In class we have discussed the Big Five personality traits quite extensively, comparing how each of the five trails looks when examined on its own and when several of the traits are mixed together. We have looked at fictional characters in the cartoon, The Simpsons, to examine each of their personalities. It was after doing these activities that I began to think of other fictional characters to test the Big Five on. In one of my favorite movies, Billy Madison, the main character, Billy says, "No I will not make out with you. Did ya hear that? This girl wants to make out with me in the middle of class. You got Chlorophyll Man up there talking about God knows what and all she can talk about is making out with me. I'm here to learn, everybody, not to make out with you. Go on with the chlorophyll." This quote may be seen as funny to those who know the movie, but if you have not seen the movie, Billy is sitting in class next to a girl, when he disrupts the class hoping to lighten the mood. Through this quote we can infer that Billy has an open personality (he is unconventional in his action disrupting class), we can also tell Billy scores high in neuroticism (care free and relaxed) and Billy may be an agreeable person (he is easy going, yet comes off as disrespectful). Furthermore, it is obvious Billy is high in extroversion (very social and talkative) and also low in conscientiousness (not caring what others think, disrespectful to the group). Bases on this quote, it is apparent that Billy is an unusual character, but as we learned in class, one's personality can change over time, and Billy is one fictional example of extreme personality traits and changes.
Billy Madison
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Using the example of Billy Madison to explain the traits of the Big 5 is very well done. Even though I have seen this movie, I think you did a great job of explaining how and why you chose his personality traits. The addition of the quote from the film also positively influenced the understanding of the Big 5 for those that have not seen it because it shows that he is an extroverted, outspoken person.
I agree with your original analysis of Billy Madison's personality. However, in the end of the paragraph you talk about how personality can change and that is somewhat the case for Billy throughout the movie. Billy begins to care more about school, therefore his conscientiousness rises. His openness to new experience rises as well, considering he begins to do other things besides sit outside his house and get drunk with his friends. He also begins to change his actions towards people, like caring about his classmates more. This could be part of his neuroticism changing, becoming less disrespectful. Lastly, his agreeableness and extraversion clearly stays the same as always. He remained mostly easy going and loud and outgoing most of the movie.
Using Billy Madison was as an example and a title was a very good way to draw in people to read this blog. Although the quote is a hilarious part in the movie you did a good job of using the Big 5 traits. You described his personality very well and listed off reasons why you would give him low consciousness or high extroversion. Using the Big 5 you could very easily describe this character to somebody who has never even heard of him. Towards the end you discuss how personalities change over time. Including that would have been helpful to show how some traits change and others are just more consistent even through time.
This is an excellent example of the Big Five traits. However I also agree with the other commenter saying that Billy Madison is constantly changing throughout the movie he does not just go from being a drunk to deciding he wants to be a teacher. At first he thought his carefree lifestyle was the perfect life but over time when he was forced to return to school he became more open to experiencing a lifestyle that he had completely ignored during his original k-12 education. Billy comes to the realization that partying is not the only way to enjoy life. Great comparison Billy Madison is definitely a character that can be analyzed with the Big 5.
The Big 5 is an interesting way to evaluate both fictional characters as well as those you know. After learning about the Big 5 in lecture, I find myself trying to guess how each of my friends would rank in the various categories. I also think that your evaluation of Billy would be pretty accurate if he were to take a personality test to gauge his Big 5 characteristics. Although, it seems to be easier trying to guess a person's Big 5 when that person is a fictional character, because their traits tend to be far more exaggerated.
I think using Billy Madison is a great way to see all of the traits in one person. It is much like the Simpson's examples being blatantly obvious for each of them allowing for some great humor. It is nice to be able to see them all in one person rather then broken up so much like they are with the Simpsons characters. I also like how you reference the change he makes as this then shows how one would act if the characteristics were flipped 180 degrees and seen from the other side.
I think for people that haven't seen this movie it would be hard to understand the real extremity of how Billy Madison's personality changes over time but I do think you did a good job of describing exactly why he fits to either a good or bad example of each of the Big 5 characteristics. If a person were to watch the movie they would really understand how much Billy's personality traits change over time. This was a great example of what we talked about in lecture. It also shows what kind of factors can change a person's personality. For example a significant other, or a large challenge can change someone's personality for the better or for worse.
By the way Billy Madison is an awesome movie and if someone has not seen it, I highly recommend going and watching it. The likelihood of someone reading this entry who hasn't seen it is not that great. But back to the point. Billy is especially a very strong headed character with extreme traits. But I feel Adam Sandler always plays a character that is similar in one way or another. For example Happy in Happy Gilmore, or Big Daddy, Little Nicky, Anger Management and Grown Ups just to name a few. Maybe Adam Sandler himself has a very extreme personality and is just acting himself when in front of the camera!
Great example of the big 5. Although you can analyze these traits quite well in the film, some take a drastic turn and he starts to care about his future. After learning about the big 5, you start to realize how every character on tv or movies have one trait that is unrealistically high and are paired with someone who is clearly incompatible.
What an excellent character to apply the Big 5 to! I agree with most of your analysis, but I would argue that Billy scores low in the agreeableness category. While Billy does try to have fun--and who doesn't love fun, right?--he mostly takes his well-intentioned antics too far. For example, in one his most famous quotes, Billy says "Ta-ta-today, junior!" mocking an innocent boy who is not especially talented at reading aloud. While Billy thought that this was a funny comment, most reasonable adults would probably disagree with it and instead of making fun of the child, would encourage him to continue reading. This, of course, is not the only example of Billy taking it too far. Countless times in the movie, Billy says something that regular people simply would not say. Therefore, I would say that Billy scores low in the agreeableness category.
Great example to use, and a great movie. You are spot on with the high extroversion and low conscientiousness, but I would argue that his conscientiousness might be the most unusual part of his personality. He really just does not care what he says; he says it, then thinks about it later. Also I might argue against him being agreeable, because he argues with everyone throughout the movie, and goes against society. Great entry though, very interesting!
This is a great connection to the big 5! You did a good job of explaining all of Billy Madison's traits and how they are linked to each of the big 5! Billy Madison is a great example of a person who is extremely high in extroversion and low conscientiousness. He really could care less what people think of him and loves to put on a show!
This is a great connection to the big 5! You did a good job of explaining all of Billy Madison's traits and how they are linked to each of the big 5! Billy Madison is a great example of a person who is extremely high in extroversion and low conscientiousness. He really could care less what people think of him and loves to put on a show!
Based on other comparisons that I've seen, high extroversion and neurotisism seem to go hand in hand. This also fits the description as the class clown or as in discussion "the entertainers". While this is an easy assumption to make, it's also important to take into consideration the other areas of the Big 5 for personality to get the whole view of someone. But when it comes to Billy Madison, I'd say this is pretty accurate!
I find your example using Billy Madison a very good one. When learning about the Big 5 in lecture i found The Simpsons to be an extremely perfect example that shows all 5 traits in the characters of the show. It made it very interesting and easy to understand what each were and examples of them in characters. This example, however, i find perfect also because like you said at the end of your blog, an individuals personality can change over time and this Billy Madison is a great example of that. This is something we didnt see in the example used in class.