Character development through personality tests

One great way to add depth to your characters is to use a personality test to find out what personality type they are. This can help you flesh out what reactions they might have in a certain situations or how one character might interact with another.

There are many different types of tests of varying complexity.  The great thing is, you don't need to care if it's a psychologically accepted test. After all, your characters aren't going to complain ^_^.

There are a couple of well know tests that you might find useful, or have even done for yourself.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

The Myers-Briggs test is based on four sets of opposing preferences.

Extraversion (E) - (I) Introversion
Sensing (S) - (N) Intuition
Thinking (T) - (F) Feeling
Judging (J) - (P) Perception

Every person has a preference from each line which then combine to become one of sixteen types.  These sixteen types can then be correlated to the temperaments developed by David Keirsey, though these are actually determined by two different tests.

Keirsey Temperament Sorter

The Kiersey Temperaments correlates to the MBTI types as shown below (taken from Wikipedia).

Temperament	Role	Role Variant
Abstract or Concrete?	Cooperative or Utilitarian?	Directive or Informative?	Expressive or Attentive ?
Introspective (N)	Idealist (NF) Diplomatic	Mentor (NFJ) Developing	Teacher (ENFJ): Educating
			Counselor (INFJ): Guiding
		Advocate (NFP) Mediating	Champion (ENFP): Motivating
			Healer (INFP): Conciliating
	Rational (NT) Strategic	Coordinator (NTJ) Arranging	Fieldmarshal (ENTJ): Mobilizing
			Mastermind (INTJ): Entailing
		Engineer (NTP) Constructing	Inventor (ENTP): Devising
			Architect (INTP): Designing
Observant (S)	Guardian (SJ) Logistical	Administrator (STJ) Regulating	Supervisor (ESTJ): Enforcing
			Inspector (ISTJ): Certifying
		Conservator (SFJ) Supporting	Provider (ESFJ): Supplying
			Protector (ISFJ): Securing
	Artisan (SP) Tactical	Operator (STP) Expediting	Promoter (ESTP): Persuading
			Crafter (ISTP): Instrumenting
		Entertainer (SFP) Improvising	Performer (ESFP): Demonstrating
			Composer (ISFP): Synthesizing

For example, in previous tests I've shown up as an INTJ - introspective (N),  rational (NT), arranging (NTJ) and Introspective (INTJ) or the Mastermind type (insert obligatory evil laugh here).

However my main character from Crackdown, Bethany Jodes, is an ISFJ - the protector; someone who is supportive, but logical, and likes structure.

Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator 

The Enneagram has nine personality types, the 1. Reformer, 2. Helper,  3. Achiever, 4. Individualist, 5. Investigator, 6. Loyalist, 7. Enthusiast, 8. Challenger, and 9. Peacemaker.  My main character's love interest (who's name is not yet settled) is a definite Achiever - self-assured, attractive, and charming.

He might also have traits from his "wings", the two numbers either side, and acts like the ones connected across the circle when he's stressed or satisfied.

Question

So, what personality traits do your characters exhibit, and how does that help you understand how they interact with each other?  Let me know in the comments ^_^.

Thanks for visiting.

Isa

References

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) at Wikipedia
Keirsey Temperament Sorter at Wikipedia
Free test at Kiersey.com
Enneagram of Personality at Wikipedia
Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator at Enneagram Institute