Posted by Paul Bortell on

Expertly casting each Downton Abbey character to align with their authentic DiSC® Behavioral Styles has been the key to making Downton Abbey such a wonderful program.  And of course the story-line, script-writing, character development and Oh… Yes . . .  the DRAMA between these characters has been just outstanding.

Downton Abbey - DiSC® Behavioral StylesSubconsciously, we’re keenly aware of the behavior style differences between the Downton characters.  But what is the secret to developing a character that audiences can really connect with.

Yes, casting is the key!  Look at how each actor has been cast to align their natural behavioral styles with their on screen characters. That is, in real life, each actor seems to naturally demonstrate the same DiSC® Behavioral Style as their onscreen character does.

We find it so much easier to relate with an actors and their onscreen character when they have been carefully selected for roles aligned with their “real life” DiSC® Behavioral Style.  Effective casting makes each character appear more authentic and that authenticity is what making it so easy to relate to them.

So what are the DiSC® Behavioral Styles of Downton Abbey characters?

Take out a piece of paper and see if you can identify some of the key characters behavioral styles before reading my views below.  Don’t peak!   And then read on.  There’s more.

Downton Abbey cast DiSC® Behavioral Styles

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Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) – High S Personality – Steadiness:   Loyal, gentle, calming.

Lady Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern) – High C Personality –Conscientiousness:   Private, regal, formal yet sweet.

Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) – High C Personality – Conscientiousness :   Tactful, independent, formal, stunning.

Mathew Crawley (Dan Stevens) – High C Personality – Conscientiousness: or SC-Steady/Conscientiousness: Analytic, yet kind and sweet.

Isobel Crawley (Penelope Wilton) – High S Personality – Steadiness:  Helpful, charitable, kind, sweet.

Granny Violet (Maggie Smith) – High D Personality – Dominant:  She’s sassy, speaks her mind, and growls under her breath.

When you see Maggie Smith portraying the Dowager Countess of Grantham, expressing in her unmistakable “D” – Dominant Style – direct, sassy and outspoken; we can tell that the character matches her natural DiSC® Behavioral Style and it makes us love her all the more.

Imagine if Maggie was cast to play a fun loving “i” or influencing style, or a gentle and caring “S” or Steadiness style – the role wouldn’t fit would it?   As a superb actress, she could probably flex to the part, but it wouldn’t carry or be nearly as effective.

But wait a minute.  Does anyone on Downton have a High I Personality – Influence?   Does anyone express behaviors that are outgoing, fun, friendly and enthusiastic?  Use your knowledge of DiSC® to identify a High I Personality. And share your comments and observations about these or other Downton Abbey Characters.

Or ask how you’ve been cast in life.  Then accept your starring role and be true to your natural behavioral style.

Do you need help using the DiSC® Behavioral Styles for developing your workplace team?   Just give us a call!

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