House of Cards Character Test

The IDRLabs House of Cards Character Test is inspired by psychometric methodology and based on research into the characters in House of Cards. The test provides feedback such as the following:

Frank Underwood

Frank Underwood is a master manipulator and a strategist whose entire existence revolves around the acquisition and maintenance of power. Charismatic yet ruthlessly pragmatic, he excels at understanding the ambitions and weaknesses of others, often turning them into instruments for his own advancement. Frank views morality as a negotiable concept, believing that ethical compromises are necessary for political survival and dominance. Beneath his controlled, commanding exterior lies a persistent fear of irrelevance, failure, and exposure. His charm masks a calculating mind that orchestrates complex schemes with psychological precision. Frank’s journey examines the corrosive effects of unchecked ambition, demonstrating how the pursuit of authority can erode empathy, destroy relationships, and ultimately redefine one’s identity in the relentless quest for supremacy.

Claire Underwood

Claire Underwood embodies elegance, intelligence, and an unwavering pursuit of autonomy, paralleling Frank’s ambition with her own deliberate, methodical approach. Calm and emotionally restrained, she prioritizes power and respect, often masking vulnerability to maintain strategic advantage. Claire demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of social and political dynamics, using subtlety and foresight to influence outcomes. Her ambition is deeply personal, balancing partnership with self-assertion, revealing the tension between collaboration and independence in a high-stakes world. Beneath her composed exterior lies a constant negotiation between ethical boundaries and survival, highlighting the sacrifices required for authority. Claire’s character underscores the complexities of female leadership in a patriarchal environment and illustrates how intelligence, patience, and calculated risk become essential tools in navigating power structures.

Doug Stamper

Doug Stamper is the epitome of obsessive loyalty and self-discipline, dedicating his life to serving Frank Underwood with unwavering commitment. Methodical, efficient, and morally inflexible, Doug measures his worth through the execution of duty and control over outcomes. Yet his loyalty comes at immense personal cost: addiction, emotional repression, and recurring self-destructive behaviors reveal the fragility underlying his formidable exterior. Doug struggles to reconcile his humanity with a life defined by subservience, illustrating the psychological toll of blind devotion. His character highlights the dangers of sacrificing individuality for allegiance, showing how identity can become entangled with another’s ambition. Doug’s story examines the complex interplay between duty, obsession, and the consequences of surrendering personal ethics for a higher cause.

Zoe Barnes

Zoe Barnes is an audacious journalist whose ambition drives her into ethically ambiguous territory in pursuit of influence and recognition. Bold, fearless, and relentless, she thrives in environments where speed, risk, and information are currency. Zoe demonstrates a sharp intellect and an intuitive grasp of political dynamics, often manipulating situations to gain advantage. However, her desire for prominence exposes her to vulnerability, as her decisions sometimes blur the line between professional integrity and personal ambition. Through her character, the narrative explores how the pursuit of power, when coupled with naivety or impulsiveness, can lead to moral compromise and personal danger. Zoe embodies the paradox of ambition: her courage is both her strength and her undoing.

Peter Russo

Peter Russo is a troubled, vulnerable politician whose personal struggles continuously undermine his potential for success. Battling addiction, guilt, and low self-worth, he oscillates between hope for redemption and cycles of self-sabotage. Emotionally driven, he is highly susceptible to manipulation, and his idealism is often crushed by external pressures and his own impulsive decisions. Despite his flaws, Peter demonstrates moments of sincerity and a desire for meaningful change, reflecting the human struggle between aspiration and self-destruction. His narrative explores the fragility of second chances and the heavy consequences of unresolved trauma. Peter’s story highlights the tension between personal demons and public responsibilities, offering a poignant study of how talent and promise can be derailed by inner turmoil.

Remy Danton

Remy Danton is a polished, strategic political operator who approaches power with pragmatism and detachment. Calm, analytical, and transactional, he views political influence as a tool rather than a personal mission, allowing him to navigate shifting alliances with calculated flexibility. Remy avoids emotional entanglements, prioritizing survival and adaptability over loyalty or idealism. He understands the mechanics of negotiation and compromise, often acting as a stabilizing force amid chaos. His character exemplifies the realism required to sustain influence in a volatile environment, illustrating how power can be wielded with finesse without moral compromise. Remy embodies the professional politician’s mindset: intelligent, composed, and self-serving, yet acutely aware of the limits of ambition and attachment.

Rachel Posner

Rachel Posner is a fragile yet resilient figure caught in circumstances that strip her of agency, exposing her to exploitation and manipulation. Initially passive and fearful, she yearns for safety, independence, and dignity, gradually attempting to assert control over her own life. Rachel navigates a world dominated by power dynamics that disregard her autonomy, forcing her to balance submission with acts of resistance. Her trajectory demonstrates the psychological and emotional costs of trauma, illustrating how survival often requires compromise and strategic navigation of danger. Rachel’s story highlights the human consequences of systemic exploitation, portraying the struggle to reclaim agency, identity, and security amid forces designed to render her powerless.