Dumbledore’s Personality Type (A Comprehensive Guide)

This article aims to explore what personality type Dumbledore, from the renowned ‘Harry Potter’ series, has using famous psychological assessments such as the Myer Briggs Type Indicator. The article will also look at various instances in the movie series where the character’s behaviour reflects dominant traits of the personality type they have.

What is Dumbledore’s Personality Type?

Dumbledore’s personality type according to the MBTI is that of an INFJ; he is someone with the introverted, intuitive, feeling and judging personality types with the following dominant qualities: 

• Idealistic
• Practical
• Interpersonal and intrapersonal skills
• Altruistic
• Averse to Conflict/Criticism
• Goal Oriented

We will discuss these qualities/traits of Albus Dumbledore in the following section of the article.

Idealistic – A Better Future.

People with this personality type are hopeful for a better future and it is their idealistic standards that push themselves and others to work harder for the greater good. In the movie series ‘Harry Potter’, it becomes apparent later in the desires that Dumbledore is a strong driving force behind the goal of defeating Voldemort, The Dark lord.

Initially he is viewed as the innocent yet passionate school principal truly dedicated to children’s good education. However it is soon realized that many steps that are taken against the dark side of the wizard’s world are done so in consistency with Dumbledore’s will and of course his facilitation.

The characters are so inspired by Dumbledore’s vision on defeating the Dark Lord that they name their army after him; Dubledore’s army, an initiative taken by Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Practical.

Usually, idealistic people tend to be impractical, setting goals that are either unrealistic or impossible to achieve in the given resources.The development of Dumbledore’s character through the series shows that he has a ‘wait and see’ stance paired with his hopes for a bright future free from the grasp of Voldemort. 

These people have multiple plans up their sleeves and are well aware of the ground situation that makes them take more practical steps. This is obvious when Harry realizes the many connections Dumbledore has made throughout his life and how well aware Dumbledore is of who can help him and how in the movie. We see many teachers at Hogwarts who would say that we came here after Dumbledore requested us to; though they may seem to not want to be there, there is something they possess that is handy to Dumbledore’s end goal.

Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills – A Twist of Empathy.

Dumbledore has very good people skills. How he forms connections with the most unlikeliest of people shows he can connect at deep levels with different individuals. This may be possible because of the empathy he developed as a young man especially after his sister was tragically killed.

The unique and diverse teaching staff he has at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry demonstrates he is able to get along and incorporate just about anyone to his school; whether they are a half giant, a part goblin or even a shapeshifter, everyone is always welcomed at Hogwarts. How he allows Hermione and Harry to save Buckbeak just before it’s execution shows he is able to develop an understanding for even the voiceless. The way he forms connections shows that not only is he empathetic but also good at interacting with people.

Altruism.

The old man is indeed an altruist. He is on a mission to achieve the greater good by defeating the dark forces in his world. Although his greater mission is an example of the altruistic personality he holds, Dumbledore does not always do good without expectation. 

Throughout the movie, it is quite clear that he has helped countless individuals who are in his debt. They offer their services in various manners and Dumbledore himself is never shy of asking for help in a certain situation. However, what makes him distinct and an altruist is that he never forces the other person to help and the help is not for him but the good of the wizardry world.

Averse to Conflict & Criticism.

Although he seems like one who cannot be broke, it is his broken self that made him so strong. Dumbledore went through a tough childhood where he somehow lost both parents and his sister was killed. He never married and seemed to stay aloof wandering through an endless world of mythical creatures. He was able to transform himself into a strong individual being able to stand up for others and take the right decisions however, one can notice he is not in favor of criticism or anything that goes against his goals. 

In ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’, it becomes very apparent that Dumbledore is not able to bear a change in his plans. When Harry’s name ends up in the goblet he is furious because it conflicts with his overall plan to save the wizardry world from Lord Voldemort. 

Also, he has his own way of dealing with criticism. He is not passive to the authorities that are not happy with his way of work at his school or his plan to defeat Tom Riddle; oftentimes it is seen he is approached by The Ministry to take him away or challenge his actions. In some way he manages to escape or point out loopholes in their verdicts against him.

Goal Oriented.

Yes. Dumbledore is very focused on the end goal and he is willing to sacrifice anything to achieve it; even the boy who lived! Towards the end, the ‘Harry Potter’ series starts showing the true side of the characters; Snape is deeply attached to Harry due to Lily’s relation as a mother to him and Dumbledore is aware of and accepts that Harry must die in the end. It is Snape who expresses his inner thoughts that Harry was only being raised to be slaughtered like a pig which Dumbledore calmly accepts.

This account demonstrates that although Dumbledore is empathetic and even deeply concerned of others, he is a goal oriented man that recognizes the sacrifice that must be put in to achieve what he desires.

The INFJ – Dumbledore.

According to the Myer Briggs Test, Dumbledore perfectly fits the category of the INFJ which is also known as ‘The Advocate’. Many times he has stepped forward to speak up for Harry, especially at his appearances in the Ministry of Magic.

Let us take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of such a personality.

Strengths.

Insightful.

These personalities move past what is on the outside and focus on the inside. Yes they don’t just look at the face value of things but try to understand them at a deeper level. This is obvious in Dumbledore’s character for the fact that he does not judge people on how they look but how they are as people.

INFJs focus on people’s motivations, feelings, thoughts and desires rather than just outwardly appearances and because of this they can develop more complex understandings of individuals and extract deep insights.

Principled.

People like Dumbledore, no matter how bold they are, hold onto their values strongly. In the movie, Dumbledore has some dominant values he never seems to let go; he is always kind, welcoming and compassionate to others. He likes to forgive and let others try instead of passing a final verdict on them. He strongly believes that people have an innate good element in them which he tries to bring out. However, if they refuse to acknowledge that he has no choice but to give them what they need; anyone who came in Dumbledore’s way eventually had to have a taste of his medicine.

Creative.

INFJs are creative people in that they want to find the best solution to other’s problems. Dumbledore is always surprising us with his many ways of how he learns about people, travels into other’s memories and his secrets that he holds which may one day be very useful in defeating the Dark Lord. He may seem like your loveable school headmaster but he is in himself the Jack of all trades!

Weaknesses.

Individuals with this personality type do have some weaknesses – we all do! Due to their aspiring goals and passion to work for the greater good of others, INFJs may become burned out or tiresome and may forget even about their own health when trying to help others. This is apparent in Dumbledore’s give up to Voldemort when he is eventually killed by the Dark Lord.

The people who are considered to be INFJs find it difficult to open up to others and aim to be perfectionists as well; it’s good to do things in a great way but sometimes it can cause anxiety!

If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.

Conclusion.

This article identified the personality type of Dumbledore, a character from the ‘Harry Potter’ series, and highlighted the dominant traits of his while at the same time recounting various instances from the movie that serve as good examples of these traits. The personality type’s strengths and weaknesses were also explained.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dumbledore’s Personality Type

References.

https://www.16personalities.com/infj-strengths-and-weaknesses

https://www.charactour.com/hub/characters/view/Albus-Dumbledore.Harry-Potter-Series