Here’s the Literary Children’s Book Character You’d Be, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type
I’ve been raising children for nearly 18 years now, and one of my favorite activities to do with them is read storybooks. Literature brings the imagination to life and allows children to cultivate empathy, explore lives from other lands, and toy with ideas they may never have thought of before.
With that in mind, I decided that today I’d love to explore the iconic childhood storybook character that fits best with each of the 16 Myers-Briggs® personality types Let me know what you think in the comments!
Not sure what your personality type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.
The Children’s Storybook Character You’d Be, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type
Fern Arable (Charlotte’s Web) – INFP
Fern Arable is a kind and sensitive young girl who loves all creatures great and small. She has an unwavering determination to stand up for those who cannot speak or act for themselves, no matter the cost. Her strong idealism coupled with her imagination make her the perfect representation of an INFP personality type. As a daydreamer, she can easily get lost in thought as she sits on the stool by the pigpen adoring her little happy rescue. Like most INFPs, she has a heart for the underdogs of the world and longs to make a difference, even in small ways.
Pippi Longstocking – ENFP
Of course one of the funniest and most memorable children’s book characters would be an ENFP! Pippi Longstocking is filled with wit and imagination, often using her wild sense of humor to lighten up a room. She loves adventure and exploring new ideas, making her the perfect person to join in on any daring mission or wacky game. Like most ENFPs, Pippi has a heart for the underdog, and will not let any bigger boy intimidate her or the kids she hangs out with. She has an inner strength that helps her push forward no matter what obstacles come her way. Her imagination helps her cope with the losses she’s faced in life, and she often creates vivid stories of fantasy and adventure to brighten up her days.
Margaret “Meg” Murry (A Wrinkle in Time) – INTP
Skeptical and analytical, Meg Murry is an INTP on a mission to rescue her missing father. With the help of her friend Calvin and her younger brother, Charles Wallace, she embarks on a journey that leads her through multiple dimensions and requires creative problem-solving to complete. As one of the most logical types, Meg hopes that her curious nature and her objectivity can guide them; but she struggles to have self-confidence and often underestimates herself. Like most INTP children, she is skeptical of authorities and hates doing something simply because someone in power commands her to do so. Even though she is highly intelligent, she feels unmotivated in school and thinks she is “dumb” because of her poor grades. But ultimately, Meg’s intelligence and creativity help her conquer the odds, proving that she is never too small or powerless to make a difference.
Tom Sawyer (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer) – ENTP
I think we all secretly admired Tom Sawyer when he somehow convinced the other kids in the neighborhood that whitewashing a fence – an unpleasant task in his mind – was the most absorbing and exciting task. There’s nothing Tom can’t creatively get his way out of! He’s an ENTP, and like many of this personality type, is clever, charming, and full of ideas. The ultimate dreamer and mischief-maker, Tom comes up with wild ideas that can sometimes end in the most absurd situations (like showing up at his own funeral!). However, he also often gets bored quickly; when something stops being fun, he’s likely to move on to the next challenge. Tom is spontaneous and loves change, but can also be unpredictable. He has a tough time with rules and authority figures, which often gets him into trouble. At his core though, Tom is an optimist who believes that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it.
Harry Potter – ISFP
Harry Potter is driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to find out who he really is and what he stands for. Like most ISFPs, he can adapt to many new situations, but he yearns to “belong” somewhere. His courage is driven by an underlying sense of conviction often found in the ISFP personality type. Harry is willing to take risks for the greater good and is guided by his noble heart and a strong sense of justice. His courage and bravery in the face of adversity motivates many people around him, making him an excellent example for other ISFPs.
Cassie Logan (Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry) – ESFP
Cassie Logan is an ESFP who never shies away from a challenge. She’s brave, strong-willed, and passionate about justice and her family’s legacy. Cassie loves learning new things but prefers to learn through real-world experience rather than theory. As an extrovert, Sassy is outspoken and often is scolded for not restraining her impulsive thoughts. As a type with Introverted Feeling, she believes most of all in standing up for her convictions. She faces many challenges with racism, humiliation, and people who would try to quench her fiery spirit. Time and time again she realizes that the world will judge her based on her skin color, but she tries to find ways to break barriers and maintain her inner sense of self-confidence even when unfairness surrounds her.
Sam Gribley (My Side of the Mountain) – ISTP
Not many 12-year-old boys could run away from home into the wilderness and live off the land without much guidance or supplies. Sam Gribley, however, is an ISTP through and through and has all the resourcefulness and cleverness common of the type. He has an innate curiosity about the natural world and a pragmatic confidence that helps him stay strong. With strong analytical abilities and a practical outlook he finds dozens of ways to use the gifts of nature to survive and thrive in the wilderness. As an introvert, Sam doesn’t mind his solitude and enjoys mastering skills like foraging, training his peregrine falcon, or hunting. He’s a calm and steady presence that never seems to get too overwhelmed by the challenges of his situation, always finding ways to make it work.
Lyra Belacqua (His Dark Materials) – ESTP
Lyra has always been a bit of an adventurer, exploring the unknown with her pet daemons and making new friends along the way. She’s highly resourceful when it comes to problem-solving and analyzing her environment. A straight-shooter, she gets right to the point in conversation and has little patience for useless small-talk. Like most ESTPs, Lyra has a strong sense of curiosity and loves to discover new things. She’s eager to take risks in order to find the answers she seeks, often using her own instincts and wit to get out of tricky situations. Her determination and boldness have earned her many loyal friends who will follow her on whatever journey she chooses.
Charlie Bucket (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) – ISFJ
For Charlie Bucket, nothing is as important as family. He grew up listening to the tales of his grandfather who used to work at Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. These stories inspired him to seek out the golden ticket in hopes that he could help take care of his family while honoring his grandfather’s life. Like most ISFJs, Charlie is well-mannered, reserved, and aware of people’s feelings. He has a gentle countenance paired with a down-to-earth outlook on life.
Dorothy Gale (The Wizard of Oz) – ESFJ
More than anything else, Dorothy understands that kindness matters. She has a deep sense of loyalty and is willing to go out of her way to help those who are in need. Dorothy also understands the value of friendship and companionship, often inviting new friends along on her adventures. While she longs to discover new worlds and a happier life than what she has in Kansas, at the end of her adventures in Oz she does indeed realize that there is “no place like home.” Like many ESFJs, Dorothy naturally understands the emotional needs of others and goes out of her way to include them in her life. She also has a down-to-earth, stabilizing nature and is often the voice of reason in her group.
Klaus Baudelaire (A Series of Unfortunate Events) – ISTJ
Klaus Baudelaire has an encyclopedic knowledge of just about anything, and a keen eye for detail. Like many ISTJs, he trusts what he’s researched and studied to the maximum degree. His sharp analytical skills and logical thinking make him the perfect complement to his sisters’ creativity and innovation. Dutiful and calm, Klaus believes in using common sense, facts, and practicality to solve the problems of the day. His solutions are concrete and based on the knowledge he has gathered. As an ISTJ, he is a natural leader who can see through the chaos and organize people towards a common goal. He takes his responsibilities seriously and will fight to protect what’s right even in the face of danger.
Henry James Alden (The Boxcar Children) – ESTJ
The oldest of the four Alden children, Henry is a natural leader with an incredibly strong work ethic. When their parents disappear and the Aldens are left to fend for themselves, he steps up to take responsibility for his siblings. ESTJs like Henry tend to be organized, goal-oriented people who prioritize results over feelings and don’t hesitate to take charge in a crisis. He is often practical and level-headed, even when the others are panicking or feeling overwhelmed. Despite being all of 14-years-old, Henry uses his strong sense of duty and commitment to lead the family on their journey towards a better life. His loyalty and reliability prove time and again to be one of the most valuable assets of the Boxcar Children.
Sara Crewe (A Little Princess) – INFJ
Sara Crewe knows that no matter what life hurls her way, every situation can be approached with empathy and insight. Like most INFJs, she is friendly but often misunderstood. People describe her as having “odd charm” or ” a queer, old-fashioned thoughtfulness” and she’s often seen as an outsider. Her inner strength helps her to see her worth and a vision of the future regardless of the suffering and mistreatment she faces in the present. Her intuition is strong, allowing her to connect with people on a deep level and to understand their struggles and desires. Like most INFJs, Sara is bookish and imaginative with an idealistic view of how things could be. Her passionate heart leads her through life, and she is always eager to learn something new or befriend someone who needs it.
Find out more about INFJs: 10 Reasons Why INFJs Feel Misunderstood
William Andrew Solace (Camp Half-Blood Chronicles) – ENFJ
Caring and empathic, William is known for his calming disposition and for his dedication in fighting the darkness he sees in the world around him. As an ENFJ, he is focused on emotional understanding and profound healing. Yet he often underestimates himself, seeing himself as “only” a healer, considering his powers as less impressive than that of his siblings. Yet William can show immense bravery and dedication, standing up for what he believes is right and bringing people together towards a common goal. He is a strong defender of camp half-blood, and his friendliness and inner strength often comes in handy when they face difficult challenges.
Matilda Wormwood (Matilda) – INTJ
Quiet and analytical, Matilda feels at odds with the superficial and conniving people who fill her life. As an INTJ she craves a sense of structure and even a law-abiding family that follows some form of a moral code. She has no issue coming up with experiments to get back at her parents, but most of all she also has a deep love for books and knowledge. Matilda knows that if she can harness her intelligence and focus on learning she’ll be able to transcend the chaos around her and work towards something more profound and meaningful.
Find out more about INTJs: 10 Things People Misunderstand About INTJs
Amari Peters (Amari and the Night Brothers) – ENTJ
Amari Peters is a remarkable example of the ENTJ personality type. 13-years-old and living with her single mother in low-income housing, she’s not like the rest of the kids at the prestigious Jefferson Academy. She had to work hard to earn a scholarship and is also struggling with the mysterious disappearance of her brother, Quinton. Even though she’s ambitious and intelligent, she’s not immune to prejudice. However, when she gets her hands on a secret briefcase, Amari is hurled into a world where she has to contend with supernatural beings such as goblins and witches. The suspense intensifies as she embarks on the search for her brother. In order to become a Junior Agent at the Department of Supernatural Investigations, she’ll have to pass three grueling tests. Amari demonstrates all the ENTJ traits, including unwavering determination, visionary skills, and conviction. This is a story that draws readers in and holds their attention until the very end.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Did you enjoy this article? Do you agree with your literary character? Let us and other readers know in the comments!
Discover 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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Pretty good list. I’m not sure about Lyra though. She seems like more of an N type than S.
Loved this! Articles like this one really help me to better understand each type and appreciate my own, ESTJ.😊 Thanks for sharing your research & thoughts about MBTI & Enneagram. 👍😊
Thankyou Susan,
I am an INFP and enjoyed this visit to me as a barefoot, country child who loved and cared for animals, the fresh air and the freedom to use my imagination.
I had always related to Heidi, but I see the similarities to both.
The heroine of one of my favorite series is not on this list..Laura Ingalls Wilder..please include her if you update your list. Ramona Quimby is another spunky little soul.
I’m an ENFP and my 2nd grade teacher from 40 years ago would call me,”Pippi Longstalking”. I thought it was just because I was a little redheaded girl but maybe there was more to it. Too funny!
Thanks, again, Susan, for your insightful and thoughtful research, hwlping us to better understand the types. I think these seem pretty much on the mark. I’ve read some of these, and have raised young children, and have taught children, but as I am not much into reading fiction, I think I will now watch the movie, Matilda, representing my INTJ type. I have done the same, and enjoyed, watching The Queen’s Gambit, after reading your article once.
As usual, wonderful article and unique…