How to Write an INFP Character 

Series: The Psychology of Character Creation

Writing an INFP Character: Tips and Tricks for Authenticity

Creating a well-rounded and relatable character is essential for any writer, and understanding the INFP personality type can be a great starting point. INFPs are known for their deep emotions, strong values, and creative nature. This guide will provide you with valuable insights and techniques to help you accurately portray an INFP character that readers will connect with and root for. So, let’s dive in and start crafting your INFP character!

Understanding the INFP Personality

INFPs are known as the “Idealists” or the “Healers” in the MBTI system. They are imaginative, introspective, and deeply empathetic individuals. These characteristics make them excellent at understanding the emotions and motivations of others, allowing them to connect with diverse personalities. They are deeply introspective and value authenticity and individuality. They are driven by their values and have a strong sense of empathy and compassion. Understanding these key traits will help you create a well-rounded and authentic INFP character that readers will resonate with.

Explore the INFP’s Values and Beliefs

One of the key aspects of an INFP character is their strong values and beliefs. INFPs are deeply committed to their principles and often have a strong sense of justice and fairness. They may have a strong belief in the importance of kindness, compassion, and empathy. Take the time to explore what values and beliefs are important to your INFP character and how they shape their actions and decisions. This will add depth and authenticity to your character and make them more relatable to readers.

Dive into INFP’s Empathy

Empathy is the bedrock of an INFP’s emotional landscape. They have an innate ability to understand and connect with others on a profound level. When writing an INFP character, explore their capacity for empathy by delving into their thoughts and emotions. Showcase their ability to listen, understand, and support others, making them the shoulder to lean on in times of need.

Utilize the INFP’s Creative Flame

INFPs are natural-born dreamers. INFPs possess an innate creativity that often manifests through various artistic pursuits. They thrive in environments that encourage self-expression and imagination. Incorporate this aspect into your character by exploring their artistic talents, whether it be through painting, writing, music, or other creative outlets. Illustrate how their creative endeavors serve as an emotional outlet and a way to make sense of the world around them.

Develop a Deep Emotional Inner World for Your INFP Character (The Power of Solitude)

INFPs are introverted individuals who recharge through solitary introspection. They value their alone time as an opportunity to reflect, rejuvenate, and explore their inner thoughts. Integrate moments of solitude for your INFP character, allowing them to retreat into their own personal sanctuary. These moments of introspection can be used to reveal their deepest desires, fears, and philosophical musings. INFPs are known for their rich inner emotional world, so it’s important to develop this aspect of your character. Think about what emotions your INFP character experiences and how they process and express them. They may have a tendency to feel deeply and be highly sensitive to their own emotions and the emotions of others. Consider incorporating moments of introspection and reflection into your character’s story, allowing readers to glimpse into their complex inner world. This will help create a more authentic and relatable portrayal of an INFP character.

Showcase the INFP’s Idealism and Desire for Authenticity

One of the key traits of an INFP personality is their idealism and desire for authenticity. To create an authentic INFP character, it’s important to showcase these qualities in their actions, beliefs, and interactions with others. Your character may have strong values and principles that they hold dear, and they may strive to live their life in alignment with these ideals. They may also have a deep desire to be true to themselves and to live a life that is authentic and meaningful. Incorporate moments in your character’s story where they stand up for what they believe in, challenge societal norms, or pursue their passions and dreams. This will help bring out the essence of an INFP personality and make your character more relatable to readers.

Value System and Authenticity

INFPs hold deeply-rooted values and beliefs that guide their actions and decisions. Developing a strong moral compass for your INFP character is crucial. Allow them to navigate ethical dilemmas and inner conflicts, emphasizing their quest for authenticity and staying true to their principles. Showcasing their struggle between their own desires and the expectations of society can add depth and realism to your character

Challenge Your INFP Character to Navigate Conflict and Growth.

Conflict and growth are important aspects of any character’s journey, and this holds true for an INFP character as well. While INFPs may strive for harmony and avoid conflict, it’s important to allow your character to face challenges and navigate through difficult situations. This can help them grow and develop as individuals. However, it’s important to remember that an INFP character may approach conflict differently than other personality types. They may be more inclined to seek compromise, find common ground, or use their empathetic nature to understand others’ perspectives. By allowing your INFP character to navigate conflict in their own unique way, you can create a more authentic and compelling portrayal of their personality.

Here are some attributes to add to your INFP Characters:

• Empathic

• Compassionate

• Nonjudgmental

• Emotionally vulnerable

• Yearns for harmony

• Loving

• Quick to forgive

• Resistant to change

• Fear betrayal

• Self-critical 

Here are some INFP Characters:

• Luna Lovegood

• Nico Di Angelo

• Anne Shirley

• Frodo Baggins

• Brandon Stark

• Lucy Pevensie

• Rue (The Hunger Games)

• Stanley Yelnats

• David Copperfield 

How to Write an INFP Character Conclusion

Crafting an INFP character involves delving into their inner world, understanding their empathetic nature, and exploring their creative passions. By embracing their unique personality traits and allowing them to grow and evolve throughout the story, you can create a compelling and authentic protagonist that will leave a lasting impact on your readers.

Remember, writing an INFP character isn’t about pigeonholing them into stereotypes, but rather understanding the essence of their personality and using it as a canvas to paint a multidimensional and captivating individual.

So, whether you’re working on a novel, screenplay, or any other creative project, embracing the complexity of an INFP character can add a layer of depth and authenticity that will enrich your storytelling and captivate your audience. Happy writing!

Up Next: How to write an INTP Character

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