How to use MBTI for your character's personality ?

Apr 11, 2025

Creating a believable character isn't just about appearance, backstory, or goals, it's about psychology. One of the most powerful tools for character development is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

What Are the 4 Main MBTI Types?

MBTI is based on four dichotomies, which when combined, create 16 distinct personality types. These dichotomies are:

1. Introversion (I) vs. Extraversion (E)

Extraverts (E) draw energy from interaction and outer stimuli.
Introverts (I) recharge by spending time alone and reflecting inward.

2. Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)

Sensors (S) focus on tangible facts, details, and present realities.
Intuitives (N) look at the bigger picture, theories, and future possibilities.

3. Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)

Thinkers (T) prioritize logic and objective analysis when making decisions.
Feelers (F) consider emotions and values when deciding.

4. Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)

Judgers (J) like structure, planning, and decisiveness.
Perceivers (P) prefer spontaneity, flexibility, and keeping options open.

Together, these axes form a personality “code.” For example, someone who is Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving would be an INTP. In storytelling, some personalities can help you build a great villain archetype or a nice but flawed hero.

The 16 Personality Types

Each of the 16 MBTI types is a unique combination of the four traits. Understanding these can give your characters distinct inner lives, motivations, and interpersonal dynamics.

Here's a breakdown of the 16 types:

ISTJ – The Inspector: Practical, detail-oriented, loyal. Likes rules and order.
ISFJ – The Defender: Warm, responsible, nurturing, prefers behind-the-scenes roles.
INFJ – The Advocate: Idealistic, insightful, empathetic. Driven by purpose.
INTJ – The Architect: Strategic, independent, and analytical. Vision-driven.
ISTP – The Virtuoso: Hands-on, adaptable, reserved. Loves to tinker and solve.
ISFP – The Adventurer: Artistic, sensitive, spontaneous. Values authenticity.
INFP – The Mediator: Imaginative, compassionate, individualistic. Emotionally rich.
INTP – The Thinker: Intellectual, curious, logical. Abstract problem-solver.
ESTP – The Entrepreneur: Energetic, daring, action-focused. Lives in the moment.
ESFP – The Performer: Outgoing, playful, spontaneous. Enjoys entertaining.
ENFP – The Campaigner: Enthusiastic, imaginative, empathetic. Loves big ideas.
ENTP – The Debater: Witty, resourceful, curious. Thrives on challenge.
ESTJ – The Executive: Organized, dependable, assertive. Great at leadership.
ESFJ – The Consul: Caring, sociable, orderly. Community-minded.
ENFJ – The Protagonist: Charismatic, driven, inspiring. A born leader.
ENTJ – The Commander: Confident, strategic, efficient. Natural at commanding.

Each type brings a different flavor to the table. An ENFP character might be whimsical and impulsive, while an ISTJ might be stern, methodical, and duty-bound.

Why You Should Use MBTI When Creating Your Characters

MBTI offers writers several key benefits:

Consistency

Once you've assigned your character a type, it becomes easier to stay consistent with how they act, speak, and make decisions. A Judging type won’t enjoy surprise detours, and a Feeling type won’t ignore emotional consequences.

Character Depth

By understanding their cognitive preferences, you can create deeper internal conflicts. For example, an INTJ may struggle with emotions they don’t easily process, while an INFP may wrestle between idealism and reality.

Conflict and Dynamics

Not everyone sees the world the same way, and that’s gold for drama! Pair an ESTP with an INFJ, and you'll get natural tension from their opposing values. MBTI gives a framework for believable interactions, tension, and growth.

Character Growth

You can chart your character’s arc by pushing them into situations that challenge their type. For instance, forcing an INTP to make a heartfelt decision, or putting a Judging character into chaotic environments, provides fertile ground for transformation.

Group Balance

When creating an ensemble, MBTI helps ensure a diverse range of personalities. Think about group dynamics in Stranger Things, Harry Potter, or Avatar: The Last Airbender — each character brings something unique.

Examples of Fictional Character’s MBTI

Here are some well-known fictional characters and their MBTI types to help you get inspired:

Harry Potter (ISFP) – Quiet and loyal, Harry is driven by his values, shows bravery, but often acts impulsively based on gut feelings.
Hermione Granger (ESTJ) – She’s practical, logical, organized, and values rules and responsibility.
Katniss Everdeen (INTJ) – Stoic and dutiful, Katniss thrives on survival and discipline rather than expressing emotion.
Sherlock Holmes (INTP) – Eccentric, analytical, and detached, Holmes thrives in solving puzzles and exploring ideas.
Luna Lovegood (INFP) – Quirky and idealistic, Luna follows her inner world, often misunderstood but deeply compassionate.
Tony Stark (ENTP) – Inventive, charming, and a bit chaotic, Tony is constantly innovating and questioning.
Darth Vader (INFJ) – Driven by a powerful inner vision, Vader is idealistic turned dark, making decisions based on internal logic and emotional wounds.

Using these references helps you envision how types play out in action and dialogue. You can even use MBTI tools online to analyze your characters based on how you've written them.

MBTI and Character’s Compatibility

One of the most useful applications of MBTI is understanding relationships between characters. Each type has natural affinities and tensions with others. Here’s how you can use it:

Friendships

Compatible types might bond over similar ways of thinking. For instance:

INFP + ENFP: Both value creativity and emotion, but the ENFP brings the energy the INFP lacks.
INTJ + ISTP: Logical, independent thinkers who appreciate each other’s space and competence.

Romantic Pairings

Opposites often attract when there’s mutual respect. You can create a great romantic chemistry with:

ENFJ + INFP: One leads with emotional charisma, the other with quiet passion. Together, they complement beautifully.
ESTP + INFJ: One loves the present and action, the other lives in the future and dreams. Fireworks or disaster!

Rivals and Conflict

Using opposing types can spark rich tension:

ENTP (chaotic innovator) vs. ISFJ (traditional caregiver) – Both value good, but their methods and temperaments clash.
ESFP (party-loving doer) vs. INTJ (strategic planner) – The ESFP finds the INTJ boring; the INTJ sees the ESFP as reckless.

By charting how each character perceives the world, you can construct authentic relationships — filled with harmony or friction — that serve your story’s emotional core.