Five Factor Model types

The Five Factor Model is based on the five most important human differences in styles of interaction. (This is based on an analysis of language and seems to hold through different languages and cultures.) These are not types but a series of variable traits. They can be useful ways to think about your character’s personality.

1. Need for Stability (Neuroticism): How does a person respond to stress? This is rated on a scale from Resilient (calm & steady) to Reactive (Alert & Excitable). It includes such traits as sensitiveness, intensity and rebound time. It measures anxiety, hostility, depression, self-consciousness, impulsiveness & vulnerability.

2. Extraversion: Does the person prefer to be around other people or to be alone? This is rated on a scale from Extrovert (very social) to Introvert (alone, quiet, private). This includes such traits as enthusiasm, trust, and energy mode. It measures warmth, gregariousness, assertiveness, activity, excitement-seeking, and positive emotions. (Not identical with the Meyers-Briggs use of introversion/extroversion.) 3. Originality: How open is the character to new ideas and experiences? This is rated on a scale from Explorer (creative, cutting edge) to Preserver (Maintains the status quo, detail oriented). It includes traits such as imagination, change, complexity and breadth of view. It measures openness to fantasy, aesthetics, feelings, actions, ideas and values.

4. Accommodation (agreeableness): How tolerant and accepting of others is the character? This refers to the degree to which we defer to others. This is rated on a scale from Challenger (Expressive, competitive) to Adapter (Tolerant, accepting). It includes traits such as agreeableness, service, deference and reticence. It measures trust, straightforwardness, altruism, compliance, modesty and tender-mindedness.

5. Consolidation: (conscientiousness) How does the character approach goals? This refers to the degree to which we push toward goals at work. This is rated on a scale from Focused (disciplined, dependable) to Flexible (relaxed, multi-tasking). It includes such traits as perfectionism, drive and concentration. This measures competence, order, dutifulness, achievement striving, self-discipline and deliberation.