Arrested Development Character Test

The IDRLabs Arrested Development Character Test is inspired by psychometric methodology and based on analysis of the personalities and behaviors of the characters in Arrested Development. The test provides feedback such as the following:

Lucille Bluth

Lucille Bluth is the sharp-tongued, emotionally withholding matriarch of the Bluth family. Wealthy, manipulative, and unapologetically self-centered, Lucille uses sarcasm, guilt, and martinis to maintain control over those around her—especially her son Buster. Beneath her icy exterior lies a deep fear of irrelevance and loss of status, which she masks with cruelty and denial. Lucille’s character embodies entitlement, emotional repression, and the destructive power of unchecked authority, all delivered with razor-sharp wit and comedic brilliance.

Lindsay Bluth Fünke

Lindsay Bluth Fünke is a performative activist and socialite who is deeply concerned with appearances, trends, and her own perceived moral superiority. Despite her passionate declarations about social justice, Lindsay often misunderstands the causes she champions and is easily distracted by attention and validation. Her insecurity drives her constant reinvention, whether through relationships, causes, or identities. Lindsay’s character explores themes of shallow altruism, self-absorption, and the confusion that arises when identity is built on external approval rather than self-awareness.

Michael Bluth

Michael Bluth is the so-called “responsible one” of the Bluth family, striving to hold everything together after his father’s arrest. Rational, hardworking, and morally self-conscious, Michael often positions himself as the family’s savior—though his need to be right and appreciated sometimes borders on self-righteousness. His struggle lies in balancing genuine responsibility with his desire for recognition and control. Michael’s character reflects the burden of competence in an incompetent environment and the quiet resentment that can grow from always being the fixer.

George Bluth Sr.

George Bluth Sr. is the disgraced patriarch of the Bluth family whose criminal schemes, lies, and manipulation set the series in motion. Charming when it suits him and ruthless when cornered, George Sr. consistently prioritizes self-preservation over family loyalty. He is evasive, deceptive, and perpetually convinced he can outsmart everyone else. His character represents unchecked greed, moral corruption, and the chaos left behind by leaders who refuse accountability, all wrapped in darkly comedic absurdity.

Tobias Fünke

Tobias Fünke is an eccentric, emotionally detached therapist and aspiring actor with an astonishing lack of self-awareness. Earnest yet oblivious, Tobias frequently misunderstands social cues and unintentionally embarrasses himself through inappropriate honesty and denial. His rigid self-image clashes hilariously with reality, especially regarding his sexuality, career, and marriage. Tobias’s character explores themes of repression, delusion, and the human capacity for self-deception, highlighting how sincerity without insight can still lead to dysfunction.

George Michael Bluth

George Michael Bluth is Michael’s shy, kind-hearted, and awkward teenage son. Polite to a fault, George Michael struggles with confidence, identity, and romantic expression, often suppressing his own needs to avoid conflict or discomfort. His innocence contrasts sharply with the moral bankruptcy of the rest of the Bluth family. George Michael’s character represents emotional sincerity, quiet growth, and the challenge of developing individuality while surrounded by dysfunction and misguided role models.

Gob Bluth

Gob Bluth is an egotistical and deeply insecure magician who craves admiration, validation, and applause. Loud, impulsive, and frequently inappropriate, Gob masks his feelings of inadequacy with bravado, illusions, and reckless behavior. His desperate need for attention often leads to self-sabotage, failed relationships, and professional humiliation. Gob’s character embodies arrested emotional development, sibling rivalry, and the tragic comedy of someone who wants to be loved but doesn’t know how to earn it.

Buster Bluth

Buster Bluth is the anxious, dependent, and emotionally stunted youngest Bluth son. Sheltered and controlled by his mother Lucille, Buster struggles with independence, masculinity, and fear of the outside world. His childlike demeanor, panic attacks, and bizarre coping mechanisms highlight the long-term effects of overprotection and emotional manipulation. Buster’s character reflects vulnerability, learned helplessness, and the absurd extremes of parental control.