Question

Psychologists have identified five main personality traits, often called the "Big Five" or the five-trait model. Think about the "Big Five" personality traits we studied in class. Then select a real or fictional character from literature, film, television, or public life. How could the "Big Five" model be used to understand the character's personality?

In a multi-paragraph essay, explain what is meant by a "personality trait" according to the "Big Five" model, define each of the "Big Five" traits, and describe the character's personality using the "Big Five" traits. For each trait, be sure to provide evidence from the character's thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Include details from class materials, readings, and research on personality to support your discussion.

Answer 1

The term “Personality Traits” means characteristics of a personality. To put it into different words personality trait reflect people’s characteristic patterns of thought, feelings and behaviours. Personality traits are persisting underlying tendencies to behave in a particular way.

According to BIG Five Model of Personality Traits Five significant personality traits are:

Openness: It is described as the extent to which a person is imaginative or independent and depicts personal preferences for a variety of activities.

Conscientiousness; It is a tendency to be organized and dependable, show self-discipline, act dutifully, aim for achievement and prefer planned rather than spontaneous behaviour

Extraversion: It refers to energy, dynamism, Positive emotions, assertiveness, sociability and tendency to seek stimulations in the company of others and talkativeness.

Agreeableness: It refers to a tendency of compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious, and antagonistic towards others

Neuroticism: It refers to the tendency to experience unpleasant emotions easily, such as anger, anxiety, depression and vulnerability.

Without revealing real identity, I have taken a public persona and will try to explain BIG Five Traits from the point of view of that person.

Mr. X is a famous Indian film personality known for his angry young man image. He is very open and ready to experiment new things in real life and eager to showcase this in reel life as well. By doing this He is displaying Openness.

He is very organized and self disciplined person. He is very punctual and give priorities to his work first. He is never late in his shooting schedule and very methodical in his approach. This behaviour resembles with Conscientiousness.

He is full of energy and too dynamic. Even at the age of 76 years, he is keeping fit himself and that is the reason why he is getting roles at this age also. He is very positive and optimistic about life. This Extraversion nature makes him adorable.

He is very compassionate and sympathetic. He is always ready to help others.He is very cooperative and supportive towards his co-stars and other persons who come across him. This justifies his Agreeableness nature.

However, sometimes he reflects Neuroticism also when he is dragged into unnecessary controversies