DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Understanding personalities takes work and patience. Characters are like us—unique individuals whose preferences and life experiences determine our behavior and personality.
Most of us recognize a character as an introvert or extrovert, but do we know to what extreme? Is the character a little introverted or a lot? Are they a friendly extrovert or an over-the-top, people-person? Rarely is a person 100 percent one way or the other.
The definition of each gives us a clearer picture of the personality type.
Introvert: A person who tends to be quiet, even withdrawn. They are inward people. This personality type doesn’t need to be around others to feel satisfied. They enjoy solitude. Solo activities are a perfect way to spend a day. On the other hand, being around lots of people is exhausting. Introverts have only a few close friends and can be viewed as hard to get to know. In a large room or social gathering, these people prefer sitting in the corner and observing others. It’s more important for an introvert to understand themselves and why they behave or think than to acquire and practice social skills. They prefer working independently and excel at jobs and careers that allow them to explore the world on their own.
Extrovert: A person who loves people. Not just loves them but thrives on being with others. An extrovert steps into a crowd of people and is exhilarated and fulfilled. Have you ever met a person who could make friends with a fencepost, was the life of a party, or had to be in the middle of a crowd? Often extroverts will take risks and appear to be wild. They seek adventure and are optimistic. Without people in their lives, they can become depressed.
An introvert observes people and can tell much about them, while an extrovert is too busy talking to their new best friend to notice much about what is happening around them.
Some characters, like us, are right down the middle.
Discovering the personality type of my story characters is the first step in my characterization process. The extent of introversion or extroversion lays the foundation for my stories. Much more is needed to present an engaging and memorable character, but this is where character development begins.
If you’re curious about personality analysis, I use a free online test based on the popular Carol Jung’s and Isabel Briggs Myers’ typological approach: https://www.humanmetrics.com/
Whether you are a writer or reader, I encourage you to take the personality analysis. What did you learn?
Comments 9
I’m an INFJ – same as when I took this test at work years ago. The descriptions of each type are fascinating. I do consider myself an introvert primarily but am not afraid to talk to people in a grocery store line or at a party. Perhaps I’m becoming more comfortable as I mature. My husband loves travel and so my love of adventure has grown because of him. Thank goodness!
I’m such an introvert. At writers’ conferences you can find me all by myself, holding up the wall.
Author
Oh, Jessica, I really understand. Take a deep breath – and you can do it! Most writers feel exactly as you do.
I guess I’m in the middle, as well. I’m an introvert who loves people and adventure. I’m a visionary who’ll try anything once.
Author
Debbie! You have the perfect personality!
Thanks for mentioning this, DiAnn. I’ve taken the Briggs Myers test several times over the years. Always land in the same place: INTJ (Introvert iNtuitive Thinking Judging)
Other INTJs are Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, C.S. Lewis, Thomas Jefferson. Pretty good company.
Author
Kay, thanks! I’m an INFJ. Isn’t it fun? Especially when we discover our character’s personality.
I believe I’m the monkey in the middle!
Thanks DiAnn for your insight.
Author
A beautiful, wonderful, friend in the middle!