Fiction

Violet Evergarden: ISTJ

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Guest Post by Arvid Walton, INTJ

Violet Evergarden

Dominant Introverted (Si): Orderly and attentive, Violet keeps her space clean and tidy without prompting (SiTe). She is highly detail-oriented, such that she fixates on exact wordings, exact truths/meanings, and exact instructions. She’s also inclined to pay attention to small details of peoples’ appearance, such as Major Bougainvillaea’s eye colour. She thrives on routine (a trait of both Autism and SiTe) and has a strong preference for repetitive activities. In addition to enjoying work as a Doll, Violet regularly dresses in the same clothing (even when not working) and always ties up her hair in the same pattern.

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Kevin Flynn (CLU): ENFP

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Dual post by Guest Writer, Zachary Schulman (ENFP), with developmental editing by Arvid Walton

Tron Legacy

Dominant Extraverted Intuition (Ne): The opening lines of Tron herald untold possibilities, shaping the world seen on the screen with systems and pathways. During his young (before his imprisonment on the Grid), he marvels about the digital frontier, saying that “in there, is a new world. In there, is our destiny.” The ultimate goal of Kevin Flynn is quickly fulfilled as he bursts his way into this other world: the physical, yet digital frontier.

Auxiliary Introverted Feeling (Fi): Dreaming of escaping the oppressive world to a place where information could be free, Kevin Flynn founded a paradise. A creative glow flourished in the digital frontier, and energy began to travel in ways humanity could never have imagined. Flynn envisions himself as a hero at the centre of all things, perhaps achieving some ancient prophecy and taking the next evolutionary step in regards to humanity’s destiny, which he believes it is his life’s mission to fulfill.

Tertiary Extraverted Thinking (Te): Dipping into the lower functions, Kevin Flynn’s desire to control the world on a large scale becomes apparent. Evidenced in his literary shadow, CLU, Kevin Flynn harbours narcissism. Believing in his ability to exert control over a world he previously found incompetent and in need of authoritarian repair
—for him, the threat of CLU leaving the digital frontier has global repercussions. If he’d stayed behind in the real world, an unchecked Kevin Flynn would have used his corporate powers to dominate the world. It was in the fear of things that he could not control that Kevin Flynn failed as a father.

Inferior Introverted Sensing (Si): Despite his fascination with new possibilities, Flynn has a preference for sameness where his personal growth is concerned. Hiding in the loft of his arcade to escape to the new Grid he helped create, Flynn neglected his son, a choice that required active refusal to change for many years. This is representative of a person stuck in the grip of his lower functions, and it’s only through the eventual acceptance of his destiny as a father (that Sam is in fact his greatest creation) that he can finally break out of it and dominate the digital frontier. Symbolically integrating his literary shadow, CLU, Kevin Flynn gives up his ghost and grants closure to his once orphaned son.

Eddie Brock (Venom): ENFJ

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Guest Post by Csilla, ENFJ

Venom (Marvel Universe)


Dominant Extraverted Feeling (Fe): Eddie has a constant need to help others, and he has a strong sense of justice. Because of this, he confronts Carlton Drake, overlooking potential consequences he is fully aware of. Another example is when he enters the store and the shop assistant tells him that he looks like shit. In this moment, he is completely unable to tell her any negative comment, but instead says sincerely, “And you look as beautiful as ever.” He also has a vivid mimic, so all the emotions he feels can be seen on his face. For instance, when the shop is being robbed and he cannot do anything about it, it is very clear that he feels horrible. During a bad phase of his life, Dora approaches him, and he says that he is done with helping everybody. It is clear that up to this point, he had been doing that. Unsurprisingly, he not done helping others, because as a feeling-driven person, he doesn’t take long to change his mind. When he discovers his homeless friend (to whom he also gave money before on the streets) and lets her out, he does not even think about the consequences—again—although they were obvious, since the whole place was full of symbiotes. He also avoids conflicts, for which it is a very good example that at first he does not approach his neighbour who is listening to music horribly loudly.

Auxiliary Introverted Intuition (Ni):  He has a great sense of intuition. Firstly, when he is confronted with the fact that he has to do an interview with Drake, he is not very fond of it, and he openly expresses his opinion about him, explaining that the man is a criminal. He does not possess any evidence, though he expresses his opinion as if it were fact and is very sure about it. At the end of the movie, when Venom asks him how he can know who is a bad guy and who is not, he says that you just know it, feel it, something tells you. He is also open to new and a little spiritual things, for example, he tries to meditate as well.

Tertiary Extraverted Sensing (Se):   He likes wearing clothes that are comfortable to him. He has his own casual style, and he also has tattoos, indicating he pays attention to his physical appearance. He likes a good adventure, but it’s fulfilling enough for him to spend time thinking (SeTi) about his show that he is doing as a journalist. He is aware of his environment, he knows immediately how he can release his friend, and he can cooperate with Venom perfectly, and he can react quickly in general.

Inferior Introverted Thinking (Ti): His Inferior Thinking is also really obvious. It is completely subordinated to his Dominant Feeling. Although he can think when he wants to, he does not do it instinctively. For example, when he finds the files of the Life Foundation he immediately sees that he can use the information to satisfy his Extraverted Feeling, although he does not (because he does not want to) go far enough in thinking to figure it out that he cannot actually refer to his evidence because that would put Anne in danger. He also does not see how saving his friend in the lab can put his life in danger (basically, that is why Venom symbiotizes with him). Although obviously, when he wants to and has to, he can see through the events and can easily put two and two together; that is why he is the best in his job.

Moana: ISFP

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Guest Post by Debaparna Das, INFJ

Moana (2016)


Dominant Introverted Feeling (Fi): One of Moana’s strongest character traits is her compassion. It’s implied that that’s why the Ocean chose to trust her while she was still a small child. She is fiercely loving and protective of her parents, her pets (although they don’t always share her taste for adventure), and her tribe. She finds it impossible to disregard her own emotional needs merely to comply with communal conventions. As a result, she struggles because her desire clashes with her duties towards her parents and her island. She prefers to follow her own ideas and ethics, resenting being put down over patriarchal notions (see her reaction to Maui questioning her quest). Automatic empathy with others’ feelings isn’t her forte (again, see her reaction to Maui’s brooding). In the same vein, she doesn’t actively seek out anyone’s help in dealing with her issues. It’s up to her grandmother, Tala, to understand her condition and advise and comfort her. Although she loves the ocean dearly, she decides to sail away mainly in the hope of saving her tribe from a slow death due to environmental degradation and starvation.

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Leonard Hofstadter: ISFJ

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Guest Post by Lucas, INTJ

The Big Bang Theory

Dominant Introverted Sensing (Si): Leonard can either get very nostalgic about his past experiences (such as making quality comparisons about the present environment with the past regarding his hobbies) or be extremely disgusted by them (as his mother treatment towards him). In both cases, however, they dictate his decisions: although he is less whiny than Sheldon about changes, he still feels better in a same pace middle-class life and is unwilling to change that. Because his mother neglected his feelings, he uses that memory in many humorous situations in the present, albeit becoming sensitive in the process.

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Stilgar: ESTJ

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Guest Post by Andrew, ENTJ

Dune, Frank Herbert


Dominant Extraverted Thinking (Te): Everything about Stilgar screams “leader.” He is most comfortable in positions of authority over and responsibility for others. Stilgar has efficiency as his first priority at all times; this is instrumental in his acceptance of Paul’s reforms of Fremen society (because why would anyone in their right mind exterminate the strongest Fremen soldiers before the big battle for Arrakis?). Stilgar is a direct communicator with a sharp tongue; he minces no words in saying what needs to be said.


Auxiliary Introverted Sensing (Si): Stilgar has every respect for Fremen culture and traditions. Even though he is open to changing the rules when the objective reality demands it, he will not initiate these changes, nor will he attempt to make them single-handedly. Most notably, he will not bend the rules without a practical reason for doing so. Stilgar knows a great deal about the Fremen mythology concerning Bene Gesserit “witches” and the Mahdi (the long-awaited prophet for the Fremen), which leads him to adopt Paul and Jessica into his tribe.

Tertiary Extraverted Intuition (Ne):  Stilgar can appreciate the symbolism of Paul’s Fremen name (Muad’Dib). He can anticipate which new developments are on the horizon at any given time, and he is open to some changes as the situation warrants. In particular, Stilgar believes in Paul’s mission to terraform Arrakis into a more hospitable planet.


Inferior Introverted Feeling (Fi): Stilgar usually puts any emotions, whether his own or anyone else’s, aside when making decisions. While he internally acknowledges his emotions, he just doesn’t consider them important enough to guide him on how to lead his tribe. Instead of having his own moral code, he has internalised the moral code of the Fremen, and follows it with all necessary rigor.

Author’s Note:

Jay Walker: ISTP

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Guest Post by Lewis Sanderson, INFJ

Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu

Dominant Introverted Thinking (Ti): His logic comes from what he thinks inside, and the decisions and facts he comes up with are usually the kind that look good on paper but fail to work in practice. Jay is not naïve either, and is quite sceptical of Nadakhan’s motives when he first appears. He knows not to trust people, as a rule, and loves to find out that he was right. Jay doesn’t let other people tell him what to think, and has a very set mind that is always buzzing with ideas. Despite the fact that he is almost always talking, he rarely voices his actual thoughts and prefers to break apart and mock things that others have said.

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Regina George: ESTJ

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Joint post by Arvid Walton and guest writer, Morgan, INTP

Mean Girls

Dominant Extraverted Thinking (Te):  Regina is a born executive who always likes to be in charge. She enjoys order, loves making up rules, and telling people what to do (“On Wednesdays, we wear pink” fulfils each of these interests for her). A large proportion of her sentences are direct orders or declarations of fact, indicating that she’s action-oriented and practical in her communication style. She even orders her own mom around. She can be rather blunt in her speech and isn’t afraid to hurt others’ feelings in the process. She also has a dislike of things that she considers illogical (e.g., trying to make “fetch” happen).

Auxiliary Introverted Sensing (Si): Regina likes structure and routine more than the average person. In addition to following the same daily and weekly routines, she has her friends do the same dance to the same song every year. Many of the rules she creates are also designed to generate and maintain a group tradition (centred around herself, of course). She uses these traditions to establish her superiority over others and ultimately “manage” her social world.

Tertiary Extraverted Intuition (Ne): This function is fairly undeveloped in Regina, though she does use it occasionally. For example, when she’s trying to lose weight, she tries everything she can think of, becoming so willing to try new things that she falls for Cady’s weight-gain ruse because she isn’t checking the facts for herself. She is also fascinated by Cady because of the difference in their experience.

Inferior Introverted Feeling (Fi): This is another function that Regina hasn’t developed very well. She shows little to no concern for how other people feel (unless it’s how they feel about her). She is self-absorbed and unkind, actively putting others down in order to build herself up.

Cassian Andor: ISTP

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Official typing by Arvid Walton

Andor (Star Wars Universe)

Dominant Introverted Thinking (Ti): Cassian frequently disagrees with the standard logic of others. As a result, he gains a reputation for disobeying orders that don’t make sense to him. Despite consistently working for the rebellion, he doesn’t bother jumping through the “official” hoops that they request of him (such as rules for clearing a ship to leave Yavin). Similarly, he chooses not to kill Jyn’s father because the situation doesn’t make sense to him or his instincts (TiSe). He is naturally analytical, able to evaluate problems and critique them on the fly (TiSe combo) in order to escape danger. Nonetheless, Cassian is a quiet person who keeps most of his logical processes inside.

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Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody: ISTJ

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Guest Post by Andrew, ENTJ

Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling

Dominant Introverted Sensing (Si): Above all else, Moody does not like to take chances. He would rather take a long time doing something to make sure that he is successful than take a shortcut about which he is the least bit unsure (e.g. taking Harry to the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix). Moody uses a magic eye which allows him to be completely aware of his surroundings: it can move around in his head freely, and see through anything at its owner’s will. Moody uses each person’s past behaviour as an indicator of what he or she will do in the future, and he neither forgets nor fully forgives past transgressions. Moody enjoys comparing a group photograph of the original Order of the Phoenix with the membership of the new Order, and going over what happened to each member who didn’t make it.

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Zuko: ISFP

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Official typing by Arvid Walton

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Dominant Introverted Feeling (Fi): Zuko feels everything intensely, a trait that both makes him a force for good (when he can detach his own moral code from what his father expects of him) and causes him a great deal of suffering. When he forces himself to live by his father’s value system instead of his own, Zuko is plagued by inner dissonance and depression. From a young age, he has a strong sense of ethics and is happiest when he feels aligned with his moral code. His drive to do the right thing pushes him to speak against his father’s military plans, ultimately leading to his banishment from the Fire Nation. As much as he lashes out at people (Mai, his crew, Uncle Iroh), Zuko puts them first when they are in danger. When he makes a mistake, he accepts full responsibility for his actions and does everything in his power to correct the damage he’s caused. As Fire Lord, Zuko puts his life on the line to stand up for the misunderstood people of the Fire Nation colonies. However, when gaslighting and manipulation from his family members cause him to doubt his inner compass, Zuko is wracked with anxiety about whether he’s doing the right thing (to the point of being unable to sleep). When under intense stress, Zuko has the tendency to retreat inward, keeping his struggles to himself despite Mai’s urgings for him to talk openly. 

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Eliza Hamilton: INTP

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Guest Post by Alex, ENFP

Hamilton

Dominant Introverted Thinking (Ti): Throughout the play, Eliza shows a clear preference for taking her time to think about things rather than leaping into the emotions of the situation. When falling in love with Hamilton, a much more energetic and spontaneous Se-dom, she feels “helpless,” and out of control, all though maybe in a good way. A lot of their courtship actually happens through letters, although “Helpless” focuses mostly on their in-person interactions. Written correspondence leaves more time for reaction and processing things, so it makes sense that this is where she was most comfortable. Later, in “Burn,” she says, “I’m re-reading the letters you wrote me/ I’m searching and scanning for answers/ In every line/ For some kind of sign.” Although this is at least partially retreating into Si, she’s also dealing with her intense emotional reaction through analysis, even though logically it probably won’t reveal anything about her husband’s motivations. Historically, she also remained very involved in politics after Alexander Hamilton’s death, co-founding the Orphan Asylum Society, organizing all of Alexander’s writings, raising funds for the Washington Monument, and defending Alexander to his critics, including, notably, President James Monroe. In “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” she says before listing her accomplishments after Alexander’s death, “I stop wasting time on tears.” She prefers remaining emotionally detached, analyzing and working and getting things done, she just has gone through some very emotionally devastating experiences.

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