What Stranger Things Character You’d Be, Based On Your Myers and Briggs Personality Type

It's here, the final season of Stranger Things! To celebrate, we're diving into the personality traits of every character facing the Upside Down.

If you’re a super-fan of the cultural phenomenon that is Stranger Things (and honestly, why wouldn't you be?!), you’ve probably spent way too much time thinking about how the lovable collection of weirdos and supernatural freaks from Hawkins, Indiana, will rise to meet the myriad mindbending challenges they faced at the end of Season Four. 

Endless ink has been spilled on the cult-like draw of Stranger Things, from the campy 80s-nostalgia, to the otherworldly effects, to the wildly intense plotting, but a big part of the enduring magic of the show is the quirky cast of characters and how they navigate the terrifying events unfolding around them. 

Will Eleven be able to face her dark origin story and defeat Vecna? Will Max’s bold, Kate Bush-inspired energy be the key to all of it? Will Hopper and Joyce find love, while vanquishing demigorgons (and destabilizing the old Soviet bloc)? Will Steve continue his journey to become a better person—worthy of Nancy Wheeler—and what will his hair look like? 

OK Stranger Things fans, let's break down the observable personality psychology of every character facing the Upside Down.  If you have ever wondered what Stranger Things character you’d be based on your Myers and Briggs personality type, this one is for you. 

Not sure of your type? You can take Truity’s free, validated TypeFinder® test, based on Myers Briggs theory here. 

Eleven: The Healer (INFP)

“I came here to try and understand who I was. To see if ... I was the monster. And I know the truth. It is not me. It is you. You are the monster.” — Eleven 

As an INFP, you are Eleven. INFPs are highly intuitive, and they possess a deep connection to their inner world and emotions, often guided by their own feelings and instincts.  Like Eleven, following tradition holds little appeal to you, as you prefer to decide for yourself what seems right. 

INFPs are always searching for meaning and truth within themselves. Like Eleven, it is not uncommon for those around you to underestimate both your convictions and how tuned in you are to the hidden forces and motives operating around you. 

INFPs do not conform easily to others’ expectations, something that Eleven demonstrates time and again as she bucks what is expected of her from her scientist captors, Hopper, and even Mike and her new friends, all while trying to understand herself. Like Eleven, you’d rather be true to yourself than to try to fit in with the crowd, least of all be held captive in a government lab. 

You tend to prefer solitude and quiet environments, as INFPs are often overwhelmed by large groups or intense social interactions, as Eleven also shows from her early days in hiding with Mike.  But the selflessness of INFPs for their loved ones or ideals is legendary: you will sacrifice anything for what you believe in and for those you care about—much like Eleven lays down her life to the demigorgons to save her friends.  And much like Eleven, the intensity of your feelings can occasionally leave you unwilling to make compromises, even when doing so might be necessary to get something accomplished. 

Healers select their friends and partners carefully, looking for a strong bond and shared values. INFPs are highly compatible with ENFPs in particular, which just so happens to be the personality type of Eleven’s love Mike Wheeler. 

Mike Wheeler: The Champion (ENFP)

“You can fly, you can move mountains. I believe that.” — Mike Wheeler

Like Mike, you are a natural leader who is energetic and enthusiastic, thriving in social settings. ENFPs are often the center of the group, like Mike, who is the ring-leader of the Hellfire Club and the gang of friends taking on the dark forces of the Upside Down. Just as Mike is fiercely drawn to Eleven, you are drawn to authentic emotional intensity, and can be easily bored by the mundane.  

Often active in social movements, ENFPs stand up fiercely for what they believe in without apology. And true to type, Mike’s belief in Eleven—and his friends—is rock solid.  ENFPs like you are imaginative and open-minded, constantly exploring new ideas and possibilities, as Mike demonstrates with his ideas to burn the tunnels, create a sensory deprivation tank, and to search out Suzie to help find Eleven. Like Mike, you are confident in your ability to handle demands that many people find scary or intimidating (even the forces of darkness and a vast worldwide government conspiracy)! 

You are a consensus-builder and an excellent communicator who enjoys bringing out the best in others, a trait we see time and again with Mike’s indefatigable optimism and planning role in the group.  ENFPs like you are reliable to a fault and primarily motivated by love and loyalty, something clearly on display as Mike prioritizes his friends and Eleven again and again. ENFPs place great importance on personal development and they encourage their mates to pursue their dreams and true selves, as Mike does with Eleven. They are accepting of their partners as unique individuals, even when they have psychokinetic abilities. 

Dustin Henderson: The Visionary (ENTP)

"You always say we should never stop being curious, to always open any curiosity door we find." — Dustin Henderson 

As an ENTP like Dustin, you are energized by working with others and curious to understand people and problems (including occasionally letting your curiosity get the best of you, like say, adopting a baby demigorgon named Dart). Like Dustin, who is endlessly tinkering with gadgets at Camp Nowhere, you tend to be a creative and systematic thinker.  Your Perceiving traits allow you to be comfortable with frequent, fast-paced change, just as Dustin is always game to shift plans on the fly. 

As an ENTP you are quick-witted, confident, lovable and charming. And just like Dustin, you bring a dorky and infectious enthusiasm to everything you do. ENTPs trust their instincts, are not bound by convention, and are rarely judgmental. However, they can be impatient and impractical, as we see with Dustin when he is unable to convince others around him of the wisdom of his plans. 

Flexible and open-minded, ENTPs enjoy exploring different possibilities and are quick to adapt to new situations. This combination of personality preferences produces people who love taking on challenges deemed impossible by others, as Dustin does time and again, even when others make fun of his efforts, like his Cerebro radio (which, by the way, led to an intercept of the Russian-language transmission that alerted the gang to the Russians presence in town). 

Lucas Sinclair: The Craftsperson (ISTP)

“..I'm sorry I wasn't there ... I see you now. I see you.” — Lucas Sinclair 

ISTPs are reserved and independent. Much like Lucas going rogue to investigate Hawkins National Laboratory, you often prefer to work on your own and focus on practical tasks.

Others may see ISTPs like you as somewhat aloof, as they can keep to themselves, much as Lucas does when he joins the basketball team and shuns D&D with the Hellfire Club in hopes of no longer being bullied. But ISTPs are true friends and prefer to show their affection through showing up and acts of practical service (rather than flowery speeches).

ISTPs are observant, pragmatic and detail-oriented and pay close attention to their surroundings and the immediate reality. Accordingly, Lucas is highly attuned to the goings on in Hawkins and one of the more focused, even-keeled characters on the show (despite his momentary defection to Jason Carver and the basketball bros last season).  

In relationships, ISTPs can be less adept at dealing with their partner’s emotions, looking for common-sense solutions that put feelings into their place. This is something that can be seen with Lucas and his on-again, off-again girlfriend Max Mayfield as she deals with the emotional fallout of her possession by Vecna. 

Max’s personality type, ESTP, is one of just four other types that are noted kindred spirits for Lucas’ type, the ISTP. These types won’t necessarily agree on everything (and communications styles can be an issue, as it is for Max and Lucas), but they’re more likely to feel an easy rapport and have plenty of things in common. 

Max Mayfield: The Dynamo (ESTP)

"I told you, I'm fine. Okay? I mean, as fine as someone who's hurtling towards a gruesome death can be." – Max Mayfield

As an ESTP like Max Mayfield, you are bold, tough, risk-taking, no-nonsense and energetic by nature. All traits we saw from the jump when Max arrived in Hawkins from California, as a skateboarding, gamer- girl up for any adventure. 

ESTPs are highly perceptive. They like logical puzzles and immediate results, and are able to improvise, a combination of traits that produces people who are excellent in emergency situations, as we see so often with Max (including when she steals Billy’s car and plays a pivotal role in the fight against the Mind Flayer). Like you and Max, ESTPs are uniquely able to think on their feet, adjusting and responding reflexively.  Because ESTPs are so focused on the present, they are able to be bold and adventurous, but they can also struggle with thinking ahead and following through, which in the Upside Down, may actually turn out to be a key advantage for Max. 

In terms of relationships, ESTPs are self-assured and tend to have a great sense of humor, but may have difficulty connecting on a deeper emotional level, as we see in Max’s struggles to share with Lucas and her friends what is really going on with her. As noted above, ESTPs are a strongly compatible match with ISTPs (Lucas’ type), but not without their communications challenges. It is telling that only at the end of Season 4, in Max’s last conscious moments, she's finally able to bare her soul to Lucas, who's been begging her to let him in. 

Will Byers: The Healer (INFP)

“Sometimes I think it's just scary to open up like that. To say how you really feel. Especially to people you care about the most. Because, what if... what if they don't like the truth?” — Will Byers

Another INFP is Will, a sensitive dreamer, who is often lost in his own thoughts and imagination. Deeply imaginative and creative, INFPs often dream of different worlds and possibilities, as we saw from Will from the very beginning in his commitment to cosplay and D&D with friends, to being open enough to be taken to a different dimension in the first season. 

Like Will, INFPs are sensitive, sympathetic, gentle, and encouraging to their friends and loved ones. Will’s sweet bond with his mother, Joyce, and his ability to find a way to communicate with her from another dimension is an example of how attuned INFPs can be to others.  

Jim Hopper: The Inspector (ISTJ)

“After Sara... I saw her too. And I heard her. I didn't know what was real. And then I figured out that it was in my mind, and I had to pack all that away... otherwise I was gonna fall down a hole that I couldn't get out of. — Jim Hopper

If you are calm, emotionally-contained and tough, you are Hawkins Chief of Police Jim Hopper — a classic ISTJ. ISTJs like Hopper are reserved and private, often keeping their thoughts and feelings to themselves, as we see with Hopper’s painful denial over his lost daughter Sara.

Practical and realistic, you tend to be focused on the present and the concrete details of situations, making you, like Hopper, an excellent player in a crisis, which in Stranger Things, comes in handy.

ISTJs use logical and disciplined thinking to approach problems, which can result in hilarity as we watch Hopper try to apply reason to supernaturally unreasonable scenarios.  ISTJs appreciate the value of teamwork, but can be stubborn and struggle with change, as we see often with Hopper being dug in on his plans, ideas and in his arguments with Joyce. Often the "proper" course of action is self-evident to the ISTJ, who may have little patience with unconventional approaches.

As we see in Hopper’s relationship with Eleven, ISTJs as parents are firm in their expectations and in enforcing rules. They rarely dote on their children, but provide stability, structure and the practical necessities of life. ISTJ parents want to pass on traditions and teach their children how to fit into society, as we saw early on with Hopper trying to help Eleven hide and fit in. 

And if you’re interested in Hopper and Joyce’s chances at lasting love, you should know that ISTJs are incredibly loyal and reliable. They keep their promises and expect others to do the same (hence Hopper’s sadness over Joyce seeming to forget about him in the USSR). Notably however, Joyce Byers type (ISFJ) is one of the most compatible personality types to Hopper’s ISTJ.  You are welcome for that, by the way. 

Joyce Byers: The Protector (ISFJ)

“Maybe I am a mess, maybe I'm crazy, maybe I'm out of my mind! But, God help me, I will keep these lights up until the day I die, if I think there's a chance that Will's still out there!” — Joyce Byers

As an ISFJ, you are Joyce Byers, the introverted, slightly daffy and fiercely doting Mom of Jonathan and Will. 

Practical, compassionate and caring, ISFJs like you are primarily motivated to protect their loved ones from the perils of life. Joyce is called on again and again to do just that, from trying to solve Will’s disappearance into another dimension in Season 1, to crash-landing into communist-era Russia in Season 4 to save Hopper. 

ISFJs tend to shun the spotlight, preferring to focus on others as hardworking, loyal caretakers. Even before the portal to another dimension opened in Hawkins, we see Joyce’s fierce commitment to her children, in her struggle to make ends meet as a single mom, while ensuring her kids stay on the right track.  

As an ISFJ, you are detail-oriented and observant, highly attentive to the needs and emotions of those around you, just as Joyce is with her children. Like Joyce, you feel deeply and are compelled by a strong sense of duty and responsibility to protect others. ISFJ parents can be overprotective in shielding their children from the dangers of life. They may blame themselves for problems that their children experience (experiencing excessive worry even), something we see clearly with Joyce. Because they love so fiercely, ISFJs can tend to put their children or partner’s needs ahead of their own.  As noted above, Joyce’s type is highly romantically compatible with Hopper’s calm, reliable, gruff ISTJ personality. Again, you are welcome.

Nancy Wheeler: The Mastermind (INTJ)

“Yeah. Girls this age are ... dumb. But give them a few years, and they'll wise up.” — Nancy Wheeler to Dustin

Nancy Wheeler is organized, ambitious, analytical and strategic — and kind of a bad-ass, just like you INTJ. INTJs are comfortable with reason and problem-solving, and Nancy, as an aspiring journalist, applies those same traits to her hunt for her friend Barb who had been lost to the Upside Down. 

Though INTJs tend to be more reserved, they are highly curious about the world around them and come to life in an environment of intellectual challenge and discussion. We see Nancy doing this as she unravels the mystery at the heart of Hawkins, starting from the Creel murders in the 1950s through to Vecna. That INTJ curiosity can make you absolutely fearless, as we see with Nancy as she investigates Chrissy’s murder, takes on rats and even Vecna himself. 

Self-assured, perfectionistic and intellectual, INTJs can sometimes select partners in a scientific way, which we can see with Nancy as she struggles with her feelings for Steve (who in no way checks any of her life-partner boxes) and moves on to Jonathan, another aspiring reporter, who may be a better fit.  The partners of INTJs can find them cool customers and hard to read, as we see with both Steve and Jonathan’s reactions to Nancy. 

Steve Harrington: The Performer (ESFP)

“Look at my outfit! YOU THINK I JUST WEAR THIS?!” – Steve Harrington

As an ESFP, you are Steve Harrington: extraverted, sociable and charismatic. Like Steve, you dominate any scene you are in. ESFPs like you enjoy being around others and are often the life of the party. Chances are, you also have pretty great hair.* 

(*Full disclosure: Steve is my favorite Stranger Things character. I even once went to see the actor who plays him, Joe Keery, perform with his band in Chicago. So, there is, like, zero journalistic objectivity here). 

Spontaneous and adaptable, as an ESFP, you enjoy living in the moment and embracing new experiences. People just like you, despite themselves, as we see with Nancy Wheeler being sucked into Steve’s orbit. ESFPs look on the bright side and do their best to live life to the fullest, which is pretty magnetic for those around you. You notice whether other people are having fun, and do your best to create a good time for all. Although ESFPs are generally friendly and likable, they can also be hard to get close to. Although they tend to be very open, they are reluctant to be serious or to talk about anything negative. 

As a sensing ESFP type, you are tuned into pleasing colors and textures, and your outward appearance reflects that: you tend to be a bold, on trend and exciting dresser (and whether it’s sailor hats, sunglasses or Member’s Only jackets, Steve rocks them). Though outwardly Steve has a good time boy persona, ESFPs can be easily bored, avoid conflict and struggle with long-term planning, as Steve does with his directionless post-graduation ice cream shop career. 

Despite Steve’s party vibes, as a Sensing type, ESFPs like him are observant and pay attention to the immediate environment and the needs of others, as he does with his BFF and co-worker Robin.  ESFPs are actually motivated by care and compassion, as we see with Steve’s support of Robin and his selflessness when it comes to Nancy Wheeler. To note, Nancy’s type INTJ is one of the least compatible with ESFPs. I mean, I’m not going to say that she is not right for him, but I have to just point out the facts. 

Erica Sinclair: The Supervisor (ESTJ)

“You can't spell America without Erica.” — Erica Sinclair

As an ESTJ, you are the impressive Erica Sinclair, Lucas’ practical, decisive and efficient little sister. ESTJs are energized by working with others and are disciplined, decisive and practical, as we saw when Erica calmly agrees to climb through the Starcourt Mall’s vents in exchange for free ice cream for life. 

ESTJs are straightforward and clear communicators, but can tend to come off as a little judgmental and even domineering, as they can believe their logical attitudes are superior to others. They are direct, and honest communicators, but they can sometimes appear harsh and become impatient with others’ emotions. We often see this in Erica, with hilarious effect, as she touches her brother’s action figures, makes fun of his costumes and otherwise challenges her friend’s more nonsensical decision-making. 

No one would ever accuse an ESTJ of shirking their duty, and you have an extraordinarily high level of integrity in your work and personal relationships.  Like Erica, you are eager to take responsibility and deliver a job well done. 

Jonathan Byers: The Composer (ISFP) 

"I'm Going As A Guy Who Hates Parties." – Jonathan Byers

ISFPs like you and Jonathan Byers, are introverted, sensitive, artistic and observant problem-solvers who see possibilities others miss. ISFPs seldom overlook any details, and that, combined with an artistic streak and deep love for beauty and nature, make Jonathan a naturally skilled photographer. 

ISFPs are experts at finding patterns and connections, and this ability allows them to see possibilities for change and improvement. True to form, Jonathan is the one who sees Will’s disappearance and his mother’s seemingly unhinged reaction to it, and connects it to Nancy’s story about Barb’s disappearance, leading them to the idea of another dimension. 

Though ISFPs tend to be bold and spontaneous, seeking new experiences and ways to help others, they tend to become bored easily and can struggle with decision-making and planning for the future. They are happy to buck the system and go against the tide, to live their authentic lives, as in Jonathan’s case with his art. 

In relationships, they may have difficulty asserting themselves and want to accommodate others. We see this in Jonathan’s inability to tell Nancy that he can’t afford to go to Emerson College with her.  Nancy’s type, INTJ, is one of the least compatible types with a go-with-the-flow ISFP. 

Argyle: The Counselor (INFJ)

"Who would I tell? You're my only friend, Jonathan." – Argyle

As an INFJ, you are Argyle. This may be a controversial take, but stoner-philosopher-pizza delivery dude Argyle, a new character in Season 4, is giving INFJ to me.  Without a friend of his own, when Jonathan shows up at his Lenore, California pizza shop, Argyle forms a deep friendship with him. This is a trait of INFJs, whose introverted nature compels them to go deep, but not wide with a very few select friends. 

INFJs, the rarest personality type, are energized by time alone and have a deep interest in understanding ideas and concepts, as we see Argyle do constantly in his philosophical musings.  This combination of personality preferences produces people who are intensely idealistic, authentic and empathetic. I also think that without constantly being high, Argyle would probably be a little more inward and self-contained.

Like Argyle, INFJs are often mysterious (read: quirky as hell) to others. But for those who get closer, the INFJ, known as “the Counselor,” is a true friend who has a unique ability to intuit others' motivations, and will often know how you are feeling before you know it yourself.  Argyle is a sensitive, authentic and calming presence, who can be uncannily tuned into the needs of others. Argyle seems to nail the deeper truths about what is really going on with the world and his friends (and in my opinion, this pushes him up into the stoner archetype hall of fame, alongside the likes of Spicoli and Theodore “Ted” Logan). His line ”Yeah. You gotta be clean to enter the mind,” when Eleven shows up filthy and needing their help is the perfect example. 

Another clue: INFJs in love, as Argyle most certainly is with Suzie’s older sister Eden, fall hard and shower their partner with affection. With lovers and friends, the INFJ can display a more lighthearted and silly side of their personality. Finally, INFJs are deeply idealistic and believe the world can be a better place, and they concentrate on doing their best to help it get there. In Argyle’s case, that is helping his friends defeat a Superbad Dude, so that they can all get back to 4:20 and some pineapple pizza. 

Sadly, I couldn’t spot any INTPs, ENTJs, ESFJs or ENFJs on the show, but you can find more on these types in the links here. 

A final note of thanks: Story quotes and other material credited to the amazing people on the Stranger Things fan wiki page.