Female INTJs: Katniss and Hermione
83July 11, 2012 by philipbullitthughes
Today I will discuss two notable INTJ’s in popular fiction: Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games and Hermione Granger from Harry Potter.
Now, Katniss and Hermione are fundamentally different, and some of you INTJ’s may relate to one more than the other, but make no mistake, both are “Masterminds.” The reason for these differences is because there are actually two types of INTJ’s: The Creative and the Scientific.
It is important to note that INTJ’s are usually very talented in both English and Science, and will typically pursue one or the other depending on preference and the environment in which they grew up. For example, if an Idealist parent raises a little INTJ, chances are they would be exposed to a vast assortment of literature, thus developing their creative side. On the other hand, if an INTJ had a parent who was interested in science, say a Guardian or another Rational, they would probably latch on to the scientific side.
As you may have guessed, Katniss is the Scientific Mastermind and Hermione is the Creative.
Katniss is raised in a world where she had almost no access to literature, and thus would be inclined to prefer the sciences, which in her case manifested itself in the form of botany, taught to her by her father. There is little doubt that Katniss is both an Introvert and Thinker. She eschews the limelight, prefers one-on-one contact with close friends, is calculating and is often accused of being cold. Now, the biggest indicator that Katniss is a Mastermind is not an instance of her being organized with sticky notes, or talking about mythology, (as many iNtuitive Judgers tend to do) but how she behaves once inside of the Games. She had one goal: survival. And she is willing to do most anything to accomplish it. For instance, she feigns love with Peeta, then instantly severs that connection with little emotional response when she thinks he betrays her. Another example is how she sizes each person up in her mind, their strengths, their weaknesses, and plans a course of action on how to deal with each of them accordingly. She gives a girl the name Foxface, seeing her truly threatening potential before anyone else—clearly an indication of her being a Scientific Mastermind. No other type behaves with such calculating precision. No other type could brilliantly maneuver herself into a position of victory when most would discount her abilities from the beginning.
Hermione, on the other hand, is clearly the Creative Mastermind. Hermione has only two close friends: Harry and Ron. She takes responsibility for both of their academic success, not only because she wants them to like her, but also partially because it makes her feel appreciated for her intelligence, which is the thing all Masterminds prize in themselves above all else. Now Hermione is at the top of her class, spends most of her time in the library, and is a quiet-natured individual who is not inclined to like sports like Quidditch very much. However, in class she speaks her mind constantly, as creative INTJ’s do, and appears almost extroverted. She solves nearly all of her problems creatively (The polyjuice potion, the riddles in the dungeon, etc.), rather than approaching them from a practical angle. All of these are primary traits possessed by Creative INTJ’s.
Another very interesting indication of Hermione’s creative side is her concern for the house elves. Now, independence is a trait that is highly valued amongst INTJ’s, and one that has dealt quite a bit with literature will sometimes be emboldened to create that independence in others, even when they don’t want it. Some would say her concern for house elf rights is an Idealist trait, and you’d be correct. However, what might be an Idealists concern for a person’s general well-being, a Creative INTJ is usually concerned for those who they see as prisoners of the mind, and will try to convince them that they really should think for themselves.
In conclusion, both of these fictional characters have inconsistencies, like most invented character. But I think it’s safe to say that they are the clearest examples of the Scientific and Creative Masterminds in pop-culture. Also, there are many INTJ’s who can delve into both worlds, and quite enjoy both. But the trend is a matter of fact, and that is that they typically choose one or the other.
What's My Type? 
Haley would be Katniss… I’ve also heard that Peeta is an ESFJ… thoughts?
I can see why people might think that. It’s close, but Peeta is actually an ENFJ. My ENFJ post will actually include him!
Do you have a source for more information about the two types of INTJs? I’ve not been able to find anything on Creative vs Scientific INTJs.
Great question!
That’s because it’s a hypothesis of David Keirsey’s, and I merely expounded upon it. He discusses the different creative and scientific intellectual persuits of the INTJ in his book, “Please Understand Me II.” He doesn’t call them “The Creative and Scientific.” That’s my own name for them. But here is one of his quotes touching on the subject:
“[INTJs] are often led into technical positions such as scientific researcher, design engineer, environmental planner…[but] some have a strong artistic/creative bent and may become an artist, inventor, or designer.”
Hope this helps!
Thanks for clarifying this. I am an INTJ but I am creative and not as scientific. Of course I love science and technical detail but not the tedium of it for the sake of it, rather I see it as a way to improve the world (almost INFJ) and our understanding.
Glad to hear it helped!
I think sometimes we get lost in the mire of generalizations. We forget that each of the personalities has their own sub-personalities, and when we read up on a type that is over-simplified it can cause us to feel as though we’re put in a box. It’s a delicate balance.
Interesting post! Thanks for writing!
I am a Creative INTJ. I recognize in myself the potential to be a Scientific INTJ. It’s like the life I did not choose to have versus the one I did. It’s very interesting.
I’ve heard a lot of criticisms of both those characters saying they aren’t “realistic.” I suspect that is precisely because they are INTJs, and specifically female INTJs. Someone called Katniss “emotionally retarded” (while she essentially believably masterminds Games set up to be unbeatable and saves everyones bum) and someone said Hermione was “too competent to be real.” You hear weird stuff just like that from people who misunderstand and/or dislike INTJs. And I think with female characters people are less accepting of the uniqueness of the characters because it does not jive with stereotypical gender roles assigned to women.
Just out of curiosity, do you know of any INFPs in literature or pop culture? It seems INFPs are often writers and have that capacity for empathy that allows them to really embody many characters with total believability, so I’d imagine they would show up quite often. But at the moment, I am drawing a blank.
I sort of feel like i think like a scientific INTJ emotionally but when comes down to expressing myself and my love for knowledge and literary works and my artistic drawing ability I’m probably a creative INTJ. i totally get the whole “the like i could have chosen but didn’t” thought. it’s almost like i could trace my life back & see how it would have changed if i had somehow “re-chosen” my “choice”.
Hermione seems concerned with people’s feelings too much to be a straightforward INTJ — but then, so do I (and I rate INTJ every time I test). I like to think of her as one, I’m just not sure that she is! =/
I can’t comment on Katniss, I’m afraid, as I’ve not read Hunger Games. I do, however, know Hermione’s character intimately.
I’ve only just discovered MBTI, so I am by no means an expert in it, but this analysis is one of the most sensible I’ve seen; many seem to think she’s ISTJ,and I’ve even found ESTJ. Still, I have to say I would peg Hermione as INFJ.
She feels emotions very strongly herself, and these can overpower her rationality: in first year, she spends an entire day in a bathroom crying because she is not accepted by her peers, in third year she punches Malfoy when his insults go too far, and in sixth year she attacks Ron in a fit of jealousy. These are just a few of quite a number of times in which Hermione loses her control in times of extreme emotional stress.
I feel that her rational approach is actually a defensive mechanism; that she consciously detaches herself precisely because she feels things too strongly and can’t deal with them. The fact that she deals with it by attempting to detach herself can make her seen on the surface more Thinking than Feeling, but I’m not sure that she is.
She is also very insightful about other people’s emotions;
“Don’t you understand how Cho’s feeling at the moment?…Well, obviously, she’s feeling very sad, because of Cedric dying. Then I expect she’s feeling confused because she liked Cedric and now she likes Harry, and she can’t work out who she likes best. Then she’ll be feeling guilty, thinking it’s an insult to Cedric’s memory to be kissing Harry at all, and she’ll be worrying about what everyone else might say about her if she starts going out with Harry. And she probably can’t work out what her feelings towards Harry are, anyway, because he was the one who was with Cedric when Cedric died, so that’s all very mixed up and painful. Oh, and she’s afraid she’s going to be thrown off the Ravenclaw Quidditch team because she’s been flying so badly.” – Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, page 405-406.
You also mentioned the House Elf rights, but Hermione doesn’t only campaign for “prisoners of mind”; she later goes on to campaign for all non-humans who are discriminated against in wizard law. She even goes so far as to pursue this in her career with the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and later in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Well this became a bit of an essay. I guess I was just curious as to how you decided on Thinking over Feeling and if I’ve understood the system properly.
I totally agree that she is an INFJ. Much more emotional. INFJs otherwise can be just as brilliant, motivated, and academically talented as INTJs. They often hold themselves to very perfectionistic standards, too.
[…] had posted a link to an article about INTJ females in pop culture, and how Katniss from The Hunger Games trilogy and Hermione from the Harry Potter series present […]
Hermione is an obvious ISTJ.
Katniss is an obvious ISTP.
Where you get Ni-dom for either of these characters is beyond me.
Exactly; neither or them is a female INTJ, and I say this as a female INTJ.
You are right in that it’s all speculation as they are fictional. But they could be anything based on your argument. Most of my INTJ friends agree that they’re INTJs, but it’s all opinion.
I agree that Katniss is ISTP. Hermione, however, has more hallmarks of NTJ than STJ. I’ve gone back and forth, but ultimately she uses “logic” over “logistics.” And her directive bossiness–definitely E.
I’d like to start off by saying this post has started a worthwhile discussion since these two women represent such popular figures, and I value the author’s contribution. However, Katniss is an ISTJ so the premise of this thread IS flawed. That may make it even more intriguing.
Yes, she manipulated Peeta in the Hunger Games and responded to Haymitch’s signals. However, anyone who has read the trilogy (Which is written in the first person POV) knows she spends the majority of the three books struggling to operate as a strategist who plans ahead, and doing so brings her incredible mental and emotional stress. Her survival instincts are focused on the here and now for herself and her family, and it is other people (Haymitch, District 13, Peeta) who think to use her as a larger force for revolution.
Hermione however, seems to be a true INTJ who thrives emotionally on aggressive planning and execution, always thinking about how to one-up her adversary and finding satisfaction in her triumph.
Both women have strong personalities that have developed distinctive survival strengths – and personal flaws. Perhaps that is why we see them as BOTH INTJs?
I have only read The Hunger Games, and not seen the movie. I actually think that Katniss is a hardened INFJ who grew up in tough circumstances. This is what makes her seem T-ish, along with her being an Enneagram type 8. From the time she described her rationale on trying to drown her sister’s cat, I completely related. Sounds horrible, but you have to make sacrifices to save your family.
I felt like we were the same person throughout her narrative during all three novels, especially the first one, where she’s describing and reasoning her life, family, and society. Her tone and brashness were also classic Type 8 INFJ. Just like me. This is a very rare personality combo, especialy for a female. This is likely what confuses people.
I’m an INTJ, and I 100% related to Katniss throughout the entire book. I see myself more of a Hermionie than a Katniss, but I still think both of them are Ts instead of Fs. I think a common misconception on an INTJ is that the T makes them unfeeling. Katniss didn’t drown the cat because she is human and not a sociopath. What makes Katniss such a hard T, is because she realized that life would be easier without the cat in it, because she realized that she would have to care for her family, and because she knows what has to be done to survive, and that sometimes means she will have to lead Peeta on. If she were an F instead of a T, I think it is very likely she wouldn’t have survived as well as she did in the conditions she grew up in.
I’ve done 3 tests on mbti ( one test twice, then one with a bit different questions). I’m intj (female) and I’m a bit terrified 😦 it’s like… things got even more complicated because it’s all so true and…. will anyone ever understand? I mean, that I don’t need that many hugs, that I don’t show I care but I do?
Hello Dominika! You share the fears of many female INTJs. I think it’s best you search for someone who really appreciates you for who you are. Do they exist? Yes. Are they rare? Yes. The most accepting personality types tend to be NFs. If you find someone with this preference to be your friend or significant other, you would find an empathetic ear.
It is funny. I am an INTJ female also. I never wanted to be touchy or feely with. However, when I found my boyfriend (we have been together for 5 years now) and I was able to break this down more. I cannot stand this with other people, but with the love of my life I have been able to do it. Hopefully it will happen with you! All of my other loved ones understand me greatly and I have great relationships. You can also 🙂
Great thoughts, Melanie!
I can relate. I can barely hug my own mother even though I care deeply for her. My husband and children are a different story. I often surprise myself at how affectionate I am with them without thinking about it. I never thought I would ever be a mom that sang lullabies. Turns out I do and I enjoy it (just as long as my children are my only audience).
With my immediate family aside, I will accept hugs. I learned quickly that others sometimes need the acceptance of a hug as validation of their feelings, their perception of your feelings and their attempt at empathizing with you.
Good for you! It’s often tough to evolve in such a way that meets others needs. It’s difficult to pull out of our comfort zones. That’s not to say all INTJs aren’t fond of hugs, but the majority I have found are reserved when it comes to any sort of public display of affection.
I think that you are trying type them by stereotypes of INTJs. Maybe you should think of the cognitive functions of what they could possibly be.
For Katniss, she is most likely, as you say, introverted and a thinking type because of her obvious tendencies to keep to herself and to put her feelings aside in order to survive, but she doesn’t act as an INTJ would. She is most likely an ISTP, with cognitive functions in order as Introverted Thinking, Extraverted Sensing, Introverted Intuition, and Extraverted Feeling.
An INTJ primarily uses Introverted Intuition, Extraverted Thinking, Introverted Feeling, and Extraverted Sensing
Katniss doesn’t seem very opinionated when she speaks, mostly keeping her thoughts to herself which is why she is a Ti user. She thinks about what she will do inside her own mind, not outside. As for Extraverted Feeling(Fe), which she uses only a little of, she sympathizes with most every citizen of Panam, and rarely ever thinks of her own feelings. Her own don’t influence her decisions as she does a lot of things that conflict with how she would feel about them affecting herself. As an INTJ, I think that Fi is somewhat of the selfish function. It would be based on her beliefs and values alone. While you may think of her as only thinking for her family, this function of hers is developed more in the third book(which I got irritably bored of because of the “greater good” content). She feels for Panam as a whole, which is necessary for the one fulfilling the position as Mockingjay.
Her Extraverted Sensing(Se) is a higher tier than that of an INTJ because this is her primary way of taking in information about her surroundings, as she observes the forest to see what her possible choices of actions are, although she does sometimes use Introverted Intuition(Ni) to get an idea of what the heck the crazy governing bastards are planning. An INTJ has Ni as the primary function, which is the organization of ideas in one’s own head, looking for deeper meanings to things, and being imaginative, possibly thinking of LaLa land with rainbows and unicorns. This is the least like of Katniss, as she is very practical and doesn’t indulge in asking “why” as often. Most often, other characters have to inform her of what is going on behind the scenes of the Hunger Games. She gets things done as they come and is not too inflexible about how she does it.
An ISTP would probably survive the longest in a Zombie Apocalypse. In the first book, she accepted her circumstances and adapted to it,
On the side: An argument that I’ve come across for Katniss not being an ISTP is that she is too loyal. While loyalty is not usually associated with an ISTP, you must know that everyone has their own set of loyalties whether it is to friends, family, or oneself. Katniss chooses to only be loyal to her family, tossing out the possibility of being bound many, making it hard for anyone to truly become close to her.
Also, an INTJ is not necessarily always a Mastermind, plotting and scheming behind the scenes. Meyers-Briggs just adds to the stereotyping nature of typology, which maybe is supposed to be so, looking at the name. Huh there I go generalizing… Anyways, Katniss doesn’t plot, she adapts and finds loopholes.
And I will get to Hermione eventually…
I appreciate the detailed comment! I agree with most points. However, I think when typing fictional characters that it’s always speculation. But I like how you actually backed up your argument with solid facts. I am assuming you’re an INTJ?
Yeah, it is all speculation, Plus, authors use their characters just to tell a story. They will do whatever the authors says they will do regardless of how we perceive their thought process. Suzanne Collins probably doesn’t care what group she’s put in, she just needs Katniss as a viewpoint for the Hunger Games.
Exactly. And I think at points Katniss acts like an ISTP, INTJ, INTP, and ISTJ, though I’d say in my opinion she tends to run the INTJ line the most.
But again, it’s all speculation. 🙂
Thank you for writing all this. I test as ISTP when I’m feeling my best, and INTJ when I get really stressed out. Basically, the more stressed I get, the more I shut down and stop absorbing my surroundings. However, in the most dire of situations, a switch seems to get flipped on and I absorb *everything*. Thank you for putting all this in more understandable terms. You gave me some things to Google search. 🙂
Hi Rory,
Thanks so much for the kind words. Did you know that each of us responds differently to stress? I am not as well versed in the area, but I do believe we become our tertiary preference under stress, so what you said makes total sense!
I really disagree with Katniss as an INTJ. I know several and I’m married to one, so I don’t make this assertion lightly! I agree she is really hard to type. She’s not portrayed consistently.
But why is she pretty surely not INTJ? 1) Katniss is impulsive, and not very strategic. Peeta tells her not to run to the cornucopia in book 1. She wasn’t going to, and then she does it anyway. She almost gets killed in the process. She gets lucky because she accidentally gets something out of it. An INTJ would not risk it. Just no!
2) She’s slow to see the implications of some things that are clear to others. (the clock in Book 2, the Gale/Beetee scheme in Book 3, the bee’s nest in book 1.) Also, I might add, Ni is a common trait in book characters because it’s necessary for dramatic irony. So her “aha” moments are crucial to the plot but are not an essential part of her nature.
3) She’s best at reacting to situations as they evolve in the moment, not strategizing for the long term. She sometimes makes stupid strategic mistakes but she makes up for it in her quick reaction/adaptation to the consequences. When stuff goes down, Katniss reacts quickly. Huge generalization, but Introverted intuitives – INTJs especially- often hesitate when physical action is required, being more awkward and not as athletic as Se dominants. Katniss is a super athlete.
One more illustration: I hate to say it, but if it came down strictly to an unplanned battle in the streets, there would be a lot more ISTP survivors than INTJs. Think about how she does in battles in book three. Is Katniss INTJ or ISTP then?
4) She can’t make up her mind about her feelings for Peeta and Gale. Due to their Ni, most INTJs I know go head-over-heels for someone. In the movie Katniss maybe came off as a little cold but in the book she is genuinely uncertain. It’s hard to portray that inner dialogue in a film. That uncertainty seemed much more like Ti being fed by Se, rather than Ni being corralled by Te.
5) She is fiercely loyal to her family and her love, rather than everyone else. That’s her end goal. To make it out alive with them. While she cares about others in the districts, she is a reluctant hero (because she’s forced to be) and she doesn’t see the path forward that Gale and others do. I know a lot of INTJs who love their family but I think if she were an INxJ she would be throwing herself toward the cause without hesitation.
That said I can’t type her cleanly. Her general vibe in both the book and the movies reminds me of ISFJs that I know – fiercely protective of others and will do anything to achieve security for them. Personally, I think Jennifer Lawrence was drawing on that archetype in her portrayal of the character. She’s alluded to it in interviews. There’s no way Lawrence was thinking INTJ and I don’t think Collins was either. Beetee is Collins’ version of an INTJ.
ISFJ doesn’t really fit because she’s got way more Se than Si, so I’m most on board with ISTP with unusually developed Fi (?). The ISTP stack is Ti > Se > Ni > Fe, so that would explain the dominant Se with Ni introverted intuition-like -instances that crop up now and again. It doesn’t fit perfectly in that I see more Fi than Fe in her, though. Fi just fits.
I have to disagree with MandarinKitten. There’s very little Fe vibe from her, it’s all about her loyalty to her family and Peeta. She develops Fe a little more in Book 3, but still. She is so reluctant to become a hero for Panem. Her love for her family trumps all, and that’s Fi.
In sensing dominants like Katniss, Fi tends to lead to fierce familial loyalty rather than the more esoteric, self-centered-appearing loyalty to “pet” causes that often crops up in intuiters with Fi (esp. ENFPs, INFPs).
So her cognitive stack is more like Ti > Se > Fi > Ni and she was written as an artificial mix of types, if you ask me.
I see zero trace of INTP or ISTJ in her. Give examples?
I think you give some solid reasons for Katniss not being an INTJ. The point of this article was really to show the difference between the Creative and Scientific INTJ giving fictional examples. As Katniss is fictional it’s possible to argue half a dozen different types for her effectively.
I respect the way you give thought and reasons behind your assertions! Truthfully, I believe Katniss isn’t always consistent. Sometimes she acts like an INTJ and others she tends to resemble an ISTP. Overall, she strikes me as an INTJ. But who really knows? It’s just fun to speculate! 🙂
Why do you think she is an INTJ? Can you give some examples? 🙂
It’s not all fully “speculation” – after all, we have 400+ pages of narration and two films on which to observe her dominant cognitive functions.
I ask because I don’t think your arguments are backed up with real examples of any “mastermind” attitude. You argue she is calculating, sizing up each of her opponents, but I just don’t see that. Yes, she observes them, but she has no “master plan” for handling them.
To address your examples: we know, because she tells us, that she goes into the games with no long term plan, basically terrified she is going to die, and makes it through each stage of the games by thinking fast and coming up with a plan based on her gut reaction when stuff hits the fan. Gut survival is a very Se-oriented thing.
For example, going into the games, she doesn’t even know whether Peeta is her ally or not. She doesn’t know whether she will kill him or not. Not an INTJ-like thing to do. INTJs tend to be assured of how they feel about particular people, either liking them or finding them disposable.
If you read the book, Katniss’s feelings for Peeta are very ambiguous and it’s not just so clearly an “act” like the movies make it out to be. I think the movie muddles things because it’s hard to tell what’s going on in Katniss’s head.
She names the girl Foxface and notices she’s cunning, but Foxface dies by accident. Foxface is actually a much better INTJ, and I think that is the archetype Collins was drawing on when she wrote Foxface. Collins has also crammed District 3 full of INTJs (Beetee, etc.)
Like Foxface, an INTJ would be less likely to take physical action, preferring to stay behind the scenes and let all the other characters kill one another before swooping in.
If you want to give a good example of the INTJ science vs. literature types, it might help to find a movie with a “mentor” or “mastermind” archetype. Aside from Foxface, few female INTJ characters come to mind, but I bet sci fi / fantasy has a few out there.
I don’t think Katniss is easy to type, but of all the types, INTJ is one of the last ones I would choose. Her Ni -type insights are spontaneous rather than calculated, and they are far fewer than her Se in-the-moment adaptations.
I agree, though, it is fun to speculate! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Ah, you’re going to make me write. 😉
You know, going back and reading my original post I am not convinced she’s an INTJ either, at least considering the evidence I presented. I read the book long ago (at least and a two and a half years) and I do not have the sharpest of memories.
However, I’ll do my best. Forgive any flimsy arguments I might present from poor memory.
First, you must remember, when under stress personalities rely on tertiary functions. Katniss is constantly under the threat of a figurative anvil falling on top of her. Thus, at times she resembles an Artisan (tertiary), mostly the ISTP (also, Katniss is not perfectly written so that adds to her being convoluted.)
I assume you type Katniss as an ISTP. She might be. But the ISTP, given the opportunity (and given a high enough EQ) can maneuver people and put up a facade as well as, if not better, than any personality (ESTPs and ENFJs being the chiefs, I’d say.) Unfortunately, while the INTJ is a brilliant strategist, they often do not understand how to handle people (granted some do, but most don’t.) Katniss is about as good at dealing with other humans as a printer from the 1990’s. But for what she lacks in people skill she makes up for in discernment (also known as iNtuition.) She knows who is trustworthy, who to align herself with instinctively: Peeta, Beety, Cinna, for example. Also, she knows who is not a threat: Effie and her other designers, despite their close ties to the government. She knows she doesn’t have the skills on her own to navigate person to person. But Peeta does…So she just shuts her mouth for fear of revealing her true, as I see it, INTJness.
Sure, Katniss doesn’t know what to make of Peeta. Not because she isn’t astute, but because Peeta confused her (as often Idealists tend to do to Rationals.) She would never operate the way Peeta does (sacrificing herself for someone she hardly knows,) though I do believe she picks up on his sincerity. She instinctively knows Peeta loves her. But why? It must be a ruse! But no, despite all her doubts, the voice in the back of her head holds true. Peeta is hers. And then her strategy unfolds. She gives Peeta just enough to keep him on her side. She knows she should like him, mostly because he’s a good guy. Now you mention that she doesn’t know if Peeta will kill her or not. True. That “knowing” is actually an Idealist trait more than a Rational trait. She senses Peeta’s loyalty, but her rational side says no.
But I would also like to point out that her feelings for Peeta are more in question than her trust for him. But that stems from her feelings for Gale.
Anyways, I’m sure if I went back and read the books again I would be able to come up with a sturdier argument. She very well could be an S (although with a poorly developed EQ if she’s an ISTP.) I do appreciate you backing up your argument. It was fun to read!
hey hey (to Steph, and to those who say Katness is sort of impulsive) I can be impulsive at times too and I am a total intj but oh well I don’t believe there is anyone in this world so very impassive that they cannot be moved by anything and they are never in their lives impulsive (at least once). It’s human nature.
I think this is an excellent point. Thanks for sharing.
Impulsive is not the word for INTJ, the better term is “calculated risks”, and being an INTJ myself, my family often thinks I’m crazy whenever I do such things. And you might not see us thinking and calculating because it won’t show on our face much, and most INTJs think way faster than they talk. So it will come off or appear as impulsiveness.
About “gut survival” it comes from intuition. Whenever I’m in a pinch and there’s no time to think (I also get into trouble, lol) relying on guts is the fastest. (I’m an INTJ in all the tests that I have taken).
Fantastic! I love the calculated risk point. That is so true to how INTJs operate. I appreciate the insight.
Hi there that’s interesting from my perspective as an INTJ male I really can only see her as either and INTJ or maybe ISTJ. She’s clearly an introvert, I don’t think there’s anyone who would question that. I think that she for the most part looks into the bigger picture of things and analyzes their function or symbolism. So I would think she’s more likely intuitive than observant. However I can see how someone would argue the opposite. Ti is a given I would think as well. Judging and Perceving I think could also go either way for her, but unless under extreme stress I think everything Katniss does is very calculated. I see zero traces of spontaneity in her. So I don’t think she could have that P trait. Plus there’s just other typical INTJ things she does. She is TERRIBLE at small talk. She has zero respect for her authority figures like Haymitch. She executes many of her plans with little regard to how they will effect others. It’s always up for debate since she’s not real, but I still think that for the most part she is an INTJ.
I think this is very well said. I appreciate your input. Thanks!
Really interesting piece. I am an INTJ (like many on this feed) but I was raised by both a creative (mother=elementary teacher and art minor) and a scientific (father=business analytics and accounting). I have always struggled with identifying the stronger of the two instincts as I feel comfortable in both. I was unaware of these sub-types prior to reading this. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed and. I think that’s often the struggle with the INTJ, but at the same time you could just be very balanced. Thank you for your perspective!
I think that Katniss is more ISFJ and Hermione is more of an ISTJ
Thanks for the feedback! It’s all opinion, really. 🙂
No way. INTJ female here. I’ve read all three Hunger Games books, hated the movies, and hated the books (don’t ask why I read them because I don’t know why either). Katniss is not an intuitive at all, much less an NT. She doesn’t theorize or dissect everything into miniscule categories and piecing them back together. She’s much emotionally oriented and all I, personally, found as significant (to her, anyway) was her infuriating indecision. She’s all talk and no action, and she’s so insecure I just want to slam the book down. I don’t know about other INTJs, but if my best friend was involved in the killing of my sister, I’ll make sure to purchase a sharp heeled toe when I’m there to kick him out, not naïvely plead for a normal life again. We make have emotion, but even as a female, and especially as an Introvert, we’d value family over friends. Consequently, I conclude that she is an ISFJ.
Hermione has got to be one of the obvious ones. Just because she FEELS does not mean she’s a feeler. Thinkers can feel. A Thinker is Thinker when they make decisions based on LOGIC, FACTS, and RATIONALITY, not based on feelings. A Feeler, however, works vice-versa, they solely make decisions based on feelings until they exercise their thinking function.
Let’s not forget the fact that she is a female, justifying her sensitivity, and a female, in psychological terms, is far more emotionally in depth than a man, unless they have an Anti-Social Disorder which is exceedingly rare in a female. First of all, let’s look at generally: she clearly follows rules, which is her main aspect that infuriates Ron and Harry.
She needed to be incessantly prodded on before she loosened that attribute. Another aspect, which justifies she’s an SJ, is her obstinate rule of “by the book”. An ISTJ especially, as a Thinker, and as an SJ, usually frustrates others with their demand on facts. They don’t support theoretical topics, and she expressed that clearly when she turned away from the Half Blood Prince, even going as far as labeling it “cheating”. Even when Harry proved its worth, she adamantly refused to believe it.
Let’s further analyze her functions:
She clearly has Si, particularly with her vast dependence on her memory, which, of course, any Intuitive wouldn’t be able to do unless they’re well-rounded. Intuitives are more in depth, they scan the underlying meanings of everything, from Ni, which is centered in the future, to Ne, which identifies every possibility until the subject(s) are nothing more than small atoms. She’s firm, adamant in routine, and doesn’t appreciate change unless the book suggested it.
Her insistence on planning and her enthusiasm for reading is purely Te, which craves facts, efficiency, and planning.
The Si-Te bond is quite expressively personified in Hermione. Honestly, I don’t know what you all were expecting with her feelings. Do Thinkers really not have feelings? As an INTJ, I firmly believe that I do have feelings, and I might be more sensitive internally more than any other Feeler. We feel insecure, too. As a human, we naturally crave acceptance. Particularly low F, it’s hard to balance it because it conflicts with our Te, causing us to become insecure.
In fact, ISTJs might have more reason for insecurity because their Si recalls conflicting feelings from the past to remind them, in a somewhat historical way, of “learning from the past”.
Thinkers aren’t indifferent about acceptance, and Feelers are not overly dramatic about their feelings. We’re humans, there are some things that are natural to us. And besides, INTJs are usually the villains, not the heroes.
World domination! >:)
There is a lot of division concerning these two personalities. I like the thought you’ve put into your reply. As they have never taken the test it’s all speculation. Thanks so much for your insight!
This is entertaining, Please do an INTJ male Hero/villain one.
I will at some point! There are lots to choose from. And thanks!
I think Hermione is an INFP. She clearly uses Fi far more than Te. She champions the underdog and only gets blunt when she feels like her values are being stepped on. Even more telling is her capacity to remember facts and trivia (Si) and her creative problem-solving (Ne). Hermione is more clever than she is “insightful.” She collects facts to flexibly address the problem at hand. INFPs love to be teacher’s pet too (think Lisa Simpson, another INFP) and can be know-it-alls. I think it is a mistake to classify her as a J just because she works hard. She is often frantic and overwhelmed by her workload. Also, she is extremely sensitive, and not extremely arrogant. Lastly, JK Rowling, an INFP, has stated multiple times that the character she most identifies with is Hermione.
If you want an example of an INTJ in pop culture, I would go with House or Sherlock.
Also, a female INTJ would be Belle, who you have incorrectly identified as an INFJ despite her clear Te-Fi alignment.
Definitely. Both of them are INTJ!
Now that’s one I haven’t heard yet. Usually people will say Harry is an INFP, but I think you present a good argument. But as I’ve said before, it’s all speculation. Thanks for the detailed response! Well written.
Wow. The depth of this post is amazing!. Where did you get this stuff?
A lot of study and theorizing. I am a psychology major too so that likely helps. Thanks for the compliment!
I was told that I am either an INFJ or INTJ (the F and T component is 50-50). After reading several of your posts, I think I a more INFJ than INTJ in most cases. But, reading this post, I think I am sort of like Hermione in solving my problems (so it’s either Hermione is an INFJ or this is my dual-personality confusion kicking in)
How do would you know which one are you leaning more towards to?
Thank you for the beautiful posts, by the way 🙂
Hi Gina,
Thanks for the compliment! I must say, a lot of people do type Hermione as an INFJ so there is a chance she might be. I do a lot of theorizing but it’s not solid science. I would say the one you most identify with is like which type you are.
I would have to argue Hermione’s status as an INTJ due to the fact that she in quite in touch with both her emotions and the feelings of others. I always think of the line where she says to Ron “Just because you have the emotional range of a teaspoon doesn’t mean we all have.” This is not what I would think of as an INTJ characteristic.
Also you refer to the ‘scientific’ INTJ as science based and the ‘creative’ INTJ as english based. Personally I am more comfortable in the sciences but I am also heavily involved in visual arts. Do artistic interests fall under the creative INTJ category?
I know that in term of characters I felt deeply in sync with Katniss before I even became aware of my MBTI Type. Thank you for the article.
I think you make some solid arguments. I would venture to say Hermione isn’t a true INTJ, as Rowling’s characters are not completely perfect. It’s tough to make them true consistently.
When it comes to scientific versus creative, I think the visual arts would fall under the creative category, but it’s definitely possible for you to be both. A well balanced INTJ would probably be happiest when delving into both worlds at different times.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I definitely had Katniss down as a Feeler type, she seems to get super emotional whenever something bad happens.
I’d imagine an INTJ to be far less showing of their emotions.
I could see that. However, that is not to say INTJs don’t have emotions. They do, very deeply in fact. But they tend to keep them to themselves.
Well, I think she is an INTJ (like me) I’m very emotional, like many INTJ, but we don’t show the emotions unless we can’t handle them, and Katniss shows her emotions when she is in a very hard situation.
Right. Good point! INTJs tend to be very situational as to when they show their emotions.
He oído de algunas personas que Katniss es ISTJ, pero yo estoy totalmemte de acuerdo en que es INTJ, como yo, y también soy más del lado científico.
Y Peeta es ENFJ, obviamente, igual que mi hermana ^^
Hola!
I don’t speak Spanish all too well, so you must forgive me in advance. I think you’re saying that Katniss is an ISTJ (which is definitely up for debate as she’s fictional), and that you identify with the scientific INTJ! Pretty cool,
And yeah, Peeta is definitely ENFJ! Thank you for your comment. 😀
Hi, I wrote the comment, What I’m saying is that some people says katniss is an ISTJ, but I’m sure that she is INTJ, like me. And Peeta is ENFJ, like my sister! 😀
I completely agree! Thanks for the input!
I’m INTJ.
The first one look like INTJ coz
1. Deep eyes it more calculative. Although not very thinking you can notice not really like argument and not really decisive.
2. Look lonely and not easy going.. short jaw and not round cheek.
3. Not very judgemental. But she is more judge then perciever.
The second is INTJ.
1. But a little extraverted feeling.. you can see the bulging eyes kind of sensitive feeling and want to listen. She is T but not pure.
2. Because between the eyes and eyebrow small she needs intimacy and like argue other she looks tend socialist. But introverted and extroverted more the way you got energy. Being extrovert and extraverted feeling kind of different.
The first INTJ but not really thinker. Beacuse not good at speaking look shy or feeling.
The second INTJ but look like extrovert. She just like argue. Doesnt mean she is ENTJ or want to listen INFJ.
Great insight! Thank you for sharing such a detailed response. 🙂
Hi thanks for this wonderful article. I am a creative INTJ. No wonder I love those two characters you chose. 🙂
I am glad you enjoyed it! Creative INTJs are some of my most favorite people. 🙂
I really don’t think Katniss is INTJ. While she’s fictional and doesn’t really have a personality, as an INTJ myself, I can’t identify with her. She’s VERY emotional, she just doesn’t express it. She does have deep convictions, but she doesn’t always know why. She goes on instinct instead of acting as a mastermind.
This person thinks shes ISTP, but acknowledges there is a debate: https://whichmbtitype.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/which-mbti-type-are-the-characters-from-the-hunger-games/ They also note that Snow is ENTJ and I absolutely Identify with him (I’m not far from E).
Now I’m reading more about J and P and I think Katniss is certainly a P. So at least INTP.
It’s possible! It’s really all speculation. I was more trying to illustrate the scientific versus the creative. 🙂
Hi Phillip. I was doing some Google search about personality and found your article. I believe your speculation is accurate. I am a male ENFP, and as far as I can remember the movie characters I have found myself attracted to are both Katniss and Hermione (and so far these two have been the only ones I’ve found myself most attracted to). After the fact, to my surprise, I found out from two different reliable sources that my natural partners are indeed INTJs, and this of course explained my natural attraction to these two character. Just blown away! And amazed at the diversity of personalities God has created within human beings. Thanks so much for your input! Very accurate speculation.
Hello!
I am so glad you liked it. And yes, it’s pretty amazing how the attraction scale works. It’s typically pretty spot on. I actually wrote another post on the INTJs and dating if you’d like to take a look! It could give you some insight on how to approach them.
Again, thank you for your kind words! I am so glad you enjoy reading my humble little blog.
I did read it. Quite insightful. Thanks for your input! God bless 🙂
God bless! And Merry Christmas 🙂
[…] is the same in both. Because of that, and because Katniss has been classified both as an ISTJ and INTJ, I have to call a bit of a foul on expecting a little bit of “that rebellious fire [to] […]
Well, i have always been tested as an INTJ but i am highly idealistic just like an INFJ.I can relate to Hermione as i can easily understand what is going inside a person and i am emotional too…. but I know how to keep them under control. It’s just that when it comes to decision making logic wins over feelings. I stand for others if i see injustice. But unlike INFJs, I don’t want people to be too emotional and feeling oriented that it can bias their ability to make decisions.Also,I don’t want people to blather about their personal life in front of others. When it comes to decision making INFJs may take others’ feelings into account, As an INTJ , I also consider feelings, but for me what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong, I need logic everywhere. People can’t convince me with their feelings alone, they need to show me the logic behind their act.I like pschycology not because i have keen interest in people and their problems but because it helps me to react in a better way socially. I am thoughtful and insightful. My friends say that i think beyond my age. I am highly competent and always want to be perfect in every field. Sometimes, i also doubt my abilities and i am harsh on me but then I do everything to enhance my knowledge and skills.I have a unquenchable thirst for knowledge and above all, I can understand the problem of most creative INTJs because we are introverts and also intuitives which makes us idealists and we understand emotions also…..but we know in this real world we can’t ignore logic, so we don’t fit into typical INTJ stereotypes but we exist! Well, we have to understand most INTJs( whom i know) are the idealists among the rationals and so Hermione is a perfect example of an INTJ(actually a creative INTJ;)).
To be honest, i am only 15 and this is the collaboration of what i think, feel, my intuitions and my research.
Well….. i forgot to say thankyou and it ‘an’
unquenchable thirst; )
Well….. i forgot to say thankyou and it is ‘an’
unquenchable thirst; )
Well….i am very competitive and understand feelings but i prefer logic and i am always tested as an intj…so i think i understand Hermione (the creative intjs)