Character Source Material: Jane Austen, Novels Written by
Trait | Percentile | Trait Disposition |
---|---|---|
Neuroticism | 12.56 | Low |
Agreeableness | 76.46 | High |
Extraversion | 96.98 | High |
Conscientiousness | 26.38 | Average |
Openness | 97.88 | 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. | Very inaccurate | 5 | As mentioned earlier, Emma's vivid imagination is one of her defining characteristics. She constantly creates scenarios, interprets situations (often incorrectly), and envisions future outcomes. Her imagination fuels her matchmaking attempts and her general engagement with the world around her. While sometimes misguided, her imaginative nature is undeniable and central to her character. |
Openness | Am not interested in abstract ideas. | Very inaccurate | 5 | Emma shows a keen interest in abstract ideas, particularly those related to social dynamics, relationships, and personal improvement. She engages in philosophical discussions with Mr. Knightley and contemplates abstract concepts like love, social status, and personal growth. Her interest in these ideas drives much of her character development throughout the novel. |
Openness | Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. | Very inaccurate | 5 | Emma is portrayed as intelligent and quick-witted. She engages in discussions on various topics and shows an ability to grasp and articulate complex social dynamics. While she makes mistakes in judgment, these are due to her inexperience and biases rather than an inability to understand abstract concepts. Her conversations with Mr. Knightley often involve nuanced discussions of behavior and morality. |
Openness | Have a vivid imagination. | Very accurate | 5 | Emma's vivid imagination is a key aspect of her character. She frequently constructs elaborate scenarios and interpretations of events, particularly in her matchmaking endeavors. Her imagination leads her to misinterpret situations, such as believing Mr. Elton is interested in Harriet, or thinking Jane Fairfax has a secret attachment to Mr. Dixon. This trait is both a source of her charm and her mistakes throughout the novel. |
Neuroticism | Seldom feel blue. | Moderately accurate | 2 | Emma's general disposition is cheerful and optimistic. She rarely experiences prolonged periods of sadness or depression. Even when faced with disappointments or realizations about her mistakes, she tends to recover quickly and maintain a positive outlook. Her privilege and social position contribute to her generally positive state of mind. |
Neuroticism | Am relaxed most of the time. | Moderately accurate | 2 | Emma is often described as having a 'happy disposition' and seems generally at ease in her life and social position. While she experiences moments of anxiety or distress, particularly as she becomes aware of her mistakes, her overall demeanor is one of comfort and confidence in her surroundings. |
Neuroticism | Get upset easily. | Moderately inaccurate | 2 | Emma is generally composed and in control of her emotions. While she does experience moments of upset, such as after Mr. Knightley's reprimand following the Box Hill incident, these are not frequent occurrences. She tends to maintain her composure in most situations, befitting her social status and upbringing. |
Neuroticism | Have frequent mood swings. | Moderately inaccurate | 2 | Emma is generally portrayed as having a consistent, cheerful disposition. While she experiences changes in mood based on events, these are not described as frequent or extreme. Her emotional responses typically align with the situations she encounters, rather than being unpredictable or volatile. |
Conscientiousness | Make a mess of things. | Moderately accurate | 2 | While Emma doesn't literally make physical messes, she often creates complicated social situations through her well-intentioned but misguided actions. Her attempts at matchmaking, particularly between Harriet and Mr. Elton, lead to confusion and hurt feelings. Her behavior at Box Hill, where she insults Miss Bates, is another example of Emma 'making a mess' of social situations. |
Conscientiousness | Often forget to put things back in their proper place. | Neither inaccurate nor accurate | 3 | There is insufficient information in the novel to accurately assess Emma's habits regarding physical organization. Her lifestyle as a wealthy young woman with household staff makes it unlikely that this would be a noticeable trait either way. |
Conscientiousness | Like order. | Moderately accurate | 4 | Emma appreciates social order and hierarchy, often acting to maintain or influence it. She has a clear vision of how society should be structured and behaves accordingly. This is evident in her attempts to elevate Harriet's social status and her initial resistance to the idea of Harriet marrying Robert Martin, whom she considers socially inferior. |
Conscientiousness | Get chores done right away. | Neither inaccurate nor accurate | 3 | The novel doesn't provide much information about Emma's approach to chores or daily tasks. As a wealthy young woman with servants, she likely doesn't have many chores in the traditional sense. However, she does show initiative in social matters and in pursuing her hobbies, such as painting, which suggests some level of self-motivation. |
Agreeableness | Am not interested in other people's problems. | Very inaccurate | 5 | Emma frequently involves herself in other people's problems, particularly in their romantic lives. She takes on Harriet Smith's situation as a personal project, attempting to solve her perceived problem of low social status through advantageous marriage. While her interest is not always helpful, she is deeply invested in what she perceives as the problems of those around her. |
Agreeableness | Am not really interested in others. | Very inaccurate | 5 | Emma shows a keen interest in the lives and affairs of others, often to a fault. Her hobby of matchmaking demonstrates her deep involvement in others' personal lives. She takes a strong interest in Harriet Smith's life and relationships, and is generally curious about the goings-on in Highbury society. Her interest, though sometimes misguided, is a central aspect of her character. |
Agreeableness | Feel others' emotions. | Moderately accurate | 4 | Emma demonstrates an ability to perceive and respond to others' emotions, particularly those close to her. She is attuned to her father's anxieties and Harriet's romantic feelings. However, her perception is often colored by her own assumptions, leading to misinterpretations. For example, she misreads Mr. Elton's affections, believing them to be directed at Harriet rather than herself. |
Agreeableness | Sympathize with others' feelings. | Moderately accurate | 4 | Emma often shows sympathy, particularly towards those she is fond of, like her father and Harriet Smith. However, her sympathy is sometimes limited by her own preconceptions and social biases. For instance, she shows great concern for Harriet's feelings in matters of love, but initially fails to sympathize with Miss Bates' situation, leading to the infamous Box Hill incident where she insults Miss Bates. |
Extraversion | Keep in the background. | Very inaccurate | 5 | Emma is consistently at the forefront of social situations and narratives. As the protagonist, she drives much of the novel's action through her schemes and interactions. Her position in society and her personality make it natural for her to be at the center of attention, rather than in the background. This is evident in scenes like the Box Hill excursion, where her actions and words significantly impact the group dynamics. |
Extraversion | Don't talk a lot. | Very inaccurate | 5 | Emma is characterized by her lively conversation and frequent exchanges with others. Throughout the novel, she is often engaged in dialogue, whether it's with her father, Harriet Smith, or other members of the community. Her propensity for talking is evident in her lengthy discussions about matchmaking and her opinions on various social matters. |
Extraversion | Talk to a lot of different people at parties. | Very accurate | 5 | Emma is known for her sociability and engagement with various members of Highbury society. She actively converses with people from different social strata, from Mr. Knightley to Miss Bates. During the Crown Inn ball, Emma is described as moving among different groups, conversing with various attendees, showcasing her ability to engage with a wide range of individuals. |
Extraversion | Am the life of the party. | Very accurate | 5 | Emma Woodhouse is consistently portrayed as the center of attention in social gatherings. In Jane Austen's 'Emma,' she is described as 'handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition.' Her vibrant personality and social status make her a natural focal point at parties and social events in Highbury. For example, at the Christmas Eve party at Randalls, Emma's presence and interactions are central to the narrative. |