How To Write an ENTP Character

Series: The Psychology of Character Creation

Playfully pragmatic, these characters love to challenge the status quo and have a talent for compelling others to question their methods. Their strong insight and quick thinking make them handy in a pinch, but don’t ask them to sit through long lectures or to write a tedious theist paper. These personalities work best in a heated debate, unweaving social constructs and exploring possibilities. Here are some tips to help you create an ENTP character that’s both believable and engaging.

Understand the ENTP Personality Type

Before you begin writing an ENTP character, it’s important to have a good understanding of the personality type. ENTPs are known for their love of debate and exploration. They are quick thinkers and love to challenge the status quo. They are often described as “devil’s advocates” because they enjoy taking the opposite side of an argument just to see if they can win. ENTPs are also highly creative and innovative. They have a natural ability to see possibilities and opportunities where others might see only obstacles. Finally, ENTPs can be impulsive and can struggle with follow-through. They may have a hard time finishing projects or sticking to a plan, preferring instead to jump from idea to idea. This makes them great problem solvers and entrepreneurs. They are the type of character to own a multimillion dollar company, but forget to eat until they pass out. 

Consider the ENTP’s Strengths and Weaknesses

When crafting an ENTP character, it’s important to consider both their strengths and weaknesses.They are excellent at thinking outside the box and coming up with innovative solutions to problems. They are also natural leaders and have a talent for inspiring others with their enthusiasm and energy. ENTPs are incredibly intelligent and creative, but they can also be argumentative and insensitive to others’ feelings. They may struggle with emotional intelligence and may come across as cold or brazenly callous. They may also struggle with following through on long-term commitments or becoming bored with routine tasks. As a writer, you can use these strengths and weaknesses to create a dynamic and interesting character. For example, you could show your ENTP character struggling to connect emotionally with others, or getting into heated debates that ultimately cause more harm than good. 

Think About Their Motivations

Like all characters, an ENTP needs clear motivations in order to feel realistic and relatable. For an ENTP, their motivation may come from a desire to explore and innovate. They may be motivated by a desire to challenge the status quo or to prove their intelligence to others. Whether it’s revenge for the cold-blooded murder of their family or to be president of debate club, think about what drives your ENTP character and how their motivations might lead them to make certain decisions or take certain actions. By understanding their motivations, you can create a more believable and consistent character.

Show Their Humor and Wit

One of the defining characteristics of an ENTP is their sense of humor and quick wit. They love to make jokes and puns, and they often use humor to diffuse tense situations. As a writer, it’s important to show this aspect of your ENTP character. Consider adding in some humorous dialogue or having your character use humor to lighten the mood in a tense scene. ENTP’s often have strange, hyper specific facts stuck in their head, so don’t be afraid to use their humor to tie into the plot. 

Here are some attributes to add to your ENTP Characters:

• Energetic
• Charismatic
• Inconsiderate
• Easily bored
• Unorthodox
• Dislikes restrictions
• Witty
• Outgoing
• Innovative
• Open-minded

Here are some ENTP Characters to study:

• Tyrion Lanister 
• Jim Halpert
• Violet Baudelaire
• Captain Jack Sparrow 
• Will Herondale 
• Rita Skeeter
• Eloise Bridgeton

In Conclusion

Writing an ENTP character can be a rewarding and challenging experience. By understanding the personality type, considering their strengths and weaknesses, thinking about their motivations, and showing their humor and wit, you can create a character that feels realistic and dynamic. Remember, the key to a great character is to make them feel like a real person, with all of the quirks and flaws that come with being human. So grab your notebook and get to work – your ENTP character is waiting to be brought to life!

Up Next: How to Write an ENTJ Character

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