Mad Men Test

The IDRLabs Mad Men Test is inspired by psychometric methodology and based on research into the characters in Mad Men.

The test provides feedback such as the following:

Don Draper: Don Draper is a complex, enigmatic advertising executive at Sterling Cooper in the TV series Mad Men. Charismatic and sharply dressed, he's a brilliant creative mind known for his persuasive pitches and emotional intuition. Beneath his polished exterior lies a man haunted by a stolen identity, a troubled past, and emotional detachment. Don struggles with intimacy, often engaging in affairs and using alcohol to escape his inner turmoil. Despite his flaws, he remains a captivating and influential figure, balancing charm with a deep sense of emptiness. His journey reflects the tension between the American Dream and personal authenticity in the 1960s. Draper’s character is a compelling study in duality—success and self-destruction, image and reality—making him one of television’s most iconic and morally ambiguous figures.

Peggy Olson: Peggy Olson is a pioneering and ambitious copywriter in Mad Men, who rises from secretary to creative leader in the male-dominated advertising world of the 1960s. Intelligent, determined, and quietly rebellious, Peggy challenges societal and workplace norms with resilience and talent. She constantly battles gender expectations, striving to be taken seriously in a world that underestimates her. While often reserved and pragmatic, Peggy possesses a sharp wit and growing confidence that gradually earn her respect. Her personal life is marked by sacrifice and self-discovery, including navigating complex relationships and a hidden pregnancy. Peggy’s evolution mirrors the broader cultural shifts of the era, symbolizing the emergence of modern womanhood. Her character represents persistence, independence, and the cost of ambition in a world resistant to change.

Roger Sterling: Roger Sterling is a witty, silver-haired partner at Sterling Cooper in Mad Men, known for his charm, sarcasm, and indulgent lifestyle. Born into privilege, Roger coasts on his family name and old-school connections, often relying on charisma over hard work. He’s a heavy drinker, womanizer, and master of one-liners, providing comic relief even as he grapples with deeper insecurities and a changing world he doesn’t fully understand. Despite his cynicism and resistance to progress, Roger occasionally reveals vulnerability and unexpected insight. His relationships—especially with Don Draper, Joan Holloway, and his daughter—highlight his inner conflict between selfishness and the desire for meaningful connection. Roger represents the fading generation of old Madison Avenue, clinging to the past while facing the inevitable tide of cultural and business transformation.

Joan Holloway: Joan Holloway is the poised and perceptive office manager-turned-partner at Sterling Cooper in Mad Men. Radiating confidence, beauty, and charm, she initially uses her appearance to navigate the male-dominated world of advertising, but her intelligence, organizational prowess, and emotional acuity prove indispensable. Joan understands the power dynamics around her and skillfully manages both people and politics, though she often sacrifices personal fulfillment for professional survival. Her journey is marked by resilience, as she faces sexism, a difficult marriage, and the challenges of single motherhood. Over time, Joan asserts her independence, demanding respect not just for her looks, but for her capabilities. Her character embodies the tension between traditional femininity and emerging female empowerment, ultimately carving out her own path in a world built to hold her back.

Pete Campbell: Pete Campbell is an ambitious, insecure account executive at Sterling Cooper in Mad Men, driven by a relentless desire for status, recognition, and success. Coming from a prestigious but financially declining family, Pete constantly tries to prove himself, often resorting to manipulation, entitlement, and self-interest. Though he’s intelligent and occasionally insightful, his immaturity and lack of emotional awareness frequently alienate others. Pete struggles to balance his professional aspirations with his personal life, including a rocky marriage and questionable moral choices. Despite his flaws, he gradually evolves, revealing moments of vulnerability, self-reflection, and even growth. Pete embodies the darker side of ambition and entitlement in corporate America, serving as both antagonist and tragic figure in the shifting landscape of the 1960s. His journey is one of uneasy self-discovery.

Betty Draper: Betty Draper is the elegant, emotionally complex wife of Don Draper in Mad Men, embodying the ideal 1960s suburban housewife on the surface. Beautiful and poised, she lives in a world of social expectations and domestic routines, but beneath her polished exterior lies deep dissatisfaction and emotional fragility. Betty struggles with her limited role, often feeling trapped and powerless, which manifests in mood swings, coldness, and strained relationships—particularly with her children and Don. As the series progresses, she seeks independence and identity beyond her marriage, pursuing education and remarriage in her search for purpose. Betty’s character reflects the quiet desperation of women confined by rigid gender roles. Her tragic elegance and inner turmoil make her a poignant symbol of unfulfilled potential in a rapidly changing world.

Trudy Campbell: Trudy Campbell is Pete Campbell’s polished, supportive, and socially astute wife in Mad Men. Raised in a privileged environment, Trudy embodies the ideal 1960s housewife—gracious, well-mannered, and eager to build a picture-perfect family life. However, beneath her traditional exterior lies quiet strength, intelligence, and emotional resilience. She deeply desires a harmonious home and motherhood, often acting as a stabilizing force in Pete’s chaotic world. Though initially tolerant of his selfishness and infidelities, Trudy eventually asserts her boundaries, refusing to be disrespected or diminished. Her evolution from compliant partner to independent woman highlights the shifting roles of women during the era. Trudy’s character reflects grace under pressure, revealing that strength doesn’t always roar—it sometimes speaks in calm but unyielding conviction. She represents dignity in the face of disillusionment.

The Mad Men Test is inspired by research into relevant literature and methodological practices. While the Mad Men quiz is inspired by fields of research, it cannot be used to provide clinical assessments or an accurate evaluation of your personality. Clinical assessments should always be done in cooperation with a mental health professional. For more information about any of our online tests and quizzes, please consult our Terms of Service.