7 Fictional Characters You’ll Relate to if You’re an INTP
Analytical and unafraid of breaking tradition, the INTP personality type appears calm on the outside despite the constant turning of their gears. The INTP’s deep inner world is working to uncover the mysteries of the universe, and it’s their devoted inner-thought processes that set this type apart from others. If you’re an INTP, you don’t care to fit in based on others’ ideals of what’s trendy. Your unique way of viewing and analyzing life leads you to exciting discoveries about what’s happening around you every day.
Although it’s easy to debate the personality type of a fictional character, if you’re an INTP, you’ll be sure to relate to these INTP characters from books, TV shows, and movies, based on their combination of preferences.
1. Sherlock Holmes (The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes; BBC’s Sherlock)
Although the personality type of Sherlock Holmes is an oft-debated subject, he displays many traits that align with the INTP personality. His detective work combines logic, hard facts, and his gut feelings, so he isn’t a Sensing type; he’s an iNtuitive. Since he doesn’t let his own emotions get in the way, he’s also a Thinking type. Holmes is comfortable following his hound-dog-like instincts, and his indisputable wealth of knowledge is impressive. Because of his desire to uncover the truth and a clear detachment from emotions, this INTP character appears odd to other types and sometimes comes across as impolite, and in this way is not unlike others who share the personality type.
Furthermore, Holmes’ work requires him to be open and spontaneous with new developments in the case, and he doesn’t follow a structured schedule, which points to his Perceiving nature. In line with his job requirements, he’s open to change and operates on an as-needed basis, so it’s safe to say Holmes is one of the best examples of INTP characters in popular culture.
2. Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones franchise)
Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones is a famous INTP character who searches for ancient artifacts in the hope of discovering more about the world and the people around him. Most people type him as an ISTP, but I think his work and demeanor points more to an iNtuitive INTP rather than a Sensing type for several reasons.
First, he doesn’t seem to experience boredom when it comes to delving into theories, and an ISTP is more concerned with general knowledge in terms of practicality, rather than diving into deep meanings. Jones also appears more concerned with abstract ideas and concepts when hunting down treasures, and though he is skeptical at first, he’s much more easily converted to a believer of the unexplained than an ISTP would be. Finally, although he does have a fondness and knack for working with his hands, his interest in humanity and history through artifacts feels more akin to an INTP, who wants to unveil the mysteries of the universe, no matter how illogical they may seem on the surface.
His work as an archaeologist highlights his personality type. His feelings don’t lead him; instead, he exhibits a logical Thinking perspective. In addition to this, he’s also a reserved, Introverted personality who prefers solo adventures to group outings, which points to why he’d choose solo-based archaeology work.
One might guess that he’s a Judging type, due to his organized method of teaching, but his primary pursuit is his research, which takes him around the globe on short-notice trips, an idea that would make most Judging types break out in a cold sweat.
3. Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter series of books and movies)
Even though she’s a fan-favorite of the series, Luna Lovegood is an oft-overlooked character when it comes to personality type. Her quiet, unassuming intelligence is a key pointer to her INTP personality, and overall her example for other INTPs is spot-on.
Although one might assume she’s more emotional when making decisions, Lovegood is primarily led by her logical thinking. Even when she appears odd to other types (a telling problem for the INTP), her insight is invaluable, and when given enough faith, other witches and wizards discover she’s been right all along.
With her logical mind and Perceiving nature, Luna is ready to learn even more random facts about magical creatures other wizards forget about, like nargles and thestrals, and share her knowledge with others.
4. John Nash (A Beautiful Mind)
Mathematicians often fall into the category of introversion, and John Nash from the 2001 movie A Beautiful Mind is among the most notable of INTP characters. Setting aside his mental health, Nash displays a desire to work alone. He hates teaching students and is much more interested in discovering and completing new mathematical formulas to make a name for himself among the great mathematicians.
Although many people cringe at the idea of studying mathematics full-time, Nash recognizes it as a way to understand and unlock the mysteries of the universe, one equation at a time. One might guess someone so devoted to mathematics would fall into the Judging category, but his fluidity and drive for discovery makes it clear he is a Perceiving type, open to learning and growing through accepting the unexpected, rather than sticking to a set schedule.
5. Yoda (Star Wars)
Yoda is a Thinking type, but he also has an ingrained iNtuitive side, making him wise and mystical. He isn’t afraid of taking the latest developments in stride and doesn’t live by an organized schedule as a Judging type would, so he’s a definite Perceiver.
His Introversion shows thanks to his secluded lifestyle, but he isn’t so closed off that he’s afraid to impart his wisdom and training techniques when it will mean bettering a person and the universe itself, as he does when he takes Luke Skywalker under his wing. As his logic drives his intellectual nature, he often instills that trying is a false action, something that feels quintessential to an INTP. “Do or do not. There is no try.”
6. Jughead Jones (Riverdale)
Archie comics have been around since 1939, but the resurgence in popular culture comes from the popular CW show Riverdale. Jughead Jones is Archibald Andrews’ best friend. His INTP personality shines through his Introverted nature and his iNtutive character through his high school reporting and almost supernatural knowledge.
Although Jughead seems like a brooding person, he prizes knowledge and facts above all else and is as adaptable as possible when discovering new truths, crises, and otherwise.
7. Velma Dinkley (Scooby-Doo)
Scooby-Doo’s Velma Dinkley views the world with a calm and collected demeanor on the outside, but that doesn’t mean her brain isn’t busy processing clues and facts. She analyzes details with a fine-tuned comb, but she’s also spontaneous and uses her Perceiving nature to venture into the unknown with her pals. Her adaptable personality—combined with her iNtuitive, Thinking, and Introverted traits—make her the perfect detective, able to connect her emotions and hunches with hard facts and clues during investigations.
The takeaway
INTP characters in movies, books, and TV shows are not as rare as you might imagine. Although the personality type makes up 3% of the population, characters with the INTP personality include icons like Indiana Jones, Yoda, and Velma Dinkley. If you’re an INTP, you share a type with iconic characters that use logic and intuition to their advantage, whether that’s through detective work, archaeology, or other detail-oriented professions.
If you aren’t sure you’re an INTP, you can find out for free by taking the TypeFinder personality test.
