Caring, imaginative and reserved, INFJs often live more in their heads than in the actual outside world. Therefore, it’s no surprise these personalities feel strongly about fictional characters. As Introverted Intuitives, we enjoy the opportunity of exploring new ideas and possibilities inside our minds. Also, as many INFJs grow up feeling like the odd one out, we find both escapism and connection in the realm of fiction. 

If you’re looking for INFJ characters you can identify with, you’re in the right place. Here are six fictional characters you’ll probably relate to if you’re an INFJ.

1. Albus Dumbledore, from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series

Like most INFJs, Professor Dumbledore is quite secretive about his personal life and readers only come to know more about his past in the last installments of the series. Through Harry’s eyes, we understand that Dumbledore is a calm and gentle person who seems to enjoy spending time alone in his office, surrounded by his books. 

As an Intuitive Feeler, Dumbledore listens to his heart whenever he has to make a decision, even when that can implicate him unfavorably. Despite being quiet, like a true INFJ, the Hogwarts Headmaster is also faithful to his principles of justice and kindness.

In fact, he’s often the one who stands by those rejected, giving them a second chance (as it happens with Hagrid). Besides, Dumbledore is perceptive enough to know when to suspect someone’s intentions, such as is the case with Tom Riddle. 

2. Lisa Simpson, from The Simpsons

For me, there’s no cartoon character as textbook INFJ as Lisa Simpson. I think anyone who has ever felt misunderstood by their family will be able to identify with her. Because, let’s face it, Lisa is very much an outsider.

As often happens with INFJ personalities, Lisa struggles with making friends at school and focuses on having good grades instead. True to her INFJ nature, she also has a rich inner world, and we sometimes see her imagining and planning what she wants her life to be like as an adult.

Like most INFJs, Lisa also holds strongly to her principles, even if they go against the flow. In season 7 of The Simpsons for instance, she decides to stop eating meat after befriending a lamb at a zoo. Lisa stays true to her newfound ethical beliefs, even when her classmates make fun of her. 

3. Hercule Poirot, from Agatha Christie’s Poirot series 

At first glance, the methodical Belgian detective may look like your typical Thinker-Judger. However, by examining his character closely, we can see that Poirot fits as an INFJ. Firstly, true to his Counselor nature, Poirot is an active listener. He shares a word of advice whenever he feels necessary, but he often just pays attention. Both friends and strangers trust him with their secrets. 

In addition, Poirot also embodies the INFJ paradox of being reserved, but expecting others to recognize the quality of his work. Though he can take pride in what he does, Poirot is a perfectionist too. Therefore, he’s always the first to admit when he’s mistaken or something doesn’t go according to plan.  

As a Fe (extraverted feeling) user, Christie’s famous detective is primarily concerned with accommodating others, and exhibits a strong sense of morality. Notice how instead of sharing his insights with his companions, Poirot carefully waits until the end to confirm all details match up. Besides, his method indicates he’s more interested in studying the psychology of the crime than relying solely on the clues. As he explains in Five Little Pigs: “I do not need to bend and measure the footprints and pick up the cigarette ends and examine the bent blades of grass. It is enough for me to sit back in my chair and think.”

4. Amélie Poulain, from Amélie

Is there any movie character as quirky, and adorable, as Amélie Poulain? I don’t think so, either. In this French pop culture classic, our main character is an introverted and imaginative waitress who, imbued by a newfound sense of justice, decides to twist the fate of those around her.

We know from the beginning of the movie that Amélie grew up isolated from other kids. Despite spending her childhood days alone, she was rarely bored, using her fertile imagination to entertain herself. Even as an adult, she demonstrates the vivid imagination of an INFJ, escaping to her fantasy life whenever she struggles to interact with real people.

Like other INFJs, Amélie also indulges in small pleasures that add meaning to her life, such as piercing the crust of crème brûlée or skipping stones across the canal. As a Counselor type, Jeunet’s daydreamer is also a good listener, and we can see that even random strangers trust in Amélie to tell her the story of their lives.

5. Linus van Pelt, from Peanuts

We know him from his security blanket and his sucking thumb habit, but Linus is much more than a child who refuses to grow up. Thoughtful and observant, he is usually the sound mind of the group, and someone others (especially Charlie Brown) can count on for advice.

As someone who leads with Introverted Intuition, Linus is a deep thinker, and we often see him wondering about the future and questioning the meaning of things. Like most INFJs, Linus also avoids conflict; hence why he never really enjoys arguing with his loud sister Lucy.

Like other INFJ characters on this list, Linus can also be a bit too stubborn and sensitive whenever someone challenges his ideas. With his hopeful spirit and imaginative mind, Linus continues to believe in the Great Pumpkin, despite everyone warning him there’s no such thing. 

6. Elizabeth Bennett, from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

Though some type Austen’s literary heroine as an ENTP, I believe many INFJs will find Elizabeth Bennet relatable. Firstly, Elizabeth exhibits the wandering mind of an INFJ. In fact, there’s a scene in the novel when Mr. Darcy asks her if her mind is in the present, and though Elizabeth replies with a ‘yes’, we learn that “her thoughts had wandered far from the subject.”

Additionally, Lizzie also shows the typical stubbornness—and occasional hasty judgment—of INFJ personalities. As Intuitive Feelers, INFJs sometimes hold onto their convictions so strongly that we miss what’s right in front of us. Which is what happens to Elizabeth when she meets Mr. Darcy, leading her to misjudge his character.

Lizzie may be more outgoing than your regular Introvert. However, we know that her only true confidante is her sister Jane. Besides, whenever Austen’s protagonist needs to process her emotions, she does so by secluding herself, in a typical INFJ fashion.

Andreia Esteves
Andreia is an INFJ who used to think she was the only person in the world terrified of answering the phone. She works as a freelance writer covering all things mental health, and psychology related. When not writing, you’ll find her cozying up with a book, or baking vegan treats. Find her at: https://andreiaesteves.com/