The Period Drama Character You’d Be, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

Over the last few weeks I’ve been writing a lot about fictional characters and my estimations about their personality types. Today’s article is in response to several requests I’ve gotten for an article specifically dedicated to period drama characters. These characters are from dramas that take us back in time to another era in history. Whether you’re into Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, or binging Downton Abbey, I hope you’ll enjoy this article!

Now as an MBTI® practitioner, I always preface these kinds of articles with a disclaimer. I can’t sit across from any of these characters and conduct a type consultation. Watching characters in a movie or reading about them in a book can only tell us a small amount about who they are. There is a great chance for error. These articles are meant to be fun, maybe make us laugh, and give us some potential insights into personality. But you may find yourself relating to more than one character!

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

If You’re an ENFP

You are most like Marianne Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility. ENFPs are imaginative, passionate individuals who long for a life outside of the ordinary. Marianne is the quintessential ENFP – she’s creative, free-spirited, and idealistic. She abhors old-fashioned rules and conventions about being a woman and feels trapped by the expectations of her family and society. And while she’s young and impulsive at times, she’s also deeply loyal and loves with a passion that is unrivaled.

You may also relate to Jo March from Little Women. Like Jo, you are creative and expressive, and you have a strong sense of independence. You speak your mind even if it means you’re going against the expectations of your family or society. Ultimately, you’re not afraid to stand up for what you believe in and go after your dreams, no matter how much other people might try to dissuade you.

Read This Next: 24 Signs That You’re an ENFP, The Visionary Personality Type

If You’re an ENTP

You are most like Henry Tilney from Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. Sarcastic but intuitive, he’s always several steps ahead of everyone else. As a widely read clergyman, he knows a great deal about human nature and is able to see through people’s motives. He loves a good debate and has a certain charm and wittyness that allows him to get away with his razor-sharp comments.

You may also relate to Eloise Bridgerton from Bridgerton. She, too, is highly intelligent and loves a good debate. And like Eloise, you’re not afraid to stand up for yourself and your beliefs. You’re also charming and witty, which can help you get what you want – even if it’s just getting someone to back down in an argument. Unfortunately for Eloise, the time in which she lived forced a great deal of conformity on her. She wanted intellectual freedom and independence, but society said she needed to find a husband and become a wife.

If You’re an INFP

You are most like Lady Sybil Crawley from Downton Abbey. Like Lady Sybil, you are idealistic and principled. You have a strong sense of right and wrong that guides your actions, and you’re always looking to do what’s best for others. You’re empathetic and compassionate, and you have a drive to live an unconventional life. You are guided by your heart more than conventions, traditions, and societal expectations.

You may also relate to David Copperfield. Even though he suffers abuse as a child, he still holds on to his innocence and hope for a better future. Like David, you’re guided by your heart and your ideals. While you may be impractical at times, you can also be impressively creative. You see the best in people and believe that everyone has the potential for goodness, regardless of their past.

Read This Next: The Childhood Struggles of INFPs

If You’re an INTP

You’re most like Alice from Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland. Intuitive and analytical, Alice sees the world in a completely different way than everyone else. She’s constantly questioning the rules and conventions that society lays out for her, and she’s not afraid to explore new, strange, and unusual ideas. She’s also quite resourceful – able to get herself out of sticky situations using her quick wit and intelligence.

You may also relate to Tibby Schlegel from Howard’s End. Although somewhat contrary and remote, you also crave academic and intellectual stimulation. You’re independent to a fault and have a hard time connecting with people on an emotional level. But like Tibby, you’re also able to see the humor in things, and enjoy learning for its own sake.

Read This Next: A Look at the INTP Leader

If You’re an ENFJ

You’re most like Edmund Bertram from Mansfield Park. You see the potential in people and are deeply considerate of others’ feelings. Like Edmund, you put others first and your moral compass guides your actions. You also have an idealistic quality and may get so fixated on the potential of someone that you ignore their faults or lose sight of the moment you’re in.

You may also relate to Margaret “Marmee” March from Little Women. Like Edmund, Marmee is a kind and compassionate woman who believes in helping make the world a better place. She’s a natural leader, and people are drawn to her visionary, helpful attitude. No matter how tough a situation is, she’s determined to inspire people to keep going and look for a better tomorrow.

If You’re an ENTJ

You’re most like Lady Mary Crawley from Downton Abbey. Like Lady Mary, you’re a strong and capable leader. You have a clear vision for what you want and you’re not afraid to go after it. You’re also intelligent, quick-witted, and always ready for a challenge. And while you may seem all tough and no-nonsense on the outside, you have a deeply sensitive inner spirit that feels deeply for your loved ones and will do anything for them.

You may also relate to Ross Poldark from Poldark. Ross is a proud and confident man who’s not afraid to stand up for what he believes in. He’s also intelligent and resourceful, able to take on whatever challenges come his way. He has a knack for coming up with shrewd business schemes, but his impulsive temper and strong sense of right and wrong can sometimes land him in precarious situations.

If You’re an INFJ

You’re most like Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. Like Elizabeth, you’re a deep thinker with a strong sense of intuition. You see the world in a unique way and you’re always looking for hidden meanings and patterns. You’re also compassionate and empathetic, wanting the best for your friends and family and sometimes sacrificing your own happiness as a result. Though you’re skilled at seeing different perspectives, you can still rush to judgments in certain circumstances. Elizabeth does this when she learns from Mr. Wickham that Mr. Darcy treated him unfairly. She immediately defends her friend against injustice before checking to make sure that he was telling the truth. Once she learns she’s wrong, though, she admits it and corrects the mistake.

You may also relate to Dwight Enys from Poldark. Like Dwight, you want to improve the world and are always striving to do the right thing. You also have the potential to be a gifted healer, helping people to process emotional wounds and burdens. And like Dwight, you feel deeply and care in a way that can mean you put yourself last. It may be difficult for you to deal with others’ pain, as you take their emotions and burdens onto yourself.

Read This Next: 7 Things That INFJs Experience As Children

If You’re an INTJ

You’re most like Edmond Dantes from The Count of Monte Cristo. There is some debate over whether this character is an ISTJ or an INTJ, but every INTJ I’ve known has certainly related to him and the books could make a case for either. Like Edmond, you’re a mastermind with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. You have big plans and ambitions and you’re not afraid to take risks in order to achieve them. You also have a strong sense of justice, always wanting to see the truth prevail. And underneath your mysterious exterior is someone who cares deeply for the people he loves and values honesty above all else.

You may also relate to King Alfred from The Last Kingdom. While he certainly isn’t a perfect character and has a number of flaws, he’s also a visionary that knows how to get things done. He’s a master strategist and he never gives up on his dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem or how much he may sacrifice to achieve them. Plus, he’s always looking for ways to improve himself and the world around him.

Read This Next: 24 Signs You’re an INTJ, the Strategist Personality Type

If You’re an ESFP

You’re most like Uhtred from The Last Kingdom. Like Uhtred, you’re a thrill seeker who’s always looking for new adventures. You have a zest for life and you’re not afraid to take risks. You also have a deep sense of loyalty and are always there for your friends and family when they need you. And lastly, you’re incredibly impulsive, especially as Uhtred was in younger life. It can be difficult for you to sit still when your passions are calling you to action.

You may also relate to Beatrix “Trixie” Frankin from Call the Midwife. Like Trixie, you’re independent and aren’t afraid to go after what you want. You’re caring but no-nonsense, taking a realistic view of life and helping people to see the humor in situations that others would find disillusioning. You enjoy a good time, whether that means going out for a dance or matchmaking for your friends.

If you’re an ESTP

You are most like Finan from The Last Kingdom. Like Finan, you’re a natural leader with a quick wit and sharp tongue. You’re always looking for ways to take charge and you have a tendency to be impulsive. You’re sharp-witted and funny, bringing the humor into otherwise overwhelming situations. And lastly, you’re an excellent tactician, able to think on your feet and come up with a plan in make-or-break situations.

You may also relate in some ways to Mary Crawford from Mansfield Park. Like Mary, you’re charming and sociable, enjoying the company of others. You also have a sharp wit and are always ready to dish out a good insult. And like Mary, you can be opportunistic at times, always looking for ways to get ahead. You’re also fiercely independent and don’t need anyone’s approval but your own.

If You’re an ISFP

You’re most like Claire Fraser in Outlander. Like Claire, you’re an adventurer at heart, always seeking out new experiences. You have a deep sense of compassion and care for others, often putting their needs above your own. And like Claire, you have a strong sense of independence, refusing to let anyone control you. You know how to take charge and be helpful in dire situations, staying grounded and realistic. But you also know how to follow your heart even when it’s pulling you against the expectations of society.

You may also relate to Theodore “Laurie” Laurence from Little Women. Like Laurie, you’re a kind and gentle soul with a playful and mischievous sense of humor. You have a strong sense of individuality and a fondness for the sights, sounds, textures, and tastes of life. You’re also quite romantic, seeing the best in people and following your heart single-mindedly, even if it means you might get hurt in the process.

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

If You’re an ISTP

You’re most like Simon Basset from Bridgerton. Like Simon, you have a sharp wit and are always ready to banter. You’re also quite reserved and it takes a while for people to feel like they truly know you. That said, you’re extremely blunt and straightforward, shocking people with your ability to cut through the BS. You’re capable, practical, and excellent at dealing with the raw details of life.

You may also relate to Stiorra from The Last Kingdom. While she may be more of an ESTP than an ISTP, you’ll appreciate her no-nonsense, blunt nature. She’s someone who doesn’t mind taking risks to protect her people. She can think quickly on her feet and make tough decisions using logic rather than worrying about how she’ll be perceived. She’s not afraid of a fight and will do whatever it takes to win.

Read This Next: 10 Things ISTPs Look for in a Relationship

If You’re an ESFJ

You’re most like Anna Bates from Downton Abbey. Like Anna, you’re kind and compassionate, trying to find ways to help the people around you. You also have a sharp mind and can sense when people have ill intentions of others. And like Anna, you’re incredibly loyal, always standing by your friends and family no matter what.

You may also relate to Arthur Clennam from Little Dorrit. You are often given the responsibility of tending to other people’s needs and care deeply about how you impact people. You gather details about people in an effort to help them and be a responsible friend and family member. But sometimes you devote so much of your life to helping others that you lose sight of what you want for yourself.

If you’re an ESTJ

You’re most like Anthony Bridgerton from Bridgerton (except for the part about signing up your sister to marry someone she hates). Like Anthony, you try to balance what’s right for you as an individual with objectivity and logic. You’re skilled at concocting plans, but you may forget to take people’s feelings into account which can backfire later on. You strive to be responsible, but can feel overwhelmed by the duties heaped on your shoulders.

You may also relate to Violet Crawley from Downton Abbey. Sure, she can be stuffy at times, but her sharp sense of humor and biting wit make her one of the most interesting characters on the show. Like Violet, you’re often the voice of reason and have a strong sense of tradition. You may butt heads with people who don’t share your views, but you also use your practicality and aptitude for problem-solving to help the people you love.

If You’re an ISFJ

You’re most like Amy Dorrit from Little Dorrit. Like Amy, you believe in carrying out your responsibilities to your family and loved ones. You have a strong sense of duty and are always looking out for the people you love. You’re also quite observant, picking up on the little details that others might miss. You are naturally attuned to others’ needs and enjoy helping out, but sometimes you wish that you could put your own needs first for once.

You may also relate to Jane Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. Like Jane, you’re a kind and gentle person who often puts the needs of others before your own. You have a lot of love to give and are always looking for ways to make people happy. Yet because of your quiet, soft-spoken nature, you are sometimes misunderstood or underestimated.

Read This Next: The ISFJ Personality and the Enneagram

If You’re an ISTJ

You’re most like George Knightley from Emma. Like George, you’re a down-to-earth, practical person. You strive to have good judgment and to approach life with a grounded sensibility. Hard-working and principled, you believe in carrying out your responsibilities and living according to your morals. You’re also quite honest and can be blunt at times, but you mean well and often urge people to do what’s right rather than what’s easy.

You may also relate to Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility. Like Elinor, you’re level-headed and practical, always thinking things through before making a decision. You take your responsibilities seriously and have a strong sense of duty. But sometimes you have trouble expressing your emotions, leading people to believe that you’re cold or unfeeling when you’re anything but that.

Read This Next: The Flirting Style of the ISTJ Personality Type

What Are Your Thoughts?

Did you enjoy this article? Do you have any alternate suggestions for these personality types? Let us know your favorite literary characters 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!