The article will explore what the Myer Briggs Type Indicator is and how it applies to the wizards of the Harry Potter series by the author J.K. Rowling. Furthermore, the article will also look into how the sorting hat divides characters into different houses like Gryffindor based on the personality types of the MBTI.
Harry Potter and the Myer Briggs Type Indicator.
Yes the ‘Harry Potter’ series is yet another movie/book that is the target of the MBTI test! It wouldn’t be surprising to say that only our personality reflects these types; the sorting hat also takes into account the personality traits of young wizards while assigning different houses to them at the start of the first school year at Hogwarts.
In the article we will be looking at the MBTI personality types of the following characters:
- Harry Potter
- Ron Weasley
- Hermione Granger
- Severus Snape
- Albus Dumbledore
- Draco Malfoy
- Rubeus Hagrid
- Sirius Black
We will also take a look at how the sorting hat divides students into the following houses:
- Gryffindor
- Ravenclaw
- Slytherin
- Hufflepuff
Before we dive in, let us delve into what exactly the Myer Briggs Type Indicator is?
Myer Briggs Type Indicator
The Myer Briggs Type Indicator is a self report questionnaire that asks you to answer a series of questions used to determine your attitude and personality in the functions of introversion/extraversion, perceiving/judging, feeling/thinking and sensing/intuition. It assigns you a certain personality type that helps describe how you behave in each of these categories.
The test is very famous and widely used around the world and people often have a lot of fun using it to determine the personality types of their favorite characters!
Now that we have briefly looked at what the MBTI test is, we will now proceed to examine what personality types the characters from the ‘Harry Potter’ series have and which personality types dominate each of the houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Get your wands ready!
The Characters of ‘Harry Potter’ and the Myer Briggs Type Indicator!
Each character from the ‘Harry potter’ series holds a distinct personality type that helps create the fantasy laden land of wizards, where mystical creatures and wizards of all types can be found.
Here are the top wizards of the series and their personality types!
Harry Potter – ISTP (The Craftsman)
Being introverted doesn’t take the attention away from you. Yes! The boy who lived is introverted, sensing, a thinker and perceiver. These people are very independent as Harry has been shown to be due to his experiences growing up with his relatives and the fact that he has much to achieve with his life on the line and that too of others.
ISTPs are people who don’t like rules as it restricts them and they are mostly concerned with what is going on inside them and like to think more about their pursuits,concerns and interests. Harry is the ideal character for this type as he is indeed a risk taker, loves to explore new things and never hesitates even when there is a hint of danger (remember the episode of Buckbeak).
People like the main character of the ‘Harry Potter’ series value efficiency. They want results and want to get things done fast. No wonder why Harry is always in a hurry to get what he wants done – well basically what everyone wants – that is to defeat Voldemort!
Ron Weasely – ENFP (The Champion)
Well, even though it’s Harry who is the champ in the series, Ron isn’t far behind. A bit of an ambivert, Ron later on in the series bends more towards extraversion as required and is also intuitive, a feeler and perceiver.
These people greatly value their friends as Ron does even if it means them getting all the attention. They are enthusiastic and find a reason to smile even in difficult situations – we would expect that from Ron after all because he is the brother of the famous Weasley brothers. Such people are quite adaptable (he had to face his worst fears being Harry’s friend – spiders!) and realize the many possibilities of life. They are warm and energetic!
Hermione Granger – INTP (The Architect)
Look who is here! Yes Hermione is indeed an introvert, intuitive, a thinker and perceiver. Throughout the series her brilliance and ability to solve problems well defines her personality type. Such people usually have a plan for everything – remember Hermione’s brilliant idea in the ‘Chamber of Secrets’ when they drink the potion to take on other student’s appearances? Well, it was a great idea even though it didn’t turn out so great for her!
INTPs are more involved in thinking rather than social interaction and are quick at correcting others – better learn to be patient Harry and Ron!
Severus Snape – ISTJ (The Examiner)
These individuals are excellent administrators. They are best when it comes to managing people and things – no wonder Albus chose Severus for the task of playing a double role in the series alternating between the good and bad side of the story! These individuals hold tradition very high, are extremely disciplined and may even seem strict but they are good team members to have on your team!
Albus Dumbledore – ENFJ (The Teacher)
Who couldn’t guess? Being extroverted, intuitive, a feeler and judge, Albus Dumbledore’s character is indeed that of a teacher. He reflects excellently the personality trait of an ENFJ – warm, understanding, responsible and highly responsive to others emotions and needs, Dumbledore acts as a motivator for people; encouraging his students to aim high and bounce back from setbacks. People who possess this trait are able to catch the attention of others with their charismatic aurora.
Draco Malfoy – INTJ (The Strategist)
Clever as he is, Malfoy is an introvert, intuitive, a thinker and judge. He is concentrated on his thoughts and knows how to get out of bad situations in the stitch of time. These individuals are extremely self confident and strive for perfection while at the same time being adaptable due to their skill of observing patterns in the external world.
No wonder Malfoy, like a cunning fox, was able to slip out of a lot of bad situations in the Harry Potter series. Yes he was apparently on the bad side, but he always found a way to ensure it was the good side winning.
Rubeus Hagrid – ISFP (The Artist)
Who doesn’t love Hagrid? Being extremely sensitive and at the same time very caring of others, Hagrid is an introvert who senses and is a feeler and perceiver. These people value their own personal space (no wonder his cottage was away from the main building), like to maintain peace and make an effort to avoid conflict. Such people greatly value their loved ones and uphold commitment, loyalty and are kind and quiet.
Sirius Black – ENTP (The Inventor)
Extraverted, intuitive, thinking and perceiving, Sirius Black well portrays the personality type of an ENTP! These people are outspoken, resourceful and intelligent. They are great at solving challenging problems using their ability to strategically think in multiple ways. However, such people get bored soon and will likely never do the same thing in the same way!
The Sorting Hat and the Houses of Gryffindor!
Let’s take a quick look at how the sorting hat divides different personality types of the MBTI into the four houses at the School of Hogwarts!
Gryffindor
For this house, the sorting hat chooses people who understand the significance of upholding universal values and also value people and their loved ones. Personality types that fall into this category include ENFJ, INFJ, ENFP and INFP! As well as Cedric Diggory.
Ravenclaw
The sorting hat sorts people who are visionary for a better future into this house! INTJ, ENTJ, INTP, and ENTP are the types that are usually found here.
Hufflepuff
Here you can find ESFP, ISFP, ESFJ, and ISFJ personality types that are usually kind and warm people who care about others.
Slytherin
Acting with much thought and precision, the personality types here include those of ISTP, ESTP, ISTJ and ESTJ!
But remember! The Sorting Hat takes your choice into consideration so even though an individual may have a certain personality type on the MBTI, they may not necessarily reside in the respective house.
Conclusion
The article looked at the personality types of the most famous characters in the ‘Harry Potter’ series and also examined what type of personalities are usually found in the four houses of Hogwarts. The article briefly touched upon what the Myer Briggs Type Indicator is and how it determines your personality type.
Frequently Asked Questions: Harry Potter and the Myer Briggs Type Indicator
What personality type has the highest IQ?
Usually people with personality types of INTJ and INTP but many people who have
high IQ also falls into the category of ENFP and ENTJ.
Which Harry Potter Character is INFJ
Remus Lupin and Cedric Diggory is an INFJ.
What personality type is Bellatrix Lestrange?
Bellatrix Lestrange, is an ESFP and they are also known as The Entertainer.
References
