16 Personalities: Writing an ISTP Character

So starting last week until the second week in May, things are going to be super busy… thus why I forgot to post this last week! My apologies.

Today is the fourth of our Writing the 16 Personalities post, this one being on the ISTP! I will admit, this type is a very unique type for me, as I don’t think I’ve ever met someone with this personality type, or have gotten a character with it, but I haven’t actually typed all my characters yet (though I’m slowly working through them!) So for this one, I am going solely off of things I’m seeing online about ISTPs and from ISTPs. But as always, if you are this type and see that I’ve gotten anything wrong, please comment it below!

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.

Regardless, I hope some of these facts today help you to write your ISTP character!

General Overview:

ISTPs (to me, an INTJ) seem sort of like an oxymoron, but honestly, they seem quite intriguing too, especially as characters. Typically the energetic, live-in-the-moment characters are extroverted, but ISTPs are introverted and quiet but enjoy being sporadic and flexible. They are very logical, but relaxed and rarely get stressed, liking to go with the flow and stay busy.

They can become stubborn and blunt, however, and become easily bored. They also have a tendency to take risks which may not all be healthy, and committing to something can be hard for them. Finally, like many introverts, they can be private and hard to get to know, since they tend to prefer silence to small talk.

In relationships, ISTPs can be flighty early on, since they enjoy living in the moment and have a hard time making commitments. They can also be difficult for their partner to understand, as they’re naturally spontaneous—they may like something one day, and be indifferent about it the next. Like many introverted types, the ISTP has deep feelings that they conceal and protect, but this also makes it difficult for them to express themselves to their partner. But they enjoy helping their partner loosen up and relax and live in the moment, though they also need personal space.

ISTPs can be interested in a wide variety of hobbies, making it very easy for people to befriend them. However, because of their natural reserve and privacy, it can be harder for people to go further in the friendship. They like things relaxed and flexible with little commitment required, and don’t typically allow themselves to be moved by others, doing what they want when they choose. Despite their reserve, they tend to be popular people with open minds and relaxed attitudes.

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

Words/Phrases that can Describe ISTPs:

• Logical 
• Flexible
• Rarely stressed
• Cheerful
• Spontaneous 
• Risk takers
• Imaginative 
• Easily bored
• Stubborn 
• Blunt 
• Insensitive 
• Live in the present 

Writing ISTPs as Characters:

First, as in every one of these 16 Personalities posts, I advise not creating a character solely because you want an ISTP 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. Each person is different, and the character should fit the role in the story first and foremost. And if the character happens to be an ISTP, awesome!

ISTPs, like any other type, are in-depth and unique, but to me, this type seem to be especially multi-faceted. Some ISTPs may be more charismatic, more in-your-face and confident in themselves. Others may be quieter, more logical, but just as creative and fun-loving. Quiet, but with a spontaneous, imaginative side to them, ISTPs are both intelligent and cool.

Not all ISTPs will be exactly like everything listed here. Maybe your ISTP character is good with commitments. Or your ISTP is more cautious and sensitive to others when they speak. Again, these are just vague generalities which will not and do not apply to every single ISTP.

Character Roles for an ISTP:

With being so colorful, there are many roles for ISTPs to play in stories. These three are the ones I think would be the most fun roles to see an ISTP in.

ISTP Villain: Somehow, the idea of this character as a villain just seems so fun. I’d love to see a villain with a side hobby that he tinkers with when he’s bored with thinking about the main conflict he’s causing. I feel like he’d need a more steady underling to help reignite his passion for his villainous goal though, but it would be incredible to see him quietly gardening or building something in his spare time, looking just like a normal person, when in fact, he’s the villainous mastermind (with his more-committed underling bringing him back to the goal).

ISTP Sidekick: An ISTP sidekick or confidante would be quite neat. Perhaps the main character meets this ISTP ally because they both share the same hobbies, and the ISTP and protagonist talk, and the ISTP gives them much needed advice. Or maybe the ISTP’s spontaneity and logical thinking come together and save the main character from one of the villain’s carefully laid traps. Lots to work with here!

ISTP Underling: This ISTP “underling” could work for the villain or protagonist, and carries out some of their plans, and maybe even creates some of their own. Maybe this ISTP underling thinks of a way to break some of the protagonist’s friends out of jail and does it, or gets a spur of the moment idea of how to stall the hero from discovering the villain’s plans. Either way, the ISTP’s creativity, spontaneity, and ability to live in the moment make them great and intelligent underlings–not like the bumbling idiots most villains and some protagonists get stuck with.

Common Misconceptions about ISTPs:

Here are a few common misconceptions about ISTPs to help you avoid when writing your ISTP character!

• Stoic and silent
• Distant
• Unable to Commit
• “Hate” people

---

Are you an ISTP? Do you have some ISTP characters? What type are you? Let me know in the comments below! ~ Kay Adelin