Core Personality & The HEXACO Personality Model

Core Personality

At the heart of every NeoThymos Persona is a core personality defined by 25 dimensions.

The core personality is grounded in the HEXACO model, a well-established psychological model of human personality structure made up of six domains of four facets each, plus one interstitial facet. These 25 ‘facets’ or traits of personality are the what we refer to as the dimensions of a core personality in NeoThymos.

The six domains are Integrity, Emotionality, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Curiosity, joined by the interstitial facet Altruism.
(NeoThymos uses Integrity (HEXACO: Honesty–Humility) and Curiosity (HEXACO: Openness to Experience) as shorthand for the official HEXACO terms.

This is the same reference available inside the app: click the NT monogram at the top left of the screen.

Integrity

These dimensions measure an individual’s sincerity, fairness, and avoidance of selfish motives, greed, or exploitation. They encompass integrity, modesty, and a genuine concern for others. Individuals scoring very high tend to avoid manipulating others for personal gain, feel little temptation to break rules, are uninterested in lavish wealth and luxuries, and do not feel a special entitlement to elevated social status.

Conversely, those with very low scores are inclined to flatter others to obtain favors, are more likely to break rules for personal profit, are motivated by material gain, and possess a strong sense of self-importance. Such individuals can be deceitful, insincere, and manipulative.

Facets

• Sincerity — Genuine in relationships; unwilling to manipulate others or flatter for favors.
• Fairness — Avoids fraud and corruption; unwilling to cheat or take unfair advantage.
• Greed Avoidance — Uninterested in lavish wealth, luxury goods, or high social status.
• Modesty — Modest and unassuming; views self as ordinary without special entitlement.

Emotionality

Emotionality assesses the extent to which individuals experience and express emotions, including aspects like anxiety, fear, vulnerability, and sentimentalism. High scorers experience fear of physical dangers, anxiety in response to life’s stresses, feel a need for emotional support from others, and experience empathy and sentimental attachments.

In contrast, individuals with very low scores are not deterred by the prospect of physical harm, feel little worry even in stressful situations, have little need to share their concerns with others, and tend to be emotionally detached. They may appear unemotional or insensitive.

Facets

• Fearfulness — Experiences fear and is strongly inclined to avoid physical harm.
• Anxiety — Tends to worry and become preoccupied by problems.
• Dependence — Needs emotional support and encouragement from others.
• Sentimentality — Forms strong emotional bonds and has empathic sensitivity to others.

Extraversion

Extraversion refers to an individual’s sociability, assertiveness, and need for stimulation. Those with very high scores tend to be outgoing, energetic, and thrive in social interactions, enjoying conversation and parties. They generally feel positive about themselves and confident when leading or addressing groups.

Conversely, individuals with very low scores generally prefer solitary activities and do not actively seek out conversation. They might consider themselves unpopular, feel awkward as the center of social attention, and tend to feel less lively and optimistic than others.

Facets

• Social Self-Esteem — Positive self-regard, especially in social contexts.
• Social Boldness — Comfort and confidence in social situations and leadership.
• Sociability — Enjoys conversation, social interaction, and celebrating with others.
• Liveliness — High enthusiasm, energy, and optimism.

Agreeableness

Agreeableness measures an individual’s tendency to be compassionate, cooperative, and considerate of others. Persons with very high scores are prone to forgiving wrongs, are lenient in judging others, and are willing to compromise and cooperate. They can easily control their temper and tend to foster positive relationships.

In contrast, those with very low scores hold grudges against those who have harmed them, are critical of others’ shortcomings, are stubborn in defending their point of view, and feel anger readily in response to mistreatment.

Facets

• Forgivingness — Willingness to trust and not hold grudges against those who have caused harm.
• Gentleness — Mild and lenient in dealings; reluctant to judge others harshly.
• Flexibility — Willing to compromise and accommodate others to avoid conflict.
• Patience — Tends to remain calm rather than become angry.

Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness reflects an individual’s level of organization, self-discipline, and goal-directed behavior. Individuals with very high scores organize their time and physical surroundings, work in a disciplined way toward goals, and strive for accuracy and perfection, deliberating carefully when making decisions.

Conversely, those with very low scores tend to be unconcerned with orderly surroundings or schedules, avoid difficult tasks, are satisfied with work containing errors, and make decisions impulsively or with little reflection.

Facets

• Organization — Seeks order, especially in physical surroundings.
• Diligence — Strong work ethic and willingness to exert effort.
• Perfectionism — Thorough and concerned with details and accuracy.
• Prudence — Deliberates carefully and inhibits impulses.

Curiosity

Openness to Experience captures an individual’s inclination towards creativity, curiosity, and receptiveness to new ideas. Persons with very high scores become absorbed in the beauty of art and nature, are inquisitive about various domains of knowledge, and use their imagination freely. They take an interest in unusual ideas or people, tending to be adaptable and innovative.

In contrast, those with very low scores are rather unimpressed by most works of art, feel little intellectual curiosity, and avoid creative pursuits. They feel little attraction toward ideas that may seem radical or unconventional, preferring conventional approaches.

Facets

• Aesthetic Appreciation — Enjoyment of beauty in art and in nature.
• Inquisitiveness — Seeks information and experiences about the natural and human world.
• Creativity — Preference for innovation and original thought.
• Unconventionality — Receptive to unusual, strange, or radical ideas.

Altruism (interstitial)

The HEXACO model identifies a special 25th interstitial facet called Altruism (versus Antagonism). This facet does not belong to just one domain — it represents a blend of Integrity, Emotionality, and Agreeableness.

High scorers are sympathetic and soft-hearted; they avoid causing harm and react with generosity toward those who are weak or in need. Low scorers are not upset by the prospect of hurting others and may be seen as hard-hearted.