Writing Do you use mbti or any other typology system for characters?

[Verdant]

The most common typology system for working with characters (to my knowledge) is the enneagram system. Unsurprising since it works with character goals and fears in a detailed and (usually) nuanced way. I work with enneagram but also mbti (kind of a mismatch) but that’s about it. I’ve heard others work with systems like astrology, tarots, etc.

If so, what typology system do you use? And do you regret using a typology system instead of… just putting random traits and characteristics on characters?

 

[RepresentingWrath]

I have no idea what it is, and I don't use systems.

 

[owotrucked]

I don't like Enneagram because I feel like it's a top-down approach and hard to relate personally. But it's rich in ideas if your character are lacking content and depth.

I use MBTI because I relate to it a lot more, and I prefer its bottom-up simplistic approach that leaves a lot of freedom for you to develop the character. But you have to work a little harder to deduce the implications consistent with the MBTI.

If you assume that your characters are mature and well-rounded, you can just focus on their primary cognitive function. For example, the Ne (extroverted intuition) adventurer brought a pet and loaded a ballista on it for fun. Then he either replicate it and bring an army of walking ballista, leading to his own demise if he's Ti, or kill the pet in a malfunctioning accident because he didn't maintain the ballista properly if he's Fi lol

 

[Corty]

I use my fingers. I like my fingers, there are ten of them. They do a ton of things. I really like them.

 

[LilRora]

The most common typology system for working with characters (to my knowledge) is the enneagram system. Unsurprising since it works with character goals and fears in a detailed and (usually) nuanced way. I work with enneagram but also mbti (kind of a mismatch) but that’s about it. I’ve heard others work with systems like astrology, tarots, etc.

If so, what typology system do you use? And do you regret using a typology system instead of… just putting random traits and characteristics on characters?

I personally don't like typology systems on principle. I get how they can be helpful and why they work, but it feels limiting and artificial to me, to try and decide the character's personality in such a systematic way.

I much prefer using something much more vague, like symbols or icons or twisted archetypes. Astrology and tarot cards can be very good in that regard, though I never got round to learning them.

 

[HelloHound]

I've never thought about using personality tests for my characters before but that could be neat

 

[TheEldritchGod]

I have no idea what it is, and I don't use systems.

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THIS.

What I did was go to work for a collection agency. I highly recommend this for ANY serious writer.

No. I'm serious.

You will never bump into a more strange and bizzare lot of co-workers or talk to more people who have tragic backstories then working at a collection agency. You might be saying, "Yeah, but it's not like there's one of those where I live."

OH. Do you live near a city?
You are within driving distance of a collection agency.

They are always hiring, especially the really seedy ones, and those are the places you want to work. If you are lucky, they have access to Credit Bureau Reports and Lexus Nexus. You can learn a LOT about people from CBRs and LN. Plus everyone has a sob story. Encourage them to tell you their stories.

If you do the job log enough, you will learn a LOT about people because people rhyme. If you work at a place that covers the entire country, you'll start picking up tidbits in no time. I have so many characters I wrote that are based on people who I harrassed the shit out of.

And even if you SUCK, the place will pay you to work there for at least three months before they fire you. Are you the shy type of person? Learning how to cold-call and harass people is a great way to build up that self-confidence. It's basically a 90-day workout in learning how to be aggressive. Most places are also welcome to people working part-time, and if you are a Divorcee whose Child Support and Alimony is crushing you, most collection agencies are more than happy to let you work off the books as far as bonuses are concerned.

It's a great experience in the worst humanity has to offer, perfect for the aspiring writer.

And yes, I'm serious. It'll give you some cash and valuable experience on why people suck and how debt is a lie.

 

[Story_Marc]

Yes, yes I do. I streamlined a whole process out of it.

Others can do whatever they want. I'm not going to say my approach is the only one that works, but I will say it does work for me.

 

[Syringe]

I didn't use them before, but the ennegram system is now something I look at, alongside the Jungian Archetypes of Personality and some others.

 

[Story_Marc]

I didn't use them before, but the ennegram system is now something I look at, alongside the Jungian Archetypes of Personality and some others.
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I've dabbled around with this a bit, actually. I've used it more for marketing profiles, but did get a bit obsessed by The Explorer archetype when it comes to that stuff.

I might come back around to this in the future, thank you for reminding me of it!