The Myers-Briggs Personality Types As Heroes

Certain Myers-Briggs personality types seem to get written as heroes far more often than others. When you think of a hero, you probably have a very specific trope that comes to mind: the passionate individual who’s determined to lives up to his ideals or achieve his dream no matter what the cost. Naturally, the heroes that follow this trope usually fall within a specific subset of Myers-Briggs personality types. While the classics are classic for a reason, it can be refreshing to see a hero that breaks this mold.

I was discussing this subject with a friend the other day, and thought it might make for an interesting article. So, below, I’m going to generally cover what a hero would look like, what might motivate them, and etcetera based on their cognitive functions. However, I will not be writing a hero description for each individual Myers-Briggs type. Since judging functions will be playing the greatest role in this scenario, I’ll be focusing primarily on those.

Protagonists vs. Heroes

Before I begin, it’s relevant to draw a distinction between a protagonist and a hero. The protagonist of a story is simply the main character, heroic or villainous. Sometimes, people refer to a main character as the “hero of the story” when really they just mean the “protagonist”, because that character is not actually a hero in the truest sense of the word. In this article, I’m focusing specifically on heroic characters, rather than protagonists in general.

The Myers-Briggs Personality Types As Heroes

Bear in mind, there are exceptions to everything; and for the record, any personality type could have heroism thrust upon them for various reasons. I’m going to be covering general themes below, but there are occasionally characters that break the mold. Extraneous factors are often in play when this happens. For instance, an extraverted perceiving type (EXXP, IXXP) raised in a position of authority may fixate on values (or showcase themes) that are usually more prominent in extraverted judgers, such as responsibility and duty. On the other hand, an extraverted judging type (EXXJ, IXXJ) may (for whatever the reason) feel compelled to seek out adventure and excitement, which would enhance the role of their extraverted perceiving function. It’s important to take into account the entire picture, details and general themes, before coming to a conclusion. Otherwise, you fall into the trap of a typing a character by stereotypes.

The Introverted Feelers

Myers-Briggs Types: ENFP, INFP, ESFP, ISFP

The FP hero is the classic hero – that’s why so many heroic characters are written as FP personality types. Being naturally in tune with their feelings often leads these types to be extremely passionate about their values and ideals. They’re less concerned with catering to others, and more concerned with remaining true to themselves, no matter what the cost. As perceivers, FPs heroes are able to quickly progress the story, bringing action and excitement via their own impulses and spontaneity. Along the journey, though, people are usually drawn in by the FP’s passion, and united by the FP’s personal ideals. Inevitably, the FP garners a large following of those who are willing to fight for the success of his/her mission.

While everyone has values, and certainly every personality type can be moral, what sets the FP apart is the way they frame their actions. FP heroes will consciously (and likely, verbally) tie their motivations to abstract ideals, such as justice and honor. Their values, may at times, overrule their sense of reason, allowing them to be taken advantage of, but the mission cannot be won if values are to be sacrificed. Naturally, this makes the FP appear even more noble and worthy of admiration.

Character Examples: MCU’s Spider-Man, Naruto Uzumaki, Once Upon A Time’s Snow White

The Extraverted Feelers

Myers-Briggs Types: ENFJ, INFJ, ESFJ, ISFJ

FJ heroes are not uncommon, but they’re also frequently found in support roles, because of the nature of Fe. While Fe, as a feeling function, is still about values, FJs by default fixate on the values of their chosen community, often to the point of allowing their identity to become wrapped up in this external people group. That’s why harmony is so important to them. As a result, when FJs become heroes, they usually do so with a strong focus on others.

While the FPs unite people in a common goal as a byproduct of their individual passion, FJ heroes may have unity as their specific goal, their long term vision, or as a tactic they employ. An FJ hero may place a strong emphasis on diplomacy, and even have a knack for it. They may unite a group to fight for a collective goal, foster a community that shares their vision, or adopt a mission where someone else’s needs are the focal point. Whatever the route, as heroes, these Myers-Briggs personality types often assume a role that is self-sacrificial in nature. They seek harmony, enjoy the camaraderie of teamwork, and feel a deep sense of loyalty and responsibility to the wellbeing of those around them. FJ heroes are usually ready and willing to give themselves up to a goal that’s far greater than themselves.

Character Examples: MCU’s Captain America, Yuji Itadori, All Might

The Introverted Thinkers

Myers-Briggs Types: ENTP, INTP, ESTP, ISTP

Here’s where things start to go atypical. The TPs have a reputation for being antiheroes, bounty hunters, mercenaries… or pretty much any type of character that lives in a gray area. It’s less common to see someone create a TP character who’s actually heroic. Why? Well, it’s easier to keep repeating a trope than to think outside the box. See, what makes a TP hero more complicated to write is that a TP’s style of heroism isn’t as blatantly heroic.

TPs have a low value function (Fe), and it’s extraverted. While Fe will give them a glimpse at their community’s needs, their personal reasoning is coming from their Ti logic and principles. As a result, they will frame their actions in a way that sounds pragmatic (or “logical”) rather than idealistic and noble. Their reasoning for being heroic will often be rooted in a no-nonsense look at all the relevant factors, such as their principles, their capabilities, their desires, and the situation at hand. For instance, a TP hero’s line of reasoning might be “I’m capable of this, and I’m the most qualified to do it, so I should.” Or, they may mask noble intentions behind, “I’m good at it, and it’s fun, so why not?” It’s not that they won’t feel any passion, or moral obligation, but they’ll typically prefer to frame their reasoning in a more impersonal way, even if their true motivation is deeply personal. These types may struggle to express their passion in a passionate way, or even recognize it as such. They’ll instead prefer to objectively rationalize their actions.

Character Examples: MCU’s Iron Man, MCU’s Black Widow, Hiccup

The Extraverted Thinkers

Myers-Briggs Types: ENTJ, INTJ, ESTJ, ISTJ

While TPs are often slotted into morally questionable roles, the TJs are frequently written as villains. Why? Because TJs are prone to fixating on power, order, and control. It’s easy to write such an individual as a tyrannical villain bent on reforming society into their own personal empire. But, how do they act as heroes?

Believe it or not, TJs can make excellent heroes, and it’s really not that uncommon for them to get a central role as one. (Although, they may get mistyped… for a couple of different reasons that I won’t go into here.) TJs naturally perceive real world cause and effect. As heroes, these Myers-Briggs personality types often fixate on a perceived threat, or on something that’s wrong with society, or on protecting their domain. They’ll strive to resolve a problem within the system, fight to resolve chaos and restore order, or defend against an imminent danger. TJ heroes usually feel an innate sense of duty or obligation toward whatever system they’re fighting to protect. They’re usually purpose-driven, determined, inflexible, and austere. They’re effective at managing their resources, maintaining control over what’s theirs, and commanding the respect of those around them.

Character Examples: Number 5, Kento Nanami, MCU’s Doctor Strange, MCU’s Black Panther