Cardinal dispositions are considered to be an eminent characteristic or ruling passion so outstanding that it dominates their lives. Few people have cardinal dispositions, but everyone has several central dispositions, which includes 5 to10 most outstanding characteristics around which a person's life focuses. Allport described central dispositions as those that would be listed in an accurate letter of recommendation written by someone who knew the person quite well. Allport believed that 5 to 10 central dispositions that our friends and close acquaintances would agree are descriptive of our personality. A less conspicuous but far greater in number than central dispositions are the secondary dispositions.
All personal dispositions are dynamic in the sense that they have motivational powers.
These strongly felt dispositions receive their motivation from basic needs and drives. Allport called these intensely experienced dispositions motivational dispositions. He referred to personal dispositions that are less intensely experienced as stylistic dispositions. Both motivational and stylistic dispositions are close to the core of personality. Stylistic dispositions guide action, such as politeness, whereas eating is more motivational, which initiate action.