The Archetype Gallery

Fifteen examples of how the five traits combine, three for each. Yours is named from your own scores: the trait that leads, and the one that shapes it. Use these to see the shapes.

led by imagination (Openness)

The Curious Cartographer

Maps every idea before anyone else sees the territory; finishes the map, too.

The Late-Night Inventor

Ideas arrive at 1 a.m. with a side of worry; the best ones survive the morning.

The Wandering Storyteller

Turns every trip, mistake and stranger into the story everyone asks her to tell again.

led by follow-through (Conscientiousness)

The Quiet Architect

Builds the thing in the background and lets the finished thing do the talking.

The Steady Lighthouse

The one everyone leans on; keeps the light on long after she should have slept.

The Careful Firestarter

Starts bold things and, unusually, finishes them; the plan is the spark.

led by spark (Extraversion)

The Bright Starter

Starts everything, hosts everything, and is honest about which half gets finished.

The Kind Ringleader

Gets the group to the restaurant, the party and the hard conversation, gently.

The Restless Host

Fills the room and then replays the room at 2 a.m.; both are the same energy.

led by heart (Agreeableness)

The Emergency Contact

Everyone's first call, and she picks up; learning which calls are hers to take.

The Soft Landing

Feels the room before she enters it, and cushions everyone in it, herself last.

The Open Door

Says yes to people and ideas with the same ease; the door works both ways.

led by depth of feeling (Neuroticism)

The Weather Reader

Notices the pressure change before the storm; it's data, once she trusts it.

The Careful Watcher

Runs the checklist twice because she feels the stakes; rarely misses, rarely rests.

The Tender Antenna

Picks up every signal in the room and carries it home; learning what to set down.