8 Fictional Characters You’ll Relate to if You’re an ISFJ

ISFJs are one of the caretakers of the 16-type system and not without particular esteem. Their sense of duty, loyalty, and commitment is an unrivaled trait that makes the ISFJ the go-to person for actionable care, sympathy, and down-to-earth connections. Otherwise called “The Protector,” you may know an ISFJ aunt, mother, or father who strives to do everything they can do to make you (and everyone else they love) comfortable, happy, and at peace. Or you may recognize that you, yourself, are a caring ISFJ. 

ISFJs possess a unique quality that makes them the best person to turn to when you need a helping hand in defense. Their desire to uphold tradition makes them a formidable, ingenious force in the workplace when combined with their practical problem-solving techniques. Although they might be non-confrontational at first glance, they’re not afraid to step in to defend their loved ones when necessary and can be a surprising ally when you’re in need. Sometimes, others mistake ISFJs for Extraverts due to their caring, close connections with others, and strong social skills.

Because of their extraordinary devotion to those they care about, as well as their practical view of life, excellent work ethic, and deep integrity, an ISFJ might be the most humble, trustworthy, and caring person you have on speed-dial. These honorable traits make it easy to spot an ISFJ when you know one, and there are also plenty of examples of ISFJ characters in fiction, television, film, and more that’ll help you familiarize yourself with just who the “Protectors” in your life might be.

1. Pam Beesly (The Office)

The Office is an iconic comedy series, but between the comedic banter of the main characters, the heart of one Pam Beesly shines through the laughter. Even when she’s in cahoots with her Dunder-Mifflin cohorts, Beesly is an ISFJ protector at heart who follows traditional standards in her work and is an overachiever when considering her co-workers' feelings at work. Her kind spirit shines through on infinite occasions, and at the beginning of the series, she struggles to stick up for herself at work and would rather keep quiet to maintain peace. 

Throughout the show’s nine seasons, Beesly goes out of her way to please the people around her and build them up, like a mother figure, despite the lack of recognition she gets for most of her actions.

2. Joyce Byers (Stranger Things)

Joyce Byers is, first and foremost, a mom when viewers see her in the first season of Stranger Things. A few episodes in, however, it becomes clear that Byers is more than a traditional mother figure: she’s a fighter and protector who will stop at nothing to find her missing son and redeem the town that she lives in by getting justice. 

Although mothers are all fighters when it comes to their children, Byers' typical ISFJ personality displays a unique mix of sensible logic and an Introverted nature. After Will Byers goes missing, her emotion-heavy thinking process leads her heart-first above her head (even when her deductions seem illogical), and her structured organizational method surprises viewers with a home makeover involving a makeshift Ouija board she uses to communicate with her son.

3. Meg March (Little Women, Louisa May Alcott novel and subsequent movie adaptations)

In Louisa May Alcott's American literature masterpiece, Little Women, and subsequent film adaptations, the sisters display a wide variety of traits, but the ISFJ of the family is Meg March, the eldest of the young ladies. Meg is, at the utmost, practical, logical, introverted, and kind. Her concern for her sisters is mother-like and her bond extends beyond a big sister, encompassing concerns for their welfare and marital future. 

Her attitude toward their acceptance in society is reflected most when looking at how Jo March’s tomboyish and boisterous behavior makes Meg uncomfortable and embarrassed. Since Jo’s behavior was considered very unladylike at the time and unlikely to yield a respectable marital and social position, Meg was hoping it was something she might outgrow to uphold good standing.

4. Cinderella (Grimm’s Fairy Tales and Disney adaptations) 

Although Cinderella overcomes her poor lot in life and marries a prince, she is an introverted, practical young woman who doesn’t argue her position in her household before her good fortune and, above all, maintains her kind heart. Cinderella, of course, remembers the good times when her father was alive, but her position with her stepmother is far from debated (even if she spends some time arguing her circumstances in her head). 

Looking at Cinderella’s character deeper, the future princess has a deep respect for her autonomy and sense of self but maintains a quiet, accepting sense of duty. She doesn’t like to hurt anyone and has a kind, pure heart that speaks to her “Protector” personality type.

5. Steve Rogers (Captain America, Marvel comics and movies)  

If there’s anyone serving as the kind parental figure of America, it’s indeed Marvel’s Captain America, of the Captain America movies and comic books. Steve Rogers is no stranger to bullying, and though others pushed him around and picked on him, he finds his purpose as a defender of the weak and needy. His life mission is to protect others and uphold justice, all while his combined logical and Feeling traits make it easy for him to be both pragmatic and empathetic.

6. Leonard Leakey Hofstadter (The Big Bang Theory)

Leonard Hofstadter is all for upholding tradition (an excellent example of ISFJ’s dominant function, Introverted Sensing). He’s also a great listener and puts other people’s feelings first, especially with his love, Penny, which points to his auxiliary function, Extraverted Feeling (Fe). He’s uncomfortable talking about his accomplishments, a common trait of an ISFJ, and he’s also very much an Introverted Thinker (Ti) who tends to overanalyze things on occasion. 

7. Neville Longbottom (Harry Potter books and films franchise)

Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter is often found sticking up for what he believes in, including the rules, traditions, and what’s expected of him. However, when his friends are in trouble, he displays true bravery and unprecedented courage. Because of his desire to uphold tradition and stick to the basics, as well as his love of structure, he doesn’t often step outside of the mold. However, Longbottom’s Feeling preference takes over when necessary and encompasses what ISFJ “Protectors” are best known for: defending their loved ones above all else.

8. Marta Cabrera (Knives Out)

The murder mystery hit flick of 2019 brought a sensitive and caring Marta Cabrera to the silverscreen as she fought to defend her boss, Harlan Thrombey’s, reputation. From the get-go, Cabrera encompasses a dutiful character who prefers to stick with tradition and does what she’s expected rather than stray from the plan. Things don’t go to plan for Marta, but even when she’s thrown a curveball, she does what she can to stay loyal to Thrombey and her ideals.

Summing it up

ISFJ characters are pretty common throughout film and TV tropes, as well as literature, and that’s because these dynamic types display a unique juxtaposition of duty and daring bravery when put in the right circumstances. ISFJs’ loving nature makes them the ultimate protector of loved ones and human rights. Although they may come across as someone who doesn’t brag about their accomplishments, you’ll find ISFJs ranking as some of the best change-makers for their family and friends while honoring traditional systems that work and staying true to themselves.