The Myers-Briggs® Types of the Attack on Titan Characters
Want to find out which Attack on Titan character has your personality type? This anime has captured my heart and, as a result, I was so excited to type the characters for this article. Passionate, heart-wrenching, thought-provoking, and filled with action, this show ticks every box of what I’m looking for in a TV series. Though I’m still waiting for new episodes of Season 4, I’ve taken the time to mentally sort through the personalities of the characters. I can’t wait to share my thoughts on their types with you!
One Disclaimer:
Typing fictional characters is always tricky. After all, as an MBTI® practitioner, I can’t literally walk inside Wall Sina and set up a consultation with Eren Yaeger. All I can do is try my best to look at the external clues ( as well as the internally-expressed thoughts) of the individuals in the show.
Let’s get started!
Table of contents
- The Myers-Briggs® Personality Types of the Attack on Titan Characters
- Mikasa Ackerman – ISTJ
- Erwin Smith – ENTJ
- Annie Leonhart – ISTP
- Hange Zoe – ENTP
- Eren Yaeger – ISFP
- Armin Arlert – INFJ
- Levi Ackerman – ISTP
- Pieck Finger – INTP
- Historia Reiss – ISFJ
- Ymir – ISTP
- Reiner Braun – ESxJ
- Bertholt Hoover – ISFJ
- Sasha Braus – ESFP
- Jean Kirsten – ESTJ
Estimated reading time: 16 minutes
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The Myers-Briggs® Personality Types of the Attack on Titan Characters
Mikasa Ackerman – ISTJ
“There are only so many lives I can value. And I decided who those people were six years ago. So you shouldn’t try to ask for my pity, because right now I don’t have time to spare or room in my heart.” – Mikasa Ackermann
Disciplined, serious, and reserved, Mikasa has the focus of the ISTJ along with the dedication and loyalty. While her rapid reflexes would indicate some use of Extraverted Sensation (Se) her mindset and reactions seem more akin to ISTJ rather than ISTP. She keeps her feelings and motivations deep inside, only revealing them to Eren when it might be their last moment to live. She places loyalty above nearly all other values, sticking by Eren’s side even when others condemn him. Her sense of discipline and her stoic yet principled demeanor embodies the strengths of the ISTJ personality type.
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Erwin Smith – ENTJ
“If you begin to regret, you’ll dull your future decisions and let others make your choices for you.” – Erwin Smith
I waffled between ENTJ and INTJ for Erwin before eventually settling on ENTJ. While some might gasp at my labeling him an extrovert, there’s a lot of evidence of this preference. ENTJs often don’t appear like your typical extroverts. They are more focused on achieving goals they set for themselves in the external world than they are with chatting and partying (as extrovert stereotypes imply). More than anything, Erwin is a strategist. He shows proficient use of logic, insight, as well as awareness of his environment to be the leader that the Scouts respect and follow without question. He has a lot of energy, particularly in younger life before he has experienced an extensive amount of personal pain. He’s a consummate thinker who doesn’t mind waiting for just the right moment to set his plans into action. His ability to respond reflexively to his environment would imply that Extraverted Sensation (Se) is not his inferior function, as it would be for an INTJ.
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Annie Leonhart – ISTP
“I do think we’re worthless, and we’re definitely evil. You certainly can’t call us upright, but doesn’t that just make us regular people?” – Annie Leonhart
Quietly observant, Annie possesses an innate awareness of what’s going on around her. Tactically proficient, she knows how to keep her true motives under wraps as she fights for the cause she believes in. She values efficiency and doesn’t squirm when she has to act aggressively in the moment. She is extremely practical and self-aware, honestly assessing and revealing her strengths and weaknesses. Where other characters in the show fall into the trap of self-deception and emotional mistakes, she knows herself and stays the course without bowing down to the feelings of the moment.
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Hange Zoe – ENTP
“Ever since I joined the survey corps, I’ve had people dying on me every day. But… you understand, don’t you? One day or another, everyone you care about eventually dies. It’s something we simply can’t accept. It’s a realization that could drive you insane… It’s painful… so painful… I get it. And still… we must keep moving forward.” – Hange Zoe
One of my favorite AoT characters, Hange is driven by her curiosity and her hunger to attain new information. As the 14th commander of the Survey Corps, she may not have the firm presence of Erwin Smith, but her inventive, insightful perspective helps many. She has devoted all her actions to attaining the freedom of mankind from the titans. Like most ENTPs, freedom is her core drive, and understanding how the titans think propels her. In many chaotic situations, Hange maintains a lighthearted, inquisitive outlook rather than falling prey to her emotions. She uses her brain to create innovative weapons, formulate strategies, and figure out complex problems. Hange showcases the inventiveness, humor, and spontaneous nature of the ENTP personality type.
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Eren Yaeger – ISFP
“If someone tries to take my freedom away….I won’t hesitate to take theirs. Our father didn’t make me that way. I have been like this since birth.” – Eren Jaeger
Although he’s morally conflicted in many situations, Eren will always be my favorite AoT character. His passion propels him, sometimes altogether too soon, to take action. He firmly believes in his sense of right and wrong, although as he matures and ages, his values become much more complex and murky. Eren constantly analyzes his priorities and emotions in various situations and strives to bend every action to his ultimate desires and belief of what’s right. Loyal to his friends, and passionate to a fault, Eren struggles to rein in his impulses and act with self-control. Because of this I even was tempted to type him as ESFP, but I’d rather venture to guess that he’s an ISFP with an 8 or sexual 6 Enneatype.
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Armin Arlert – INFJ
“I don’t like the terms “good person” or “bad person” because it is impossible to be entirely good to everyone. To some, you are a good person, while to others, you are a bad person.” – Armin Arlert
Armin Arlert is a visionary and a strategist all rolled into one. Ever since his early childhood, he’s dreamed of a life beyond the walls. While other children branded him a heretic for his interest in the world outside, he never gave up on his dream to escape from the “pen” that he feels trapped in. While his friends Eren and Mikasa are renowned for their physical prowess, Armin is the brains and the heart behind many of the Scout’s most devastating attacks. Exceptionally loyal and caring, Armin embodies all the best qualities that INFJs could strive to emulate. He’s analytical without giving up his empathetic side. He’s strategic and intelligent without ever being cocky.
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Levi Ackerman – ISTP
“A lot of the times, you’re going into a situation you know nothing about. So what you need is to be quick to act…and make tough decisions in worst-case scenarios.” – Levi Ackerman
I went back and forth between ISTP and INTJ for Levi and eventually settled on ISTP. Most of Levi’s internal processes go on beneath his stoic façade. Unlike most TJ personality types, Levi tends to keep his plans under wraps rather than thinking them through externally. In fact, he often prefers to direct others to think for themselves rather than explicitly directing them. The one caveat to this would be when it comes to cleaning; Levi has zero issues telling Eren to re-clean a room if it’s not up to his standards. While some have said Levi’s appreciation for cleanliness plants him in the Judger-camp, I’d disagree. Sensing-Perceiving types often crave clean, organized environments because they’re naturally so detail-aware. Having clutter and mess can make it impossible for them to focus. Levi’s ability to think quickly on his feet and jump right into the action is much more related to Extraverted Sensation (the perceiving process of the SP types) than Introverted Intuition. INTJs would be more of the strategists behind the scenes than the warriors relying on swift physical tactics to succeed.
Pieck Finger – INTP
At first glance, Pieck might seem like an IFJ type. But as you watch more of the show, you realize she is a clever strategist who simply cares about others. One must never fall into the trap of thinking that any character who shows warmth is a feeler. Thinking types can care just as deeply about others as Feeling types, and Pieck shows the warmth and concern for others that is very typical for mature INTPs. What makes her stand out, however, is her incredible ability to deduce risks, formulate strategies, and stay calm in chaotic situations. She has no problem thinking outside the box and then grounding herself in her own logic to formulate the best solutions.
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Historia Reiss – ISFJ
“I may be humanity’s enemy, but I’m your friend, Eren. I can’t be a good girl and I don’t want to be a God. But when I see someone crying, saying no one needs them, I want to tell them it’s not true.” – Historia
Deeply considerate and loyal, Historia brings tenderness and stability to the world of Attack on Titan. She uses her gentleness to soften the hearts of others even in the most direst and violent situations. While Ymir calls her out for wanting to be seen as a good person, Historia also wants to selflessly make the world a better place. This prompts her to frequently sacrifice herself for the needs of others, sometimes to her detriment. Later in the series she puts her empathy and practical know-how to good use, building an orphanage and helping people in need.
Ymir – ISTP
“There was one thing I wished for with all my heart. If I’m ever given a second chance in life, I want to live only for myself. That is my sincere wish.” – Ymir
Snarky. Irreverent. Observant. Ymir comes off brusque and confrontational while hiding a more sensitive, caring side beneath the surface. Quick in combat and not one to mince words for others comfort, she has the pragmatic know-how of the ISTP. Yet another truth about Ymir is that she can be cynical and uncooperative while still showing generosity and concern. She showed a selfless side of herself when she took full responsibility for the Eldian cult’s existence, even though her followers betrayed her first. She saved Erwin Smith’s life and would do whatever it takes to protect Historia. It’s a false assumption that thinkers are less loving than feelers, and Ymir is someone who proves this through her actions more than her words.
Reiner Braun – ESxJ
“I don’t know what’s right anymore, but I do know that I have to face the consequences of my actions and carry out my duty as a warrior to the end.” – Reiner Braun
I had a very difficult time typing Reiner. In many ways I saw ESFJ and ESTJ equally. He’s a perfect example of how it can be difficult to type fictional characters. Authors don’t sit down and fit their characters into type-based narratives. Reiner cares deeply for his people, the Eldians, and he often dons a “big brother” role among the Scouts. He is someone who thinks of others and can be gullible in believing them, yet someone who can also formulate intelligent, effective plans and critically analyze situations. He struggles to feel worthy and to deal with his guilt, developing a double personality to cope with the inner turmoil he’s facing. If I had to pick ESFJ or ESTJ I’d probably side along the lines of ESFJ, but it’s not an easy choice. Like the ESFJ, Reiner will often put others ahead of himself. How people feel about him is very important to him – in fact, his whole motive for becoming a warrior is so that he can finally have a relationship with his father. Relationships are always the central focus for him which is what causes him to become so muddled by his double-life as a Scout and an Eldian warrior. If you have any thoughts on Reiner’s personality type be sure to let me know in the comments!
Bertholt Hoover – ISFJ
“What a strange feeling…I’m barely even scared. I can see everything around me…I feel like any outcome would be acceptable. That’s right…no one’s at fault here…Nothing could have made a difference. Not in a world…that is this…cruel.” – Bertholt Hoover
Bertholt is another character I struggle to type with precision. I believe if I read the mangas I’d probably have a much clearer idea of his personality. So if any of you reading this have read the mangas and have thoughts about his character, please share those in the comments. Bertholt is quiet, thoughtful, and compassionate; like Reiner, he struggles to cope with the double-life he’s been chosen to lead. When disaster strikes, Bertholt tends to stick with what he knows and one singular plan. It’s difficult for him to change his mind and, unlike Reiner, he never loses sight of his mission. At the same time, he feels compassionately towards others even when he knows they are on opposite sides. He intellectually understands other character’s perspectives while still staying the course on what he believes is right for humanity as a whole. He frequently analyzes situations in terms of what’s best for the whole of humanity rather than the individual, and he’s able to intellectually understand his “enemies” while still fighting them. “That’s right, nobody is wrong. There’s nothing we could do. Because this world is just that cruel.” While an ISFP might have fought for their individual values and identity, Reiner is taking apart the situation logically and looking at the collective instead.
Sasha Braus – ESFP
“It’s alright if you’re weak. There are people who will come and rescue you.” – Sasha Braus
Friendly, fun-loving, and….hungry. Sasha brings the humor, quirkiness, and fun into an otherwise serious, somber series. Even though much is made of her impulsive, food-loving nature, she’s also clever, quick to respond to a crisis, and grounded in the reality of the world around her. Even when times get hard she’s thinking about the next opportunity she can enjoy; even if it’s just meat. She embodies the “champion” ESFP well, risking her life to protect others on many occasions.
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Jean Kirsten – ESTJ
“You know… I wished I could’ve stayed cooped up in my room, ears shut… But… If I had… The burnt ashes of the dead would never have forgiven me…” – Jean Kirstein
Responsible, loyal, and determined, Jean is in many ways one of the most grounded characters in Attack on Titan. He often takes stock of the reality of the situation, pointing out risks and trying to choose the most effective attack rather than immediately jumping into action. He takes a logical and pragmatic approach to nearly every decision, although his feelings and loyalties often are a backdrop to the life-changing decisions that guide him. Unlike Eren, Jean wants to join the Military Police because it’s the safest and most reliable option available to him. However, when he sees how others have been hurt by the titans he can’t help but take responsibility, even if it means risking his life with a role in the Survey Corps.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Do you have any suggestions for your favorite Attack on Titan characters? Let me 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 INFP – Understanding the Dreamer, and The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
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I really enjoyed your typing. Very thorough. Would love to see you type some of the additional characters introduce like Zeke, Falco, Gabi etc.
I absolutely know Eren is an ISFP because so am I! I see too much of myself in his character sometimes… (Not ALL things, trust me. But many similar character traits.)