There are plenty of ways to use a character personality test to create better characters. You don’t necessarily have to plan everything out in detail before you start writing. However, sometimes it’s good to get to know your characters before you write about their lives in close detail. Some writers prefer to let their characters reveal themselves in the process of writing them. But there are others who, in their story planning, like to have certain traits in mind. In this guide, we will explain how to use the Myers-Briggs Personality test to create authentic personalities for your characters.
What is the Myers-Briggs Character Personality Test?
If you aren’t familiar with this online test, I suggest you take it yourself. The results are interesting and they can help you learn a little bit more about yourself; or at least, that’s the goal. The test is a self-administered questionnaire that demonstrates psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions. There are 16 different personality types or categories.
The test is supposedly viewed by the scientific community as largely pseudo-science, despite its popularity. But even though its results aren’t necessarily accurate or revealing, I still believe they can be practical for literary purposes. And it’s fun.
The 16 Personalities and What They Mean
There are four different categories under which the 16 personalities are organized. These include the Analysts, Diplomats, Sentinels, and Explorers.
Analysts
Architect: A rare personality type. Rational, independent, strategic thinkers. Always thinking.
Logician: Always lost in thought. Open-minded, curious, objective. Logicians tend to analyze everything, which can sometimes make them come off as in their own world.
Commander: Commanders tend to be efficient, strategic, confident, and assertive. They can also make great leaders due to their charisma and ability to motivate.
Debater: Name speaks for itself. Quick-witted, charismatic, indefatigable. They like to pick arguments and people can see them as insensitive or intolerant.
Diplomats
Advocate: Ambitious, goal-oriented, and principled. These types care about doing the right thing and having a clear sense of their values.
Mediator: Mediators may seem reserved initially, but they are empathetic, great listeners, and always willing to stand in to “mediate” a dispute. Their ultimate goal is to keep the peace.
Protagonist: Protagonists want to make a positive impact on others and the world. They are idealistic, reliable, and passionate about what they do. Some view them as sanctimonious and phony for their sometimes over-the-top consideration for moral quality.
Campaigner: Free spirits to the extreme. This personality type is very social, outgoing, and easygoing. They tend to network well and get along with others.
Sentinels
Logistician: Introverted, methodical, and purposeful. People with this personality type are honest and direct. They say things how they are and aren’t afraid of taking on more responsibility.
Defender: The defining trait of the defender is loyalty. Like a golden retriever. They set high standards for themselves and others, but they are also supportive and hardworking in all of their endeavors.
Executive: The executive likes to bring communities together through their driven attitude and traditional sense of honesty, order, and dignity. Dedicated to their cause, they are excellent organizers and know how to be direct when applicable.
Consul: The consul is a people-pleaser. They can’t help but want to bring people together one way or another. They believe in good manners and hospitality above everything, which means they tend to be loyal and committed to those around them.
Explorers
Virtuoso: Virtuosos like to interact with the world using their hands. Curious, builders, and always working on a new project, people with this personality tend to make good engineers or construction workers, among other things.
Adventurer: Adventurers are attuned to their inner artists. Life is their canvas. People with this personality like to try new things, explore different places, and meet people. They are driven by their passions and the call to adventure.
Entrepreneur: These people make great—you guessed it—entrepreneurs. They like to draw attention to themselves in social situations. They like to make people laugh, but they’re also bold, practical, and interested in breaking conventions and boundaries.
Entertainer: Entertainers like to live in the moment. They like to be spontaneous and they’re good at connecting with others. Sociable, observant, and great at working with others.
How to Use Personality Type to Craft Interesting Characters
1. Take the test for your characters
When I want to learn more about my character before writing them, I take the test for them. This means you have to answer the questions like you think your character would. The test asks you a series of questions that you have to answer using a scale from Agree to Disagree, with the option to be neutral. For example, the first prompt is “You regularly make new friends.” Think about if your character is someone who does.
2. Scan the list of traits and what they mean
You can always scan the list of traits that are mentioned under each personality heading. You will find a strengths and weaknesses tab; if you click it, you will see the types of things that people who have that personality tend to exhibit. For example, architects tend to be rational thinkers, but they also are often arrogant. You can look at many different types of combinations of traits to mix and match them on your own.
3. Work backwards
You can always start from a certain trait or lifestyle variable and work backward. For instance, architects often make good philosophers. If your character is a philosopher, then perhaps you could look at the types of traits they are likely to exhibit as a result based on the personality type many philosophers have. You could also look at things like friendship. What kind of friends does your character make? Mediators tend to be highly invested in their relationships with friends. Does this sound like any of your characters? If so, take a look at some of the traits that mediators tend to have.
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