5 Character Trait Types — What Traits Do I Want To Strengthen? Uses "The BIG 5" OCEAN Model

Character Traits is one of the evidence-based topics that has been on R1’s roadmap since day one. During my substance use and early recovery, my thinking, feelings, and behavior were on the less desirable end of the spectrum for many character traits (e.g., honesty, dependability, open-mindedness). As a result of the progression of my alcoholism, many of my character strengths had taken a toll as I became isolated versus sociable. I also tended to be less organized and rarely disciplined compared to other times in my life. One of the best things I have learned along my R1 journey is that character traits are on a spectrum and can be improved through increased frequency of small changes overtime. It’s all about practicing the desirable end of the spectrum on a more frequent basis, especially in the mist of stressful situations or when emotional disturbances show up. The idea that I can be more punctual (show up on time), and improve this trait, just by being on-time more often. The practice of character building is rooted in action. Over time, my tendencies move along the spectrum through my thinking, feelings, and behavior, and voila… I’m almost always on-time and rarely late.

Character trait research began with early philosophical typologies including Hippocrates' four temperaments and Galen's humoral theory, before transitioning to scientific study in the early 1900s. In 1936, psychologists Gordon Allport and Henry Odbert created a list of 4,500 words that described human personality traits, laying the foundation for how we understand character today. Since then, researchers have worked to refine these traits into a more practical list to help individuals and communities understand the different factors that can be measured to better define one’s character.

Through statistical analysis, Raymond Cattell and his colleagues were able to develop a list of 16 primary factors of character. Using Cattell’s work as a foundation, other psychologists, including Lewis Goldberg, Robert McCrae, and Paul Costa, were able to further refine this list into five major factors. Now known as “The Big Five,” this framework is considered the standard when discussing the elements that make up one’s character.

The Big Five, also known as the OCEAN model, comprises the following Character Trait Types, Openness (to experience), Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. Within each of these types lie the different, more specific traits that are associated with character. For example, within the broader category of Conscientiousness, one can find traits such as dependability, punctuality, and self-discipline. One of the key aspects of the OCEAN framework is that all five types, as well as the specific traits within each, exist on a continuum. Therefore, when evaluating each type or trait, the result exists somewhere in the range between the two (e.g., honesty and dishonesty).

The purpose of today’s post is to share the basics of our new Character Traits topic so you can explore how best to use it with individuals in your setting. Take a moment to review the definitions and examples for each of the 5 Character Types below. Then read through the Questions to Explore for yourself or with others in your organization. The R1 Character Traits Group Kits and R1 Discover App provide tools for engagement, education, and empowerment for individuals you work with or support. Implementing these tools often through practice is one of the best ways to learn. It’s all about practice… practice, practice, practice.

Character Defined

What is character? Character is the consistent pattern of qualities and attributes that define how an individual tends to think, feel, and behave. These traits shape an individual's personality and influence how one interacts with others. Character traits exist on a spectrum or continuum, rather than as binary qualities, and can vary in degrees from person to person, and even within the same individual over time or across situations. For example, instead of an individual being impatient or patient, an individual tends to fall somewhere in between and show different levels of each trait depending on context, circumstances, and environment. The frequency of how one practices, strengthens, and integrates these traits into one’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior is the purpose of this topic.

Character Traits Defined

Character Traits: The consistent pattern of qualities and attributes that define how an individual tends to thinks, feels, and behaves. These traits shape an individual's personality and influence how they interact with others. Character traits are on a spectrum ranging from positive to negative (e.g., honest and dishonest).

The 5 Character Trait Types are listed below. For each, you will find a brief definition, examples of the Discovery Card’s, and Questions to Explore. Please note that all of this information, and more, is listed in the Character Traits Topic Kit (which includes 1 Discovery Cards deck and 1 Facilitator Guide) located on the R1 Store.

Openness — Embraces new perspectives: Openness refer to one's tendency and willingness to try new things. It also includes one's tendency to engage in imaginative and intellectual activities.