Personality

Ashen Wings

Since Jo  posted the link to the personality test, I went ahead and took it and found that this time I scored as a “Mastermind Rational” INTJ personality. In the past I’ve scored as an “Inspector Guardian” ISTJ personality.

Either way, I get labeled as introverted, thinking (which means I’m more tough-minded/cold/reserved than friendly/warm/dramatic), and judging (which means I like schedules, plans, and orderliness). No surprises there!

The only question appears to be whether I’m more of an introspector (a dreamer, a reality-discontent) or an observer (relying on experience, dealing with immediate practical matters). I think it depends on context. When it comes to my personal life and writing, I tend to be introspective and try to model myself on ideals and goals. But when I’m busy at work, I’m caught up in the here-and-now and would rather get the job done and off my desk than explore possibilities and visionary pursuits.

This alternative description of INTJ seems rather frighteningly accurate, however. Arrogant, check. Perfectionist, check. System builder, check (think D&D worlds, novels….). Academic career, check. Pathetic at personal relationships, check. Hah, and although I could care less about the real-life INTJs, I’d be proud to be in the company of such fictional INTJs as Gandalf, Hannibal Lecter, Professor Moriarty, and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern. The latter just has to be based on their roles in Tom Stoppard’s play; R&G weren’t exactly masterminds in Hamlet….

I’ll bet Inspector Javert (Les Miserables) was an ISTJ. I always respected him for his relentlessness — he thought he was right, after all — even though he was the bad guy. My character Corbin Rook is, in part, modeled after him.

drupagliassotti @ February 25, 2007