The Divergent series, penned by Veronica Roth, captivated readers with its dystopian vision of a future Chicago, where society is divided into five distinct factions: Abnegation (the selfless), Amity (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), and Erudite (the intelligent). At the heart of the narrative lies the concept of choosing one’s own identity, a theme that resonates deeply with many. This guide aims to help you determine which Divergent faction you might belong to, offering a detailed exploration of each faction’s values, behaviors, and common personality traits. We will then provide a comprehensive set of questions and scenarios to help you assess your own inclinations and ultimately decide where you truly belong in the Divergent universe.
Understanding the Factions
Before embarking on the journey of self-discovery, it’s crucial to fully understand the essence of each faction. Let’s delve into the core principles, ideals, and characteristics that define Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite.
Abnegation: The Selfless
Abnegation prioritizes the needs of others above their own. Members of this faction are characterized by their humility, selflessness, and dedication to service. They lead simple lives, devoid of vanity and material possessions. Their primary concern is the well-being of the community, and they often hold positions of leadership and service.
Core Values:
- Selflessness
- Humility
- Service to others
- Empathy
- Discipline
Typical Behaviors:
- Volunteering and helping those in need
- Dressing plainly and avoiding extravagance
- Prioritizing the needs of others over their own
- Speaking softly and avoiding attention
- Giving to charity and supporting the less fortunate
Personality Traits:
- Compassionate
- Altruistic
- Modest
- Humble
- Considerate
Amity: The Peaceful
Amity values peace, harmony, and cooperation above all else. Members of this faction strive to create a peaceful and harmonious society, resolving conflicts through diplomacy and understanding. They are known for their kindness, compassion, and love of nature. Agriculture and artistic expression are highly valued in Amity.
Core Values:
- Peace
- Harmony
- Forgiveness
- Love
- Cooperation
Typical Behaviors:
- Avoiding conflict and seeking peaceful resolutions
- Expressing emotions openly and honestly
- Gardening and working with nature
- Creating art and music
- Sharing resources and helping others
Personality Traits:
Candor: The Honest
Candor believes in absolute honesty and transparency. Members of this faction are known for their directness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the truth. They value justice and believe that honesty is the foundation of a just society. They often work in law and governance.
Core Values:
- Honesty
- Truth
- Justice
- Integrity
- Transparency
Typical Behaviors:
- Speaking the truth, even when it’s difficult
- Avoiding lies and deception
- Being direct and straightforward in communication
- Upholding justice and fairness
- Presenting arguments logically and rationally
Personality Traits:
- Direct
- Truthful
- Just
- Logical
- Rational
Dauntless: The Brave
Dauntless values courage, bravery, and fearlessness. Members of this faction are known for their daring stunts, physical prowess, and willingness to face danger head-on. They serve as the city’s protectors and are responsible for maintaining order and security. They are often perceived as reckless but are ultimately driven by a desire to overcome their fears.
Core Values:
- Courage
- Bravery
- Fearlessness
- Strength
- Action
Typical Behaviors:
- Performing daring stunts and taking risks
- Facing fears and challenges head-on
- Protecting others from danger
- Training physically and mentally
- Expressing themselves boldly and confidently
Personality Traits:
- Brave
- Courageous
- Confident
- Reckless
- Independent
Erudite: The Intelligent
Erudite values knowledge, intelligence, and intellectual curiosity. Members of this faction are dedicated to learning and expanding their understanding of the world. They are often scientists, researchers, and educators, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and technology. They believe that knowledge is power and strive to accumulate as much information as possible.
Core Values:
- Knowledge
- Intelligence
- Learning
- Innovation
- Rationality
Typical Behaviors:
- Reading and studying extensively
- Conducting research and experiments
- Sharing knowledge and educating others
- Seeking out new information and ideas
- Analyzing and problem-solving
Personality Traits:
- Intelligent
- Curious
- Analytical
- Logical
- Rational
The Divergent Aptitude Test: A Guided Exploration
The aptitude test in Divergent is designed to assess an individual’s natural inclinations and suggest the faction that best aligns with their personality. While we can’t replicate the exact simulation, we can create a series of questions and scenarios that will help you evaluate your own values and preferences.
For each question, choose the answer that best reflects your own thoughts and feelings. Keep track of how many times you choose each faction. The faction you choose the most often is likely the one you belong in.
Question Set 1: Ethical Dilemmas
You witness a colleague taking credit for your work. What do you do?
- (Candor) Confront them directly and demand they admit the truth.
- (Abnegation) Let it go; their recognition isn’t as important as maintaining harmony.
- (Erudite) Document the incident and present a logical argument proving your contribution.
- (Dauntless) Publicly humiliate them to show that such behavior will not be tolerated.
- (Amity) Try to understand their motivations and find a way to share the credit peacefully.
You find a wallet containing a large sum of money and identification. What do you do?
- (Abnegation) Immediately return the wallet to its owner without expecting anything in return.
- (Candor) Return the wallet to its owner and honestly explain how you found it.
- (Amity) Return the wallet and hope for a positive interaction with the owner, fostering peace and goodwill.
- (Erudite) Analyze the wallet’s contents and try to understand the owner’s financial situation before returning it.
- (Dauntless) Use the money for something thrilling and return the wallet without the cash; a little excitement won’t hurt.
You are asked to lie to protect a friend who has committed a minor offense. What do you do?
- (Candor) Refuse to lie, even to protect a friend. The truth is paramount.
- (Abnegation) Encourage your friend to confess and accept the consequences.
- (Amity) Try to mediate the situation and find a solution that minimizes harm to everyone involved.
- (Erudite) Weigh the potential consequences of lying versus telling the truth and choose the option that yields the most logical outcome.
- (Dauntless) Lie without hesitation to protect your friend, loyalty is everything.
Question Set 2: Personal Preferences
What is your ideal weekend activity?
- (Abnegation) Volunteering at a soup kitchen or helping the elderly.
- (Amity) Spending time in nature, gardening, or attending a music festival.
- (Candor) Participating in a debate or attending a lecture on ethics and morality.
- (Dauntless) Engaging in extreme sports, rock climbing, or attending a high-energy concert.
- (Erudite) Reading, conducting research, or visiting a museum.
What is your biggest fear?
- (Abnegation) Being selfish or neglecting the needs of others.
- (Amity) Conflict and violence.
- (Candor) Deception and dishonesty.
- (Dauntless) Weakness and cowardice.
- (Erudite) Ignorance and lack of knowledge.
What is your preferred style of clothing?
- (Abnegation) Plain, simple, and functional clothing.
- (Amity) Comfortable, natural fabrics in bright colors.
- (Candor) Neat, professional attire that conveys honesty and integrity.
- (Dauntless) Bold, edgy clothing that expresses confidence and fearlessness.
- (Erudite) Practical and intellectual, perhaps with a focus on professional or academic attire.
Question Set 3: Reactions to Stress
How do you typically react in a stressful situation?
- (Abnegation) Focus on helping others who may be struggling more than you are.
- (Amity) Seek to calm the situation and mediate a peaceful resolution.
- (Candor) Express your feelings honestly and directly, even if it’s uncomfortable.
- (Dauntless) Take decisive action to resolve the problem, even if it involves risk.
- (Erudite) Analyze the situation logically and develop a plan of action based on data and evidence.
You are being unfairly criticized. How do you respond?
- (Abnegation) Accept the criticism with humility and try to learn from it.
- (Amity) Attempt to understand the other person’s perspective and find common ground.
- (Candor) Defend yourself with honesty and integrity, presenting the facts as you see them.
- (Dauntless) Confront your critic directly and assert your dominance.
- (Erudite) Gather evidence to refute the criticism and present a logical counter-argument.
A project you’ve been working on fails. How do you cope?
- (Abnegation) Focus on the needs of others and try to find a way to help those who are affected by the failure.
- (Amity) Seek support from friends and family and try to maintain a positive outlook.
- (Candor) Analyze the reasons for the failure honestly and learn from your mistakes.
- (Dauntless) See the failure as a challenge and push yourself to overcome it.
- (Erudite) Systematically analyze the data, identify the root causes of the failure, and develop a plan to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
Question Set 4: Social Interactions
What do you value most in a friendship?
- (Abnegation) Selflessness and a willingness to help others.
- (Amity) Peace, harmony, and mutual understanding.
- (Candor) Honesty, trust, and integrity.
- (Dauntless) Loyalty, courage, and shared adventures.
- (Erudite) Intellectual stimulation and stimulating conversations.
How do you typically handle disagreements with friends?
- (Abnegation) Try to find a compromise that benefits everyone involved.
- (Amity) Seek to understand the other person’s perspective and find a peaceful resolution.
- (Candor) Express your opinion honestly and directly, even if it leads to conflict.
- (Dauntless) Stand your ground and fight for what you believe in.
- (Erudite) Analyze the situation logically and present a well-reasoned argument to support your position.
What is your role in a group project?
- (Abnegation) To ensure everyone is heard and that the project benefits the community.
- (Amity) To foster collaboration and create a harmonious working environment.
- (Candor) To ensure that the project is conducted with honesty and integrity.
- (Dauntless) To take charge and lead the group to success.
- (Erudite) To contribute knowledge, expertise, and analytical skills to the project.
Interpreting Your Results
After completing all four question sets, tally up the number of times you chose each faction. The faction with the highest count is likely the one that best aligns with your personality and values. However, it’s important to consider that people are complex and may exhibit traits from multiple factions.
- Mostly Abnegation: You are likely a selfless and compassionate individual who prioritizes the needs of others above your own. You are drawn to service and find fulfillment in helping those in need.
- Mostly Amity: You are likely a peaceful and harmonious individual who values cooperation and understanding. You strive to create a positive and supportive environment and are drawn to nature and artistic expression.
- Mostly Candor: You are likely an honest and truthful individual who values integrity and justice. You are direct and straightforward in your communication and are committed to upholding the truth.
- Mostly Dauntless: You are likely a brave and courageous individual who thrives on challenges and excitement. You are not afraid to take risks and are driven by a desire to overcome your fears.
- Mostly Erudite: You are likely an intelligent and curious individual who values knowledge and learning. You are analytical and logical in your thinking and are drawn to research and innovation.
Divergence: Embracing Multiple Traits
In the Divergent series, Divergence refers to the ability to fit into multiple factions. This is often seen as a threat to the established social order, as Divergent individuals are harder to control and predict. However, Divergence can also be seen as a strength, as it allows individuals to adapt to different situations and contribute to society in unique ways.
If your scores are relatively evenly distributed across multiple factions, you may be Divergent. This means that you possess a unique combination of traits and values that don’t fit neatly into a single category. Embrace your Divergence and recognize that your ability to see the world from multiple perspectives is a valuable asset.
Beyond the Quiz: Reflecting on Your Values
While this quiz can provide some insights into your personality and preferences, it’s important to remember that it’s just a starting point. Ultimately, the decision of which faction you belong in is a personal one. Take some time to reflect on your values, beliefs, and aspirations. Consider what is most important to you in life and which faction best aligns with your vision of the ideal society.
Think about the following questions:
- What are your core values?
- What kind of society do you want to live in?
- What are you willing to sacrifice for your beliefs?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- How can you use your talents to contribute to the world?
Choosing Your Faction: A Lifelong Journey
Choosing a faction is not a one-time decision; it’s a lifelong journey of self-discovery and growth. As you evolve and change, your values and priorities may shift, leading you to reconsider your faction allegiance. Be open to new experiences and perspectives, and never stop exploring who you are and what you believe in.
The Divergent series reminds us that we have the power to choose our own identities and create our own destinies. Embrace your individuality, celebrate your strengths, and strive to live a life that is true to yourself.
Whether you identify with Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, Erudite, or embrace your Divergence, remember that the most important thing is to live a life of purpose and meaning. Use your unique talents and values to make a positive impact on the world and create a society that is more just, compassionate, and harmonious for all.
This guide provides a starting point, encouraging introspection and a deeper understanding of oneself. Ultimately, the power to choose resides within each individual, making the journey of self-discovery a truly personal and empowering experience. May your faction selection lead you to a fulfilling and meaningful life!