Tintin Forums

What do you think Tintin's MBTI personality type is?
Of course, since he is a comic book character, none of the sixteen types may correlate to his own - however, I tend to think of him as a real and well-rounded individual. Personality typing is a very interesting issue, because through it one can discover more about the inner workings of an individual's mind.
General overview of MBTI typing: http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/
The sixteen types: http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16 -mbti-types.asp
MBTI test online: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
Extrovert/Introvert?
This is probably the hardest aspect to determine. I, for one, think that Tintin is probably more introverted than extraverted. Strictly speaking, these terms do not necessarily apply to how outgoing one is - even though Tintin is able to talk to many different types of people, and is energised by adventure, he seems to exude a more calming rather than invigorating aura. Introverts are not necessarily less social than extroverts, but prefer to spend time alone to "recharge." In Tintin's spare time, he seems to enjoy reading and researching.
But then again, one could argue that Tintin's drive to participate in the goings-on of the world could qualify as extraversion.
Sensing/Intuition?
I would say that Tintin generally relies more on his imagination and ingenuity (i.e. intuition) than his senses. There are many instances throughout the series where he needs to think "outside the box" to solve a mystery.
Thinking/Feeling?
I think it's obvious that Tintin is a strong and analytical thinker. It's almost impossible for him to leave something unsolved. He also has a powerful thirst for knowledge, and I think this is what motivates him during adventures. Of course, he is very fond of his friends, but it is more affectionate than overly-sentimental. Also, when he is insulted/attacked/pranked upon, he doesn't take it to heart and forgets about it soon afterwards.
However, there are instances throughout the series were Tintin sheds tears for the sake of his friends, indicating that he does have a "feeling" streak.
Judging/Perceiving?
Hmm… this one's difficult to decide. On one hand, Tintin likes to categorise and fit clues together to make sense of the big picture - but on the other hand, he practically thrives off the sense of the unknown, and open-ended questions! It's hard to say. I would hazard a guess at judging, because he needs everything to make sense!
Therefore… Tintin's MBTI type may be either INTJ or ENTJ, with a "feeling" streak.
INTJ: http://typelogic.com/intj.html
ENTJ: http://typelogic.com/entj.html
It's hard to determine whether he is extraverted or introverted, because introverts can often give the impression of being extraverted; also, some extraverts are more quiet than talkative. Above all, much of Tintin's inner personality is not revealed in the series, making it even harder to determine his MBTI type.
Note: I attempted to complete the MBTI test online through Tintin's eyes, and ended up with the result ENFJ! Indeed he might be more inclined towards empathy, but he certainly has remarkable intellectual abilities.
Extraversion: 33%
Intuition: 38%
Feeling: 12%
Judging: 33%
ENFJ: http://typelogic.com/enfj.html
Conclusion: Tintin may be an ENFJ with an ingenious intellect. (Whaddaya know… Obama is a confirmed ENFJ as well!)

You might want to explain what an "MBTI" personality type is - I'd never even heard about it before you posted here, and after Googling and reading a bit about it, I'm still not that certain what it's about, other than that it seems to divide people as to whether it has any validity or not...

My apologies, jock123 ... my school recently had career testing, of which MBTI typing was a major part. That's how I came to be interested in the concept, but I should explain more about what it means.

The MBTI (or Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), which was originally designed to advise individuals on their ideal career path, is based on the theories of psychologist Carl Jung. It is today regarded as the most valid indicator of personality type (there are opponents of it, however, just as there are with everything). Here is the Wikipedia page on the topic:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MBTI

I'll try to summarise it below. There are four components of the MBTI model:

1. Extraversion (E) and Introversion (I)

People who prefer extraversion draw energy from action: they tend to act, then reflect, then act further.

Those whose prefer introversion become less energized as they act: they prefer to reflect, then act, then reflect again.

2. Sensing (S) and Intuition (N)

Individuals who prefer sensing are more likely to trust information that is in the present, tangible and concrete: information that can be understood by the five senses. They tend to distrust hunches that seem to come out of nowhere.

Those who prefer intuition tend to trust information that is more abstract or theoretical, that can be associated with other information. They may be more interested in future possibilities. They tend to trust flashes of insight.

3. Thinking (T) and Feeling (F)

Those who prefer thinking tend to decide things from a more detached standpoint, measuring the decision by what seems reasonable, logical, causal, consistent and matching a given set of rules.

Those who prefer feeling tend to come to decisions by associating or empathizing with the situation, looking at it 'from the inside' and weighing the situation to achieve, on balance, the greatest harmony, consensus and fit, considering the needs of the people involved.

4. Judgment (J) and Perception (P)

Judging types prefer to "have matters settled."

Perceiving types "prefer to "keep decisions open."

Here are the four components described in more detail: http://www.socionics.com/main/types.htm

Most people tend to lean on one end more than the other, of each of these components. Thus, an individual's aggregate personality is represented by four letters, e.g. ISFP, or ENTJ.

However, the expression of a person's psychological type is more than the sum of the four individual preferences, because of the way in which the preferences interact through type dynamics and type development. There are more detailed descriptions of type dynamics etc. here: http://www.personalitypathways.com/article/type-dynamics.html

I hope this helped!

This is probably the best MBTI test out there, though it takes a bit of time: http://similarminds.com/jung.html

Once you know your personal MBTI, you can search the web for more information about it :)

Different people relate to their MBTI in different ways and degrees. On the whole, however, it is quite an accurate and comprehensive personality model - which is the reason I want to figure out what Tintin's MBTI is! :P

Thanks for the update - very useful.

I note from what I have read that the testing is to establish only the candidate's preference, not ability or success in any area, so I think it would be hard to make an assessment for someone else - Tintin's actions may not be his peferred course, but forced upon him by circumstance.

To that end, I can't say I would be able to prove or disprove your position.

Good point, I suppose most theories about Tintin's inner personality would have to be theoretical and not concrete.
Further discussion:
I took quotes from the following sites to compare Tintin's behaviour to that of an ENFJ:
http://typelogic.com/enfj.html
http://www.personalitypage.com/ENFJ.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ENFJ
http://www.geocities.com/lifexplore/enfj.htm
http://www.mypersonality.info/personality-types/enfj/
They have tremendous charisma by which many are drawn into their nurturant tutelage and/or grand schemes.
- Often had to convince Captain Haddock to accompany him on dangerous adventures
- How often does he simply jump into a random's car and say something like, "We've got to catch those crooks!" And the driver obeys?! :P
Many ENFJs have tremendous power to manipulate others with their phenomenal interpersonal skills and unique salesmanship. But it's usually not meant as manipulation - ENFJs generally believe in their dreams, and see themselves as helpers and enablers, which they usually are.
- Has convinced the Captain to not drink alcohol on a few occasions
- Usually the one who formulates plans, while others listen to him
- Always willing to help others
Predisposed to closure in matters pertaining to people, and especially on behalf of their beloved. As extraverts, their contacts are wide ranging.
- Protective of his friends
- Has a wide range of contacts from all parts of the world
They understand and care about people, and have a special talent for bringing out the best in others.
- Tintin never actually 'hates' people, even villains - evident through his insistence on fair trials, feelings of pity if they are killed, etc
It's natural to their personality type that they will tend to place other people's needs above their own, but they need to stay aware of their own needs so that they don't sacrifice themselves in their drive to help others.
- Consistently places needs of others above his own - e.g. giving the life-saving talisman to Zorrino
Usually ENFJs exude a lot of self-confidence, and have a great amount of ability to do many different things. They are generally bright, full of potential, energetic and fast-paced. They are usually good at anything which captures their interest.
- Describes Tintin in a nutshell!
ENFJs have a special gift with people, and are basically happy people when they can use that gift to help others. They get their best satisfaction from serving others. Their genuine interest in Humankind and their exceptional intuitive awareness of people makes them able to draw out even the most reserved individuals.
- Occupation as a reporter - to discover more about the world and society around him while helping others and delivering the truth
(There has been discussion on how he barely seems to do his job - but I always assume that he writes the articles in the adventure's aftermath)
Often express support, gratitude, and encouragement...take note of what is being done and what needs doing, offering their assistance wherever necessary.
- Tintin in another nutshel! :P
They tend to find the correct and gracious way to respond in any given situation, no matter how tense or uncomfortable it is.
- Always polite, sometimes even keeping a tone of etiquette with villains (if rather sarcastic)
- Attempts to stop conflict when he sees it
ENFJ teenagers are constantly on the go, participating in many, many things. They enjoy a wide variety of activities, not only for that variety but also for the action and opportunity to be with others.
- Not sure if Tintin is a teenager, but this seems to describe what he might have been like in high school!
Expect the very best of those around them, and this expectation, usually expressed as enthusiastic encouragement, motivates action in others and the desire to live up to their expectations.
- Can be said of his relationship with Snowy and the Captain (especially with their liking for whisky!)
Note: Other personality types possess attributes which could also be likened to Tintin, but it seems to me that ENFJ correlates the most with his own.

I think if I can apply the Myers-Briggs typology to Tintin (Extrovert/Introvert, Sensing/Intuitive, Thinking/Feeling, Judging/Perceiving), here are my guess.

Tintin: Introvert Sensing Thinking Perceiving
Captain Haddock: Extrovert iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving
Calculus: Introvert iNtuitive Thinking Judging

Thomson: Extrovert iNtuitive Thinking Judging
Thompson: Extrovert Sensing Thinking Judging

I think I've seen a thread discussing this somewhere in this website...

Indeed you have, and the posts have been moved accordingly.

Just a gentle reminder to new users to do a search of the forums and web-site before starting a new topic (use the link in the top right corner of the page), to check whether there is a discussion in progress or if the information is already there for you.

As for the Myers-Briggs thing, well we now have two almost completely different profiles, which I think shows the problem I foresaw about trying to guage someone else's preferences.


I actually meant that this test is only ever applicable for self-assessment, not for the analysis of others.

It's not down to whether Tintin is real or not, it's the fact that one shouldn't be using the actions and abilities of a third-party (which may be non-preferential) to gauge that person's preferences.

So, for example, someone might be a fantastic miner, say, but in reality their preference would be to be an astronaut. For you to make a judgement of them, based on their mining skills in no way recognizes their actual preferences. Even the proponents of the system say that.

Update:

It has to be said that it is regarded as "the most valid indicator" only by those who support it - those who question its validity do so on the basis that neither Jung nor Myers and Briggs ever did any testing to back up their theories (you couldn't write a school science report and expect to pass if you included the same amount of actual research they did!), so there's little other than heresay to say that they work; there is an interesting article on the history of, and applications for, the test here.

8 Jul 2012 12:08 - Merged topic:
Guess what type of person Tintin is
I always wonder...what type is he? I suppose you can call it "character"? Is he a rebel? Or something else? Even cartoons needs character you know… What character that can make him charming enough for us fangirls?

I don't really know what you mean. Tintin is an adventurer, a boyscout, detective. He rights wrongs and brings villains to justice. He defends the poor and oppressed. Tintin is polite but he's no push-over. He has great character and integrity and has friends from all over the world. He looks for the best in people and is slow to anger.