Personality Typing Some of Our Favorite Literary Characters

A few months ago, I took the Myers-Briggs personality test, was astonished and thrilled with the results (there are other people like me!!) and promptly got Nerd #1 and our younger sister to take the test, as well. The descriptions of our types were frighteningly spot-on. Since then, we’ve been trying to sort characters from movies and books into their personality types. The funny thing is when we realize a character belongs to our type, and it suddenly clicks—“Oh, that’s why I relate to them so much!” Simply put, the Myers-Briggs personality test sorts a person into one of sixteen personality types, each with a four-letter name. Each of the letters stands for a characteristic: introvert (I), extrovert (E), intuitive (N), sensor (S), thinker (T), feeler (F), judge (J), and perceiver (P). An introvert is drained (mentally, emotionally, and/or physically) by socializing, whereas an extrovert is energized. An intuitive individual takes in information through patterns and possibilities, while a sensor takes in information with their five senses. Feeling and thinking concern how an individual makes decisions—whether they reach conclusions through logic and reasoning, or make decisions based on their feelings. Finally, a judge has a plan—has control over the situation—whereas a perceiver lets a scenario play out by itself. What we’ve done here is sort some of our favorite literary characters (as well as the most obvious ones) by their personality types to the best extent of our abilities. Some of the results surprised us! It’s important to remember that an individual is not wholly formed by their personality—their pasts and moral codes certainly have a say. Additionally, some individuals could really be sorted into multiple types, but they sway closer to one type than the others. INTJ: Introvert, intuitive, thinker, judge. This one’s my favorite. INTJs are the masterminds, those calculating individuals who live inside their heads and plot world domination and could probably take charge of just about any situation, but they don’t really want to have to deal with people, so they might not. Silent judging and the resting face of a brooding serial killer are likely side effects. They are probably the easiest type to spot; they’re usually the quiet, brooding characters who are probably struggling with inner darkness but could take you on at the same time with a spoon and enough motivation. Most are male, as this is the rarest type for a woman; female INTJs make up 0.8% of the population. Some examples from the literary world of INTJs are Ender Wiggin (Ender’s Game), Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games), Gandalf the Grey (you should really know this one), Sherlock Holmes (duh), Mr. Darcy and Mary Bennet (Pride and Prejudice), Fish Denniston (The Shadow of the Bear), Elrond (you should know this one, too), Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby)…and ME! That’s right: I am a rare, introverted unicorn. As a side note, the Ninth Doctor is also an INTJ. Darcy was probably the first one I figured out. Even before I took the test, I totally related to his character. He is clearly an introvert, a deep thinker, and takes charge when necessary. Ender Wiggin was another obvious one, though a little weirder because he’s 6-years-old. Fish is a less well-known character from Regina Doman’s Fairytales Retold series, yet perhaps the one I relate to the most. ENTJ: Extroverted, intuitive, thinker, judge ENTJs make the rules. They are ambitious and they are in charge. As extroverts, they have people skills, which makes them excellent leaders and good planners. INTJs might do all the planning, but ENTJs are the guys that will seriously take over the world if given the chance. Think of them as INTJs with charisma and charm. Tom Riddle (Harry Potter) as a child was an ENTJ. He yearned for control, and while at Hogwarts, he gathered a tight group of followers. He later spiraled into a kind of messed-up ENTJ as he split his soul and turned into Lord Voldemort. This is the same kind of bad ENTJ as President Snow (The Hunger Games). They’re both ENTJs gone-bad, corrupted by need for control. Edward Rochester (Jane Eyre) is a not-evil example. He wants control. He is on top of things and he does not lack for ambition. Though technically the love interest, Rochester could easily become the villain. I have no female examples of ENTJs. It is the second-rarest personality type for women. INFJ: Introvert, intuitive, feeler, judge INFJs are interesting; they seem like extroverts at first, because they are very outgoing. They extend themselves to others. They are warm and insightful and they genuinely care about people. They are givers and counselors and generally eloquent speakers and writers. Like INTJs, they live inside their heads, which causes a lot of overthinking about things like existence and metaphysics. Galadriel is a prime example of an INFJ. We know from The Silmarillion that she’s had a pretty rough life, starting with her uncle Fëanor going crazy and leading many of the elves away from Valinor. There’s a slaughter. They burn the boats. Crazy stuff happens. Yet through all the centuries, she endures in grace and wisdom, to the point where the Fellowship of the Ring arrives in Lothlórien and she shares her insight with Sam and Frodo. She is incredible reflective and caring. Another great example of an INFJ is Remus Lupin (Harry Potter). Clearly, throughout the third book, a lot is going on behind the scenes with Lupin. He’s got his own personal problems to attend to, Sirius Black, his best mate of old, is on the loose, and his other friend who he thought to be dead is making a disturbing reappearance. Nevertheless, he remains calm. Lupin is reserved and somewhat withdrawn, yet he reaches out to Harry when he needs it most. Our little sister is an INFJ. Upon reading Regina Doman’s Fairytales Retold series, she announced that she was fairly certain Blanche Brier was an INFJ as well. I think she’s right. She is also very excited that Nobody Owens (The Graveyard Book) and Hiccup (The How to Train Your Dragon books, not the movies) are both INFJs, as well. ENFJ: Extrovert, intuitive, feeler, judge ENFJs are inspiring and enthusiastic leaders. As extroverts, they tend to have many close friends and are very loyal. They are also very sensitive. ENFJs truly appreciate people; they understand others, and they will often extend themselves to the point of being hurt in order to care for their friends. Emma Woodhouse (Emma) is a good example of an ENFJ. She is clearly extroverted and enjoys other people—but to the point of being manipulative. Emma takes joy in “helping” her friend Harriet find a place in society. Though the episode ends in disaster, she truly means well for her friend. While Elizabeth Bennet may at first glance appear to be an introvert, she is actually an extrovert. I mean, look at the amount of parties she goes to. While Lizzie is sensitive and sometimes spontaneous (marking her as a Feeler), she is also intuitive and judging. Rupert Greeves (The Dragon’s Tooth), the Avengel of Ashtown, is another ENFJ. A compassionate and charismatic leader, Rupert keeps the peace in Ashtown and instructs Cyrus and Antigone. He is a strong father-figure to Cyrus, who learns much of his moral code from Rupert’s instruction and example. I also think Cinna (The Hunger Games) is an ENFJ. He reminds me quite a bit of Rupert Greeves. Though we actually don’t know much about Cinna, he is compassionate, inspiring, and teaches Katniss quite a lot. ISFJ: Introvert, sensor, feeler, judge This one’s another favorite because of SAMWISE GAMGEE! ISFJs possess a desire to serve others and put other people’s needs before their own. They also tend to be virtuous, which may lead to scenarios where they feel bad for burdening people with very simple things. They tend to be underappreciated, which is honestly ridiculous, because they are some of the most cooperative and supportive friends, coworkers and family you could ever ask for. It’s little wonder that Samwise Gamgee fits this personality type. While people most often seem to label Frodo as the hero, Sam gets along with little praise for the sheer amount of work he put in. I mean, the guy hiked to Mordor with Gollum and Frodo (who was losing his mind), got them all out of loads of trouble, and did it all with a load of pots and pans strapped to his back. Sam is loyal and kind and supportive to the end, despite Frodo getting most of the glory. That’s an ISFJ for you. People try to categorize Ron Weasley (Harry Potter) under several different types. Honestly, I think this one fits him the best. While he’s different from Sam, Ron is also unfailingly loyal to Harry (well, except for that one time in Deathly Hallows—but we don’t talk about that). He is sensitive and way underappreciated for the amount of stuff he puts up with. While he’s not a hardcore introvert, it isn’t often that we see Ron in a large group unless it’s Quidditch-related. He seems to enjoy himself more when it’s just him, Harry and Hermione. Other ISFJs are Arthur Dent (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) and Matthew Cuthbert (Anne of Green Gables). ESFJ: Extrovert, sensor, feeler, judge ESFJs are the mother hens. They enjoy being in charge and they are very good at it, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get their hands dirty. They enjoy traditions and serving others. They also have a strong sense of danger, whether it be an internal or external threat. Molly Weasley (Harry Potter) is probably the best example you will ever find of an ESFJ. It’s easy to see from her planning of Harry’s birthday party, Bill’s and Fleur’s wedding, and the annual packing of belongings when setting off for Hogwarts that Mrs. Weasley is organized. She has everything under control. If she gives you a task to do, you’d better do it, because she’s probably doing ten even-nastier chores and she’ll never let you hear the end of it. This woman opened up her family and home to the kid Voldemort wants dead. She’s got guts. Mrs. Weasley also possesses an acute sense of danger, which becomes more evident as the books continue and evil begins to rise. While Effie Trinket (The Hunger Games) is less likely to get her hands dirty, she’s definitely an ESFJ. She is a sensitive extrovert with a talent for bossing everyone around and organizing everything till the people around her are driven mad by it. Likewise, Bilbo Baggins is a worrier, and he likes things organized. I don’t know that accidentally opening up your home to an army of dwarves counts as hospitality, but let’s say it does. INFP: Introvert, intuitive, feeler, perceiver INFPs never lose their sense of wonder. They’re innocent, warm, amazingly imaginative individuals who can see the good in most any situation. They are incredibly sweet and kind and caring. Examples are Lucy Pevensie, Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables), Jane Bennet (Pride and Prejudice), Colonel Brandon (Sense and Sensibility), Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter), and Primrose Everdeen (The Hunger Games). All are excellent examples. Lucy is forever awestruck by the beauty and wonder of Aslan and Narnia. Anne has a truly brilliant imagination. Luna can see the good in everyone, and she’s always striving to look on the bright side. Prim, Jane and Colonel Brandon are all warm and caring.

ENFP: Extrovert, intuitive, feeler, perceiver ENFPs are warm and sympathetic. Life ENFJs, they appreciate other people. They hold to their core values and opinions, using their extensive social life as an opportunity to share these views and maybe convince the other side. While pleasant and friendly, ENFPs easily get overexcited and overenthusiastic. They are easily distracted from the “big” important things in their lives, and they are professional procrastinators. Deadlines and time management do not exist to the ENFP. Examples of ENFPs include Peeta Mellark (The Hunger Games), Pippin Took (The Lord of the Rings), Rose Brier (The Shadow of the Bear), Tonks (Harry Potter), and Nerd #2. The Eleventh Doctor is also an ENFP. He is a good non-literary example. Rose and Tonks are the best examples of ENFPs from literature. Rose, like Blanche Brier and Fish, is less well-known. She is excitable, enthusiastic and imaginative. Every day is an adventure, even if she gets caught up in the moment and forgets to do something very important (which is most times). She doesn’t need a plan; she’s incredibly flexible. Tonks is a similar character. Though she means the best and can be a valuable asset, her mind is always in the clouds. INTP: Introvert, intuitive, thinker, perceiver They want to do everything. And I mean everything. Their thoughts are going at a million miles per hour, and they’re usually thinking pretty big thoughts, too. INTPs are the ones who spend loads of time picking up little projects and discarding them just as quickly. They want to learn, they want to know, but for such intelligent individuals, they’re strangely detached from the world around them. They can seem very withdrawn. They’re terrified of failing. Our list of literary INTPs actually really surprised me. Arthur Weasley (Harry Potter) is an obvious one, as is Ian Malcolm (Jurassic Park). Dustfinger (Inkheart) was the one that really surprised me, but it makes sense. He is clearly an introvert. He is scared to death of failing himself and those around him, as he has done in the past. He is independent, logical and always considers his plan to be the best. George Knightly (Emma) is another example. A clearly intelligent loner who is frustrated by Emma’s lapses in logic, Mr. Knightly can seem detached to the point of rudeness in a social setting (though he might be unaware of it). Haymitch Abernathy (The Hunger Games) is our last example of an INTP. Both before and after his time in the Games, Haymitch has a strong sense of “I’m right, you’re wrong—and I can back it up with facts.” He can make Katniss feel pretty stupid simply by explaining the logic behind a situation. He’s always got a plan (probably more than one), which he may or may not implement, depending on how things play out. ENTP: Extrovert, intuitive, thinker, perceiver Think “Tenth Doctor”. That’s what we’re dealing with, here: the person who might be exceptionally smart but really has no idea what to do with themselves after that. They are commonly called the “Inventors” and “Visionaries” because they are very good at coming up with creative ideas—though not so good at implementing them. They are outspoken extroverts with lots of quick energy, but they can also be incredibly laid-back. Very argumentative, very good at causing a lot of trouble—and maybe not so good at fixing it. A less well-known example of an ENTP is Xar from Cressida Cowell’s new book, The Wizards of Once. Xar fancies himself a fantastic leader, and he’s a wellspring of creative (if reckless and suicidal) plots. However, he’s not so good at actually getting them to work. He appears very laid-back but he can just as quickly spring into action and start hurling insults. Sirius Black (Harry Potter) is another good example. Like most ENTPs, he’s good at coming up with plans, and he appears very chill. Yet he’s also argumentative as anything and most of his plans seem to go haywire. He’s got a fiery temper and he enjoys pushing his limits (or Harry’s). Mark Watney (The Martian) and Kate Wetherall (The Mysterious Benedict Society) are other ENTPs. ISTJ: Introvert, sensor, thinker, judge This is a really interesting group. ISTJs are very down-to-earth and typically honest individuals, expecting those around them to uphold honesty as well. They are organized and loyal, traditional and efficient. Though they love their family and friends, the expression of this affection usually makes them uncomfortable. The thing that really surprised me here was that both Tobias Eaton and Caleb Prior, both characters from Divergent, seem to both be ISTJs. It’s more obvious with Caleb (though he’s obviously not honest, the stinker). He’s very traditional and loyal to the Erudite faction, always following rules and regulations. He’s also organized. His intelligence and introversion combine to make him seem arrogant at times, though he might not be aware of this. Similarly, Tobias (or Four) is organized and intelligent. He’s an introvert and can seem harsh and arrogant at times, but this is mostly because he’s so reserved and is unaware of the image he’s presenting (unless he’s directly trying to intimidate initiates). Both also have a strong sense of duty, though their loyalties lie in different areas. Gale (The Hunger Games) and Susan Pevensie are other examples of ISTJs. Both are honest about their opinions and goals, though their loyalties may differ from those of the people they are close to. ESTJ: Extrovert, sensor, thinker, judge While Susan is an ISTJ, Peter Pevensie is an ESTJ. ESTJs can be seen as bossy and arrogant, but they’re really very good leaders. As extroverts, they deal with large groups of people, and they like to be in control. The good side of this is that they can be very enthusiastic and social. Usually convinced only by logical reasoning and facts, ESTJs are practical and realistic. However, this can result in appearing insensitive. As High King of Narnia, Peter Pevensie’s got a pretty big leadership role. He can appear arrogant. but he’s really just in control; he only wants to be bothered by the facts and logic of the situation. Hence, he probably ticks some people off. Hermione Granger (Harry Potter) and Professor McGonagall (Also Harry Potter) are both pretty good examples, as Harry and Ron view them as bossy and arrogant throughout most of the books. Hermione, while not so much a leader, usually has things in control from the background, and she’s pretty enthusiastic about S.P.E.W. Professor McGonagall is also seen as insensitive and bossy, but she’s also Deputy Headmistress, and we see in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that she’s got some amazing leadership skills in whipping the school into action. Finally, Caroline Bingley (Pride and Prejudice). Yes, she is controlling. She is arrogant. While she is social, she also looks down on people and assumes they are of lower intelligence. We don’t really have anything good to say about her, only that if she was given support and a chance at a leadership position, maybe she’d shape up. But we doubt it. ISTP: Introvert, sensor, thinker, perceiver This is one of my favorites. Why? Because ARAGORN! And ÉOWYN! Without a doubt, Éowyn is one of Tolkien’s strongest female characters—besides Luthien and all those craze-mazing elves from The Silmarillion. I mean, who killed the Witch King of Angmar? Éowyn, that’s who. Also, who doesn’t love Aragorn? ISTPs are independent and efficient. While long-term planning isn’t really their thing, they are practical, down-to-earth, and capable individuals. They are typically quiet and unflappable. They might sit on the outskirts of the group, intimidating everyone by their silence, but you bet they’re listening in and interested in what’s being said. This obviously fits Aragorn very well; as a ranger, he does his own thing and he’s pretty chill. Éowyn is a strong, independent woman who has a sharp stick and isn’t afraid to use it. This is also Tris Prior’s (Divergent) personality type. She’s kind of intimidating for reasons people can’t quite pinpoint, probably because she seems super relaxed but in an instant will hit you with a death-stare and then hit you with a sharp stick. Harry Potter has been sorted into several groups in the past, but I think he’s an ISTP. He seems pretty quiet, and he’s learned to be independent from years of living with the Dursleys. Sure, sometimes he can be a real idiot, and he should listen to Hermione more often. But he’s pretty capable and, honestly, most of the other Gryffindors are probably scared of him. ESTP: Extrovert, sensor, thinker, perceiver Basically, all the crazy-spontaneous, super-energetic, impatient, why-would-anyone-ever-think-before-they-act, let’s-go-do-something-dangerous people. Boredom is dangerous for them—crazy things could happen. They are typically brief and to-the-point, wanting the gist of it and nothing excessive. Camicazi (How to Train Your Dragon) is an ESTP. She’s a viking with big ideas and little patience for planning, preferring to live in the moment and take her chances. Inigo Montoya (The Princess Bride) is another good example. Come on—the guy spent his whole life training to hunt down the man who killed his father, he gets hired as a mercenary, gets way too much enjoyment from the “thrill” of a duel-to-the-death, swiftly changes tactics and decides to storm a castle with the help of a man he tried to kill, and probably ends up as a pirate. Yeah, he’s an ESTP. Our other examples are Johanna Mason (Catching Fire), Ginny Weasley (Harry Potter), and Gimli (The Lord of the Rings). Johanna is a lot like a darker version of Camicazi, to be honest; while Camicazi is fueled by excitement and love of life, Johanna is fueled by vengeance and spite for the Capitol. Ginny has Fred and George as older brothers, so how could she not be an ESTP? Gimli might seem too mild to be an ESTP, but he’s impatient, direct, and ambitious. ISFP: Introvert, sensor, feeler, perceiver The difference between ISFPs and INFPs is that ISFPs are less fantasy-driven; they are more likely to appreciate experiences in the present moment, though their feelings will likely be internalized and they will appear aloof. That’s not to say that they aren’t friendly and warm. They are typically loyal and pretty relaxed. They also try to resolve conflict. Legolas, Fishlegs (How to Train Your Dragon), Hagrid (Harry Potter) and Liesel Meminger (The Book Thief) are ISFPs. Legolas is kind of weird because he’s got that elvish-mysteriousness, but it’s easy to see that there are major differences between him and Fëanor or Elrond (elves have personalities, too!). He is loyal to the Fellowship. Though he is reserved and generally doesn’t say much, he befriends Gimli even though the elf and dwarf races have been at odds for a very long time. I knew from the start that Fishlegs and Hagrid would have the same type; they are both that loyal, quirky, slightly-withdrawn friend who has a love for life. I think there’s a Fishlegs in the How to Train Your Dragon movies, but we’re talking about Fishlegs from the books, here—a totally different character. Lastly, Liesel. She sees the beauty in everything and puts her soul down on paper. Even when she and Rudy are climbing over barbed-wire fences and dashing through dirty streets, she appreciates every moment. She would likely have never made a friend if Rudy hadn’t extended himself—not because she’s shy, but because she keeps mostly to herself and to her own thoughts. ESFP: Extrovert, sensor, feeler, perceiver ESFPs, often called the “performers” or “party people," are outgoing lovers of life and people. They are adaptable team-players—sociable, energetic, spontaneous and laid-back. They are also risk-takers. While they might seem like the always-optimistic, fun-loving, let’s-go-climb-tall-objects-and-hug-all-the-people folks, ESFPs are not necessarily flighty. In fact, they can be very practical. Fred and George Weasley (Harry Potter) are the best possible examples of ESFPs. Other examples are Lydia Bennet (Pride and Prejudice) and Finnick Odair (Catching Fire). Now, before you get all over me about how, “Finnick Odair can’t possibly have the same personality type as Lydia Bennet!”, hear me out. Nerd #1 said the same thing. But what we’ve got to remember here is that people are more than their personality; Finnick and Lydia (and the Weasley twins) all have very different backgrounds. Finnick grew up in a time and place where every year came with the fear of being chosen for the Hunger Games. Once he was chosen, he had to assume a persona the Capitol would love. While we see in Mockingjay that yeah, some of that persona actually came from the real Finnick, he’s both more chill and more moral than the Capitol made him out like. After two of what were essentially prolonged, televised gladiator fights, Finnick is distinctly beaten-down. Both he and Katniss (and any number of other Victors) have PTSD. At this point, it’s really hard to see Finnick as an ESFP. But if we set his condition aside, it’s easy to see that Finnick is outgoing and friendly and even warm at times. He’s still a bit of a risk-taker, still laid-back and fun-loving. He’s also a team player. Lydia, on the other hand, grew up on a posh estate and was spoiled all her life. Hence, she has not been exposed to any of the darker elements of life, and is silly and immature. She is a “party person." Overexcited about growing up and going on an adventure, she elopes with a slimy man and is too self-absorbed to realize he only married her for her money.

Just goes to prove that personality types aren’t everything.