character development

this tumblr is dedicated to helping you develop your characters - especially roleplay characters. you'll find tools, information, tests, and various other information that i have used and implemented for my own characters for almost a decade now.

updates f.a.q. jung's theory the enneagram moral alignment personality disorders sins and virtues psychological disorders schemata templates various tests personal tumblr

INTJ: the Strategist

INTJs are introspective, analytical, determined persons with natural leadership ability. Being reserved, they prefer to stay in the background while leading. Strategic, knowledgable and adaptable, INTJs are talented in bringing ideas from conception to reality. They expect perfection from themselves as well as others and are comfortable with the leadership of another so long as they are competent. INTJs can also be described as decisive, open-minded, self-confident, attentive, theoretical and pragmatic.

STRENGTHS

  • Not threatened by conflict or criticism.
  • Usually self-confident.
  • Take their relationships and commitments seriously.
  • Generally extremely intelligent and capable.
  • Able to leave a relationship which should be ended, although they may dwell on it in their minds for awhile afterwards.
  • Interested in “optimizing” their relationships.
  • Good listeners.

WEAKNESSES

  • Not naturally in tune with others feelings; may be insensitive at times. Even if they know they are being insensitive, it wouldn’t matter, unless they value your presence.
  • Usually respond to conflict with logic and reason, rather than the desired emotional support.
  • Not naturally good at expressing feelings and affections.
  • Usually believe that they’re always right.
  • Tendency to be unwilling or unable to accept blame.
  • Their constant quest to improve everything may be taxing on relationships.
  • Tend to hold back part of themselves.

Read More

ENTJ: the Chief

ENTJs are strategic, organized and possess natural leadership qualities. They are master coordinators that can effectively give direction to groups. They are able to understand complicated organizational situations and quick to develop intelligent solutions. ENTJs are outspoken and will not hesitate to speak of their plans for improvement. They are decisive and value knowledge, efficiency and competence.

STRENGTHS

  • Genuinely interested in people’s ideas and thoughts.
  • Take their commitments very seriously.
  • Very good with money.
  • Extremely direct and straightforward.
  • Verbally fluent.
  • Able to turn conflict situations into positive lessons.
  • Extremely high standards and expectations.
  • Able to dole out discipline.

WEAKNESSES

  • Tend to get involved in “win-lose” conversations.
  • Tendency to have difficulty listening to others, as they are very quick to (try and) solve presented or foreseen problems.
  • Extremely high standards and expectations.
  • May have difficulty expressing love and affection, sometimes seeming awkward or inappropriate.
  • Can be very harsh and intolerant about messiness or inefficiency.
  • Tendency to be controlling.
  • May be slow to give praise or to realise another’s need for praise.

Read More

ENTP: the Originator

ENTPs are logical, innovative, curious and downright inventive. They see possibilities for improvement everywhere and possess the ability to understand complex concepts. ENTPs are introspective and carefree nonconformists. They often neglect the more common areas of life while pursuing new solutions. ENTPs can be good conversationalists and exciting company.

STRENGTHS

  • Enthusiastic, upbeat, and popular.
  • Can be very charming.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Extremely interested in self-improvement and growth in their relationships.
  • Laid-back and flexible, usually easy to get along with.
  • Big idea-people, always working on a grand scheme or idea.
  • Usually good at making money, although not so good at managing it.
  • Take their commitments and relationships very seriously.
  • Able to move on with their lives after leaving a relationship.

WEAKNESSES

  • Always excited by anything new, they may change partners frequently.
  • Tendency to not follow through on their plans and ideas.
  • Their love of debate may cause them to provoke arguments.
  • Big risk-takers and big spenders, not usually good at managing money.
  • Although they take their commitments seriously, they tend to abandon their relationships which no longer offer opportunity for growth.

Read More

INTP: the Engineer

INTPs are logical, individualistic, reserved, and very curious individuals. They focus on ideas, theories and the explanation of how things work. They are especially adept at discussions and debate. They have the ability to focus intently on a subject. They appreciate and respect intelligence in others.

STRENGTHS

  • They feel love and affection for those close to them which is almost childlike in its purity.
  • Generally laid-back and easy-going, willing to defer to their mates.
  • Approach things which interest them very enthusiastically.
  • Richly imaginative and creative.
  • Do not feel personally threatened by conflict or criticism.
  • Usually are not demanding, with simple daily needs.

WEAKNESSES

  • Not naturally in tune with others’ feelings; slow to respond to emotional needs.
  • Not naturally good at expressing their own feelings and emotions.
  • Tend to be suspicious and distrusting of others.
  • Not usually good at practical matters, such as money management, unless their work involves these concerns.
  • They have difficulty leaving bad relationships.
  • Tend to “blow off” conflict situations by ignoring them, or else they “blow up” in heated anger.

Read More

INFP: the Dreamer

INFPs are introspective, private, creative and highly idealistic individuals that have a constant desire to be on a meaningful path. They are driven by their values and seek peace. Empathetic and compassionate, they want to help others and humanity as a whole. INFPs are imaginative, artistic and often have a talent for language and writing. They can also be described as easygoing, selfless, guarded, adaptable, patient and loyal.

STRENGTHS

  • Warmly concerned and caring towards others.
  • Sensitive and perceptive about what others are feeling.
  • Loyal and committed - they want lifelong relationships.
  • Deep capacity for love and caring.
  • Driven to meet other’s needs.
  • Strive for “win-win” situations.
  • Nurturing, supportive and encouraging.
  • Likely to recognise and appreciate other’s need for space.
  • Able to express themselves well.
  • Flexible and diverse.

WEAKNESSES

  • Don’t like to have their “space” invaded.
  • Extreme dislike of conflict and criticism.
  • Strong need to receive praise and positive affirmation.
  • May react rather emotionally to stressful situations.
  • Have difficulty leaving a bad relationship.
  • Have difficulty scolding or punishing others.
  • Tend to be reserved about expressing their feelings.
  • Perfectionistic tendencies may cause them to not give themselves enough credit.
  • Tendency to blame themselves for problems, and hold everything on their own shoulders.

Read More

INFJ: the Confidant

INFJs, making up an estimated 1% of all people, are the most rare type (males even more so). They are introspective, caring, sensitive, gentle and complex people that strive for peace and derive satisfaction from helping others. INFJs are highly intuitive, empathetic and dedicated listeners. These traits tend to act as a “tell me what’s wrong” sign on their forehead, hence the nicknames Confidant, Counselor or Empath. INFJs are intensely private and deeply committed to their beliefs.

STRENGTHS

  • Warm and affirming by nature.
  • Dedicated to achieving the ultimate relationship.
  • Sensitive and concerned for others’ feelings.
  • Usually have good communication skills, especially written.
  • Take their commitments very seriously, and seek lifelong relationships.
  • Have very high expectations for themselves and others.
  • Good listeners.
  • Are able to move on after a relationship has ended (once they’re sure it’s over).

WEAKNESSES

  • Tendency to hold back part of themselves.
  • Not good with money or practical day-to-day life necessities.
  • Extreme dislike of conflict and criticism.
  • Have very high expectations for themselves and others.
  • Have difficulty leaving a bad relationship.

Read More

ENFJ: the Mentor

ENFJs are externally focused, introspective, altruistic, positive and have excellent people skills. They place utmost importance on helping others grow. They are warm and have a natural desire to be supportive and encouraging. Being charismatic and possessing excellent language skills, they do well in leadership roles. ENFJs strive to enhance the lives of their human brethren.

STRENGTHS

  • Good verbal communication skills.
  • Very perceptive about people’s thoughts and motives.
  • Motivational, inspirational; bring out the best in others.
  • Warmly affectionate and affirming.
  • Fun to be with - lively sense of humour, dramatic, energetic, optimistic.
  • Good money skills.
  • Able to “move on” after a love relationship has failed (although they blame themselves).
  • Loyal and committed - they want lifelong relationships.
  • Strive for “win-win” situations.
  • Driven to meet other’s needs.

WEAKNESSES

  • Tendency to be smothering and over-protective.
  • Tendency to be controling and/or manipulative.
  • Don’t pay enough attention to their own needs.
  • Tend to be critical of opinions and attitudes which don’t match their own.
  • Sometimes unaware of social appropriateness or protocol.
  • Extremely sensitive to conflict, with a tendency to sweep things under the rug as an avoidance tactic.
  • Tendency to blame themselves when things go wrong, and not give themselves credit when things go right.
  • Their sharply defined value systems make them unbending in some areas.
  • They may be so attuned to what is socially accepted or expected that they’re unable to assess whether something is “right” or “wrong” outside of what their social circle expects.

Read More

ENFP: the Advocate

ENFPs are introspective, values-oriented, inspiring, social and extremely expressive. They actively send their thoughts and ideas out into the world as a way to bring attention to what they feel to be important, which often has to do with ethics and current events. ENFPs are natural advocates, attracting people to themselves and their cause with excellent people skills, warmth, energy and positivity. ENFPs are described as creative, resourceful, assertive, spontaneous, life-loving, charismatic, passionate and experimental.

STRENGTHS

  • Good communication skills.
  • Very perceptive about people’s thoughts and motives.
  • Motivational, inspirational; bring out the best in others.
  • Warmly affectionate and affirming.
  • Fun to be with - lively sense of humour, dramatic, energetic, optimistic.
  • Strive for “win-win” situations.
  • Driven to meet other’s needs.
  • Usually loyal and dedicated.

WEAKNESSES

  • Tendency to be smothering.
  • Their enthusiasm may lead them to be unrealistic.
  • Uninterested in dealing with “mundane” matters such as cleaning, paying bills, etc.
  • Hold onto bad relationships long after they’ve turned bad.
  • Extreme dislike of conflict and criticism.
  • Don’t pay attention to their own needs.
  • Constant quest for the perfect relationship may make them change relationships frequently.
  • May become bored easily.
  • Have difficulty scolding or punishing others.

Read More

ISTP: the Craftsman

ISTPs are adventurous and independent. They like to figure out how things work. They have great mechanical and technical skills. They live in the “here and now” which makes them adaptable and spontaneous. They like to keep busy and are action-oriented. ISTPs thrive on new and exciting situations.

STRENGTHS

  • Good listeners.
  • Usually self-confident.
  • Generally optimistic and fun to be with.
  • Practical and realistic, they handle daily concerns.
  • Are not threatened by conflict or criticism.
  • Able to leave a relationship with relative ease once it is over.
  • Able to administer punishment, although they’re not interested in doing so.
  • Likely to respect other’s needs for space and privacy.

WEAKNESSES

  • Living entirely in the present, they have difficulty with long-term commitments.
  • Not naturally good at expressing feelings and emotions.
  • Not tuned in to what others are feeling, they may be insensitive at times.
  • Tendency to be overly private and hold back part of themselves.
  • Need a lot of personal space, which they don’t like to have invaded.
  • They thrive on action and excitement, and may stir things up to create it.

Read More

ESTP: the Persuader

ESTPs are action-loving, “here and now” realists with excellent people skills. Informal, risk-taking, fast-paced and adaptable, they are not always in agreeance with rules and regulations. They are tactical problem solvers that desire quick results. ESTPs, who present a friendly and enthusiastic face, are straightshooters that are able to handle criticism.

STRENGTHS

  • Can be quite charming.
  • Witty, clever, and popular.
  • Earthy and sensual.
  • Not personally threatened by conflict or criticism.
  • Excellent and clear-headed dealing with emergency situations.
  • Enthusiastic and fun-loving, they try to make everything enjoyable.
  • As “big kids” themselves, they’re eager, willing and able to spend time with their kids.
  • Likely to enjoy lavishing their loved ones with big gifts.

WEAKNESSES

  • Not naturally in tune with what others are feeling.
  • Not naturally good at expressing feelings and emotions.
  • May inadvertantly hurt others with insensitive language.
  • May be very good with money, but highly risky with it as well.
  • Living in the present, they’re not usually good long-range planners.
  • May fall into the habit of ignoring conflict, rather than solving it.
  • Don’t naturally make lifelong commitments - they take things one day at a time.
  • Prone to get bored easily.
  • More likely than other type to leave relationships quickly when they get bored.
  • Likely to enjoy lavishing their loved ones with big gifts.

Read More