We analyze the character classes that exist according to different theories of personality.
We are born with an inherited and innate configuration that shapes our temperament, and throughout childhood and adolescence, we shape our character and personality by interacting with others, through learning and generating new habits.
In this article we talk about the human character , and the different types of traits that define people.
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What is character?
People can be classified based on different characteristics and traits, some innate and others learned. To understand the concept of human character and character types, other concepts such as temperament or personality must first be explained.
Temperament configures the traits that we inherit and that, therefore, we cannot modify; that is to say, they are all those innate aspects, with which we are born and those that configure our biology and that will condition our character.
The character, which we will talk about throughout the article, results from the interaction of our temperament with the learning experiences that we have throughout life, as well as the habits that we acquire.
Thus, character is modifiable, it is acquired and varies depending on the education we receive and the environment in which we develop as people. For its part, the integration of our temperament with character determines the way we act and is defined as personality.
In general, character is usually formed in childhood and adolescence, since these two stages of our lives are crucial when it comes to consolidating learning and developing a way of being and being in the world.
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What types of character are there?
However, in practice there is not much difference between what we can consider as part of a person’s character and part of their personality, and the research that has been carried out has sometimes mixed both terms.
Studies on character and human personality have yielded multiple results and, currently, there are different theoretical frameworks that would explain the different types of character and personality. The model with the greatest scientific evidence is that of the “Big Five” that we will see below.
The Big 5 Model
Although there are many ways to measure personality, currently the models have focused on explaining the different traits that characterize us as people.
The Big Five model (or “Big Five”, in English) is the most accepted and is made up of five distinctive traits: extraversion, openness to experience, conscientiousness, agreeableness and neuroticism.
1. Extraversion
Extraversion versus introversion is arguably the most recognizable personality trait of the Big Five model . The more extraverted someone is, the easier it is to establish relationships with others. Extroverts are talkative, sociable, and good communicators. Also, they tend to be assertive and cheerful in their social interactions.
Introverts, on the other hand, need a lot of alone time, perhaps because their brains process social interaction differently. Introversion is often confused with shyness, but the two concepts are not the same. Shyness involves a fear of social interactions or an inability to function socially.
Introverted people may act social, they just prefer solo or small group activities.
2. Openness to experience
The openness to experience alludes to the fact that these people enjoy new experiences and that they imply a certain type of adventure. They are curious and appreciate art, imagination and new things. The motto of such a person might be: “Variety is the spice of life.”
People with low openness to experience are just the opposite: they prefer to maintain their habits, avoid new experiences, and are probably not the most adventurous people. Personality change is generally considered a difficult process, but openness to experience is a trait that has been shown to be subject to change in adulthood.
3. Conscientiousness
People who are conscientious and conscientious are often highly organized and have a strong sense of duty . They are reliable, disciplined and achievement-focused people. In addition, they are usually planners.
People with little conscientiousness are more spontaneous and free, and can tend to be careless. This personality trait is a useful trait as it has been linked to performance in school and at work.
4. Kindness
Agreeableness measures a person’s degree of warmth and empathy . The more kind someone is, the more likely they are to be trusting, helpful, and compassionate. Nasty people, on the other hand, are often colder and more suspicious of others, and less likely to cooperate.
According to some studies, men who have a high degree of agreeableness are considered better dancers by women, suggesting that body movement may indicate a higher agreeableness trait.
However, it has also been observed that men who score low on agreeableness earn more than men with a high agreeableness score. On the other hand, women with low agreeableness do not show the same salary advantage, suggesting that low agreeableness scores only seem beneficial for men.
5. Neuroticism
People with a high degree of neuroticism worry about everything , they obsess over germs and diseases, and any negative aspect of everyday life becomes something tragic.
In addition, these types of people worry frequently and can easily become anxious or depressed. Even if everything goes well, these people always find something to worry about. One study found that when well-paid neurotics had their pay increased, the additional income made them less happy.
In contrast, people with low neuroticism tend to be emotionally stable and balanced. Neuroticism is related to negative health outcomes. Neurotic people die younger than emotionally stable people, possibly because they turn more to drugs to relieve their anxiety.
New model of the 4 traits
In a new study conducted by Northwestern University in the United States, the Big Data data collection system was used to survey 1.5 million people around the world and draw conclusions about the different characters and personality traits.
Personality traits were obtained from the Big Five model, yielding the following 4 character types:
- Average people : very neurotic and extraverted, with low openness to experience and new ideas.
- Reserved people : emotionally stable, slightly neurotic and with low openness to experience.
- Model people : very low neuroticism and with a high score in the rest of the traits.
- Self-centered people : They are very outgoing and score low on openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.
Bibliographic references
- Martinez, AI (2002). temperament, character; personality. An approach to its concept and interaction. Complutense Journal of Education, 13(2), 617.
- Musek, J. (2007). A general factor of personality: Evidence for the Big One in the five-factor model. Journal of research in personality, 41(6), 1213-1233.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.
