The Literary Heroine You’d Be, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

Have you ever wondered which of your favorite literary characters match your personality type? As an avid reader, I find myself analyzing the personalities of the characters in my bookshelf frequently. Some characters, of course, embody the worst of all personality traits (I just read Verity, and was shaking my head the entire time). However, many of our favorite literary heroines seem to embody the strengths and gifts specific to individual Myers-Briggs® personality types.

With that in mind, I put my MBTI® practitioners skills to the test, and tried to find a female heroine for each of the 16 personality types. I hope you’ll enjoy this!

Not sure what your personality type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.

Estimated reading time: 18 minutes

The ENFP – Jo March from Little Women

ENFPs are creative and free-thinking, determined to live life by their own rules. They don’t conform to society’s idea of the “traditional” female in many ways, unless they’ve adopted those values as their own. Social norms are often the bane of their existence; they’d rather be authentic than follow a bunch of pre-established rules about manners and social conduct. They yearn for freedom, discovery, romance, and adventure.

Jo March from Little Women is the perfect embodiment of the ENFP personality type. In a time when women were expected to run the home or be school teachers, she wanted to be an author and pave her own way in the world. She’s creative, expressive, and wanders freely in her own imagination (much to the dismay of her Aunt March). She’s a romantic idealist who truly believes in the good in people, and fights for what she believes in – even if it means going against what others expect of her.

Other ENFP characters: Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables), Marianne Dashwood (Sense and Sensibility)

Read This Next: 10 Must-Read Books for ENFPs

The ENTP – Rosalind from As You Like It

ENTPs are analytical and creative, always looking for new ways to solve problems and see the world. They prize independence and freedom, and loathe anything that feels constricting or limiting. They are often verbally quick-witted and enjoy a good debate.

Rosalind from As You Like It is the perfect embodiment of the ENTP personality type. For her time, she was unconventional and strategic; believing that cleverness and wildness were the ways to truly live as a woman. Exiled to the forest of Arden where she disguises herself as a shepherd boy in order to survive, she uses her wits to circumvent obstacles. Rosalind defies many of the expectations of women of that time, believing that “the wiser [the woman is], the waywarder” she is. She is strategic in the way she goes about things, always looking for new solutions to the problems she encounters, and has no problem debating (or even tricking) those who get in her way.

Other Possible ENTP Characters: Trina (The Maze Runner), Eloise Bridgerton (Bridgerton)

Read This Next: 12 Amazing Fictional ENTP Characters

The INFP – Janie Crawford from Their Eyes Were Watching God

INFPs are imaginative and driven by an inner set of convictions. Even when life seems unbearable, their faith in their dreams and the power of possibility drive them. They are often creative, poetic, and compassionate individuals who care deeply for those around them.

Janie Crawford from Their Eyes Were Watching God is the perfect embodiment of the INFP personality type. At a time when most women were relegated to housework and child-rearing, Janie wants more than what society tells her she should want. She yearns for adventure, romance, and connection with the natural world. She’s poetic and insightful, seeing beyond what most people see. She has a deep compassion for those around her, and never hesitates to fight for what she believes in – even if it means sacrificing everything.

Other Possible INFP Characters: Lucy Pevensie (The Chronicles of Narnia), Jane Eyre (Jane Eyre)

Read This Next: 26 Memes INFPs Will Relate To

The INTP – Meg Murry from A Wrinkle in Time

INTPs are innovative and creative, seeing past social conventions and propriety to radical truths that many people refuse to face. They are analytical and often have a gift for complex problem solving. Independent and original, they enjoy being in environments where they can think outside the box and explore innovative possibilities.

Meg Murry from A Wrinkle in Time is the perfect embodiment of the INTP personality type. She’s brilliant, creative, and questioning, able to solve complex problems that other people can’t. While she underperforms in school and butts heads with authority figures, she has an intellect and wisdom that shows up when it’s needed most. INTPs often struggle to respect rank, and because they hold themselves to an internal standard rather than an external one, they are often underestimated by others (even themselves). Many INTPs who have struggled with loss will relate to the life struggles that Meg faces in her story.

Other Potential INTP Character(s): Portia (The Merchant of Venice), Alice (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)

Read This Next: A Look at the INTP Leader

The ENFJ – Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz

ENFJs are visionary, insightful, and caring, often seeing potential and possibility where others do not. They have a knack for seeing the best in people and bringing out the best in them. They strive for harmony and want everyone around them to feel supported and loved.

Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz is the perfect embodiment of the ENFJ personality type. She’s optimistic, caring, and insightful, seeing the potential in even the lowliest creatures. As she follows the yellow brick road in order to find the wizard who can send her home, she meets all sorts of people who are in need of her support and kindness. She has strong convictions and isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even if it means going against those in power. Jungian analyst John Beebe himself typed Dorothy as an ENFJ, based on the books, and less on the movie itself.

Other Possible ENFJ Characters: Karen Blixen (Out of Africa), Anna Karenina (Anna Karenina)

The ENTJ – Citra Terranova from Arc of a Scythe Series

ENTJs are natural leaders, able to see the big picture and navigate complex systems. They are strategic and forward-thinking, often spearheading change in their community or organization. They prize independence and freedom, and enjoy being in environments where they can freely think and explore.

Citra Terranova from Arc of a Scythe Series is an ideal embodiment of the ENTJ personality type. As the main female protagonist, she can be a bit snappy and rude, but she will go to any lengths to protect her family. She has the competitive streak of the ENTJ, and has keen insights into people’s inner motives and strategies, going to great lengths to uncover secret truths. Like most ENTJs, she holds her values dearly and despises any form of corruption.

Other Possible ENTJ Character(s): Princess Cimorene (Dealing with Dragons), Irene Adler (Sherlock Holmes)

The INFJ – Sara Crewe from A Little Princess

INFJs are the rarest personality type, and are often called “the counselors” or “the mystics.” They are insightful and empathetic, able to see the best in people and understand others’ feelings even if they don’t share them. Because of their rich inner world and imagination, they have a gift for language and often use it to heal and support those around them.

Sara Crewe from A Little Princess is the perfect embodiment of the INFJ personality type. She longs to see the best in others and to take care their needs without having to be asked. She has a poetic sensibility, and often uses her words to express what others can’t. She’s also fiercely loyal, holding on to her ideals of love and kindness even when the world is crashing down around her. INFJs often identify with Sara’s story of hope in the face of darkness.

Other Possible INFJ Characters: Elizabeth Bennett (Pride and Prejudice), Avdotya “Dunya” Raskolnikova (“Crime and Punishment”)

Read This Next: Honoring Your Inner Child as an INFJ

The INTJ – Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

INTJs are analytical, driven, and perceptive. They think strategically, mapping out plans and anticipating others’ movements. As introverts, they prize independence and freedom, and enjoy being in environments where no one is holding them back and they can solve complex problems.

Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is an excellent example of the INTJ personality type. As a vigilante hacker, she can anticipate her enemies movements and circumvent them even if it puts her life in danger. She is constantly underestimated by others, but her intellect and intuition are second to none. Like most INTJs she has an iron-clad internal value system, and she’ll put her life on the line to protect the people and causes she cares about.

Other Possible INTJ Characters: Offred “June” (The Handmaid’s Tale), Rowena Ravenclaw (“Harry Potter”)

Read This Next: 5 Steps to Making Friends with an INTJ

The ESFP – Hermia from A Midsummer Night’s Dream

ESFPs are quick-witted and fast to move into action. They hate being stagnant or being moved by other people’s whims. Instead, they are action-oriented, spontaneous, and driven by their inner convictions. On top of that, they like to have fun and usually know how to entertain and make people laugh. They enjoy being surrounded by people and want everyone around them to feel happy and fulfilled.

Hermia from A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a great example of the ESFP personality type. She is spontaneous and has no qualms sticking up for what she wants and believes in, even if it goes against the expectations of her time (for example; saying no to her father when he insists she marry Demetrius). She has a quick wit and a sense of humor when people try to put her down. More than anything, she is driven by her heart and by her own independent desires and values.

Other Potential ESFP Characters: Claudia (Interview with the Vampire), Amy (Little Women)

The ESTP – Deryn Sharp from Leviathan

ESTPs believe that life is to be lived to the fullest and that risks are a necessary element of a life well-lived. They are sensory beings, preferring to live in the moment and immerse themselves in the experiences and excitements of life. Energetic and driven, they can be impatient with anything that makes them slow down.

Deryn Sharp from Leviathan captures many of the characteristics that ESTPs emulate. Like most ESTPs, she loves a thrill, and she gets bored when she’s not jumping into action. She knows how to think on her feet and make split-second decisions that serve her well. Practical as well as observant, she can quickly weigh the pros and cons of many situations and make a fast decision when needed. In typical ESTP fashion, she’s gifted at improvising and doesn’t need a lot of planning time to come up with an elegant solution to a problem.

Other Potential ESTP characters: Ginny Weasley (“Harry Potter”), Isabelle Lightwood (“The Mortal Instruments”)

The ISFP – Éowyn from The Lord of the Rings

ISFPs are creative and gentle souls who are driven by their convictions and think quickly on their feet. They are aware of their surroundings and believe in engaging with the world around them to uphold their values or find the pleasure and beauty life has to offer. Free-spirited and independent, they hate being tied down by traditional norms.

Éowyn from The Lord of the Rings is a heroic example of the ISFP personality type. She longs to fight for what she believes in on the battlefield, but tradition and the rules of the day force her to fulfill the more typical female duties of housekeeping and tending to others. Yet when her people are at the most risk, she disguises herself as a man and, under the alias of Dernhelm, travels with the Riders of Rohan to battle. While ISFPs can be gentle and conflict-avoidant at times, Éowyn shows us how they have a core of inner strength and conviction that they can tap into when needed.

Other Potential ISFP Characters: Edna Pontellier (The Awakening), Beverly Marsh (It)

Read This Next: 24 Signs That You’re an ISFP, the Virtuoso Personality Type

The ISTP – Arya Stark from A Song of Ice and Fire

ISTPs are analytical problem-solvers who like to engage with the world around them and take action. They have a keen eye for detail and enjoy understanding how things work through hands-on experience. Independent and free spirited, they look for experiences that will make use of their clever minds and rapid reflexes.

Arya Stark from A Song of Ice and Fire is a great example of the ISTP personality type. She is constantly on the move, learning about her surroundings and how to use them to her advantage. She’s highly adaptable and can think on her feet when it comes to solving problems or escaping difficult situations. Arya is also fiercely independent, and is willing to take on anyone or anything that gets in her way. She embodies many of the qualities that make ISTPs some of the most exciting and interesting people to be around.

Other Potential ISTP Characters: Nancy Drew, Sabriel (Sabriel), Tris Prior (Divergent)

Read This Next: 12 Amazing Fictional ISTPs

The ESFJ – Margaret Hale from North and South

ESFJs are warm and caring people who are driven by their values and convictions. They have a strong sense of duty, and they are often the glue that holds their families and friends together. Practical and down to earth, they take their social responsibilities seriously and work hard to improve their communities.

Margaret Hale from North and South is a perfect example of the ESFJ personality type. She is conscientious about how people feel and straightforward about her own feelings. Doing the proper and right thing is important to her and she often judges what is proper or right by an objective, outer-world standard. As an example, she makes a point to call out ungentlemanly behavior and apologizes whenever she perceives herself as having been “rude.” Gifted at peacemaking, she is the type of person who can see all sides of a situation and come to a fair resolution. Her warmth, practicality, and conviction make her a strong female character we can all admire.

Other Potential ESFJ Characters: Cho Chang (Harry Potter), Sansa Stark (A Song of Ice and Fire)

The ESTJ – Hermione Granger from The Harry Potter series

ESTJs are pragmatic, hard-working, and decisive. They believe in carrying out their responsibilities and upholding their valued traditions, even if it comes at great cost to themselves. As natural organizers, they take leadership seriously and are often found in positions of authority without even having to try. Their no-nonsense, tough exterior often covers a more sensitive inner side that they only share with those closest to them.

Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series is an excellent example of the ESTJ personality type. Opinionated and intelligent, she has no qualms taking charge and calling out irrational behavior. She keeps a steady head when her friends are panicking, and often has the right logical solution to any problem. Hermione is also fiercely loyal to the people she cares about, and is unafraid of hard work. She is constantly studying and learning in order to be the best she can be, something that ESTJs admire and respect.

Other Potential ESTJ Character: Mary Poppins

The ISFJ – Hazel Levesque from The Heroes of Olympus Series

ISFJs are quiet and introspective people who take their responsibilities seriously. They have a knack for seeing the best in people and often put the needs of others before their own. They prize stability and tradition in their lives, and will uphold their values against great odds.

Hazel Levesque from The Heroes of Olympus series is a perfect example of the ISFJ personality type. She is gentle and caring, but also possesses a backbone of steel. When she sets her mind to something, she will see it through no matter what. Hazel also has an uncanny ability to read people, which often gives her an advantage in tricky situations. She is loyal to her friends, and often creates a sense of family in her environment. While she can be old-fashioned at times, she can still think fast in dangerous situations when needed. Ultimately, she’ll do whatever she can to protect her friends and lift their spirits.

Other Potential ISFJ Characters: Jane Bennet (Pride and Prejudice), Miss Jennifer Honey (Matilda)

Read This Next: What it Means to be an ISFJ Personality Type

The ISTJ – Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility

ISTJs are quiet and analytical people who prize rationality and order in their lives. They believe in using their time efficiently, and often have a no-nonsense attitude when it comes to getting things done. They are loyal to their families and friends, and take great pride in their accomplishments.

Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility is an excellent example of the ISTJ personality type. She is sensible and down-to-earth, always using her head to make sound decisions. She often keeps her feelings to herself, preferring to deal with things in a practical manner. Elinor is also a very responsible person, taking care of her family even when they don’t necessarily deserve it. She is patient and forgiving, but can also be assertive when she needs to be. Ultimately, she wants what is best for everyone around her, even if they don’t always realize it.

Other Potential ISTJ Characters: Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games), Minerva McGonagall (Harry Potter)

Read This Next: 5 Strengths of the ISTJ Personality Type

What Are Your Thoughts?

Did you enjoy this article? Do you resonate with the characters chosen for your type? Let us (and other readers) know what you think in the comments below!

Discover out more about your unique personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type,  The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!