Here’s the Harry Potter Character You’d Be, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

As a millennial, I grew up with the Harry Potter series and its beloved characters. I transitioned from reading of Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s adventures in the comfort of my childhood bedroom to reading the stories to my own children as they grew. I always found the wizarding world inspirational; selflessness, friendship, courage, and determination were the cornerstones of each character’s individual journey.

While as readers, we already think we know the Harry Potter character’s inside out, I though it would be fun to look at their personalities through the lens of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI). So let’s take a look at the personality types of our favorite Hogwarts heroes and villains!

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

The Myers-Briggs® Personality Types of the Harry Potter Characters

Albus Dumbledore – ENFJ

Albus Dumbledore is one of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter series, and his ENFJ personality shines through in his altruistic, visionary nature. He is referred to as a father figure not only because he was head of Hogwarts but also because of insightful and empathetic qualities. He keeps his eyes on the big picture, sees patterns others don’t, and can read people’s feelings and the inner struggles they may not even verbalize. He is a natural leader, compassionate, and future-oriented. His personality type influences his ability to make the hard decisions that are necessary for the greater good. It also shows up in his ability to give people just the words they need to hear to be motivated towards their higher calling.

Find out more about ENFJs: 24 Signs That You’re an ENFJ, the Mentor Personality Type

Minerva McGonagall – ESTJ

Strict and no-nonsense, Professor McGonagall has all the best qualities of an ESTJ. She is logical, organized, and believes in following the rules. She is a fair but firm teacher who always expects her students to do their best work. At the same time, she can also be loyal and supportive of those whom she respects. She has an eye for detail and structure, quickly and efficiently solving problems. In the face of adversity, she is unwavering in her convictions and will do whatever it takes to protect her students. She may be a bit of an old-fashioned stickler for rules, but her heart is present in every moment of the Harry Potter stories. Like most ESTJs, she shows she cares by embracing responsibility and adhering to strict principles for the greater good of her students.

Discover more about ESTJs: A Look at the ESTJ Leader

Rubeus Hagrid – ISFP

The gentle giant of the group, Hagrid has a soft spot for any misunderstood creature who crosses his path. Like most ISFPs, Hagrid is keenly attuned to the world around him – to nature, animals, and opportunities. Kind and sensitive, he is a creature of his feelings and emotions. He is fiercely loyal to those he loves, even at risk of his own safety. While he may not understand why certain rules need to be followed, Hagrid follows through with any task Dumbledore or Professor McGonagall assigns him out of loyalty and respect for the two elder teachers. He has a special knack for understanding creatures and empathizing with them. He always gives everyone the benefit of the doubt, even those who have done him wrong in the past.

Discover more about ISFPs: 10 Amazing ISFP Anime Characters

Remus Lupin – INFJ

Insightful and kind, Professor Lupin is an example of the best kind of INFJ. He sees the world from a deep and intuitive perspective, and can sense Harry’s inner struggles without them ever having to be voiced. His quiet, understanding countenance gives his students a sense of comfort and confidence when they’re facing their deepest fears. Like many INFJs, he has a deep understanding of people and can provide insight into their fears and motivations as well as their strengths. He leads people with a quiet strength, guiding through tailored advice rather than firm rules and regulations. He is gentle yet brave, and a loyal friend even in the darkest of times.

Find out more about INFJs: 7 Things That INFJs Experience As Children

Sirius Black – ESTP

Sirius is a classic example of an ESTP. Bold and daring, he has no fear of risks and is willing to change up his tactics from one moment to the next to achieve his goals. Like most ESTPs, Black is a person of action and energy. He resented being cooped up in Grimmauld Place and longed for freedom. He looked for any way to get outside, to DO something, even if it meant he risked getting thrown back in Azkaban. As an ESTP he is quick-thinking and trusts his instincts, able to come up with creative solutions on the fly. But his greatest asset is his loyalty: he will do anything for those he loves, even if it means going against the law or facing down You-Know-Who himself.

Discover more about ESTPs: 10 Reasons Why ESTPs Make Amazing Friends

Severus Snape – INTJ

Severus Snape was a complex character who kept his true feelings and motivations hidden for so long he consistently baffled readers. We were all too quick to think of him as the villain, when in actuality he was a fiercely loyal protector of those he loved. He had all the classic traits of an INTJ, such as his keen intellect, sharp wit and penchant for strategy and planning. He could think several steps ahead in any situation, able to come up with strategies on the fly. While he didn’t show his feelings in any kind of obvious way, he was deeply loyal to his values and to the people he loved. This is a typical quality of INTJs; they feel things much more deeply than anyone can realize from the outside. One might thing an INTJ is cold and completely stoic, but they have a capacity for deep emotion and loyalty that often surprises people.

Discover more about INTJs: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an INTJ

Sybill Trelawney – INFP

The wide-eyed professor of Divination is a fairly eccentric version of an INFP. Of course, some might argue that all INFPs are eccentric, but I’ve met several that aren’t so I don’t like to generalize there. Either way, Trelawney is an idealist at heart, deeply connected to her intuition and her inner ideals. Like many INFPs, she’s blessed with the gift of imagination and can rapidly concoct elaborate theories and stories about the future. But beneath that eccentric exterior lies a sensitive soul, easily hurt by her students’ lack of faith in her divination skills and often misunderstood by her peers. When given the chance to prove herself, she is always ready to do so and will defend what she believes in with passion and sincerity. Even though she’s a bit flighty, Trelawney’s predictions have changed the course of Hogwarts history. After all, she was the first person to prophecy how Harry Potter could ultimately defeat Voldemort.

Find out more about INFPs: 24 Signs That You’re an INFP, the Dreamer Personality Type

Gilderoy Lockhart – ESFJ

I’m sorry, ESFJs. Believe me. Lockhart is a frustrating example of the ESFJ type – but stay tuned for a better ESFJ character further on this article.

Lockhart showcases some of the worst qualities of unhealthy ESFJs; and, in particular, an ESFJ with a 3 Enneagram type. He fabricates stories to gain social appeal and prestige, and he has no qualms with taking credit for the efforts of others. He has a knack for making himself look valiant and attractive and is charming with everyone he meets. Like most ESFJs, Lockhart knows how to read people and knows what impresses people. He’s aware of social status and what allows people to climb that status ladder. He’s also aware of details and stories from the past, and uses those stories to inspire his own wild tales. But unlike healthy ESFJs, he will do whatever it takes to get ahead – even if it means flat-out lying.

Discover more about ESFJs: 24 Signs That You’re an ESFJ, the Defender Personality Type

Hermione Granger – ESTJ

Disciplined and no-nonsense, Hermione embodies all the things we love about ESTJs – and some of the things that can drive us a little crazy. She is organized and reliable, often taking it upon herself to stay on top of tasks that need completing. Her attention to detail is unparalleled – she has an encyclopedic memory of the magical world and can recall any relevant information with ease. But her greatest asset is her ability to be a loyal friend; she will do anything to stick up for her friends, even if it means risking her social standing or possible expulsion (gasp). Hermione’s strong work ethic, can-do attitude, and tough shell mixed with inner heart are all qualities typical of ESTJs.

Ron Weasley – ESFP

Friendly, curious, and energetic, Ron Weasley is the classic example of an ESFP. Though he can be a bit self-centered and jealous at times, his heart is in the right place. He loves having fun and adventures, and is there to crack a perfectly-timed joke when the world around him seems grim and foreboding. Like most ESFPs, he’s quick to come up with solutions on the fly. He’d rather do things than sit around mulling over problems or dwelling on analysis. Like most ESFPs, he’s also willing to bend the rules; going so far as to steal his dad’s car and fly it to Hogwarts in The Chamber of Secrets. He’s also quick to jump into action and take risks. While he might be fearful or jittery, he has the gumption to step up and do what’s right for his friends and the entire wizarding world.

Harry Potter – ISFP

Rubeus Hagrid and Harry Potter show us how two people with the same personality types can show up in completely different ways. Different Enneagram types, different life experiences, and different passions all factor into how a person behaves and is perceived.

Harry Potter is driven by his convictions and values, and he’s not afraid to act rashly if it means he’s standing up for what he believes is right. He’s fiercely loyal to his friends and family, and is willing to risk it all for the greater good. While he keeps a lot of his inner feelings private, his closest friends eventually learn that he’s driven by an intense sense of justice, fairness, and empathy. Like most Feeling-Perceivers, Harry’s emotions are deep and complex but rarely verbalized. He’s not effusive or showy with his feelings; they simmer underneath the surface and show up more in his actions than his words. Like most Perceivers, Potter knows how to act in the moment, take advantage of opportunities, and act quickly when threats are coming his way. He’s also not afraid to call out injustice when he sees it, even if it means standing up to authority.

Luna Lovegood – INTP

Many people type Luna as an INFP, and that’s fair. However, I find her detached, analytical nature more akin to Introverted Thinking than Introverted Feeling. She has formed her own imaginative interpretation of the world, based on what she thinks is logically possible. When other students harass her for being “weird” she seems unruffled and unperturbed. She’s also a scrupulous thinker, preferring to observe situations before forming her own conclusions about them. Her off-beat humor and imaginative quirks make her appear absent-minded, but she’s actually quite sharp and can break ideas down to all their logical components very easily. When confronted with tough memories from her past, she appears dry, analytical, and detached from her own emotions. This is a far cry from the intense inner passion of the INFP personality type. INFPs are driven by a certain inner conviction that is fiery and intense; although less obvious in an outward emotional sense. Luna Lovegood, in contrast, is curious but detached. She takes the time to explore options before forming any judgments, and appears to move more from the head than the heart.

Find out more about INTPs: 24 Signs That You’re an INTP, the Prodigy Personality Type

Draco Malfoy – ESFJ

I know everyone was waiting with bated breath to see the notoriously “ENTJ” Draco Malfoy show up on my list. But sadly for the ESFJs, who I actually think are awesome people, they get to claim Draco Malfoy as their own. Don’t worry! There is an actual GOOD ESFJ further into this article. But let’s talk about Draco. Why in the world would this notoriously evil, villainous character be a feeler?!!

Well, that’s where Myers-Briggs stereotypes fall flat. You see. If no personality type is inherently better than another, why are all the villains cast as NTJs? Simple. People see lack of compassion and think “Thinker” when really, compassion has nothing to do with Feeling or Thinking tendencies. At their best, any types can be compassionate. At their best, any types can be logical. We have to look deeper at what really drives a person in their villainy.

So, back to Draco. What does he ultimately care about? What drives all his decisions? He cares about his own reputation, he cares about social status, he cares about the approval of those around him. This is all classic unhealthy Extraverted Feeling. Draco defines himself by his relationships. His family name as well as his family traditions are incredibly important to him. While, yes, he’s cruel to Harry and the Weasley’s, he’s deeply loyal to the house of Slytherin, the Malfoy name, and the values he was raised to adopt. With all his faults, Draco is a socially fluent person and can read people quickly. He knows how to be friendly at times, appealing to what he believes will be peoples’ inner feelings and motivations. Yet at other times, he knows just how to twist the knife emotionally. An ENTJ (as Draco is often typed), would have far less insight into the emotional dynamics of others and how to expertly exploit them. They’d be more likely to charge full-steam ahead to their objectives, focusing on tasks and benchmarks rather than emotional manipulation.

Another notable aspect of Draco’s personality is how his feelings are always directed outward. He struggles to know who he actually is at his core. Rather, he adopts the values of those around him – those who have raised him. You see this inner conflict later in the Harry Potter series, as he struggles with the evil tasks he’s been given. It is easy to see that he picks his values based on the traditions he’s grown up with, but struggles to know how he feels as an individual. If Draco Malfoy had grown up in a family that taught him kindness and good values, I believe he could have become an excellent wizard. And many believe there is still hope for Draco at the end of the series.

Neville Longbottom – ISFJ

Although Neville is far from the antagonist that Draco Malfoy was in earlier books of the Harry Potter series, he still struggles with inner confidence and courage. He is a loyal and responsible person, which can be seen in his dedication to protecting Hogwarts. He bases his actions around inner feelings revolving around the past, where he experienced deep pain and rejection. Introverted and shy, he finds it hard to assert himself or stand up for his reputation. Yet as he grows and receives the support and confidence of his friends, he evolves into someone with courage and an iron will. Caring and timid, he loves to help others, and becomes one of the most selfless and noble characters in the entire series.

Nymphadora Tonks – ENFP

Fiery and impulsive, Tonks is one of the most interesting characters in the Harry Potter universe. Like most ENFPs, she’s not afraid to be herself even if it means not fitting in with the crowd. Though a bit clumsy and unconventional, she has a creativity that helps her to skillfully adapt in the face of danger. With an uncanny sense for the good in people, she formed strong bonds with the other characters, especially with Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. She’s described as being ceaselessly curious, and gifted with a good sense of humor. Tonks also relies on her inner values to guide her; she has a deep belief that those who have the power should do what is right and just.

Ginny Weasley – ESTP

Movie Ginny Weasley is a rather toned-down version of book Ginny Weasley. For this typing, we’re going to rely more on the books than the movies. Ginny is a natural risk-taker and doesn’t think twice about taking on difficult situations. She’s got the courage to face down danger, no matter how daunting it may be. She’s also a master at reading people and situations, shifting between emotions and strategies to fit whatever situation she finds herself in. Despite being the youngest in a large family, she knew how to stand up for herself and use resourcefulness to make things happen. ESTPs are action-oriented, rational, and strong-willed – all of which can be seen in Ginny Weasley.

Lily Potter – ENFJ

Lily Potter is one of the most unsung heroes in the Harry Potter universe. She’s courageous, passionate, and full of life; she is willing to put her own safety on the line for those she loves. Not only does she have bravery and determination, but also an uncanny ability to read people. This is why she was able to empathize with Severus Snape even when others could not. Her maturity, vision, and hope for individuals and the world is what made her so powerful.

James Potter – ESTP

Although James was a bit of an arrogant bully as a youth, he eventually grew into a brave, loyal and loving father. Mischievous and impulsive in childhood, he got a kick out of bullying people like Severus Snape. Lily, his future wife, initially took a strong disliking to James, labeling him an “arrogant, bullying toerag.” Like most ESTPs, James Potter was extremely observant, witty, and good at adapting to any situation. He wanted to have a good time more than he wanted to buckle down and focus on his studies. He also showed some of the trademark tertiary Extraverted Feeling of the ESTP; in a negative way when he tried to get reactions out of people by teasing or bullying. And positively, when he grew and matured, becoming more considerate, supportive, and affirming.

Fred and George Weasley – ENTP

Fred and George Weasley are two of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter series. They were mischievous, creative, and offered the intense series a bit of comedic relief. As a pair, they shared many traits associated with ENTPs; their sharp intellect was showcased through their various successful business ventures which came to fruition even though they had barely graduated from Hogwarts. They also had an eagerness to learn new things, question the status quo, and try out innovative new ideas. They were always looking for new ways to challenge themselves and have fun, as well as encouraging others to do the same. These twins embodied the spirit of innovation that ENTPs are famous for.

Bill Weasley – ISTP

Described by his father as hard-working and down-to-earth and by his younger classmates as “cool” and laid-back, Bill Weasley embodies some of the best qualities of the ISTP. He embraced adventure, often seeking out new and exciting places to explore and taking pleasure in novelty and excitement. Bill was also very analytical and experienced, performing well in school and using his powers of arithmancy to decode numbers and break curses. This analytical ability to dig into codes and puzzles is a common skill for Introverted Thinking types, such as ISTPs and INTPs. And like all Sensing-Perceiving personality types, Bill is straightforward, fun-loving, and realistic.

Molly Weasley – ESFJ

Okay, we’ve had two horrible ESFJs, now we come to one that we can all rally around. Molly Weasley exemplifies the best qualities of the ESFJ personality type; she is nurturing, supportive, and protective. While at times she can lose her cool, she also is fiercely loving and supportive. She scolds “for the greater good” one could say, and for the protection of the children who are simultaneously driving her crazy and the objects of her intense affection. Molly is also not afraid to face danger for the sake of her values and the betterment of man and wizard alike. She was loyal and devoted to her friends and family, and her desire for justice and peace was unyielding. Molly was also a great communicator, able to express her feelings and opinions with down-to-earth clarity. Her ability to be organized, caring, and responsible made her the ideal matriarch of the Weasley family.

Percy Weasley – ISTJ

The ultimate rule-follower, Percy Weasley embodied the disciplined and hard-working ISTJ stereotype to a tee. He was logical, focused, and ambitious. His hard work paid off when he achieved his dream job in the Ministry of Magic. Duty and loyalty were paramount for Percy; he was rarely swayed by emotion or sentimentality, instead preferring to rely on facts and logic when making decisions. He also valued order, structure, and responsibility. Although he often overlooked his family’s feelings in favor of duty, Percy was mostly a model citizen who showed a commitment to his values and responsibilities.

Arthur Weasley – INTP

Arthur Weasley was the head of the Weasley family, and a perfect example of an INTP. Driven by his boundless curiosity, he loved to learn how things worked and why they were the way that they were. He also had a strong sense of justice; he wanted to know why certain people were treated differently than others and was willing to fight to make sure that everyone was treated fairly. Arthur also had a great deal of patience and an aptitude for problem-solving; his tinkering with gadgets and machines allowed him to come up with innovative and creative solutions. He also had a strong sense of morality, and often sided with the underdog when it came to decision making. In sum, Arthur Weasley is a great example of the INTP personality type at their best.

Oliver Wood – ENTJ

I’m so glad that there’s an ENTJ in the Harry Potter series who isn’t simply a villain. Aren’t we all tired of the ENTJ villain trope? In Oliver Wood we get a glimpse of a normal, healthy ENTJ in the wild. Oliver was decisive and assertive – always looking to take charge of a situation. He also had big plans, often with the goal of making his team better than ever before. His ambition, drive, and willingness to make tough decisions were all classic ENTJ traits. He pushed boundaries, challenged the status quo, and worked hard to make sure everyone was held accountable. He was a great leader, but unlike an ESTJ, was less strict about rules and traditions. Instead, he focused on strategy, mapping out long-term goals, and bending rules he deemed unnecessary.

Dobby – INFP

Dobby is an unusual house-elf. Rather than following all the rules of his species, he follows his own moral code. This shows up when he warns Harry Potter to not go back to Hogwarts, even though his owners would never allow such a thing. Dobby’s sensitivity and longing for freedom set him apart from other house elves; most notably, the mean-spirited Kreacher. He is a dreamer, and follows his heart when it comes to decision making. He also has a strong sense of justice, and often puts himself in harm’s way just to make sure that others are treated fairly.

Lord Voldemort – ENTJ

Sorry, ENTJs. Unfortunately, there is one villain who does, in fact, have your personality type. Voldemort was a classic unhealthy ENTJ; although “unhealthy” hardly does it justice. He was likely a sociopath on top of being an unhealthy ENTJ. He was utterly ruthless and ambitious, willing to do whatever it took in order to achieve his goals – no matter how many people he had to hurt in the process. He was also incredibly organized and strategic, able to move his pawns around like a master chess player. He was, of course, incredibly powerful in the dark arts, though he often relied on his strategies and cunning to get out of tight spots. All in all, Voldemort is a perfect example of why it’s important for ENTJs to stay balanced and grounded (and not be sociopaths or dwell in dark magic).

What Do You Think?

Did you enjoy this article? What are your favorite Harry Potter characters, and do you see some of yourself in them? Let us and other readers know in the comments!

Find out more about your 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!

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