fuck yeah character development!

magicalschoolgirl replied to your post: Hi! First of all, I just wanted to say thank you so much for...

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 02:04:00 +0100

magicalschoolgirl replied to your post: Hi! First of all, I just wanted to say thank you so much for this blog, […]

It’s easy to do INTJ, just make your character an egotistical asshole ha ha ha (please don’t hit me that’s my personality type)

Lol, yeah, I’m an INTJ as well. (:

No, but there’s a core of truth in this, though. INTJs come across as egotistical arseholes because they’re very… rational, I suppose. At least, that’s coming from an INTJ. An INTJ would be the first to blatantly admit their own narcissism and egotism (God knows I do) without feeling any shame about it - it’s a very human thing anyway, selfishness, so.

And INTJs come across as arseholes because we don’t really include feelings into our observations. We say things as they are, and if that hurts your feelings, that’s not our problem, but yours. INTJs can have a very ‘live and let die’ attitude, a ‘fuck the world’ mentality in where we do as we please, and if you don’t like it, you can suck a dick - preferably ours.

But the difference between INTJs and ISTJs, that most people get confused about, is that you won’t often find ISTJs breaking rules or foregoing traditions. Traditions are holy things to ISTJs (or any SJ, to be honest), and rules are gold. INTJs are not like that at all. That’s not to say that we’re huge rule-breakers (that’s more the territory of TPs), but rather, we don’t mind the rules. If they agree with us, we’ll keep to them, and if they don’t, we have absolutely no problem breaking them, and will not feel bad about it either.

There’s so many flaws in people who try to play INTJs - the ISTJ is usually the booksmart one. INTJs often suck at school because we need a LOT of motivation, and we’re absurdly practical; if we can’t use it, and it’s not included in our range of interests, be sure that we won’t even bother with it. INTJs aren’t booksmart. We’re…. we just know things. Give us a few bricks of logic and we’ll make a castle out of thin air. We learn from the connections our brains make, on our own, whereas ISTJs typically learn formally, from textbooks, from repetition, studying, et cetera.

Also. INTJs are known for being “unemotional robots”, and people who believe that tend to play their “INTJs” like that - but that’s more the realm of the ISTJ. INTJs have ridiculously morbid, unconventional humour. People are used with me that I just sit in a corner listening to conversation, and then randomly make a comment that has the whole room either thoroughly disturbed or on the floor with laughter, or a mixture of both (my da, an ENTJ, was talking about “not expecting dead bodies floating to the surface any time soon”, in context of problems he didn’t know about, and the only thing I said to kill the room was, “No, they’re only half dead in this case.”).

We feel plenty of emotions, but opposed to people who use Fe, we don’t necessarily understand our own emotions, or express them - we deal with them in private, in a rational way, inside our heads. The way I express sympathy, for instance, is by holding the chair of the person who is in need of sympathy, near their body.

There’s honestly no good source for how an INTJ is and acts than an INTJ. So if you don’t want to fall into the INTJ/ISTJ trap, find an INTJ and ask them to tell them about themselves - since we’re generally narcissistic cunts, we’ll love to talk about ourselves (I know I do XD).

Hi! First of all, I just wanted to say thank you so much for this blog, it's helped me so much to become a better writer and to develop my characters more completely. Second, this is a really general question, but I've seen a lot of overplayed personalities in characters because they're easy to play, but I was wondering if there were any personalities you would want to see in a character? Sorry if it's a kind of general question, I just want to create a really original character. Thanks! :)

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:29:00 +0100

I’m really glad to hear that. That was truly my goal in making this blog - since I’m a writer myself, and I RP a lot; nothing bugs me more in the RP world than characters who aren’t thought out a lot, and so it’s more me conditioning the environment I play in by giving them the tools they need. So hearing that is really, really awesome.

I often base my characters on Jung’s personality theory (colloquially known as the MBTI [but please steer away from the MBTI and focus on the cognitive functions, because the MBTI is severely flawed]) and the Enneagram personality theory. I’ve speculated the following;

Jung = 16 personality types x Enneagram’s 9 personality types x Enneagram’s 27 tri-types x Enneagram’s 2 wings for each personality type x Enneagram’s 3 variants = 23,328 possible, unique personality types.

This excludes personal experience and the nurture part of the personality, and it only includes healthy personalities, so it also excludes abnormal psychology.

The more common personalities in roleplay that I have seen are (for Jung) ESFP, ENFP, ISTJ, ESFJ, and INFP - (for Enneagram) Type Two, Type Four, Type Six, and Type Seven.

The personalities I’d love to see more are ENTP, ISTP, INTJ, ENTJ, and INFJ, but generally, they’re hard to do for people who don’t belong to those types, due to how their cognitive functions work; it’s really hard to replicate (a character who is meant to be an INTJ ends up acting like an ISTJ, an ENTP often ends up like an ENFP, an ENTJ ends up an ESTJ, an ISTP ends up as an ESTP or ESFP, and an INFJ ends up as an INFP or an ISFJ).

It’s not really so much as making an original character, rather than a real personality, that is separate from yours. A consistent character. How you do this is, you imagine what the character is like, and you look through real psychology for things that fall in line with your character (for instance, this blog would be a good start). Don’t try to mould the character into something YOU want it to be, let the character tell you what it’s like, and stick to that. Be honest about it. I’ve found that characters are much more believable, not when the writer decides who they are, but when the character decides who they are.

Don’t be afraid to go in deep. Decide on a Jung personality type, on all the faces of the Enneagram personality theory, but stay away from abnormal psychology (like personality theories), unless the personality truly is abnormal. For instance, sexual abuse in the past may damage some personality types mentally, and cause abnormalities, but other personality types are able to relativise certain traumas, and so there’s no need to diagnose it with anything, but it’s enough to say it’s a mildly unhealthy form of a certain personality type.

Play with a character’s history. See how they react coming from different situations, and which one fits the character most. I’d save moral alignment for last unless the character’s morals are firm, because I have plenty of characters who have two moral alignments based on what has happened to them (a default Chaotic Good character can also be a Chaotic Neutral character based on environmental events).

I’m really sorry if this turned out to be a very long post, I didn’t really mean to ramble on about it, lol. There’s just not an easy answer to it. If you want to see my own personal character development, you can find it here, for reference. Any questions you further have are more than welcome.

Hi! I had a question. I'm trying to write a character who is of Hispanic descent with parents who are immigrants. Any tips on writing foreign characters without being cliche and painfully stereotypical?

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:40:10 +0100

A lot of research. Since there’s not just the one Hispanic nationality, decide where, exactly, the parents come from and research the country’s history and culture. You don’t have to become an expert on it, but you don’t want to come across as ignorant.

I’ll take a pet peeve of mine as an example; naming traditions in Russia, even now, are different than in Western Europe and such. This doesn’t just go for the diminutives of given names, but it also goes for patronymics and last names. For instance, if I see a Russian female character with a last name like ‘Aleksandrov’, then I already know the writer has done absolutely no research on the origins - female Russian last names are, more often than not, suffixed by an ‘a’ - making it ‘Aleksandrova’. Just to give an idea.

I suggest looking to see if there’s special naming traditions in the country of origin first - they’ll most likely affect the character’s parents - and from there, look into culture. It’s also a good thing to keep the state of economy in mind, because in the poorer countries, it’s unlikely for the parents to be swimming in money.

Research how immigrants are treated in that time, in the country to which they will immigrate, because that will be an important factor. Research a country’s history for special events, wars or insurgencies, or any other type of conflict - maybe it’s even local, or caused by the underworld (like a town being threatened by drugs lords due to some political troubles).

Either way, while you don’t have to become an expert on the subject, treat yourself to enough information to make sure you don’t blatantly offend people of Hispanic descent (or nationality) with obvious ignorance and situations that simply aren’t bound to reality.

That’s all I can tell you.

Hello! I found your blog and like it a lot, especially the in depth descriptions on mental disorders. May I request that you make a post about hypersexuality? It would help me out a lot. Thank you <3

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 22:49:40 +0100

There’s no classification of hypersexuality or sexual addiction in the DSM (I own the DSM-IV-TR), since APA (the American Psychiatric Association) considered and rejected the proposal to add it to the manual.

It’s included in the ICD (International Classification of Disease), though, so I’ll see what I can do with the limited resourced.

Photo

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 23:48:51 +0100

Possible suggestion for a post: Avoid giving your character mastery of too many skills or letting them learn unlikely skills too quickly (learn to play an instrument in a year, can speak 20 languages, can hack a computer in three tries, stuff like that).

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 12:26:46 +0100

Yes, I will definitely do a post about that, actually, because I’ve found too many roleplayers go to extremes too often (either invincible or utterly pathetic) and it makes for a really boring character.

I’m also going to talk about classic intelligence (as in IQ) and emotional intelligence (as in EI), since people only seem to believe IQ is important in a character, when it’s truly EI that makes the most deceptive and cunning characters, person versus person.

dependent personality disorder: dsm-iv-tr

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 11:42:00 +0200

DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES

The essential feature of Dependent Personality Disorder is a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behaviour and fears of separation. This pattern begins by early adulthood and is present in a variety of contexts. The dependent and submissive behaviours are designed to elicit care-giving and arise from a self-perception of being unable to function adequately without the help of other.

Individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder have great difficulty making everyday decisions (e.g., what colour shirt to wear to work or whether to carry an umbrella) without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others. These individuals tend to be passive and to allow other people (often a single other person) to take the initiative and assume responsibility for most major areas of their lives. Adults with this disorder typically depend on a parent or spouse to decide where they should live, what kind of job they should have, and which neighbours to befriend. Adolescents with this disorder may allow their parent(s) to decide what they should wear, with whom they should associate, how they should spend their free time, and what school or college they should attend. This need for others to assume responsibility goes beyond age-appropriate and situation-appropriate requests for assistance from others (e.g., the specific needs of children, elderly persons, and handicapped persons). Dependent Personality Disorder may occur in an individual who has a serious general medical condition or disability, but in such cases the difficulty in taking responsibility must go beyond what would normally be associated with that condition or disability.

Because they fear losing support or approval, individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder often have difficulty expressing disagreement with other people, especially those on whom they are dependent. These individuals feel so unable to function alone that they will agree with things that they feel are wrong rather than risk losing the help of those to whom they look for guidance. They do not get appropriately angry at others whose support and nurturance they need for fear of alienating them. If the individual’s concerns regarding the consequences of expressing disagreement are realistic (e.g., realistic fears of retribution from an abusive spouse), the behaviour should not be considered to be evidence of Dependent Personality Disorder.

Individuals with this disorder have difficulty initiating projects or doing things independently. They lack self-confidence and believe that they need help to begin and carry through tasks. They will wait for others to start things because they believe that as a rule others can do them better. These individuals are convinced that they are incapable of functioning independently and present themselves as inept and requiring constant assistance They are, however, likely to function adequately if given the assurance that someone else is supervising and approving.There may be a fear of becoming or appearing to be more competent, because they may believe that this will lead to abandonment. Because they rely on others to handle their problems, they often do not learn the skills of independent living, thus perpetuating dependency.

Individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder may go to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, even to the point of volunteering for unpleasant tasks if such behaviour will bring the care they need. They are willing to submit to what others want, even if the demands are unreasonable. Their need to maintain an important bond will often result in imbalanced or distorted relationships. They may make extraordinary self-sacrifices or tolerate verbal, physical, or sexual abuse. (It should be noted that this behaviour should be considered evidence of Dependent Personality Disorder only when it can clearly be established that other options are available to the individual.) Individuals with this disorder feel uncomfortable or helpless when alone, because of their exaggerated fears of being unable to care for themselves. They will “tag along” with important others just to avoid being alone, even if they are not interested or involved in what is happening.

When a close relationship ends (e.g., a breakup with a lover; the death of a caregiver), individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder may urgently seek another relationship to provide the care and support they need. Their belief that they are unable to function in the absence of a close relationship motivates these individuals to become quickly and indiscriminately attached to another person. Individuals with this disorder are often preoccupied with fears of being left to care for themselves. They see themselves as so totally dependent on the advice and help of an important other person that they worry about being abandoned by that person when there are no grounds to justify such fears. To be considered as evidence of this criterion, the fears must be excessive and unrealistic. For example, an elderly man with cancer who moves into his son’s household for care is exhibiting dependent behaviour that is appropriate given this person’s life circumstance.

ASSOCIATED FEATURES AND DISORDERS

Individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder are often characterised by pessimism and self-doubt, tend to belittle their abilities and assets, and may constantly refer to themselves as “stupid”. They take criticism and disapproval as proof of their worthlessness and lose faith in themselves. They may seek overprotection and dominance from others. Occupational functioning may be impaired if independent initiative is required. They may avoid positions of responsibility and become anxious when faced with decisions. Social relations tend to be limited to those few people on whom the individual is dependent. There may be an increased risk of Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder. Dependent Personality Disorder often co-occurs with other Personality Disorders, especially Borderline, Avoidant, and Histrionic Personality Disorders. Chronic physical illness or Separation Anxiety Disorder in childhood or adolescence may predispose the individual to the development of this disorder.

SPECIFIC CULTURE, AGE, AND GENDER FEATURES

The degree to which dependent behaviours are considered to be appropriate varies substantially across different age and sociocultural groups. Age and cultural factors need to be considered in evaluating the diagnostic threshold of each criterion. Dependent behaviour should be considered characteristic of the disorder only when it is clearly in excess of the individual’s cultural norms or reflects unrealistic concerns. An emphasis on passivity, politeness, and deferential treatment is characteristic of some societies and may be misinterpreted as traits of Dependent Personality Disorder. Similarly, societies may differentially foster and discourage dependent behaviour in males and females. This diagnosis should be used with great caution, if at all, in children and adolescents, for whom dependent behaviour may be developmentally appropriate. In clinical settings, this disorder has been diagnosed more frequently in females, although some studies report similar prevalence rates among males and females.

PREVALENCE

Dependent Personality Disorder is among the most frequently reported Personality Disorders encountered in mental health clinics.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Dependent Personality Disorder must be distinguished from dependency arising a consequence of Axis I disorders (e.g., Mood Disorders, Panic Disorder, and Agoraphobia) and as a result of general medical conditions. Dependent Personality Disorder has an early onset, chronic course, and a pattern of behaviour that does not occur exclusively during an Axis I or Axis III disorder.

Other Personality Disorders may be confused with Dependent Personality Disorder because they have certain features in common. It is, therefore, important to distinguish among these disorders based on differences in their characteristic features. However, if an individual has personality features that meet criteria for one or more Personality Disorders in addition to Dependent Personality Disorder, all can be diagnosed. Although many Personality Disorders are characterised by dependent features, Dependent Personality Disorder can be distinguished by its predominantly submissive, reactive, and clinging behaviour.

Both Dependent Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder are characterised by fear of abandonment; however, the individual with Borderline Personality Disorder reacts to abandonment with feelings of emotional emptiness, rage, and demands, whereas the individual with Dependent Personality Disorder reacts with increasing appeasement and submissiveness and urgently seeks a replacement relationship to provide care giving and support. Borderline Personality Disorder can further be distinguished from Dependent Personality Disorder by a typical pattern of unstable and intense relationships.

Individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder, like those with Dependent Personality Disorder, have a strong need for reassurance and approval and may appear childlike and clinging. However, unlike Dependent Personality Disorder, which is characterised by self-effacing and docile behaviour, Histrionic Personality Disorder is characterised by gregarious flamboyance with active demands for attention.

Both Dependent Personality Disorder and Avoidant Personality Disorder are characterised by feelings of inadequacy, hypersensitivity to criticism, and a need for reassurance; however, individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder have such a strong fear of humiliation and rejection that they withdraw until they are certain they will be accepted. In contrast, individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder have a pattern of seeking and maintaining connections to important others, rather than avoiding and withdrawing from relationships.

Dependent Personality Disorder must be distinguished from Personality Change Due to a General Medical Condition, in which the traits emerge due to the direct effects of a general medical condition on the central nervous system. It must also be distinguished from symptoms that may develop in association with chronic substance use (e.g., Cocaine-Related Disorder Not Otherwise Specified).

Many individuals display dependent personality traits. Only when these traits are inflexible, maladaptive, and persisting and cause significant functional impairment or subjective distress do they constitute Dependent Personality Disorder.

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR DEPENDENT PERSONALITY DISORDER

A pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behaviour and fears of separation, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

(1) has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others;
(2) needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life;
(3) has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval; NOTE: Do not include realistic fears of retribution.
(4) has difficulty initiating projects or doing things on his or her own (because of a lack of self-confidence in judgement or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy);
(5) goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant;
(6) feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or herself;
(7) urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends;
(8) is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of himself or herself.

Requested by anonymous.

Can you post some info on Dependent Personality Disorder?

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 02:36:00 +0200

Since I have recently gotten the DSM-IV-TR, I will copy the entire chapter concerning DPD for you.

hey what does ESFJ and all these terms stand for?

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:15:00 +0200

It’s Jungian theory. http://www.cognitiveprocesses.com/16Types/16Types.cfm

Hey there! I noticed you and a few others were talking about the Temperaments and I have a TON of notes on them. If you'd like, I can type them up and send 'em your way =]

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:41:00 +0200

That’d be excellent! Whenever you have the time. I’ll go through them, and see the best way to post them. (:

I really do appreciate all the help you guys are giving, thank you.

There are a few dozen ways of classifying personalities. Blood type is one, and the five temperaments is an expansion of ancient medical theory of the four temperaments (explaining it is probably too long for an ask!)

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 07:18:00 +0200

I’ll do the research myself, wouldn’t be fair to ask you to do it for me. (;

Thank you!

The temperaments are based on the four humors and dictates behavior based on a concentration of a certain body fluid (blood, yellow bile, black bile, phlegm, and sometimes tears). Blood types as a way to determine personalities is popular especially in Japan (where people may ask your blood type, instead of your sign) and are usually used for matchmaking and pop culture (many anime, manga, and video game characters often have an 'appropriate' blood type listed in their bio).

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 07:17:00 +0200

Hm. I know what you mean with temperaments, there are just a lot of different ones, so I thought you meant a certain one. Maybe I’ll add the classic Greek temperaments as well (fire, earth, air, and water), as well as any other that I may find will add to the blog, rather than being redundant.

As for the blood type, it’s an interesting concept. I’ll do some additional research, see if I can find sources I find sufficient, and I’ll probably add it here.

Thanks!

What about covering personality theories like the five temperaments, blood types, and character archetypes?

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 06:22:00 +0200

I don’t know what you mean about the first two, but I suppose with character archetypes, you mean Jung’s archetypes? Because that could actually be a really good idea, that I hadn’t even thought about myself…

Update #5 - 26/08/12

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 14:26:05 +0200

Now that all the Jungian types are finally over with, I have a bit of trouble seeing where to continue. This was, initially, a tumblr meant to just contain all of my character development material - since the last place I used got deleted by a fucking twat. But now I have dumped all of my known material onto this tumblr, and I’m left with little else. Two things I’m going to do;

ONE. The next ground I’m going to cover will be directly out of cognitive behavioural therapy, namely, schema therapy. It tagged the link in the sidebar chronologically, since there’s an introductory post I need to make for anyone who doesn’t understand precisely what schema therapy is.

TWO. Any suggestions, or things you would like to know more about when it comes to character development, or maybe help regarding the previous, feel free to send messages. I will do everything within my power to make this as wholesome a source as I can.

ESFJ: the Supporter

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 02:11:00 +0200

ESFJs are social butterflies that value relationships, supporting and nurturing others. Never one to shy away from social events, they are often the host. They are great encouragers of teamwork. ESFJs are responsible, dutiful, observe traditions and follow rules. ESFJs have a deep concern for others and often end up as caretakers. They are sensitive to criticism and have a need to be appreciated for the good they do for others. ESFJs are understanding, generous, have a quick wit and a knack for composition and beautification.

STRENGTHS

Put forth a lot of effort to fulfill their duties and obligations.
Warm, friendly and affirming by nature.
Service-oriented, they want to please others.
Take their commitments very seriously, and seek lifelong relationships.
Responsible and practical, they can be counted to take care of day-to-day necessities.
Generally upbeat and popular, people are drawn towards them.
Generally very good money managers.
Traditionally minded and family-oriented, they will make family celebrations and traditions special events.

WEAKNESSES

Generally uncomfortable with change, and moving into new territories.
Extreme dislike of conflict and criticism.
Need a lot of positive affirmation to feel good about themselves.
May be overly status-conscious, and interested in how others see them.
Have very difficult time accepting the end of a relationship, and are likely to take the blame for the failure onto their own shoulders.
Have difficulty accepting negative things about people close to them.
Don’t pay enough attention to their own needs, and may be self-sacrificing.
May tend to use guilt manipulation as a way to get what they want.

COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS

EXTRAVERTED FEELING - dominant ➜ ESFJs live in their Extraverted Feeling functioning. Feeling, a rational (i.e., deciding) function, expresses opinions easily in the E world of objects and people. ESFJs have the ability to express warmth, rage, and a range of other emotions. Actions are encouraged or rebuked based on how they affect other people, especially people near and dear to the ESFJ. This type’s vocal decisiveness predisposes many of its number to facility with administration and supervision.

INTROVERTED SENSING - auxiliary ➜ The secondary Sensing function aids and abets the dominant Fe in that sensate data is collected and at once compared with the inner forms or standards. Data on which decisions are made are thus focused and given a contrast which tends to be stronger and clearer than the original stimuli. The strengthening effect of Si on Fe may be responsible for this type’s reputation for wearing their “hearts on their sleeves.” At any rate, ESFJs reflect the “black and white” view of reality which is common to the SJ types.

EXTRAVERTED INTUITION - tertiary ➜ Intuition is tertiary—as the ESFJ matures, and as situations arise which call for suspension of criticism, Ne is allowed to play. Under the leadership of the Fe function, iNtuition allows for a loosening of the more rigid Si rights and wrongs; teasing and slapstick humour emerge. ESFJs are also capable of discerning patterns and philosophies, but such perceiving is subject to the weakness of the tertiary position, and the results often lack the variety and complexity of connections that more complex systems require.

INTROVERTED THINKING - inferior ➜ The inferior Ti function may rarely be expressed. In fact, ESFJs may take affront at the aloof, detached nature of dominant Ti types, or conversely, be drawn to them. Some ESFJs construct rationale which have the appearance of (Jungian) Thinking logic, but under scrutiny are in fact command performances of “Thinking in the service of Feeling,” (i.e., Thinking-like conclusions which do not obey the tenets of impersonal logic; they rather construct scenarios from only those “hard, cold facts” which support the conclusion reached by the dominant Extraverted Feeling function).

ISFJ: the Defender

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 00:57:59 +0200

ISFJs are traditional, loyal, quiet and kind. They are very sensitive to other people’s needs because they are very observant. They have rich inner thoughts and emotions. They value stability and cultural norms. They are very adept at giving attention to detail. They do not seek positions of authority.

STRENGTHS

Warm, friendly and affirming by nature.
Service-oriented, wanting to please others.
Good listeners.
Will put forth lots of effort to fulfill their duties and obligations.
Excellent organisational capabilities.
Good at taking care of practical matters and daily needs.
Usually good (albeit conservative) at handling money.
Take their commitments seriously, and seek lifelong relationships.

WEAKNESSES

Don’t pay enough attention to their own needs.
May have difficulty branching out into new territory.
Extreme dislike of conflict and criticism.
Unlikely to express their needs, which may cause pent-up frustrations to build inside.
Have difficulty leaving a bad relationship.
Have difficulty moving on after the end of a relationship.

COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS

INTROVERTED SENSING - dominant ➜ As for ISTJs, the dominant Si is oriented toward the world of forms, essences, generics. Again, “for both of the IS_J types, the sense of propriety comes from the clear definition of these internal forms. … A ‘proper’ chair has four legs,” etc. (Jung saw IS as something of an oxymoron: sensing, which is a perceiving function, focused inward and thus away from that which is perceived (the “object”). In this light, he described this sensing as something removed from reality, full of archetypes/mythical figures/hobgoblins; sensing of one’s own set of forms.)

EXTRAVERTED FEELING - auxiliary ➜ A kind of “regression toward the mean” provided by the Fe auxiliary function serves to socialize the expression of these forms. It’s the auxiliary nature of this Feeling, coupled with the balancing effect of {detachment from the internal idiosyncratic view of free-floating data perceptions} that makes ISFJs tentative, conservative, and reticent to boldly state the rights and wrongs in the relational world. (Loosely translated, ISFJs like to keep their perceptions to themselves, and aren’t sure enough that what they “see” as Introverted Sensors has any relevance to the outside world. Thus the perception, based on unworldly data, may not be true. The obedient Extraverted Feeling function must therefore refrain from strong statements expressing these opinions.)

INTROVERTED THINKING - tertiary ➜ Introverted Thinking is turned inward and is largely invisible. It is only with great difficulty, if at all, that the ISFJ could willingly commit anyone to their doom. Perhaps this explains why ISFJs are loyal to the end; there is no sense of purely objective (i.e., impersonal) judgement of anyone but themselves (and that only by their own standards). Here is this type’s achilles heel that makes many of them so vulnerable to .

EXTRAVERTED INTUITION - inferior ➜ ISFJs are easily undone by Extraverted iNtuition, their inferior function. Believing in the fantastic, and disbelieving the technologically extant, are errors that my guide the gullible (or unfoundedly sceptical) ISFJ off a precipice of mis-conclusion. This childlike Ne is, however, the likely source (coupled with fun-loving Extraverted Feeling) of the practical joking, punning and (usually harmless) impishness of some ISFJs.

ISTJ: the Examiner

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 22:51:46 +0200

ISTJs are responsible, loyal and hard working. They have an acute sense of right and wrong and work hard at preserving established norms and traditions. Because of their deep sense of duty they are dedicated to everything they do and are very dependable. ISTJs care deeply for those closest to them.

STRENGTHS

Honour their commitments.
Take their relationship roles very seriously.
Usually able to communicate what’s on their minds with precision.
Good listeners.
Usually good (albeit conservative) with money.
Able to take constructive criticism well.
Able to tolerate conflict situations without emotional upheaval.
Able to dole out punishment or criticism when called for.

WEAKNESSES

Tendency to believe that they are always right.
Tendency to get involved in “win-lose” conversations.
Not naturally in-tune with what others are feeling.
Their value for structure may seem rigid to others.
Not likely to give enough praise or affirmation to their loved ones.

COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS

INTROVERTED SENSING - dominant ➜ Si is oriented toward the world of forms, essences, generics. Time is such a form, a quantifiable essense of exactitude, the standard to which external events are held. For both of the IS_J types, the sense of propriety comes from the clear definition of these internal forms. An apple “should” have certain qualities, against which all apples are evaluated. A “proper” chair has four legs, (and other qualities this poor INTP can only guess). Jung viewed introverted sensing as something of an oxymoron, in that the natural direction of senses is outward toward the object, rather than inward and away from it. One has the sense that Introverted Sensors are drawn more to themeasure of the concept of the perceived object than to the experience of that perception.

EXTRAVERTED THINKING - auxiliary ➜ The moderation of the Te function serves to socialize the expression of these forms. When the Si function is ready to relinquish the data, Te may speak. Otherwise, silence is golden. ISTJs seem to have a few favourite forms (the tried and true) which may serve for most occasions. “It’s a good form, a sound form—it’s the form for me.”

INTROVERTED FEELING - tertiary ➜ Since Fi is turned inward, it is rarely expressed. Perhaps this enables the ISTJ to resolutely accept that “we are all doomed.” When told that Lazarus had died, Thomas said, “Let us go and die with him.” (He could just as well have said something like, “I knew this was bound to happen sooner or later.”) Only in times of great distress is the Introverted Feeling expressed. Otherwise, feeling is inferred, or expressed nonverbally, through eye contact, or an encouraging smile.

EXTRAVERTED INTUITION - inferior ➜ The Ne function of an ISTJ does not serve her very well. It needs a lot of help. She was surprised, for example, to find that someone she had talked with only by phone had red hair, because she “didn’t usually like” people with red hair! This inferior Ne seems to be a major source of, and a natural breeding ground for, stereotypes. Failure of the banking system is but one bogeyman which arises from the fear which feeds on the ISTJ’s mistrust of real world possibilities. The shadow inhabiting the inferior Ne strikes at the precious forms and standards in the heart of the dominant Si function.

ESTJ: the Overseer

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 21:39:21 +0200

ESTJs are responsible, logical, norm-following hard workers. Their efforts are carried out in a practical, structured manner. ESTJs trust facts and experiences more than theories. They are decisive, loyal, tradition observing individuals. They enjoy being the person in charge and often make good supervisors.

STRENGTHS

Generally enthusiastic, upbeat and friendly.
Stable and dependable, they can be counted on to promote security for their families.
Put forth a lot of effort to fulfill their duties and obligations.
Responsible about taking care of day-to-day practical concerns around the house.
Usually good (albeit conservative) with money.
Not personally threatened by conflict or criticism.
Interested in resolving conflict, rather than ignoring it.
Take their commitments very seriously, and seek lifelong relationships.
Able to move on after a relationship breaks up.
Able to administer discipline when necessary.

WEAKNESSES

Tendency to believe that they are always right.
Tendency to need to always be in charge.
Impatient with inefficiency and sloppiness.
Not naturally in tune with what others are feeling.
Not naturally good at expressing their feelings and emotions.
May inadvertantly hurt others with insensitive language.
Tendency to be materialistic and status-conscious.
Generally uncomfortable with change, and moving into new territories.

COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS

EXTRAVERTED THINKING - dominant ➜ ESTJs are very good at making impersonal decisions quickly, and standing by those decisions. They live in their Extraverted Thinking functioning, thus, their prime directive is in discovering that which is true and logical in the events of the real world. Circumstances calling for product invite the ESTJ to supervise or direct other individuals toward production and productivity. Extraverts are attracted to the “object,” the external things and people in observable reality. This bent translates into a natural interest in goods and material objects.

INTROVERTED SENSING - auxiliary ➜ The secondary Introverted Sensing is like that of the ISTJ, but not as strong. Si provides practical form and concept data to the Te head, however, form is not the overriding principle, especially if Thinking has already decided. In times of need, ESTJs are tempted to overlook even necessary information if its absence impedes closure. Secondary sensing sometimes translates into interest in sports. The persistence of primary Thinking gives many ESTJs a desire for discipline and regimen which can be beneficial in skills development in the arena.

EXTRAVERTED INTUITION - tertiary ➜ As the ESTJ matures, and as situations arise which call for suspension of criticism, Extraverted iNtuition is allowed to play. Under the leadership of the Te function, iNtuition gravitates toward the discovery of broad categories which at worst amount to stereotypes. Those ESTJs who hone their Ne abilities may find success in academia. (There are ESTJs whose Ne overshadows the auxiliary Si function—for whatever reason—to the extent that there is an appearance of NT radical geekism.)

INTROVERTED FEELING - inferior ➜ This function may rarely be expressed. ESTJs who have cultivated, or have been blessed with, a “natural indirect expression of good will by inference,” have great prospects of developing genuine friendships (as opposed to ESTJs who merely act out the behavior of Extraverted Feeling). Such a weak, introverted function is best observed in facial expression, eye contact, body language, and verbally only by implication.

+1 keep doing what you're doing, much like a McDonald's ad I'M LOVIN' IT

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 21:26:00 +0200

Cheers, love. I’ll do as I’m told on this occasion.

ISFP: the Artist

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 20:34:24 +0200

ISFPs are artistic, creative, loyal and sensitive. They have a keen appreciation for beauty because of their highly developed senses. They are easy to get along with and live in the “here and now”. ISFPs are adaptable, caring, independent and like to contribute to the well-being of others. They are typically hard to get to know.

STRENGTHS

Warm, friendly and affirming by nature.
Usually optimistic.
Good listeners.
Good at dealing with practical day-to-day concerns.
Flexible and laid-back, usually willing to defer to their mates.
Their love of aesthetic beauty and appreciation for function makes them likely to have attractive, functional homes.
Take their commitments seriously, and seek lifelong relationships.
Likely to value and respect other’s personal space.
Likely to enjoy showing their affection through acts and deeds.
Sensuous and earthy.

WEAKNESSES

Not good at long-range financial (or other) planning.
Extreme dislike of conflict and criticism.
Focused on enjoying the present moment, they may appear lazy or slow-moving at times.
Need to have their own space, and dislike having it invaded.
May be slow to show their affection with words.
Tendency to hold back their thoughts and feelings, unless drawn out.
May become overly cynical and practical.

COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS

INTROVERTED FEELING - dominant ➜ Feeling, unbridled by the external forces of society and substance, is the dominant function. ISFPs spontaneously develop their own codes and credos, about which they are quite sober and intense. ISFPs are questors, driven to find the pure and ideal, as personally and individually defined. Feeling may temporarily turn outward, but cannot be long sustained beyond its cloistered home. If the individual has values greater than herself, feeling may express itself in valiant acts of selflessness. Turned in upon self, however, it becomes an unscrupulous, capricious enigma, capable even of heinous acts of deception and treachery.

EXTRAVERTED SENSING - auxiliary ➜ ISFPs keep a finger on the pulse of here and now. They are more adept at doing than considering, at acting than reflecting, at tasting than wondering. As do most SPs, ISFPs keenly sense color, sound, texture, and movement. It is not unusual for ISFPs to excel in sensory, motor, or kinesthetic abilities. ISFPs cherish their impulses. Some of the most beautiful, graceful, and artistic performances are the result of this drive for physical, sensate expression.

INTROVERTED INTUITION - tertiary ➜ Tertiary intuition works best in the background of the ISFP’s inner world. Perhaps this is the source of the “gut feeling” SPs consult in matters of chance. However “lucky” the ISFP may be, intuition as a means of communication is a poor servant, evidenced in spoonerisms, and non sequiturs and mixed metaphors.

EXTRAVERTED THINKING - inferior ➜ The ISFP may employ Extraverted Thinking in external situations requiring closure. As is the case with inferior functions, such Thinking behaves in an all or nothing manner. Thus, as with other FP types, the ISFP’s Extraverted Thinking is at risk for a lack of context and proportion. In most cases, persons of this type enjoy greater facility operating in the open-ended style of sensing, implying the opinions of feeling values in the indirect fashion characteristic of introverted functions.