Superman (Clark Kent)


Character Source Material: Justice League (DC Comics)


Clark Kent, born Kal-El on the doomed planet Krypton, was raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent on a humble farm in Smallville, Kansas. This wholesome upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of morality and an unwavering commitment to justice. Despite his extraordinary abilities, Clark maintains a modest and unassuming demeanor, often hiding behind the façade of a mild-mannered reporter at the Daily Planet. His dual identity reflects an internal struggle between his desire to fit in with humanity and his calling to use his powers for the greater good. Compassionate yet resolute, Clark's strength lies not just in his physical prowess, but in his capacity for empathy and his steadfast belief in the inherent goodness of people. This optimism, coupled with his small-town values and alien heritage, shapes Superman into a symbol of hope for Metropolis and beyond.


5 Factor Personality Summary for Superman (Clark Kent)

Trait Percentile Trait Disposition
Neuroticism 2.46 Low
Agreeableness 93.83 High
Extraversion 12.09 Low
Conscientiousness 84.45 High
Openness 95.12 High
personality chart
Link to full personality profile report.



5 Factor Personality Items and Responses for Superman (Clark Kent)

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

Superman's ability to find innovative solutions to problems and his creative use of his powers indicate a strong imagination. This is often demonstrated in his battles and problem-solving approaches. In 'Superman: Up, Up, and Away!' by Kurt Busiek and Geoff Johns, Superman creatively uses his powers and environment to overcome challenges, showcasing his imaginative thinking.

Openness Am not interested in abstract ideas. Very inaccurate 5

Superman often engages with abstract concepts such as justice, morality, and the greater good. His interest in these ideas is a driving force behind his actions. In 'Superman: Peace on Earth,' Superman grapples with the abstract concept of world hunger and its complex causes, demonstrating his engagement with high-level, abstract thinking.

Openness Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas. Very inaccurate 5

As both a journalist and a being from an advanced civilization, Superman demonstrates a strong capacity for understanding complex and abstract concepts. This is evident in storylines where he grapples with moral dilemmas or cosmic threats. In 'Superman: Red Son,' Superman's ability to understand and adapt to abstract political and philosophical ideas forms a central part of the narrative, showcasing his intellectual capabilities.

Openness Have a vivid imagination. Moderately accurate 4

Superman's problem-solving skills and his work as a writer suggest a vivid imagination. His ability to come up with creative solutions to complex problems is often showcased in his adventures. For example, in 'Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?' by Alan Moore, Superman uses imaginative tactics to defeat his enemies, demonstrating his capacity for creative thinking.

Neuroticism Seldom feel blue. Moderately accurate 2

While Superman does experience moments of doubt or sadness, particularly when facing the limitations of his powers, he generally maintains a positive outlook. This resilience is a core part of his character. In 'All-Star Superman,' despite facing his own mortality, Superman maintains hope and continues to inspire others, demonstrating his ability to overcome feelings of despair.

Neuroticism Am relaxed most of the time. Moderately accurate 2

Despite the constant threats he faces, Superman often maintains a calm and collected demeanor. This is particularly evident in his Clark Kent persona, where he appears easygoing and unflappable. In the Christopher Reeve Superman films, Clark Kent's relaxed nature is a stark contrast to the intense situations he faces as Superman, highlighting his ability to remain composed in various circumstances.

Neuroticism Get upset easily. Very inaccurate 1

Superman is known for his patience and ability to remain calm in high-stress situations. This trait is consistently portrayed across various media. For instance, in 'Superman: The Animated Series,' Superman regularly faces taunts and provocations from villains like Lex Luthor without losing his temper, showcasing his emotional control and resilience.

Neuroticism Have frequent mood swings. Very inaccurate 1

Superman is typically portrayed as emotionally stable and even-tempered. His ability to remain calm under pressure is a key aspect of his character. This is evident in numerous comic storylines and adaptations where Superman faces world-ending threats without losing his composure. In 'Kingdom Come' by Mark Waid and Alex Ross, even in a dystopian future, Superman maintains his principles and emotional stability despite facing extreme challenges.

Conscientiousness Make a mess of things. Very inaccurate 5

Superman is known for his precision and control, both in his actions as a superhero and in maintaining his secret identity. His ability to handle delicate situations without causing unnecessary damage is a recurring theme. For example, in 'Superman: The Animated Series,' Superman is often shown carefully maneuvering through Metropolis during battles to minimize collateral damage, demonstrating his ability to avoid making a mess even in chaotic situations.

Conscientiousness Often forget to put things back in their proper place. Moderately inaccurate 4

Given Superman's attention to detail and the need to maintain his secret identity, it's unlikely he would be careless with his belongings. In various comic book depictions, Clark Kent's apartment is often shown as neat and organized. For instance, in the 'Superman: Secret Origin' series by Geoff Johns, young Clark is portrayed as meticulous about hiding evidence of his powers, indicating a habit of keeping things in their proper place.

Conscientiousness Like order. Moderately accurate 4

Superman's desire for justice and peace implies a preference for order. This is reflected in his consistent efforts to maintain law and order in Metropolis and beyond. In the comic series 'Superman: Peace on Earth,' Superman's global mission to distribute food showcases his systematic approach to problem-solving and his desire to bring order to chaotic situations.

Conscientiousness Get chores done right away. Moderately accurate 4

While not extensively explored, Superman's sense of responsibility suggests he would be diligent about completing tasks. As Clark Kent, he maintains a job and apartment, indicating a level of reliability. In various depictions, such as in the 'Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman' TV series, Clark is shown balancing his duties as a reporter with his superhero responsibilities, suggesting an ability to manage and complete various 'chores' efficiently.

Agreeableness Am not interested in other people's problems. Very inaccurate 5

Superman's core motivation is to help solve other people's problems, from personal issues to global threats. This is consistently portrayed in comics, films, and TV shows. A notable example is in 'Superman: Grounded' storyline, where Superman walks across America to reconnect with ordinary people and their everyday problems, demonstrating his deep interest in addressing even small-scale issues affecting individuals.

Agreeableness Am not really interested in others. Very inaccurate 5

Superman's entire mission is based on his interest in and dedication to helping others. This is a fundamental aspect of his character across all iterations. For example, in 'Superman: Birthright' by Mark Waid, Clark Kent's journey to become Superman is driven by his deep interest in using his powers to make a positive difference in people's lives, showcasing his genuine concern for humanity.

Agreeableness Feel others' emotions. Very accurate 5

Superman's empathy is a defining characteristic, allowing him to connect deeply with those he protects. This is often portrayed in various media, showing him not just saving lives but also understanding and responding to people's emotional needs. In 'Superman: Peace on Earth' by Paul Dini and Alex Ross, Superman's journey to deliver food to starving people around the world showcases his ability to feel and respond to the suffering of others on a global scale.

Agreeableness Sympathize with others' feelings. Very accurate 5

Superman is known for his compassion and empathy towards others, which is a core aspect of his character. This trait is evident in countless comic book stories and adaptations where he goes out of his way to comfort and understand those in distress. A prime example is in 'All-Star Superman' by Grant Morrison, where Superman takes the time to prevent a suicidal girl from jumping off a building by simply talking to her and sharing his perspective on life.

Extraversion Keep in the background. Moderately accurate 2

As Clark Kent, Superman intentionally tries to blend in and avoid the spotlight to protect his secret identity. This behavior is consistently portrayed across various media. In 'Smallville' TV series, young Clark Kent often struggles with his desire to help others while trying to keep his abilities secret, frequently choosing to act anonymously or indirectly.

Extraversion Don't talk a lot. Moderately accurate 2

As Clark Kent, Superman often maintains a quiet demeanor to avoid drawing attention to himself. This is evident in many comic book depictions and film adaptations where Clark is portrayed as soft-spoken and reserved. For instance, in 'Superman Returns' (2006), Clark Kent is shown as a man of few words, often listening more than speaking in the Daily Planet newsroom.

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

While Clark Kent may be reserved, his dual roles as a journalist and superhero necessitate interacting with various individuals. As Superman, he engages with people from all walks of life during rescue missions and public appearances. In the comics and various adaptations, Clark Kent is often seen interviewing diverse sources for his news stories, demonstrating his ability to connect with different people.

Extraversion Am the life of the party. Moderately inaccurate 2

As Clark Kent, Superman tends to maintain a low profile and shy demeanor to protect his secret identity. However, as Superman, he can be charismatic and attention-grabbing when needed. For example, in 'Superman: The Movie' (1978), Clark Kent is portrayed as awkward and reserved at the Daily Planet office party, deliberately avoiding being the center of attention.

* 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?".