The Myers-Briggs ® Personality Types of the White Christmas Characters

Every year while we decorate the Christmas tree, my family and I all watch White Christmas. It’s become a tradition we look forward to, so much so that I could probably quote almost the entire movie as it plays. With that in mind, I decided I’d write up an article with my best guesses on the character’s personality types. Are you more of a Phil or a Bob? A Judy or a Betty? Let’s find out!

Disclaimer: As an MBTI ® practitioner, I can’t actually sit across from any of these people and conduct a profiling session. That would be amazing, but alas, reality does come into play. So there’s definitely room for error. If you have a different perspective on the character’s personality types I’d love to hear it!

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

The Myers-Briggs ® Personality Types of the White Christmas Characters

Phil Davis (ENTP)

Phil Davis is the guy who will simultaneously solve a problem and create two more just to keep life interesting. He’s playful, persuasive, and just a little bit sneaky—but in a lovable way that makes it hard to stay mad at him for long.

Phil’s ENTP tendencies shine brightest in his relentless mission to get his best friend, Bob Wallace, to fall in love. Why? Not because Phil is some kind of romantic. Oh no. It’s because he wants his freedom. Bob’s workaholic ESTJ energy keeps Phil stuck on a grueling schedule, so Phil figures the only way to fix that is to get Bob a girlfriend. And does Phil approach this in the traditional, tried-and-true, sensible way? Of course not. He dives headfirst into matchmaking shenanigans, dragging everyone along for the ride.

One thing I’ve noticed about ENTPs in my coaching sessions is that they have this almost magical ability to make wild ideas sound plausible. Phil pulls this off in spades. When he realizes Bob is interested in Betty Haynes, he immediately concocts a plan to chase the sisters to Vermont, abandoning their original holiday plans without a second thought. He even ropes Judy Haynes into his scheme, “pretending” to be romantically interested in her just to nudge Bob and Betty together. This is classic ENTP—opportunistic, inventive, and a little reckless.

And let’s talk about the “emotional blackmail” Bob accuses him of. Phil saved Bob’s life during the war, and he does not let him forget it. An ENTP will absolutely use whatever leverage they have, even if it’s wildly inappropriate. Is it manipulative? Maybe. Is it hilarious? Definitely.

But Phil isn’t all chaos and schemes. He’s surprisingly adaptable and great under pressure. When the Haynes sisters need help escaping a sticky situation with a hotel manager, Phil doesn’t hesitate. He gives up their train tickets and even takes their place in a show, donning ridiculous costumes and delivering a performance so absurd it makes everyone forget the drama.

Phil’s charm also makes him a people magnet. He’s the kind of guy who can walk into a room and leave with three new best friends and a party invite. It’s no surprise that Judy falls for him—ENTPs have this knack for making life feel exciting and full of possibilities. But in typical ENTP fashion, Phil doesn’t even realize he’s falling for Judy until he’s already in the middle of it.

In the end, Phil’s meddling might cause a few hiccups (okay, a lot of hiccups), but his heart is in the right place.

Find out more about ENTPs: The ENTP Dark Side

Bob Wallace (ESTJ)

If Phil Davis is the pot-stirring ENTP, Bob Wallace is the one cleaning up the kitchen afterward—grumbling under his breath but doing it anyway because someone has to keep the place running. Bob is peak ESTJ. He’s organized, responsible, decisive, and so deeply career-focused that you half expect him to have a binder labeled “How to Manage My Best Friend’s Nonsense.”

Bob doesn’t have time for frivolous things like falling in love. At least, that’s what he tells himself. He’s got a show to run, arrangements to fine-tune, and a bottom line to think about. Settling down with a nice girl? Sure, but not until someday—a magical, undefined time in the future when he’s conquered his to-do list (spoiler: this list will never be finished). If you’ve ever met an ESTJ, you know they’d rather build the perfect life first and then get around to enjoying it.

But here’s the thing about ESTJs—they show their feelings through actions, not words. Bob isn’t one to gush about his emotions, but he’ll move mountains to take care of the people he loves. Case in point: his unwavering loyalty to Major General Waverly. When Bob realizes the General is struggling to keep his Vermont inn afloat, he doesn’t sit around feeling sad about it. Nope. He jumps into action, rallying his entire company to put on a Christmas show that will pack the house. He even organizes the whole operation at the last minute, which, let’s be honest, is impressive even for an ESTJ. I once had an ESTJ client who planned a wedding in three weeks without losing his cool. Bob is absolutely that guy.

And yet, for all his competence and decisiveness, Bob can be a little stumped when it comes to relationships. Betty Haynes throws him for a loop, and he cannot, for the life of him, figure her out. Why is she mad at him? Why is she cold one minute and warm the next? Bob is the type who wants clear rules and direct communication, and Betty’s reserved energy short-circuits his logical brain. When she abruptly stops speaking to him, Bob is genuinely baffled.

His dynamic with Phil is both good and infuriating for his ESTJ tendencies. Bob spends half the movie exasperated with Phil’s antics, repeatedly telling him to “stop meddling” and grumbling about Phil’s so-called emotional blackmail. (“Saving my life doesn’t mean you get to run it!”). And yet, Bob tolerates Phil’s chaos because, deep down, he knows his ENTP friend balances him out. ESTJs may roll their eyes at the playful disruptors in their lives, but they secretly appreciate the push toward trying new things. Bob needs Phil to keep things interesting, just like Phil needs Bob to keep things from completely derailing.

Bob’s practicality and focus also show up in how quickly he takes charge of situations. He doesn’t waste time second-guessing himself or debating options. Vermont for Christmas? Done. Rallying a crowd to save the inn? On it. Encouraging Betty to embrace her talent instead of changing herself? Absolutely. Bob sees what needs to be done and does it, no hesitation.

But here’s the thing about ESTJs: Beneath that no-nonsense exterior is a deeply sentimental heart. Bob might grumble about Phil meddling in his life, but when he finally lets himself fall for Betty, he does it with the same quiet certainty that defines everything else he does. He doesn’t need grand speeches or elaborate gestures; he just steps up and shows her that he’s the kind of man who will always show up.

So, while Bob Wallace might seem like the ultimate taskmaster, he’s also proof that ESTJs aren’t just about work—they’re about purpose. Whether it’s running a show, saving a friend, or rallying an entire community, Bob’s not afraid to do the hard work. Even if it means putting up with Phil Davis along the way.

Find out more about ESTJs: 10 Things You Crave Every Day as an ESTJ Personality Type

Major General Thomas F. Waverly (ISTJ)

Major General Thomas F. Waverly is duty, practicality, and quiet strength wrapped up in a stern exterior that can’t quite hide how much he cares about everyone around him. He’s the kind of person who will tell you to “toughen up” while secretly fixing your problems behind the scenes.

Like most ISTJs, the General needs structure and purpose. He spent his entire career in the military, where routines, rules, and problem-solving were the bedrock of his life. Without the military, he needs something to pour his energy into, and the inn becomes his new mission.

Here’s the thing about ISTJs: They’re not big complainers. They just put their heads down and do what needs to be done. When the General receives the letter informing him that the Army no longer has a place for him, it hits him hard. He doesn’t wallow or throw a pity party. Instead, he quietly accepts it and tries to move forward, even though you can see the disappointment etched on his face. This is classic ISTJ stoicism—processing their emotions internally while putting on a composed, “I’ve got this” front for everyone else.

But beneath that reserved demeanor is someone who feels deeply. ISTJs may not wear their hearts on their sleeves, but their loyalty and love run bone-deep. Bob Wallace and Phil Davis wouldn’t go to such extraordinary lengths to honor him if he weren’t such an inspiring figure. Bob’s entire plan to save the inn hinges on rallying the troops—not just for the sake of the business, but to remind the General how much he’s loved and respected. It’s a testament to the quiet, unassuming impact ISTJs have on the people around them.

And let’s talk about the General’s problem-solving style, because it’s textbook ISTJ. When faced with a challenge, he rolls up his sleeves and gets to work. The inn isn’t doing well? Fine. He’ll fix it himself—whether that means shoveling snow, handling the books, or repairing what’s broken. He’s practical, no-nonsense, and fully committed to making things work. I once had an ISTJ coaching client who single-handedly renovated her kitchen because she didn’t trust anyone else to do it right. The General would absolutely relate.

At the same time, there’s a dreamer tucked away under all that pragmatism. Buying an inn in Vermont isn’t exactly a “safe” or conventional retirement plan, but the General takes a chance on it because he believes in the vision. It’s this beautiful, understated contrast that makes him such a rich character—he’s grounded, dependable, and realistic, but he’s also not afraid to dream just a little.

And let’s not forget that gruff exterior hiding a marshmallow center. Yes, he’s stern. Yes, he carries himself with a commanding presence. But you know he’d drop everything to help the people he cares about. The scene where he sees his former troops assembled to surprise him is the emotional gut punch that makes White Christmas what it is. It’s the moment when all of the loyalty and respect he’s quietly earned comes rushing back to him. And for an ISTJ, there’s no greater honor than knowing you’ve made a difference in the lives of others.

Find out more about ISTJs: Are ISTJs Rare? A Look at the Detective Personality Type

Betty Haynes (ISFP)

If Phil Davis is chaos and Bob Wallace is order, Betty is the soft balance between the two: steady, graceful, and entirely her own person.

ISFPs are known for being deeply attuned to their inner values, and Betty exemplifies this. When she thinks Bob and Phil are using Major General Waverly’s struggles to make a cheap publicity stunt, she doesn’t waste time hashing it out with them. Nope. She simply packs up, turns on her heel, and leaves. No confrontation, no emotional explosion—just quiet, decisive action.

Fi (Introverted Feeling) is the ISFP’s dominant function; the mental process they live and breathe. It’s all about quiet conviction and doing what one believes is right. It isn’t about yelling or persuading others to see your point of view. It’s about acting in a way that aligns with your principles, even if no one else understands it. I’ve worked with a lot of ISFP clients who will disappear from relationships, projects, or even jobs the second they feel their integrity has been compromised. People around them are often confused —“Why didn’t you talk to me about this?”—but for the ISFP, words don’t feel as important as actions. Betty embodies this perfectly.

And let’s not mistake her gentleness for weakness. Betty might seem reserved, but there’s a quiet strength to her that’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. ISFPs are fiercely independent. They don’t need anyone to tell them what to do or how to feel, and they certainly don’t need someone else to “fix” them. When Betty feels betrayed by Bob, she doesn’t stick around hoping for an apology. She just gets on a train and moves on.

But under that cool, collected exterior is a deeply sensitive soul. ISFPs feel everything intensely, even if they’re not talking about it. You can see it in Betty’s eyes when she sings “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me.” She doesn’t need to scream or cry to let you know she’s hurting—her emotions are all there, simmering just beneath the surface, wrapped up in every note. ISFPs have this incredible ability to express themselves through art, music, or movement, and Betty’s talent as a singer is the perfect outlet for those bottled-up feelings.

Another characteristic of ISFPs is their ability to bring warmth and quiet support to the people around them. Betty is a grounding presence for her younger sister, Judy, who’s spontaneous and sometimes impulsive. Betty instinctively takes on the role of protector, always looking out for Judy without smothering her.

In the end, Betty’s quiet strength and deep values are what make her so compelling. She doesn’t make grand gestures or try to change anyone, but she inspires the people around her simply by staying true to herself. For an ISFP, that’s the greatest gift they can offer: quiet authenticity, steady love, and a personal sense of right and wrong.

Find out more about ISFPs: How ISFPs Say “I Love You”

Judy Haynes (ESFP)

ESFPs are the entertainers of the personality world, and Judy absolutely defines this role.

Judy doesn’t just exist in a moment—she owns it. From the second she hears that Bob Wallace and Phil Davis are in town, she springs into action. Does she pause to think about the consequences of forging a letter under her brother’s name to get them to the show? Absolutely not. She’s an opportunist, and she’s not going to miss this chance! ESFPs don’t do “pause.” They do leap. And it works out for her, because that impulsive letter turns into an opportunity that changes her and Betty’s lives. I’ve known plenty of ESFPs who’ve built entire careers by simply seizing the moment and worrying about the logistics later. Judy would be their queen.

Under all the sparkle, though, Judy’s impulsiveness comes from a good place. She wants what’s best for the people she loves, even if her methods are a little… unrefined. When she suggests faking an engagement to “free” Betty from feeling responsible for her, she genuinely believes she’s doing the right thing. Judy’s heart is always in the right place—it just doesn’t always check in with her brain first. ESFPs have this beautifully pure optimism about them, an unshakable belief that everything will work out in the end. Sometimes it doesn’t. (Like when Betty, instead of cozying up to Bob, hops on a train and leaves.) But even when Judy’s plans backfire, her intentions are good, and her ability to laugh at herself keeps her from dwelling on her mistakes.

And let’s not forget her talent. ESFPs are natural performers, and Judy is no exception. She learns dance routines with lightning speed, lights up every scene she’s in, and moves with the kind of effortless confidence that makes you wonder if she’s ever had an awkward phase. ESFPs thrive when they’re in the spotlight, hence their frequent nickname, “The Entertainer.”

In the end, Judy brings the energy, excitement, and laughter that keep the story moving forward. Sure, she might cause a little chaos along the way, but that’s part of her charm. ESFPs like Judy remind us that life is meant to be lived now, not later. They’re the friends who will drag you onto the dance floor, the siblings who will talk you into a spontaneous road trip, and the people who will look back and say, “Yeah, I might’ve made a mess, but wasn’t it fun?”

Find out more about ESFPs: 10 Amazing ESFP Anime Characters

Emma Allen (ESFJ)

As an ESFJ, Emma is the quintessential warm-hearted organizer: caring, chatty, and just a little too invested in everyone’s personal business. She’s the glue holding the Vermont inn together, all while keeping tabs on everyone’s relationships like it’s her full-time job.

ESFJs are natural caretakers, and Emma wears that badge with pride. She doesn’t just help the General run the inn; she pours her heart and soul into making sure it’s a place where people feel welcome. She’s constantly in motion—managing tasks, checking on guests, and making sure everything runs smoothly, with her signature friendly charm.

But like any good ESFJ, Emma’s true superpower is her ability to know everything about everyone. ESFJs are naturally observant and deeply attuned to the people around them. They notice when you’re acting weird. They pick up on little hints and whispers, and then—before you know it—they’ve pieced together the entire puzzle of your life. Emma is no exception. But sometimes she gets it terribly wrong. Like many ESFJs, Emma’s desire to know and help can occasionally cross into meddling territory. She doesn’t always respect boundaries, and her “help” might feel overwhelming if you’re someone who prefers privacy. But it comes from a good place. ESFJs genuinely want what’s best for the people they care about, even if their approach is a little… heavy-handed.

Emma reminds us that sometimes the best way to show love is through the little things: a kind word, a helpful suggestion, or a plate of warm cookies delivered with a side of unsolicited advice. Sure, she might pry into your business a little too much, but you can’t stay mad at her for long—because deep down, you know she’s just looking out for you.

What Do You Think?

Do you relate to any of the characters in White Christmas? Do you have a different perspective on their personality types? Let us 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, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

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