Home
Start a room

Personality 101

What are the 16 personality types, really?

This framework sorts how people prefer to take in the world and make choices. It isn't a test you pass or a box you're stuck in — it's a shared vocabulary for saying "ah, that's just how you're wired."

Where it came from

It grew out of Carl Jung's 1920s ideas about psychological types, then was turned into four simple letter pairs in the 1940s.

How it's determined

You answer questions about everyday preferences. Each of four pairs leans one way, giving you four letters.

How to hold it

It describes preferences, not ability or destiny. Everyone uses both sides — one just feels more natural.

The four letters

Your type is one letter from each of these four pairs. Nobody sits at the extreme end of all four — the letter just shows which side you reach for first.

Where your energy comes from

EExtraversionRecharges around people; thinks out loud.
IIntroversionRecharges alone; thinks first, speaks later.

How you take in information

SSensingTrusts what's concrete, present and proven.
NIntuitionChases patterns, possibilities and what-ifs.

How you make decisions

TThinkingLeads with logic and consistency.
FFeelingLeads with values and impact on people.

How you organise your life

JJudgingWants a plan, a list, and a decision.
PPerceivingKeeps options open until the last minute.

The four families

The 16 types get grouped into four families that share a way of seeing the world.

Analysts

Intuitive + Thinking — systems, strategy, and a good argument.

INTJ character — blue marshmallow with a blueprint scroll and drafting compassINTP character — green marshmallow in a lab coat with round glasses and a magnifierENTJ character — purple marshmallow in a gold crown and commander coat with a clipboardENTP character — blue marshmallow at the mic in a purple blazer, one finger raised
Diplomats

Intuitive + Feeling — meaning, people, and quiet idealism.

INFJ character — sage marshmallow in a flower crown holding little balance scalesINFP character — pink marshmallow in a cozy sweater reading a heart-covered bookENFJ character — cream marshmallow in a beret and plaid coat with a sketchbookENFP character — yellow marshmallow in a starry robe waving a gold star wand
Sentinels

Observant + Judging — order, loyalty, and things actually getting done.

ISTJ character — mint marshmallow with a checklist clipboard and briefcaseISFJ character — cream marshmallow in a beanie with a heart shield and cookiesESTJ character — ivory marshmallow in a pinstripe suit with a gavel and stopwatchESFJ character — lavender marshmallow waving, carrying a tray of name tags
Explorers

Observant + Prospecting — hands-on, spontaneous, allergic to plans.

ISTP character — blue marshmallow in overalls and goggles with a wrenchISFP character — teal marshmallow in headphones and a paint-splattered hoodieESTP character — peach marshmallow in a tool belt holding up a gold trophyESFP character — pink marshmallow in a sparkly jacket singing into a microphone

All 16 personalities

Every type has a character in this app — the same blob shows up next to that type everywhere. Tap one to read the full primer.

Now go test it on your friends

Gather up to 16 people, add everyone's type, and play Guess the Person with questions written for your specific group.

Start a room