Jesse Pinkman


Character Source Material: Breaking Bad (TV Series, AMC)


Jesse is a former student of the show's main character, Walter White, and becomes his partner in the production and distribution of methamphetamine. Throughout the series, Jesse struggles with addiction, guilt, and the consequences of his criminal activities. He also forms close relationships with other characters, including his girlfriend Jane and his friend and mentor Mike Ehrmantraut.

At the start of the show, he is a young, reckless drug dealer who is often seen as a nuisance by his more experienced peers. He speaks in a slang-filled, informal manner and is often quick to anger. As the series progresses, Jesse begins to show a more sensitive and vulnerable side. He struggles with drug addiction and the guilt of his criminal activities, particularly after the death of his girlfriend Jane. He also develops a close relationship with Walter White, despite the many conflicts and betrayals between them.

Jesse is a loyal friend and has a strong sense of morality, often showing compassion for those who are suffering or in need. However, he can also be impulsive and hot-headed, sometimes leading him into dangerous situations. Jesse is known for his emotional outbursts and his ability to convey deep pain and sadness.



5 Factor Personality Summary for Jesse Pinkman

Trait Percentile Trait Disposition
Neuroticism 98.35 High
Agreeableness 76.46 Average
Extraversion 51.95 Average
Conscientiousness 1.14 Low
Openness 9.2 Low
personality chart
Link to full personality profile report.



5 Factor Personality Items and Responses for Jesse Pinkman

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

Jesse Pinkman has a good imagination because he can create original and inventive solutions to his problems and challenges. He can also express his creativity and personality through his meth cooking, his clothing, and his hobbies. For example, he comes up with the idea of using a magnet to erase the hard drive of a laptop that contains incriminating evidence against him and Walter White. He also devises a plan to rob a train of methylamine, a key ingredient for meth production, without killing anyone or leaving any traces. He also adds chili powder to his meth product to give it a distinctive flavor and color. He also wears colorful and flashy outfits that reflect his mood and style. He also enjoys drawing and woodworking as forms of artistic expression. Therefore, some people may think that Jesse Pinkman has a good imagination and that he uses it to cope with his difficult and dangerous life.

Openness Am not interested in abstract ideas. Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate 3

Jesse Pinkman is interested in abstract ideas, but he may not have the opportunity or the motivation to pursue them. He is often preoccupied with his survival and his problems in the drug trade, which leave him little time or energy to explore other interests or hobbies. He also may not have the confidence or the support to pursue his passions or talents, such as drawing or woodworking. He may feel that he is not good enough or that he does not deserve happiness or fulfillment. However, this does not mean that he is not curious or open-minded about abstract ideas. He shows interest in topics such as philosophy, religion, and art when he encounters them in his life. For example, he attends a Narcotics Anonymous meeting where he listens to a speaker talk about self-acceptance and forgiveness. He also visits a museum with Jane where he admires a painting by Georgia O’Keeffe and learns about her artistic vision. He also reads a book by Walt Whitman that was given to him by Walter White and finds meaning and connection in the poetry. Therefore, some people may think that Jesse Pinkman is interested in abstract ideas, but he needs more encouragement and guidance to explore them further.

Openness Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. Moderately Accurate 2

Jesse Pinkman has difficulty understanding abstract ideas because he is more of a practical and intuitive person who learns by doing and experiencing things. He often struggles with complex concepts and theories that are not directly related to his reality or goals. For example, he has trouble grasping the chemistry behind his meth cooking and relies on Walter White to explain it to him. He also has difficulty expressing his feelings and emotions in words and tends to act impulsively or recklessly when he is upset or angry. However, this is not to say that Jesse Pinkman is unintelligent or incapable of understanding abstract ideas. He shows creativity and innovation in his meth cooking, such as adding chili powder to his product or using magnets to destroy evidence. He also demonstrates empathy and compassion for others, such as helping a neglected child in a drug house or trying to save Brock from being poisoned. He also has moments of insight and reflection, such as questioning the morality of his actions or realizing the manipulation of Walter White.

Openness Have a vivid imagination. Moderately Inaccurate 2

Jesse Pinkman is not portrayed as having a particularly vivid imagination in the show 'Breaking Bad.' While he is often creative and resourceful in finding solutions to problems, this is more a product of his street smarts and survival instincts than an active imagination.

Instead, Jesse's character is often depicted as being more reactive and impulsive, responding to situations as they arise rather than imagining different scenarios or outcomes. He is more focused on the present moment and his immediate needs than on abstract ideas or possibilities.

Neuroticism Seldom feel blue. Moderately Inaccurate 4

He is portrayed as someone who has gone through difficult experiences such as addiction, loss, and trauma, which can contribute to feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Throughout the series, Jesse's character has moments of vulnerability and sadness, often related to his personal relationships and experiences. These moments can be intense and are portrayed realistically, indicating that he does feel blue from time to time.

Neuroticism Am relaxed most of the time. Moderately Inaccurate 4

Jesse Pinkman does not seem to be relaxed most of the time. He does not seem to have a lot of peace or comfort in his life. He often faces stress, danger, or violence in his work and relationships. He also suffers from anxiety, depression, or addiction that affect his well-being. He also has a hard time finding happiness, meaning, or closure in his actions. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman is not very relaxed or content.

Neuroticism Get upset easily. Moderately Accurate 4

He does not seem to be very tolerant or patient in his interactions. He often reacts with anger, frustration, or fear to things that bother him or challenge him. He also has a lot of unresolved issues and conflicts that affect his mood and behavior. He also faces many threats and losses that hurt him or scare him. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman is not very easygoing or composed.

Neuroticism Have frequent mood swings. Moderately Accurate 4

Based on what I know about Jesse Pinkman, I would guess that he does have frequent mood swings. He does not seem to be very stable or consistent in his emotions. He often goes from being happy, excited, or confident to being sad, angry, or scared. He also suffers from guilt, trauma, and addiction that affect his mental state. He also faces many stressful and dangerous situations that trigger his emotions. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman is not very calm or balanced.

Conscientiousness Make a mess of things. Moderately Accurate 2

Jesse Pinkman does make a mess of things in some ways, such as causing problems, making mistakes, or creating chaos. He often gets into trouble with the law, his enemies, or his allies. He also makes poor decisions that backfire on him or hurt others. He also contributes to the destruction and corruption of the drug trade. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman is not very competent or successful.

However, Jesse Pinkman does not make a mess of things in other ways, such as losing hope, giving up, or becoming evil. He often tries to fix his problems, learn from his mistakes, or create order. He also shows courage, resilience, and compassion in the face of adversity. He also strives to find some sense of morality, justice, or redemption in his actions. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman is not very hopeless or wicked.

Conscientiousness Often forget to put things back in their proper place. Moderately Accurate 2

I would guess that he does forget to put things back in their proper place. He does not seem to be very organized or meticulous in his personal or professional life. He often leaves his belongings scattered around his living spaces, such as clothes, drugs, or money. He also does not seem to care much about the consequences of his actions, such as leaving evidence, attracting attention, or endangering others. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman is not very careful or responsible.

Conscientiousness Like order. Moderately Inaccurate 2

Jesse Pinkman does not seem to like order in the conventional sense, such as following rules, obeying authority, or maintaining structure. He often rebels against his parents, his teachers, his bosses, and the law. He also lives a chaotic and unpredictable life, where he faces constant threats, violence, and betrayal. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman is not very conformist or disciplined.

However, Jesse Pinkman does seem to like order in a different sense, such as having a purpose, a direction, or a meaning. He often seeks guidance, validation, or approval from people he respects or cares about, such as Walter White, Mike Ehrmantraut, or Jane Margolis. He also tries to find some sense of morality, justice, or redemption in his actions, even if they are illegal or immoral. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman is not very nihilistic or cynical.

Conscientiousness Get chores done right away. Very Inaccurate 1

That depends on what kind of chores you mean. If you mean household chores, such as cleaning, cooking, or laundry, then Jesse Pinkman does not seem to get them done right away. He often lives in messy or dirty places, such as his aunt’s house, his apartment, or the RV. He also does not seem to care much about his personal hygiene or appearance. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman is not very tidy or organized.

If you mean criminal chores, such as cooking meth, disposing of bodies, or escaping from enemies, then Jesse Pinkman does seem to get them done right away. He often follows Walter White’s instructions or comes up with his own plans to deal with the situations they face. He also shows courage and determination in overcoming the obstacles and dangers that they encounter. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman is very resourceful and resilient.

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

I don’t think that’s true either. Jesse Pinkman seems to be interested in other people’s problems, especially if he feels responsible for them or if he can help them. He has shown compassion and concern for people who are suffering or in trouble, such as Andrea and Brock, the child in “Peekaboo”, or the boy who witnessed Todd’s murder. He also tried to solve some of the problems that he and Walter White faced, such as getting rid of the RV, disposing of Gale’s body, or escaping from the neo-Nazis. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman is not indifferent or apathetic to other people’s problems.

Agreeableness Am not really interested in others. Moderately Inaccurate 4

I don’t think that’s true. Jesse Pinkman seems to be interested in others, especially those who are close to him or who need his help. He has friends, relationships, and connections that he cares about and tries to protect. He also shows curiosity and respect for people who are different from him, such as Mike Ehrmantraut or the Disappearer. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman is not indifferent or apathetic to others.

Agreeableness Feel others' emotions. Very Accurate 5

Based on the search results, it seems that Jesse Pinkman does feel others’ emotions, especially those who are vulnerable or suffering. Some examples are:

  • He was traumatized by witnessing his girlfriend’s murder and being enslaved by neo-Nazis.
  • He wrote a letter to Brock, his girlfriend’s son, to express his remorse and care.
  • He tried to help a neglected child whose parents were drug addicts in the episode 'Peekaboo'.
  • He felt guilty and remorseful for his and Walter White’s actions that harmed or killed innocent people.

Some people may think that Jesse Pinkman is the most empathetic character in Breaking Bad because he is able to understand and share the feelings of others. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman has a good heart despite his bad choices.

Agreeableness Sympathize with others' feelings. Very Accurate 5

Jesse Pinkman does sympathize with others’ feelings, especially those who are vulnerable or suffering. Some examples are:

  • He cared for his sick aunt who died from cancer.
  • He was hospitalized after being beaten by Tuco Salamanca, a violent drug lord.
  • He tried to help a neglected child whose parents were drug addicts in the episode 'Peekaboo'.
  • He felt guilty and remorseful for his and Walter White’s actions that harmed or killed innocent people.

Some people may think that Jesse Pinkman is the most sympathetic character in Breaking Bad because he is the most human and relatable one. In this context, a human might say that Jesse Pinkman has a good heart despite his bad choices.

Extraversion Keep in the background. Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate 3

Jesse Pinkman's character is portrayed as complex and multi-faceted in the TV show 'Breaking Bad.' While there are instances where he may prefer to keep a low profile and stay in the background, there are also moments where he takes charge and asserts himself.

In the early seasons of the show, Jesse is shown to be somewhat of a follower and is often overshadowed by the more assertive and dominant character of Walter White. However, as the series progresses, Jesse becomes more confident in himself and his abilities, and he is shown to take on more leadership roles.

So while there may be times when Jesse prefers to keep in the background, it is not accurate to describe his character as someone who always avoids the spotlight. His behavior and level of assertiveness vary depending on the situation, his mood, and his personal growth throughout the show.

Extraversion Don't talk a lot. Neither Inaccurate nor Accurate 3

In some scenes, he is shown to be very chatty and talkative, while in others, he can be quiet and reserved. However, it is worth noting that Jesse Pinkman's character development over the course of the show involves him becoming more vocal and assertive as he gains confidence in himself and his abilities. In the earlier seasons, he may come across as more shy or hesitant to speak up, but as the show progresses, he becomes more comfortable expressing his thoughts and feelings.

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

He is portrayed as a social person who enjoys partying and interacting with others. He is shown to have a large network of acquaintances, including drug dealers and other criminals, whom he interacts with at parties and other social events. Additionally, he is often seen engaging in conversations with people from different walks of life, including his friends, family, and colleagues. Therefore, it is possible that Jesse Pinkman talks to lots of different people at parties in the TV show.

Extraversion Am the life of the party. Moderately Accurate 4

Jesse Pinkman is a fictional character from the TV series 'Breaking Bad.' In the show, Jesse is portrayed as a charismatic and impulsive person who enjoys parties and socializing with others. However, as the show progresses, we also see that Jesse struggles with drug addiction and has a troubled past, which can sometimes make him unpredictable and unreliable.

Overall, while Jesse can certainly be a lively and engaging presence at a party, his personal demons and struggles make it difficult to definitively say whether he is always 'the life of the party.' It ultimately depends on the situation and Jesse's state of mind at the time.

* 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?".