Character Source Material: Breaking Bad (TV Series, AMC)
Walter White is the main character of the television series "Breaking Bad." He is a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking and selling methamphetamine with a former student named Jesse Pinkman after he is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and realizes that he will not be able to leave his family financially secure with his meager salary and mounting medical bills. Over the course of the series, Walter becomes increasingly ruthless and morally ambiguous as he descends deeper into the criminal underworld, and his actions have far-reaching consequences for himself and those around him.
At the beginning of the series, he is portrayed as a mild-mannered, unassuming high school chemistry teacher who is struggling to make ends meet. However, as he becomes more involved in the drug trade, his personality begins to change. Walter is incredibly intelligent and resourceful, which enables him to become a successful methamphetamine producer and dealer. He is also a skilled chemist, using his knowledge of chemistry to create a pure and potent product. However, as he becomes more entrenched in the criminal world, Walter becomes increasingly ruthless and manipulative. He is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his interests, even if it means killing or manipulating those closest to him. Despite his criminal activities, Walter believes that he is doing what he needs to do to provide for his family.
Trait | Percentile | Trait Disposition |
---|---|---|
Neuroticism | 99.84 | High |
Agreeableness | 0.04 | Low |
Extraversion | 0.35 | Low |
Conscientiousness | 26.38 | Average |
Openness | 70.45 | Average |
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 | Walter White is a highly intelligent and creative character, with a keen understanding of chemistry and a talent for problem-solving. He is able to think quickly on his feet and come up with innovative solutions to difficult challenges, often relying on his extensive knowledge of science and technology. While Walter's thinking is generally grounded in reality and based on practical considerations, he is certainly capable of imaginative thinking and creative problem-solving. Throughout the course of the series 'Breaking Bad,' he is often faced with complex situations that require him to think outside the box and come up with unconventional solutions. For example, in order to expand his drug empire and outwit his rivals, Walter comes up with a number of clever and innovative strategies, such as using a magnet to destroy evidence and creating a fake ricin cigarette to deceive his enemies. These approaches demonstrate his ability to think creatively and imaginatively in order to achieve his goals. So, while Walter may not be a particularly fanciful or imaginative character in the traditional sense, he is certainly a highly creative and resourceful individual, with a keen ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. |
Openness | Am not interested in abstract ideas. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | While he is a highly intelligent character with a deep understanding of scientific principles, his interests are generally more practical and pragmatic than abstract. Throughout the course of the series 'Breaking Bad,' Walter is primarily focused on the practical aspects of his criminal activities, such as manufacturing and selling drugs, rather than abstract or theoretical concepts. He is more concerned with the immediate consequences of his actions than with the larger philosophical or ethical questions raised by his criminal behavior. That being said, there are certainly moments in the show where Walter grapples with larger abstract concepts, particularly as he becomes more deeply involved in the criminal underworld and is forced to confront the moral implications of his actions. However, his primary focus remains on the practical aspects of his situation, rather than on more abstract or philosophical considerations. |
Openness | Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | Walter White is a highly intelligent character with a deep understanding of chemistry and scientific principles. While he may not always be able to grasp abstract concepts immediately, he is generally depicted as someone who is able to think critically and logically about complex ideas. Throughout the course of the series 'Breaking Bad,' Walter is shown to be a careful and analytical thinker, often taking the time to carefully consider the potential consequences of his actions and weighing different options before making a decision. While he may struggle with more abstract or theoretical concepts at times, such as when dealing with legal or ethical considerations, he is generally portrayed as someone who is able to think deeply and critically about a wide range of topics. Overall, while Walter may not always have an intuitive grasp of abstract ideas, he is a highly intelligent and thoughtful character who is able to apply his knowledge and analytical skills to a variety of different situations. |
Openness | Have a vivid imagination. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | Walter White is a highly intelligent and creative character, with a keen understanding of chemistry and a knack for problem-solving. He is able to think quickly on his feet and come up with innovative solutions to difficult challenges, often relying on his extensive knowledge of science and technology.
However, it is not necessarily accurate to say that Walter White has a particularly vivid imagination. While he is certainly capable of creative thinking and innovation, his thought processes are generally grounded in reality and based on practical considerations. Throughout the course of the series 'Breaking Bad,' Walter is often faced with complex situations that require him to think outside the box and come up with unconventional solutions. However, his approaches are generally based on a sound understanding of the scientific principles involved and a careful consideration of the risks and benefits of different courses of action. In summary, while Walter White is a highly creative and intelligent character, his thinking is generally grounded in reality and based on practical considerations rather than a particularly vivid or fanciful imagination. |
Neuroticism | Seldom feel blue. | Moderately Inaccurate | 4 | Walter White's character goes through a lot of emotional and psychological changes throughout the television series 'Breaking Bad,' and he experiences a wide range of emotions, including sadness and depression. At the beginning of the series, Walter is portrayed as a somewhat depressed and unfulfilled high school chemistry teacher, struggling to make ends meet and to find meaning in his life. As he becomes more deeply involved in the drug trade, he experiences a range of emotions, including fear, anger, and anxiety, as well as moments of triumph and satisfaction. However, there are also times throughout the series when Walter experiences profound sadness and despair. He is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the toll that his criminal activities have taken on himself and those around him. He struggles with feelings of guilt, regret, and hopelessness, particularly as his relationships with his family members and close friends become strained and complicated. So, while Walter White is not always in a state of sadness or depression, he does experience these emotions at various points throughout the show, particularly as the consequences of his actions become more dire and he is forced to confront the reality of his situation. |
Neuroticism | Am relaxed most of the time. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | No, Walter White is not relaxed most of the time. Throughout the course of the television series 'Breaking Bad,' Walter's character experiences a wide range of emotions and psychological states, but relaxation is not typically one of them. As the show progresses, Walter becomes increasingly embroiled in the criminal underworld, and his behavior becomes more erratic and unpredictable. He is often anxious, tense, and on edge, as he navigates the dangerous and high-stakes world of drug dealing. In addition to the stress of his criminal activities, Walter also faces significant personal challenges that contribute to his overall sense of unease. He struggles with health issues, financial problems, and conflicts with family members, all of which contribute to his heightened state of emotional arousal. While there are moments in the show when Walter appears calm or relaxed, these are typically brief respites from the overall tension and chaos that surrounds him. Overall, it is fair to say that Walter White is not a character who is known for his relaxation or sense of ease. |
Neuroticism | Get upset easily. | Moderately Accurate | 4 | Walter White is a fictional character from the television series 'Breaking Bad,' and his temperament is complex and multifaceted throughout the show. While he is initially portrayed as a mild-mannered and reserved high school chemistry teacher, his character becomes increasingly volatile and unpredictable as the series progresses. Walter White is shown to become upset or angry in many situations throughout the show, often in response to threats to his safety, his family, or his drug business. He can be extremely defensive and aggressive when challenged, and he frequently lashes out at those who oppose him. At the same time, he can also be calculating and strategic in his actions, and he sometimes suppresses his emotions in order to achieve his goals. Overall, it can be said that Walter White has a tendency to become upset or angry, especially when he feels that his authority or power is being challenged. However, his emotional reactions are also influenced by his complicated personal history, his relationships with other characters, and the unpredictable circumstances of his criminal activities. |
Neuroticism | Have frequent mood swings. | Very Accurate | 5 | Yes, Walter White from the TV series 'Breaking Bad' is shown to have frequent mood swings throughout the show. As he becomes more and more deeply involved in the world of methamphetamine production, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic and unpredictable. At times, Walter can be calm and calculating, carefully planning his next move to stay one step ahead of his enemies. However, he can also be prone to sudden outbursts of anger or frustration, lashing out at those around him in moments of intense stress. Furthermore, as Walter's personal life becomes more complicated, his mood swings become more pronounced. He struggles with guilt over his actions and the impact they have on his family and friends, leading to moments of intense sadness or despair. Overall, Walter's mood swings are an important part of his character arc, reflecting the complex emotional toll that his actions have on him over the course of the show. |
Conscientiousness | Make a mess of things. | Very Accurate | 1 | I think Walter White makes a mess of things, but not in the literal sense. He does not make a mess of his chemistry, his meth, or his money. He is very skilled, efficient, and meticulous in those aspects. He does not spill, waste, or lose anything that is valuable or important to him. However, he makes a mess of things in the figurative sense. He makes a mess of his life, his family, and his relationships. He is very reckless, selfish, and ruthless in those aspects. He ruins, harms, or kills anything that is in his way or against him. He makes a mess of his health by refusing treatment for his cancer and exposing himself to dangerous chemicals and situations. He makes a mess of his marriage by lying to Skyler, cheating on her with Gretchen, and forcing her to launder his money. He makes a mess of his son by disappointing him, alienating him, and endangering him. He makes a mess of his daughter by neglecting her, kidnapping her, and leaving her behind. He makes a mess of his brother-in-law by deceiving him, undermining him, and killing him. He makes a mess of his partner by manipulating him, abusing him, and betraying him. He makes a mess of his friends by exploiting them, threatening them, and murdering them. He makes a mess of his enemies by provoking them, fighting them, and annihilating them. So, Walter White makes a mess of things, but not in the way you might expect. He makes a mess of everything that matters except for his drug business. |
Conscientiousness | Often forget to put things back in their proper place. | Very Inaccurate | 5 | I don’t think Walter White forgets to put things back in their proper place. He is very careful and meticulous about his belongings, especially when they are related to his drug business. He always hides his money, his equipment, his product, or his evidence in secure and discreet locations. He always makes sure to erase his tracks, delete his messages, or destroy his phone. He always checks his surroundings, his car, or his house for any signs of surveillance, intrusion, or danger. However, he may sometimes leave things out of place on purpose, to send a message, to set a trap, or to create a diversion. For example, he left the book Leaves of Grass on his toilet, which led Hank to discover his identity as Heisenberg. He also left the ricin cigarette in Jesse’s Roomba, which led Jesse to suspect him of poisoning Brock. He also left the keys to his car in the sun visor, which allowed him to start the car and activate the machine gun in the trunk. So, Walter White does not forget to put things back in their proper place. He either puts them back carefully or leaves them out deliberately. |
Conscientiousness | Like order. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | I think Walter White likes order, but only when it suits him or benefits him. He likes order when it comes to his chemistry, his meth production, his money laundering, or his business deals. He likes to have control, precision, and accuracy. He likes to follow a formula, a plan, or a strategy. He likes to have everything organized, calculated, and accounted for. However, he does not like order when it comes to the law, the authorities, or the morality. He does not like to obey the rules, the regulations, or the norms. He does not like to follow the law, the police, or the DEA. He does not like to respect the rights, the lives, or the dignity of others. He does not like to have any limits, boundaries, or consequences. So, Walter White likes order when it serves his interests or his ego, but he dislikes order when it challenges his power or his freedom. He likes order when he can create it or manipulate it, but he dislikes order when he has to accept it or submit to it. |
Conscientiousness | Get chores done right away. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | I think that depends on what kind of chores you mean. If you mean household chores, such as cleaning, cooking, or laundry, then Walter White does not seem to get them done right away. He often leaves them to Skyler or neglects them altogether. He is more focused on his drug business than his domestic duties. He may sometimes do some chores to keep up appearances or to avoid suspicion, but he does not seem to enjoy or prioritize them. If you mean drug-related chores, such as cooking meth, distributing money, or eliminating rivals, then Walter White does get them done right away. He is very efficient, meticulous, and ambitious when it comes to his drug empire. He does not like to waste time or resources. He is always looking for ways to improve his product, expand his market, or protect his territory. He may sometimes face obstacles or delays, but he always finds a way to overcome them or work around them. He is very driven and determined when it comes to his drug business. |
Agreeableness | Am not interested in other people's problems. | Very Accurate | 1 | That’s a good question. I think Walter White is not interested in other people’s problems unless they affect him or his business. He often ignores or dismisses the issues that his family, friends, or associates face, such as Skyler’s depression, Jesse’s addiction, Hank’s PTSD, or Mike’s granddaughter. He also shows little empathy or remorse for the people he harms or kills, such as Jane, Gale, Brock, Drew Sharp, Andrea, or the prison inmates. He only seems to care about his own problems, such as his cancer, his money, his reputation, or his enemies. He may sometimes pretend to be interested in other people’s problems to manipulate them or gain their trust, but he rarely does anything to help them or make them feel better. |
Agreeableness | Am not really interested in others. | Moderately Accurate | 2 | As for his interest in others, I think that depends on how you define interest. In this context, a human might say that interest means caring about someone’s well-being, feelings, opinions, or needs. If that is the case, then Walter White seems to lose interest in others as the series progresses. He becomes more selfish, ruthless, manipulative, and violent, often putting his own ego and greed above his family and friends. He also lies, betrays, and kills people who get in his way or threaten his drug empire. He may still have some interest in his wife Skyler, his son Walt Jr., his daughter Holly, and his former partner Jesse Pinkman, but he often harms them or puts them in danger as well. So, to answer your question, Walter White is not really interested in others, at least not in a positive or healthy way. He is more interested in himself and his power as Heisenberg. |
Agreeableness | Feel others' emotions. | Moderately Inaccurate | 2 | Walter White's character in the TV show Breaking Bad is not portrayed as particularly adept at feeling or understanding others' emotions. He is often focused on his own concerns and goals, and his interactions with others are typically driven by his own self-interest.
However, there are moments throughout the show where Walter does seem to have some degree of emotional intelligence, particularly in his relationships with his family and with his partner Jesse. He is capable of showing empathy and concern for those close to him, and he is often motivated by a desire to protect and provide for them. That being said, as the show progresses and Walter becomes more deeply involved in the methamphetamine trade, his character becomes increasingly ruthless and self-interested. He becomes less concerned with the well-being of others and more focused on achieving his own goals, even if it means hurting those around him. Therefore, while Walter does have some capacity for feeling others' emotions, his character is ultimately driven by his own motivations and desires. |
Agreeableness | Sympathize with others' feelings. | Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate | 3 | Walter White's character in the TV show Breaking Bad is complex and multifaceted, and his capacity for empathy and sympathy varies depending on the situation. In some instances, Walter is shown to be capable of sympathizing with others' feelings and experiences, particularly with those he cares about, such as his wife Skyler or his partner Jesse. However, as the show progresses and Walter becomes more deeply involved in the methamphetamine trade, his character becomes increasingly ruthless and selfish, and his capacity for empathy and sympathy appears to diminish. He becomes more focused on achieving his own goals and protecting his own interests, even if it means putting others in danger or causing them harm. Overall, while Walter is capable of sympathizing with others' feelings at times, his character is ultimately driven by his own desires and motivations, often at the expense of others. |
Extraversion | Keep in the background. | Very Accurate | 1 | Yes, Walter White, the main character of the TV show Breaking Bad, often prefers to keep in the background and not draw attention to himself. He is portrayed as a reserved and introverted person who does not seek out the spotlight or engage in social interactions more than necessary. This is especially true in the earlier seasons of the show, where Walter is still trying to keep his involvement in the methamphetamine trade a secret from his family and colleagues. As the show progresses and Walter becomes more involved in the drug trade, his behavior becomes more erratic and unpredictable, and he becomes less concerned with keeping a low profile. However, even in these later seasons, Walter's character is still largely introverted and reserved, preferring to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself rather than sharing them openly with others. Therefore, it is accurate to say that Walter White often prefers to keep in the background. |
Extraversion | Don't talk a lot. | Moderately Accurate | 2 | Yes, it is true that Walter White, the main character of the TV show Breaking Bad, is not known for being talkative. Walter is portrayed as a reserved and introverted person who often keeps to himself and struggles with social interactions. He is not someone who is known for being outgoing or gregarious, and throughout the show, we see him engage in relatively few conversations, particularly with people outside of his close circle. Instead, Walter's character is primarily focused on his work as a chemistry teacher and later, as a methamphetamine manufacturer and dealer. Therefore, it is accurate to say that Walter White doesn't talk a lot. |
Extraversion | Talk to a lot of different people at parties. | Very Inaccurate | 1 | Walter is depicted as a socially awkward and introverted individual who struggles with personal relationships and social interactions. He is often seen as a quiet and reserved person who prefers to keep to himself, especially when he becomes more involved in the drug trade. Additionally, throughout the show, we rarely see Walter attending parties or social events, as his focus is primarily on his work as a methamphetamine manufacturer and dealer. Therefore, it is unlikely that Walter White would talk to lots of different people at parties. |
Extraversion | Am the life of the party. | Very Inaccurate | 1 | No, Walter White is not the life of the party. In fact, his character is portrayed as a socially awkward and introverted individual. He is often seen as a quiet and reserved person who struggles with his personal relationships and social interactions. As the show progresses and Walter becomes more involved in the drug trade, he becomes even more isolated from those around him and his behavior becomes increasingly erratic and unpredictable. Therefore, he is not someone who is known for being the center of attention or the life of the party. |