Furthermore, McAdams (2015) states that varying kinds of narrative identities make sense in different cultural contexts (also Hammack, 2008). In a context that exhibits 'the underdog' mentality, Wade's story of a hardy leader, who commits himself to redeem his club's identity, probably makes good sense to the many people (teammates, coaches, fans, the board, etc.) connected with this particular organisation. Given that Wade is the type of person who is inspired by social recognition (high E and high A; Figure 1) and strives to make his life 'mean something' through football (Table 2), it is perhaps understandable he has fashioned this particular story for himself, which lines up his own unique experiences with what his existing football (indeed, family and religious) culture indicates is a meaningful life. Overall, Wade's life story displays a strong degree of interdependency between the person and context, reinforcing McAdams' assumptions of the relationship between culture and personality. On the one hand, Wade's club has provided him with the opportunity to fulfil his destiny, which he initially imagined as a 13-year-old boy. On the other hand, there is a feeling that the club needs him as much as he needs it. Together, these perspectives give further clarity and meaning to Wade's identity in football and cement his own view that he has been 'chosen' to redeem his club's hard-up status.
'We are the stories that we tell', says McAdams (2006, p. 3). Or more precisely, our stories are an important part of our personality, along with other parts, like dispositional traits, goals, and coping strategies (McAdams & Manczak, 2015). What may differentiate Wade's personality from others is the way in which he has configured a personal narrative that gives unity and purpose to his existence. In other words, through the memories, stories, and images of his life, Wade knows himself as a person who can achieve socially desirable goals, be of service to others, and turn setbacks into gains. Hence, whilst capturing dispositional traits and characteristic adaptations are important for understanding Wade's MT, a much clearer and more satisfying portrait is achieved if we also know his story. It is about understanding how Wade organises the memories and events of his life into a meaningful narrative that goes some way to explaining his commitment to achieve in football and why he sustains this commitment despite the pressures and setbacks incurred throughout his involvement in the game.