16 Personalities: Writing an ISFJ Character

I am back with the third of our Writing the 16 Personalities series, and today’s personality is the ISFJ. This is one of my favorites, since my mom is this personality, and these characters can be some of the sweetest and most fun to write.

Again, as a reminder, the 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.

General Overview:

As I said above, ISFJ characters are some of my favorites to write, as they are very intriguing and have good social skills despite being introverted. ISFJs are known for their desire to help people, their hard work, and their loyalty. They’re especially observant, noticing small details about tasks that need to be completed and people they care about, and they can be very enthusiastic about a goal they are passionate about.

However, these traits can also cause them to be taken advantage of, not to voice their own opinions for fear of hurting others, and become perfectionistic. They tend to have visions of how things should be, and can be reluctant to change, even when the change is necessary. They can also be reluctant to confront someone who is taking advantage of them or needs to do their share of the work, liking to avoid conflict as much as possible.

In relationships, ISFJs can be some of the most loyal, selfless people around. They are very committed to relationships, and will do everything they can to make the relationship work. Though they can be taken advantage of by others sometimes, they aren’t pushovers, as they have their own firm opinions and preferences. Ultimately, they want to ensure their partner’s happiness, and can take awhile to recover from failed relationships, since they feel deeply.

In friendships, the ISFJs usually make friends through consistent contact, not by spur of the moment meetings. It can take them awhile to open up to new friends, but they are always ready to be there for others and only wish for loyalty, respect, and a bit of recognition in return. Sometimes, their desire to serve and help others can dip into people-pleasing, as they can believe they must be totally selfless in a relationship, but oftentimes the ISFJ, with time, can tell the difference between a true friend and one who is just using them.

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

Words/Phrases that can Describe ISFJs:

• Hardworking
• Taken Advantage of
• Sensitive
• Take Things Personally
• Humble
• Loyal
• Private and Reserved
• Repress Feelings Inward
• Enjoy Helping Others
• Observant
• Reliable
• Perfectionistic
• Selfless

Writing ISFJs as Characters:

As I always advise, don’t create a character solely because you want an ISFJ character. Like I said above, every single person is different, therefore creating a character and shoving them into the box is not a wise thing to do. Let the character evolve naturally into whatever personality type the story and character call for. And if they turn into an ISFJ, that’s wonderful!

And just because your character is ISFJ, it doesn’t mean they are going to mirror everything stated here. My mom is an ISFJ, but she has never been a people-pleaser, but some more immature ISFJs may be. Maybe your ISFJ character is messy and isn’t perfectionistic, or he or she is able to express their feelings freely, rather than feeling like they must repress them. These are only guidelines to help understand people, not stuff them into a box of what they must be.

Character Roles for ISFJs:

As with any character, ISFJs can be any role in a story, but these are some interesting ones!

ISFJ Protagonist: ISFJ protagonists can be super fun, as I’m 99% sure the protagonist of my main work-in-progress is an ISFJ. These characters often need a shove into trouble, seeing as they dislike change, but when they see a cause that they support, they will throw themselves into it wholeheartedly, and become great advocates for right.

ISFJ Villain: ISFJ Villain, anyone? These sweet and supporting types don’t seem the villainous ones, but what if an ISFJ has deluded themself into believing something villainous is actually good and will save the world/their friends or family? Or maybe the ISFJ wants everything to stay the way it is, when change is desperately needed?

ISFJ Sidekick: With such a hardworking and supportive personality, ISFJ characters make great sidekicks! But who’s side are they on, the villain’s or the protagonists? Regardless of which, know these characters will invest in the lives and mission of their friend with their whole heart, especially if they thoroughly support it.

Common Misconceptions about ISFJs:

Here are some common misconceptions about ISFJs to help your character avoid!

• Cannot make rational decisions
• Will do anything to please others
• Have no imagination
• Mediocre in everything they do
• Doormats who never stand up for themselves
• Controlling
• Can’t handle change
• Moody, emotional wrecks
• Expert “door-slammers”
• Shy (rather than just quiet)
• Can’t say no

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Are you an ISFJ? Do you have some ISFJ characters? Do you consider yourself perfectionistic or just thorough? Let me know in the comments below! ~ Kay Adelin