Characterization and the MBTI
By Marliss Melton (who also writes as Marliss Moon)
The key to writing a terrific romance is matching up a hero and heroine who initially clash but will stay together when the book is over. To help me do that, I identify the personality types of my protagonists using the Myers-Briggs Typology Inventory, which describes the sixteen basic personality types that exist in all population groups.
One of the most fascinating character types is the ESTJ, also known as “The Guardian”. This protector type upholds the law and tradition. He (usually male) is hyper-aware of his environment and any infraction of established rules. He can be the antagonist (like Inspector Javert in Les Miserable) or the hero (like Jaguar in Forget Me Not.) Then there’s the ISTP, “the Crafter”, who can make a tool out of anything (MacGyver?). He is especially drawn to weapons as his tool of choice. These individuals are fearless thrill seekers, gun-slingers of the Old West. As introverts, they don’t say much, making them masters of the one-line response. Just think Clint Eastwood, and you’ve got yourself an ISTP.
An attractive character for a woman is the ENFP, the Idealist “Champion.” ENFPs are spontaneous and authentic. They have a zany charm and genuinely love people. They see possibility in everything, making them irrepressible and unconventional. Just imagine what happens when you cross a Champion heroine with a Guardian Hero! Her impulsivity and authenticity will keep him on his toes, as he does his best to restrain her and keep her behavior within traditional boundaries. Or put her with an ISTP, and she’ll talk him to death while he’s cleaning his weapon. She’ll do her best to convince him that the bad guys are really just misunderstood individuals. Instead of killing them, he ought to give her a chance to bring them around—her way! And guess what? He may just learn the hard way that she’s right.
These are just a few examples of the sixteen personality types out there and the conflicts that emerge when you mix characters with unlike traits.
To explore the personalities of Gabe and Helen in Forget Me Not, be sure to visit my “Meet the Characters” page on my website.