Malcolm Armistead is a man of average height, his dark hair now liberally sprinkled with gray. His weathered features betray a life once spent extensively outdoors, the lines on his face now beginning to demonstrate the steady advance of years. Although generally well dressed and groomed, he is prone to allow the hint of a beard to grow along his jawline and, save for the most formal of occasions, may forget to wear a necktie, evidence that he is still working to adjust to a primarily academic life.

Warm and gregarious, Armistead enjoys social gatherings and readily converses with individuals of all backgrounds. Although modest about his own achievements, he is willing to share stories of his experiences, though his natural curiosity makes him eager to learn about others. A lifelong bachelor, Armistead seems genuinely content with a life dedicated to his chosen pursuits.