Analysing your IQ
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Source: Mad Men
Don Draper is a case study in psychological extremes. This analysis breaks down what makes the character compelling—and what makes them realistic (or unrealistic) from a clinical perspective.
Dissociative features from early trauma; struggles with authentic connection.
Fictional IQ estimates like 135 are interpretive, but useful. They help explain Don's relative position: why other characters struggle with problems this one solves easily.
The The Constructed Self archetype is central to Don's character. This archetype operates through specific patterns: distinctive traits that shape decision-making and relationships.
The INTJ profile explains both Don's capabilities and blind spots. Cognitive functions associated with this type predict specific patterns: strategic thinking paired with potential arrogance.
Brilliant at understanding desire but disconnected from his own. Don built a false identity to escape trauma, but authenticity keeps breaking through.
Creative insight is a defining capability that shapes how Don approaches challenges.
Persuasion is a defining capability that shapes how Don approaches challenges.
Cool under pressure is a defining capability that shapes how Don approaches challenges.
Emotional unavailability is a recurring pattern that creates conflict and limits Don's effectiveness in certain domains.
Serial infidelity is a recurring pattern that creates conflict and limits Don's effectiveness in certain domains.
Identity fragmentation is a recurring pattern that creates conflict and limits Don's effectiveness in certain domains.
The most psychologically revealing moments for Don involve high-stakes decisions where the character's core patterns become undeniable. These scenes often show both peak capability and characteristic blind spots.
If you recognize Don's patterns in yourself, consider what the character arc teaches about managing similar tendencies. Fiction often depicts failure modes more clearly than self-observation allows.
Character typing is interpretive. IQ estimates are based on depicted problem-solving relative to fictional baselines. Personality types are inferred from consistent behavioral patterns in source material.
Don Draper's estimated IQ is approximately 135. This is an interpretive estimate based on depicted problem-solving ability, learning speed, and cognitive complexity in the source material.
Don Draper is typed as INTJ based on behavioral patterns in Mad Men. Key indicators include preference for solitary processing and logical decision-making.
Don Draper embodies the The Constructed Self archetype. This pattern is characterized by specific cognitive and behavioral tendencies.
Don Draper's documented weaknesses include Emotional unavailability, Serial infidelity, and Identity fragmentation. These aren't arbitrary—they're the shadow sides of the character's strengths.
Don Draper represents an exaggerated but recognizable psychological profile. Real people rarely match the extremes, but the underlying patterns (INTJ, The Constructed Self tendencies) are psychologically valid.