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The Myers-Briggs Temperament Indicator is a system meant to measure and typify how people perceive the world and make decisions. While [[https://www.idrlabs.com/articles/2014/02/mbti-for-skeptics/ major flaws have long been apparent]], it is not entirely without merit and nevertheless a popular method for categorizing people, as it is simple and broadly understood. It is related to the UsefulNotes/BigFivePersonalityTraits and HEXACO system.

The categories originated from UsefulNotes/CarlJung's theory about two pairs of cognitive functions:
* The rational, judging functions: ''Thinking'' and ''Feeling''
* The irrational, perceiving functions: ''Sensing'' and ''Intuition''

[[ParentChildTeam Mother-and-daughter team]] Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers expanded Jung's typing into the personality indicators used today. Corporations have used it in the belief that it will help to figure out what their employees are best suited for. Whether or not that is a good idea doesn't matter to us. What it is and how it is used in storytelling goes like this:

The four letters are composed of eight cognitive functions:

'''Extroverted (or objective) perceiving functions:'''
* Ne (extroverted intuition) processes information through the abstract outer world. People who use Ne as their dominant function ([=ENTPs=] and [=ENFPs=]) like to brainstorm and jump from one idea to another with seemingly no connection. They often focus on "what could be," and appreciate the absurd or unpredictable. They notice opportunities, are open to new ideas and dislike being boxed into a system. They tend to come across as having an optimistic, spirited attitude.
* Se (extroverted sensing) focuses on the "physical" outer world. People who use Se as their dominant function ([=ESTPs=] and [=ESFPs=]) live in the present moment, always taking things through their five senses. They see things how they are, not the hidden meanings or "what ifs" behind them. They dislike planning things out, preferring to be spontaneous instead, are often direct or even forceful in communication, and are excellent at thinking on their feet.

'''Introverted (or subjective) perceiving functions:'''
* Ni (introverted intuition) gathers information which percolates through the mind until it resurfaces in the form of holistic concepts or even visions. People who use Ni as their dominant function ([=INTJs=] and [=INFJs=]) are future-oriented, guiding themselves forward by giving symbolic meaning to their interests. They are generally quiet, highly cerebral, and value their idealistic mental constructs over the real world.
* Si (introverted sensing) gathers and methodically stores sensory information. People who use Si as their dominant function ([=ISTJs=] and [=ISFJs=]) prefer a "compare and contrast" method by which they filter details in the world around them through their previous lived experiences. They are grounded and practical people who tend towards nostalgia and have a strong appreciation for the smaller joys in life.

'''Extroverted (or objective) judging functions:'''
* Te (extroverted thinking) focuses on externally-derived logic when making decisions. People who use Te as their dominant function ([=ENTJs=] and [=ESTJs=]) are generally strong believers in citing sources and data, often living by the mantra "trust the facts." They are oriented towards rules, and structure and systematization, and are good at figuring out the most effective way to solve problems. As a result, they are generally efficient and make good leaders.
* Fe (extroverted feeling) focuses on the feelings and harmony around them when making decisions. People who use Fe as their dominant function ([=ENFJs=] and [=ESFJs=]) are emotionally expressive, nurturing and upbeat. They know how to get others on their side and excel in "reading the room." They are strongly relationship-oriented, tend to have many friends, and value a good understanding of social rules and proper etiquette.

'''Introverted (or subjective) judging functions:'''
* Ti (introverted thinking) focuses on internal, subjective logic when making decisions. People who use Ti as their dominant function ([=INTPs=] and [=ISTPs=]) tend to be technical and precise, always questioning whether things make sense to them. They create systems in their minds in order to figure out how things work, and are typically good at tinkering and troubleshooting. However, they are detached and wary of the emotional concerns of others.
* Fi (introverted feeling) focuses on internal subjective values when making decisions. People who use Fi as their dominant function ([=INFPs=] and [=ISFPs=]) are authentically themselves, and believe that everyone else should have the opportunity to be so as well without judgment. They are strong defenders of the right to individual expression, and dislike systems they see as inhibiting it. They tend to respond negatively to competitive or overly hierarchical environments.


Notice that the S/N scale and the T/F scale are linked: S/N determines how you get information, and T/F determines how you process it. Interestingly, men are more likely than women to be thinkers and vice versa.

Now, the ''complicated'' part is where we combine all four main scales together into one of sixteen types. Each person primarily uses one introverted function and one extroverted function. They also primarily use one T/F function and one S/N function. The "J" letter comes when the T/F function is extroverted, while the "P" letter comes when the N/S letters are extroverted.

Finally, whichever function you use more out of the two, the second part of it will be the I/E of your whole type. For example, if you use Ne more than Fi, then your personality type will be ENFP.

The following are short descriptions of all 16 types.

David M. Keirsey took Myers's work, and, inspired by one of her observations, made his own adaptation, in which the 16 types are organized into four main groups: Guardians ('''∞S∞J'''), Artisans ('''∞S∞P'''), Rationals ('''∞N∞T'''), and Idealists ('''∞N∞F'''); unlike Jung, Myers and Briggs, Keirsey eschewed functions altogether. [[note]]They can also overlap with FourTemperamentEnsemble and FourPhilosophyEnsemble.[[/note]]

* '''SJ [[MyersBriggs/ExamplesOfGuardianPersonalitiesInStories Guardians]]''' are "social people" who hunger after stability; these desire to be buttresses of society. Their top skill set is in organization or "logistics" as the writer calls it. Their relational lives to anyone close to them tend to be of an overseeing, protective nature. Typical Guardians might be ThePatriarch, ApronMatron, etc. Many {{Badass Bureaucrat}}s are Guardians, though it is also a profession fit for Artisans, especially when they combine it with being TheScrounger. Most {{violently protective|Girlfriend}} and [[CrazyJealousGuy jealous]] [[ClingyJealousGirl lovers]] (and their up to eleven cousin {{Yandere}}) tend to fall within this category.
* '''SP [[MyersBriggs/ExamplesOfArtisanPersonalitiesInStories Artisans]]''' are "utilitarian people" who prefer to live one day at a time. They may spontaneously pursue activities that offer fun or pleasure. Artisan characters might be a BloodKnight (ESTP/ESFP), ColdSniper (ISTP), GadgeteerGenius (ISTP), or GlorySeeker (ESTP/ESFP), and express themselves with their prowess. Or they might express themselves with their looks and be TheFashionista (ISFP/ESFP) or a ChivalrousPervert (ESTP/ESFP). Their top skill is "tactics" or handling things for the moment. They focus on the "short-term" while Rationals focus on the "long-term."
* '''NT [[MyersBriggs/ExamplesOfRationalPersonalitiesInStories Rationals]]''' are "psychological people" and hunger after knowledge as something to ''possess'' (like a [[TechnicianVersusPerformer Technician]]) rather than as something to ''play with'' (like a [[TechnicianVersusPerformer Performer]]) as in the Artisans' case. A Rational is likely to be a BadassBookworm (ENTP/INTP), TheChessmaster (INTJ/ENTJ), TheSpock (INTJ/INTP) or a GuileHero (ENTP/ENTJ). Their top skill is "strategy" or planning. While an Artisan knows ''how'' to do things, a Rational knows ''why'' do them.
* '''NF [[MyersBriggs/ExamplesOfIdealistPersonalitiesInStories Idealists]]''' are "spiritual people" who hunger after "something higher", even those who are [[DesperatelyLookingForAPurposeInLife not sure themselves what their "something higher" is]]. In any case, almost always guaranteed to be TheFettered and prefer HonorBeforeReason. Idealist characters might be a KnightInShiningArmor, a GoodShepherd, TheHeart, or a MessianicArchetype. If an Idealist is not TheChosenOne, he or she will act like it anyway. The Idealist skill set is "diplomatic"; they are good at inspiring people.

Note that MBTI is often confused for having "four letter" systems, such as "J' and "P". These systems are inaccurate and simply function on stereotypes. However, these systems are ones people take first, as they are easier to understand. As a resut, MBTI as a whole gets criticized by these letters, even though the actual process is much different.


While the MBTI can be an useful tool on understanding various people and how they tend to act, the greatest problem with MBTI is the weak prognosis value. MBTI can tell fairly reliably on how people select their careers. It cannot tell how well they succeed on their careers. For example, an ENTJ is likely to become a leader or manager, but MBTI will not tell whether or not he will be a successful one or a failure.

For fun, check out [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers-Briggs_Type_Indicator the info provided by]] Website/TheOtherWiki, learn more information and take a test to determine your temperament [[https://www.michaelcaloz.com/personality/ here]], [[https://www.idrlabs.com/cognitive-function/test.php here]] and [[http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp here]], and see JustForFun/ExamplesOfMyersBriggsPersonalitiesInStories.
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![[MyersBriggs/ExamplesOfGuardianPersonalitiesInStories Guardians]] ('''≖S≖J''')

->''Many evil things there are that your strong walls and bright swords do not stay. You know little of the lands beyond your bounds. Peace and freedom, do you say? The North would have known them little but for us.''
-->--''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings''

* '''[=ISTJ=]'''s (Examiners/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/inspector.asp Inspectors]]) are orderly, dependable, practical and dutiful above all. They prefer working with facts and can be conservative in their loyalty to traditions. Tend to resemble TheStoic in fiction, and can become an ObstructiveBureaucrat or even a KnightTemplar at their worst, while in comedies they tend to be TheComicallySerious. In group situations, they're usually the OnlySaneMan or the skeptical AgentScully. When portrayed positively, the ISTJ is generally a LawfulGood heroic disciplinarian. [=ISTJs=] make up an estimated 8-14% of the population.
* '''[=ESTJ=]'''s (Executives/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/supervisor.asp Supervisors]]) are very practical and make good administrators, with a good eye for detail and a flair for setting up logical systems. They sometimes overlook the feelings of others, though. You'll often see them in the role of DaChief or TheCaptain, and they may have ControlFreak tendencies. When portrayed positively, they're instead generally the ReasonableAuthorityFigure. [=ESTJs=] make up an estimated 8-13% of the population.
* '''[=ISFJ=]'''s (Nurturers/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/protector.asp Protectors]]) are loyal, orderly and sensitive. They can be very shy around people they don't know, but are the sort of person who will always remember your birthday, and are never accidentally offensive. Bad moods tend to come from AngerBornOfWorry. Tend to be TheCaretaker or a [[GoodParents Good Parent]] when in Fictionland. When female, they're typically the GirlNextDoor or the Betty in a BettyAndVeronica pair. Anyways, expect the ISFJ to be a NiceGuy. [=ISFJs=] make up an estimated 7-14% of the population, and thus are the most common of the sixteen types.
* '''[=ESFJ=]'''s (Caregivers/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/provider.asp Providers]]) value security and enjoy making others feel well-cared-for. They are loyal to the belief system of their environment (as opposed to an internal one) and can be outspoken when others fall out of line. Tend to fall somewhere between ManicPixieDreamGirl and TheCaretaker in their portrayals. They're stereotypically seen in the role of the standard sitcom mother, with associated tropes such as TeamMom (shared with ISFJ), MamaBear and MyBelovedSmother. Expect male characters of this type to shed ManlyTears (and, of course, to be a NiceGuy). [=ESFJs=] make up an estimated 9-13% of the population.

![[MyersBriggs/ExamplesOfArtisanPersonalitiesInStories Artisans]] ('''≖S≖P''')

->''At that sound the bent shape of the king sprang suddenly erect. Tall and proud he seemed again; and rising in his stirrups he cried in a loud voice, more clear than any there had ever heard a mortal man achieve before.''
-->--''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings''

* '''[=ISTP=]'''s (Mechanics/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/crafter.asp Crafters]]) are drawn toward using tools of any type—artistic (musical instruments), technological (computers), or martial (weapons). Although they are introverts, they tend to be authoritative in their interactions with others and can be forceful. They focus on accomplishing tasks efficiently and skillfully. To master the tool of their interest, Crafters require a certain degree of seclusion in which to practice. The result is often a virtuosity that other types find difficult to match. A typical ISTP character might be a ColdSniper, a CombatPragmatist, a GadgeteerGenius, an OmnidisciplinaryScientist, or a ScienceHero. [=ISTPs=] make up an estimated 4-6% of the population.
* '''[=ESTP=]'''s (Conquerors/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/promoter.asp Promoters]]) are very good at convincing others to do things their way. Having said that, they developed this skill because they are the best at improvising towards a desired result, and enjoy sharing their experiences in life with friends. Can often be a CompetitionFreak or a BoisterousBruiser. Male examples are often TheCasanova or TheRockStar, while women of this type are [[ActionGirl Action Girls]] or the Veronica half of a BettyAndVeronica pair. [=ESTPs=] make up an estimated 4-10% of the population.
* '''[=ISFP=]'''s (Peacemakers/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/composer.asp Composers]]) live in the moment and are easy-going, preferring a "live and let live" approach. They don't like confrontations and sometimes keep their mouths shut for that reason. They can be anything in portrayals, to the point where they frequently get the role of TheEveryman or the LeadYouCanRelateTo. They can be prone to DoggedNiceGuy tendencies. [=ISFPs=] make up an estimated 5-9% of the population.
* '''[=ESFP=]'''s (Ambassadors/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/performer.asp Performers]]) live in the moment, learn by doing, and enjoy promoting harmony and fun. This is a team player, but only if the person isn't bored. They also enjoy their creature comforts. They can be anywhere between TheCasanova and GoodBadGirl in current portrayals. You'll also frequently see them as the ComedicHero or the LargeHam. [=ESFPs=] make up an estimated 4-11% of the population.

![[MyersBriggs/ExamplesOfRationalPersonalitiesInStories Rationals]] ('''≖-NT-≖''')
->''Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.''
-->--''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings''
* '''[=INTJ=]'''s (Analysts/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/mastermind.asp Masterminds]]) are pragmatic and logical, and are not scared to [[TheSnarkKnight tell others (or themselves)]] [[TheReasonYouSuckSpeech when they're being stupid]]. They emphasize [[ThePerfectionist efficiency]], making them [[IntelligenceEqualsIsolation simultaneously loners]] and excellent leaders. Many [[TheSpock Spocks]] and {{Byronic Hero}}es (as well as TheChessmaster or TheStrategist, especially in fiction) fall into this category. They'll often be the ones working on [[TookALevelInKindness taking a level in kindness]], while female examples may be the DefrostingIceQueen. [=INTJs=] make up an estimated 2-4% of the population.
* '''[=ENTJ=]'''s (Commanders/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/fieldmarshal.asp Fieldmarshals]]) enjoy making plans and carrying them out. [[ControlFreak Fact-driven]] and [[ThePerfectionist picky]], but charismatic nonetheless. Excellent leaders, but likely to [[TheSpock leave emotions out of their plans]], then fly into a rage when things don't go their way. A common type for villains: [[YoungConqueror warlords]] on [[GalacticConqueror various scales]], {{Corrupt Corporate Executive}}s, {{Evil Overlord}}s with a note of TheChessmaster, likely to leave [[TheRemnant a surprise]] behind when they're beaten. Good examples will be a ReasonableAuthorityFigure or AFatherToHisMen, but hardly ever TheHero. [=ENTJs=] make up an estimated 2-5% of the population.
* '''[=INTP=]'''s (Logicians/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/architect.asp Architects]]) are loners with a love of information and a knack for logic and knowledge. This can lead to SesquipedalianLoquaciousness, but also the opposite, as [=INTPs=] are best at describing complex ideas simply. Frequently TheSpock, TheProfessor, AbsentMindedProfessor, and sometimes MadScientist fall into this category. The [=NP=] portion of their personality, however, gives them a creative and chaotic streak that [[NotSoAboveItAll contrasts with their outward mannerisms]] and gives them their "architect" title. Woe to the foe who mistakes their [[ComplexityAddiction love of complexity]] for the [=INTJ=]'s [[TheChessmaster rigid planning]] or their [[ExpertInUnderwaterBasketWeaving eclectic set]] of [[RenaissanceMan mastered skills]] for the [=ISTP=]'s narrow focus, only to find themselves on the wrong side of XanatosSpeedChess or SuddenlyAlwaysKnewThat. [=INTPs=] make up an estimated 2-5% of the population.
* '''[=ENTP=]'''s (Originators/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/inventor.asp Inventors]]) are clever and analytical, often with quick wits and a [[DeadpanSnarker quicker tongue]]. They are very good at thinking outside the box, but can also be, like [=ENFPs=], easily [[BrilliantButLazy bored]]. Frequently TheTrickster. A common type among TheChessmaster. They often enjoy sarcastic or offensive jokes and trolling, with less mature examples becoming the EqualOpportunityOffender. [=ENTPs=] make up an estimated 2-5% of the population.

![[MyersBriggs/ExamplesOfIdealistPersonalitiesInStories Idealists]] ('''≖-NF-≖''')

->''"Speak no evil of the Lady Galadriel!" said Aragorn sternly. "You know not what you say. There is in her and in this land no evil, unless a man bring it hither himself."''
-->--''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings''

* '''[=INFJ=]'''s (Confidants/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/counselor.asp Counselors]]) are private, preferring one-on-one friendships to crowds, and often quiet about their own feelings. They are known for [[TheSocialExpert their ability to read people]], though they generally operate behind the scenes. Tend to be the PsychologistTeacher or TheShrink. In fantasy, they're often {{Seers}} or oracles. [=INFJs=] make up an estimated 1-3% of the population, the lowest of any of the sixteen types.
* '''[=ENFJ=]'''s (Social Workers/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/teacher.asp Teachers]]) are good at making a lot of friends and facilitate community-building without even thinking about it; they act as a counter-balance to almost all social situations. See TheAce, and rarely the [[BrokenAce broken one]] in fiction, or the PrinceCharming. Frequently the protagonist at the center of AProtagonistShallLeadThem. [=ENFJs=] make up an estimated 2-5% of the population.
* '''[=INFP=]'''s (Mediators/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/healer.asp Healers]]) are absolute idealists: they have values inside them which they really, really want to live by. This makes them good at encouraging other people's growth, but also easily offended when their values are violated. See JeanneDArchetype or even IncorruptiblePurePureness (although the tropes could apply to other MBTI types as well). The AllLovingHero is quite frequently an INFP taken up to eleven. In children's fiction, they're almost inevitably a FriendToAllLivingThings, while adult-oriented works may see them as TheMcCoy. [=INFPs=] make up an estimated 4-5% of the population.
* '''[=ENFP=]'''s (Inspirers/[[http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/champion.asp Champions]]) like to change things for the better, and have contagious enthusiasm, but no patience for crossing I's and dotting T's. They are good at anticipating the needs of others, but they also crave attention and recognition. They (like [=ENTPs=]) get [[BrilliantButLazy bored]] easily. Often shown as a DitzyGenius or DramaQueen or in light works, although darker works may depict them as the manipulator to the ENTP's TheChessmaster. Female examples tend to be the ManicPixieDreamGirl while males are often {{Keet}}s. May surprise people by becoming the {{Determinator}} if given a cause/person to champion that they truly feel for or believe in. [=ENFPs=] make up an estimated 6-8% of the population.

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