How to Write an ENFP Character

Series: The Psychology of Character Creation

Creating a well-rounded and relatable character is essential for any writer, and if you’re looking to write an ENFP character, you’re in the right place. ENFPs are known for their enthusiasm, creativity, and passion, and capturing these traits in your writing can make for a captivating and engaging character. In this guide, we’ll explore the key characteristics of an ENFP, offer tips on how to develop their personality, and provide insights into their strengths and weaknesses. So, let’s dive in and learn how to write an ENFP character that readers will love.

Understand the ENFP Personality Type

Before you start writing an ENFP character, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the ENFP personality type. ENFPs are often described as enthusiastic, creative, and passionate individuals. They are known for their ability to connect with others, their love for new experiences, and their strong sense of empathy. They are imaginative, insightful, and highly empathetic individuals who often prioritize the well-being and happiness of others. Understanding these traits will help you lay a strong foundation for your character.

Embrace their Energetic Nature

ENFPs thrive on energy and excitement. They are naturally curious and love exploring new ideas, people, and places. Incorporate this liveliness into your character by showcasing their zest for life, their eagerness to engage with the world, and their ability to find joy in even the smallest things. However, remember to strike a balance by also portraying their occasional need for introspection and reflection.

Highlight ENFP Strengths and Weaknesses

When writing an ENFP character, it’s important to highlight their strengths and weaknesses to make them more relatable and realistic. ENFPs are flexible and adaptable individuals who embrace spontaneity and tend to avoid rigid structures. ENFPs are known for their enthusiasm, creativity, and ability to connect with others. They are often seen as charismatic and inspiring individuals. However, they can also be impulsive, indecisive, and easily overwhelmed by stress. By showcasing both the positive and negative aspects of their personality, you can create a well-rounded and dynamic ENFP character that readers will love.

Harness Their Intuition and Idealism

ENFPs possess a keen sense of intuition, which guides them in understanding underlying meanings and motivations. They often see possibilities and potential where others may not, allowing them to envision grand possibilities. Introduce this element into your character’s thinking process by showcasing their ability to make connections and explore different perspectives. Pair this with their idealistic nature, as ENFPs are driven by a deep desire to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Create Dynamic Relationships

One of the key traits of an ENFP character is their ability to connect with others. They thrive on forming deep and meaningful relationships, whether it’s with friends, family, or romantic partners. To create dynamic relationships for your ENFP character, focus on developing strong bonds and interactions with other characters in your story. Show how they effortlessly charm and engage others, but also explore the challenges they may face in maintaining these relationships. This will add depth and complexity to your ENFP character, making them more relatable and interesting to readers.

Showcase Emotional Depth and Empathy

ENFPs are highly empathetic and emotionally attuned to others. They possess a natural ability to understand and validate the feelings of those around them. To make your character relatable and authentic, infuse their interactions with genuine empathy, kindness, and the desire to support and uplift others. This emotional depth will add complexity to your character and create opportunities for meaningful relationships and conflicts.

Develop Personal Growth Arcs

When writing an ENFP character, it’s important to show their growth and development throughout the story. ENFPs are known for their curiosity and desire to constantly learn and improve themselves. Identify areas in which your character can evolve and overcome their weaknesses or fears. This could involve facing their own vulnerabilities, navigating complex moral dilemmas, or finding a balance between their own needs and the desires of others. If your character is overly naive, then by the end of their character arc they need to be more aware of the world. By showcasing their growth, you create a compelling and dynamic character arc.

Here are some attributes to add to your ENFP Characters

Enthusiastic
Short Attention Span
Great Social Skills
Fascinated With Life
Unfocused
Fiercely Independent
Loves new experiences
Easily stressed
Tend to be popular
Often mistaken as flirty

Here are some ENFP Characters:

Naruto Uzumaki
Peter Parker
Rapunzel
Anne Shirley
Joe March
Alice Cullen
Lucie Herondale
Eddie Munson
Bolin (Legend of Korra)

How to write an ENFP Character Conclusion

Crafting an ENFP character requires a deep understanding of their core traits and a commitment to portraying their complexities authentically. By embracing their energy, intuition, empathy, and adaptability, you can create a vibrant and relatable character that resonates with readers. Remember to explore their personal growth, allowing them to face challenges, learn from their experiences, and evolve throughout your narrative. By following these guidelines, you will be well on your way to writing a compelling ENFP character that adds depth and richness to your storytelling.

Up Next: How to write an INTP Character

Want to learn more about the Meyers-Brigg 16 Personalities? Click Here