Vorthos
New member
- Joined
- May 5, 2015
- Messages
- 71
- MBTI Type
- INTP
- Enneagram
- 5w6
- Instinctual Variant
- sp/sx
I have returned from my lengthy absence from these forums (presumably to tremendous fanfare) to ask a question that's been bugging me for some time now: why are nearly all INTP characters so bland?
From my observations, there are four main types of INTP characters:
1) The meek scientist
-As the name suggests, the character is a scientist (or generally nerdy) who is meek. They are shy and quiet. If they get angry, they'll usually either not express it, or be passive-aggressive about it. They have little self-confidence, and are almost always a supporting or minor character. They're either too nice, or bitter and cynical.
2) The eccentric mentor
-They're nuts. ... That's about as much characterization as the eccentric professor gets. They may be extremely energetic or excitable, but will rarely express negative emotions.
3) The plot-device
-This character provides story-relevent information, but might as well be a computer due to lack of any real personality. They probably only exist to advance the plot.
4) The inhuman
-This character either isn't human, or displays so little emotion that they're a computer in all but form.
While these character types might be able to be developed throughout the series, and can certainly be realistic characters, these character archetypes are boring. While there might be some INTPs in real life that are like the character types I've listed, there still should be a significant number of INTPs that are nothing like those characters. Who says INTPs have to be quiet? Why are they almost always scientists? Can't they be in a combat role on a team, or be a protagonist? Why do they always seem like they're tired?
From what I've seen, the only INTP characters I feel break the archetypes are L from Death Note, and Rintarou Okabe from Steins;Gate (I type him as INTP).
-L is slightly quiet, but he's far from meek. He is quite confident. He isn't a professor or a scientist. While he is a bit odd, he has character flaws, and isn't completely emotionless (though he doesn't display emotion often).
-Okabe is a bit larger-than-life while using his Hououin Kyouma persona, but even the fact that he even uses a persona is more interesting than most INTP characters. He also has flaws, but is quite outgoing and energetic. Furthermore, he's the protagonist, so that's a treat.
Can anybody help explain why INTP characters are usually so lacklustre? Even examples of other well-done INTPs would be great.
(Note: I reject the notion that all INTPs are boring, or simply aren't protagonist material. Some maybe, but not nearly all of them)
From my observations, there are four main types of INTP characters:
1) The meek scientist
-As the name suggests, the character is a scientist (or generally nerdy) who is meek. They are shy and quiet. If they get angry, they'll usually either not express it, or be passive-aggressive about it. They have little self-confidence, and are almost always a supporting or minor character. They're either too nice, or bitter and cynical.
2) The eccentric mentor
-They're nuts. ... That's about as much characterization as the eccentric professor gets. They may be extremely energetic or excitable, but will rarely express negative emotions.
3) The plot-device
-This character provides story-relevent information, but might as well be a computer due to lack of any real personality. They probably only exist to advance the plot.
4) The inhuman
-This character either isn't human, or displays so little emotion that they're a computer in all but form.
While these character types might be able to be developed throughout the series, and can certainly be realistic characters, these character archetypes are boring. While there might be some INTPs in real life that are like the character types I've listed, there still should be a significant number of INTPs that are nothing like those characters. Who says INTPs have to be quiet? Why are they almost always scientists? Can't they be in a combat role on a team, or be a protagonist? Why do they always seem like they're tired?
From what I've seen, the only INTP characters I feel break the archetypes are L from Death Note, and Rintarou Okabe from Steins;Gate (I type him as INTP).
-L is slightly quiet, but he's far from meek. He is quite confident. He isn't a professor or a scientist. While he is a bit odd, he has character flaws, and isn't completely emotionless (though he doesn't display emotion often).
-Okabe is a bit larger-than-life while using his Hououin Kyouma persona, but even the fact that he even uses a persona is more interesting than most INTP characters. He also has flaws, but is quite outgoing and energetic. Furthermore, he's the protagonist, so that's a treat.
Can anybody help explain why INTP characters are usually so lacklustre? Even examples of other well-done INTPs would be great.
(Note: I reject the notion that all INTPs are boring, or simply aren't protagonist material. Some maybe, but not nearly all of them)