In the Iliad, Hector, the Trojan prince, is portrayed as a great warrior, but he's also depicted as being articulate, insightful and a strong communicator. He often delivers important speeches to his troops, debates strategies with his allies, and he even has confrontations with Paris, his brother. Therefore, claiming that Hector does not talk a lot would be a misrepresentation of his character as shown in the original texts.

Extraversion Talk to a lot of different people at parties. Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate 3

There is not enough information mentioned in the Greek Epic Poems about Hector's behavior at parties. Hector, who appears in Homer's 'Iliad,' is primarily portrayed as a valiant warrior, a dutiful son, and a loving father and husband. His social habits or his behavior at parties is not a central part of his characterization. Therefore, we cannot accurately confirm if he talks to lots of different people at parties.

Extraversion Am the life of the party. Very Inaccurate 1 Based on character information from Homer's Greek epic poems, notably 'The Iliad,' the statement 'Hector is the life of the party' would be 'Very inaccurate.' Hector is portrayed as the champion of Troy, a dutiful son, a loving husband and father. He is seen primarily in serious, high-stakes circumstances, often relating to war and conflict. He is not depicted engaging in festivities or merrymaking typical of being the 'life of the party.' Hector is more gravely concerned with his duties and responsibilities than frivolity and fun. Therefore, according to his personality traits presented in the narrative, it would be very inaccurate to portray him as the life of the party.
* 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?".