16 Personalities: Writing an ESFP Character

Here we are with the seventh of our Writing Personalities posts highlighting the ESFP! This type is quite interesting to me because, as an INTJ, they are my exact opposite. I don’t actually know anyone personally with this type, so if you are this type and see that I’ve gotten anything wrong, please comment it below!

And 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 ESFP character!

General Overview:

ESFPs are known for their optimism and enthusiasm for life. They love doing new things, stepping out of their comfort zones and living in the here and now. They typically set new trends rather than following traditions, and they are talkative and witty, loving to be around people. However, these people are easily bored and can get into trouble when they don’t have something to do. They can struggle with long term plans, preferring to take things as they come, and can also be unfocused in tasks or subjects that bore them. They are especially sensitive to criticism and do whatever they can to get out of conflict.

In romantic relationships, ESFPs are very passionate, loving the intense emotions that come with the relationship. They are affectionate and inquisitive partners, who always have new and exciting activities planned for their significant other, and invest in the relationship to keep the sparks going. They enjoy fun things rather than discussing deep topics, and can have trouble committing or making promises, because that slows things down. They can also get touchy if a friend or their partner tries to critique their love life—however, they are affected by their friends’s opinions, and may listen to them.

ESFPs make friends very easily. In fact, their larger issue is not making friends, but keeping up with their already existing ones. They are quite loyal to their friends and enjoy helping and listening to them, and have a gifting for noticing shifts in moods. They do their best to make things fun for everyone, and get bothered when conflicts arise to hurt relationships. They can be blunt, but also charming, and like activities that engage the senses. ESFPs can also go too far with risky behaviors and don’t like to be lectured about them—but they deeply care for their friends and do value their opinions.

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

Words that Can Describe ESFPs:

• Fun-loving

• Enthusiastic

• Risk takers

• Blunt

• Inquisitive

• Sensitive

• People Person

• Passionate

• Creative

• Optimistic

• Unfocused

• Don’t look ahead

Writing ESFPs as Characters

First, as always, I advise not creating a character solely because you want an ESFP 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 ESFP, great!

For example, maybe your ESFP character actually enjoys deep subjects, or is good at thinking ahead. Maybe she isn’t a risk taker, or maybe he takes criticism very well. Maybe your ESFP character is a pessimist or struggles with depression.

In all, the above things are vague generalities, and will not apply to every single ESFP. They are guidelines, not a box one must be forced into.

Character Roles for ESFPs:

Optimistic, open to new things, ESFPs are the perfect energetic heroes. But they are also good for so many other roles as well.

ESFP Mentor: These fun-loving characters might seem more of the main character type, but what about a mentor? With the ESFPs ability to be trend-setters instead of rule-followers, an ESFP mentor may help a main character learn how to be a leader and stand up for what’s right, or break the status quo and be different when necessary.

ESFP Ally: When the hero is feeling down, or has just suffered a defeat, who else would be better to lift their spirits than an ESFP? Someone who can encourage them and also give them a listening ear, who can brainstorm new ways of doing things in order to succeed, and someone who is willing to be by their side through it all, an ESFP would be a great ally.

ESFP Villain: An ESFP villain may sound odd, but there are ways they could be one. In a romance, it could be the guy (or girl!) who broke the main character’s heart before by not committing. Or maybe the villain is just a tragic person going down a risky and bad path, and refusing to listen to the advice and warnings of others. Or it could just be someone who doesn’t want to follow the rules when the rules are there for everyone’s safety. There are many ways one could play with this!

Common Misconceptions about ESFPs:

Here are a few common misconceptions to avoid when writing your ESFP character!

• Self Centered

• Hedonists

• Party Animals

• Dumb Jocks/Athletes

• Don’t Think Before Acting

• Don’t Care What Others Think

• Avoid All Commitments

• Fearless Daredevils

• Shallow

• Irresponsible

---

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