16 Personalities: Writing an ISTJ Character

Today, we’re starting a series on the 16 personality types, and how to write characters of each type! 

First, however, a disclaimer. Every person is a unique and different, therefore the things I post in here may not, and probably will not apply to ever single human or character. These are the vague generalities of which the people with this type seem to generally have, but it does not apply to everyone. That is the most important thing to recall. These are not a formula to force a person or character in, as each person (and therefore character) is and must be unique to themselves. 

If you are this type and see that I’ve gotten anything wrong, please comment it below! I’m doing my best to research the types I don’t know as well so as to not fall prey to any harmful stereotypes. I have been typed as an ISTJ a couple of times, though I identify more with the INTJs, so I know a little more about this type than some of the others. 

At any rate, I hope some of these facts today help you to write your ISTJ character.  

General Overview:

ISTJs are a pretty popular type, and one of which I’ve gotten for several of my own characters, including some protagonists. They are typically introverted, structured, and knowledgeable, fiercely loyal to those they care about, and quietly determined to see their goals and commitments through. 

However, they, like any other person, also have struggles, which can include being a little too blunt and coming across as insensitive (which usually is not their intent), being stifled by chaos and a lack of structure, becoming overwhelmed if/when they’ve taken too much onto themselves, and becoming judgmental of those who ignore or disagree with established facts or don’t live up to the ISTJ’s standards. 

In relationships, ISTJs are typically deeply committed and tend to want to go about things the traditional ways, rather than going on blind dates or random outings. They look for compatibility with each other, but tend to have a harder time responding to the emotional needs of others unless they realize how their partner needs it. 

As for friendships, they typically have a small, close group of friends who they can talk to without fear of having much conflict. They think more on facts, however, which may clash with more sensitive types’ consideration of sensitivity.  

A note for those familiar with the Four Temperaments personality types: ISTJ is the equivalent of Pure Melancholy.

Words/Phrases that can Describe ISTJs:

• Structured
• Honest
• Responsible 
• Can become Overwhelmed 
• Rational
• Blunt
• Loyal
• Knowledgeable
• Insensitive 
• Introverted 
• Quietly Determined
• Great Listeners
• Perfectionist 

Writing ISTJs as characters:

I would first advise you not to create a character solely because you want an ISTJ character. Like I said above, every single person is different, therefore creating a character and shoving them into the box of a stereotypical ISTJ is not a wise thing to do. 

For example, not 100% of ISTJs are outwardly blunt and come across as insensitive to people. There are plenty of ISTJs out there who have learned how to come across gently and sensitively to others, while still communicating the point they need. You may have an ISTJ character like that. 

You may also have an ISTJ thief character. Maybe instead of being honest, he survives by stealing. But he can still be loyal to those he cares about, and live within his own guidelines as a thief (maybe he has a rule not to steal from widows, for example). 

Your character should be typed based on what they are already are acting like, not because of a desire to have an ISTJ character (even if they are cool!) People and characters are first and foremost individuals, and the personality types are meant to help others understand them, rather than shove them into a box of how they “should” act.

Character Roles for an ISTJ:

What are the best roles for an ISTJ character to play in a story? Well, just like any other character, an ISTJ can play any needed role in your story.

ISTJ Protagonist: I’ve had plenty of these, and they certainly are fun, especially as your quietly feeling and wanting-to-abide-by-rules main character. What if doing what is right requires them to go against the rules or standards they have made for themselves? What if it requires they do more than what they’ve been doing? There are many fun ways to create inner character conflict and growth by using the ISTJ’s way of thinking and life.

ISTJ Antagonist: As an INTJ who has been occasionally typed as an ISTJ, I can totally see where an ISTJ could be an antagonist or villain. Highly knowledgeable, intelligent, perfectionistic, and someone who values structure and guidelines, the ISTJ could be an antagonist in a story which requires some major changes in the world’s rules and guidelines, maybe within the government, a corporation, or city, which the ISTJ opposes for his or her own logical reasons.

ISTJ Love Interest: And of course, the love interest. I also have an ISTJ love interest in my main work in progress, and it’s very interesting since it is the female side of the pair (while the male is the more outgoing, emotional one). ISTJs as love interests are very unique and fun to write, albeit a little difficult in the emotional realm solely because they don’t show their emotions very well. I find it easier to write the emotional scenes from the ISTJ’s point of view so I can relay what she is thinking and feeling inwardly, even though she doesn’t show much of it outwardly. She can come across as blunt and unfeeling, but inside it’s shown she does everything to try and help others and herself avoid catastrophe. It’s especially important to remember with this role how the ISTJ has feelings, very deep feelings, despite perhaps outwardly portraying otherwise.

Some common misconceptions about ISTJs:

Finally, before I finish this post, I wanted to post some common misconceptions about ISTJs, based on what I’ve seen others say, that way you can help your ISTJ character avoid falling into these stereotypes as well.

• Aren’t creative
• Can’t be flexible
• Doesn’t feel emotions (or doesn’t feel deeply)
• Always Shy and Reserved
• Rule Obsessed
• All ISTJs think the same way

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So that is my post on ISTJ characters! Do you have an ISTJ character? Are you an ISTJ yourself? If not, what personality type are you? What is your favorite personality type to write? Let me know in the comments below!

Look forward to my newsletter post next week, which will be showcasing some of my own ISTJ characters!

Thanks for reading, and God bless! ~ Kay Adelin