I’d like to start with thanking Hanna Heath for creating this awesome challenge, and including me in it! The idea is to write an article explaining your own MBTI type, and sharing it so that there is more character development material for writers (which is brilliant). When the article is written, tag another writer to participate. Not only is this very useful for writers, but you also have the opportunity to add something unique to your personality type, which aren’t always discussed in great detail elsewhere.
While this post is about the INTJ, you can also read about the INFJ on Hannah’s blog here: MBTI Challenge: How to Write INFJ
INTJ is one of the rarest Myers Briggs types, with the female INTJ consisting of just 0.8% of the population, and I am one of them (thats right character-seeking writers, you just hit the jackpot)!
I don’t know if my perspective will be completely accurate for all INTJ personalities, as there seems to be a spectrum, but there are some insights that I have to offer.
If I had to sum up this personality in one sentence, I’d say this:
While the INTJ has a sort of “cut-throat” mentality, it comes from a high place.
As you will see when you research this type, the most common misconception is that they’re removed, callous, and cold hearted. What’s hard for an INTJ is that people make these observations and accusations without asking or thinking about how or why this is.
The perfect example of this, and one of the famous character examples for INTJ, is Professor Snape from Harry Potter. Admit it, we were all wary of him, and quite confused with his character, wondering exactly what side he was on and where he was coming from. Our minds turned against him when he was portrayed as something that always interfered with Harry’s position. But then our hearts lightened when we saw him transform into a source of protection (Im specifically thinking about the scene where Lupin turns into a werewolf, and Snape advises the children to get behind him, such a small act that speaks volumes).
Professor Snape was not always the warmest character, and yet it seems he had the highest capacity of love out of everyone else in the story. This is the pinnacle of the INTJ.
The INTJ is a strategist. They naturally see all variables and outcomes in any given situation. They always see the entire picture, no matter what. Its not something they have control over, its an integral part of their being. Because of this, they know what has to be done, whether its easy or hard, to reach the desired outcome. That is where the “cut-throat” mentality comes from. They understand what it truly takes to produce what their world, and perhaps what the whole world (If they are also a humanitarian) truly needs. Nikola Tesla is another INTJ example, which speaks for itself.
The INTJ is the ultimate paradox in that they strive for the ideal using realism.
Other character traits worth noting:
1. Loyalty: Depending on the person, trust for an INTJ is a thin veil that is frequently harmed, sometimes unknowingly, by the people in their life. Their judgement of character is precise and unerring, and if you are lucky enough to be in their life, that speaks volumes about the kind of person you are. It is rare for the INTJ to be severely mistreated in the first place, as their perspective allows them to see where a relationship is likely to go from the start. However, life is neither black or white, and hurt is bound to happen at some point, and the INTJ does not take it lightly. It simply isn’t tolerated. They know themselves, and they know where they want to go in life, and anything that creates resistance to their life’s journey will no longer be included.
2. Depth: Small talk is sandpaper to their psyche. It is joked that the INTJ starts out every day with a certain threshold for standard social interactions, and then must retreat within themselves or their environment after they’ve used up that allotted energy.
They crave meaning in everything they do in life. So when its time to converse, they would much rather discuss larger ideas, or go in depth with how someone feels about their life, their hobbies, what keeps them up at night, etc. If they are surrounded by drama, they will retreat to the extent that you will not even know they are there anymore. If the drama is coming from a person, you can bet they will be dropped out of their life so quickly, it will leave the other person’s head spinning.
3. Growth: They always want to be a better version of themselves, although what constitutes as better will obviously vary person to person. However, because they are a bit of a brainiac, knowledge will definitely have something to do with it. There is an insatiable desire to know, but not just facts and current events. There is a desire to know and practice reasoning, whether it be moral, philosophical, logical, or sometimes even spiritually based.
4. Independence: You will never see an INTJ altering their beliefs or behaviors to gain approval or to be liked by others. They will not only get by on their own, but thrive in solitary circumstances.
I also challenge anyone reading this who are interested in participating, just make sure to link my blog in your post so that I can follow you. Also, don’t be a stranger! Leave a comment saying what personality type you’ll be doing. Be sure to title your post “MBTI Blog Challenge: How to Write an <Insert Personality Type>”. This will make it easy for writers to find your post, and navigate through the personalities.
If you have any other questions about the INTJ, don’t hesitate to ask.
Metanoia 
Wonderful post, Kerry! I’m so glad you participated. =) I’ve always wanted to try writing an INTJ character (Snape is one of my all-time favorites), but I didn’t know where to start. Now I do. =) Thanks!
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Thank you! I really enjoyed writing this, as I’ve been studying my MBTI personality for a while, and I immediately had some things to say. I knew you’d like the Snape part haha. I saw from your blog that you’re a Harry Potter fan (how could anyone not?). You’re very welcome, I hope it is useful in some way. Thanks again for tagging me!
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This is really cool! My type is really hard to pin down. The only thing that it’s certain is that I’m an introvert. The rest usually has only a 9% preference and none of the types seem to fit me. If other people do this challenge, can you add a list of links to their posts? Maybe someone has a type that will make more sense from a personal perspective. Thanks!
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Thank you! I strongly recommend taking the test online. It takes a while, but it’s worth it. I won’t be notified of anyone else who decides to do the challenge and post something, but if I see anything I will share it with you. The link that I posted to Hannah’s blog has a list of people who were also challenged. They may or may not do it, but it might be worth checking their blog out in case they do.
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What an interesting post. I’d like to participate in one, too. Been trying out the MBTI test for several times and got INTJ as its result. So yeah, I laughed very hard when reading this (including when I saw the unicorn picture). A trait I realize that INTJS have is their sense of dark-humor that not all people could accept.
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Hello! Thank you for commenting and having interest in trying out this blog challenge. Surprisingly, this post has lead me to discover other INTJ’s, including you now, and I have to say its quite interesting and exciting to see our kind come out of the woodwork haha. It makes me wonder if writing/blogging is a common activity for the INTJ. Yes, I was eager to put up that unicorn picture. It sums it up pretty well, I’m glad you liked it as well.
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It’s very interesting article. It make to read this blog about much common activity.
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As an INTJ myself, on another website I am named Unchained Unicorn – don’t you love it?
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I didn’t know I was that unusual, but I am not surprised since it has been over 20 years, and I can relate. I wish I could meet someone like me and spend the rest of my life with. I am pretty much disliked by females, and I never had any problems with men friendships. I happen to look above average for a woman, it is had to figure out the “real” reasons why men are liking me. However, l still remember the face of a man who shared my results. He had a tough time. of course, I didn’t say much; he was an idiot. I bet he still is.
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