All 16 Personality Types Explained: INTJ, ENFP, INFP & More
Understanding the 16 Personality Types
The 16 personality types — popularized by MBTI and 16Personalities — group people based on four dimensions: where you get energy (E/I), how you take in information (S/N), how you make decisions (T/F), and how you organize your life (J/P).
While the Big Five model is more scientifically rigorous, understanding the 16 types is a useful shorthand for personality patterns. Here's a complete guide to all 16 types, organized by group.
Analysts (NT): The Strategic Thinkers
INTJ — The Strategist
Core traits: Independent, strategic, determined, innovative
At work: Thrives in roles requiring long-term vision — software architect, data scientist, investment strategist
In relationships: Shows love through actions, needs intellectual connection, values independence
Famous INTJs: Elon Musk, Nikola Tesla, Michelle Obama
INTP — The Logician
Core traits: Analytical, curious, theoretical, independent
At work: Excels in abstract problem-solving — researcher, philosopher, systems analyst
In relationships: Values deep intellectual bonds, needs personal space, slow to open up
Famous INTPs: Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Bill Gates
ENTJ — The Commander
Core traits: Decisive, ambitious, efficient, natural leader
At work: Born leader — CEO, management consultant, military strategist
In relationships: Direct and passionate, plans for the future, expects growth
Famous ENTJs: Steve Jobs, Margaret Thatcher, Gordon Ramsay
ENTP — The Debater
Core traits: Quick-witted, innovative, argumentative, energetic
At work: Thrives on disruption — entrepreneur, lawyer, creative director
In relationships: Stimulating but challenging, needs mental sparring partner
Famous ENTPs: Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, Leonardo da Vinci
Diplomats (NF): The Empathetic Idealists
INFJ — The Advocate
Core traits: Insightful, principled, compassionate, private
At work: Drawn to purpose — counselor, writer, nonprofit leader, psychologist
In relationships: Deep and meaningful connections, needs authenticity, highly empathetic
Famous INFJs: Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela
INFP — The Idealist
Core traits: Creative, value-driven, empathetic, introspective
At work: Needs meaningful work — writer, artist, therapist, humanitarian
In relationships: Deeply devoted, idealistic about love, needs emotional safety
Famous INFPs: Shakespeare, J.R.R. Tolkien, Princess Diana
ENFJ — The Protagonist
Core traits: Charismatic, inspiring, nurturing, organized
At work: Natural mentor — teacher, HR director, motivational speaker, diplomat
In relationships: Warm and devoted, sometimes over-gives, exceptional communicator
Famous ENFJs: Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Martin Luther King Jr.
ENFP — The Campaigner
Core traits: Enthusiastic, creative, sociable, spontaneous
At work: Energized by possibilities — marketer, journalist, actor, startup founder
In relationships: Passionate and adventurous, hates routine, deeply caring
Famous ENFPs: Robin Williams, Walt Disney, Robert Downey Jr.
Sentinels (SJ): The Reliable Guardians
ISTJ — The Inspector
Core traits: Responsible, thorough, dependable, traditional
At work: The backbone of organizations — accountant, judge, military officer, operations manager
In relationships: Loyal and committed, shows love through consistency and reliability
Famous ISTJs: George Washington, Angela Merkel, Warren Buffett
ISFJ — The Protector
Core traits: Caring, detail-oriented, loyal, patient
At work: The silent heroes — nurse, teacher, librarian, social worker
In relationships: Selfless and devoted, needs appreciation, avoids conflict
Famous ISFJs: Mother Teresa, Queen Elizabeth II, Rosa Parks
ESTJ — The Executive
Core traits: Organized, practical, direct, tradition-respecting
At work: Natural manager — business executive, military leader, school principal
In relationships: Reliable and structured, values family traditions, can be rigid
Famous ESTJs: Henry Ford, Sonia Sotomayor, Judge Judy
ESFJ — The Consul
Core traits: Warm, organized, sociable, people-pleasing
At work: Community builder — event planner, teacher, healthcare worker, HR specialist
In relationships: Attentive and nurturing, needs harmony, sensitive to criticism
Famous ESFJs: Taylor Swift, Bill Clinton, Jennifer Garner
Explorers (SP): The Spontaneous Adventurers
ISTP — The Craftsman
Core traits: Practical, analytical, reserved, hands-on
At work: Master of tools — mechanic, engineer, forensic scientist, pilot
In relationships: Independent and action-oriented, shows love through fixing things
Famous ISTPs: Clint Eastwood, Bruce Lee, Amelia Earhart
ISFP — The Adventurer
Core traits: Artistic, gentle, sensitive, present-focused
At work: Creates beauty — artist, musician, designer, veterinarian, photographer
In relationships: Quiet but deeply feeling, needs creative expression, avoids conflict
Famous ISFPs: Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Frida Kahlo
ESTP — The Entrepreneur
Core traits: Bold, practical, perceptive, direct
At work: Action-oriented — sales executive, firefighter, paramedic, stockbroker
In relationships: Exciting and spontaneous, lives in the moment, can be commitment-shy
Famous ESTPs: Ernest Hemingway, Madonna, Donald Trump
ESFP — The Entertainer
Core traits: Spontaneous, energetic, fun-loving, generous
At work: Center of attention — performer, tour guide, event coordinator, fitness trainer
In relationships: Joyful and affectionate, needs freedom, makes everyday fun
Famous ESFPs: Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Adele
Beyond 16 Types: The Big Five Advantage
While the 16-type system is intuitive and fun, it has significant scientific limitations. Each "type" actually represents a cluster of continuous Big Five traits — and two people of the same type can differ dramatically on the dimension MBTI doesn't measure: emotional stability (Neuroticism).
For a scientifically rigorous personality assessment with AI-powered insights, take the free Big Five test at AIMind360. You'll get continuous scores across 5 dimensions and 30 facets, plus a 3,000+ word personalized AI report — all completely free.