8 Introverted TV Characters and Their Myers-Briggs Personality Types

An introvert watches a TV show

Each introverted Myers-Briggs personality type will see themselves (at least on some level) in these popular TV characters.

Since introverts represent roughly 30 to 50 percent of the U.S population, it only makes sense that a fair number of onscreen characters would be introverts, as well. In recent years, there have been some truly exceptional ones with their own unique strengths and personality traits that introverts can relate to — whether they quickly get drained by socializing or prefer deep conversations over small talk.

After doing some research, I found onscreen characters for each introverted Myers-Briggs personality type. I’ve not only loved to watch them, but can also relate to them on a personal level. Hopefully, you’ll be able to, as well. 

8 Introverted TV Characters and Their Personality Types

1. Rory Gilmore, Gilmore Girls, INFJ

Wise beyond her years, Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) from Gilmore Girls seems to be an INFJ (the rarest personality type) mostly because she felt different from those around her growing up in Stars Hollow. She loves nothing more than diving into a good book or movie that will open up her mind to new ideas, and is always striving to do better and greater things. Even though she may come across as “shy,” people love spending time with Rory and she has several meaningful relationships (Jess, Dean, Logan, and Paris, to name a few). By the time she graduates from Yale, Rory’s grown into an extremely confident and independent young woman.

2. Jenna Hamilton, Awkward, INFP

Awkward’s Jenna Hamilton (Ashley Rickards) is socially anxious at the start of the show and ends up landing the hottest guy at Palisades High, Matty McKibben (Beau Mirchoff). Jenna is a highly sensitive introvert, which only makes her relationships stronger because she cares — and loves — more deeply. Besides, her sensitivity doesn’t keep her from being a force to be reckoned with. The girl who breaks down after being criticized — especially when the criticism comes from her mother or creative writing teacher — grows up to be confident and successful. When it comes down to it, it is Jenna’s rich inner world and her love and talent for language that makes her a strong candidate for an INFP personality type.

3.  Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory, INTJ

Being that INTJs only make up about two percent of the world’s population, it makes sense that The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) is so unique. We can assume that the scientist falls into this tiny group of people because of his pure fascination with the universe, his excitement for knowledge, and his consistent need for planning and scheduling. He is also driven by logic and reasoning, not impulse or emotions, and is merely a sponge waiting to soak up knowledge. He’s susceptible to envy, too, and has a strong aversion to physical touch, which can make romantic relationships complicated.

4. Garrett McNeill, Superstore, INTP

Superstore’s Garrett McNeill (Colton Dunn) deeply values his time spent playing video games on the sofa and shopping online for limited-edition sneakers. In alignment with INTPs, Garrett doesn’t stand for B.S. and strives to change the rules, not follow them — like his announcements over the PA system or pulling pranks on his fellow coworkers. He has a true talent for holding back his emotions and often uses dark humor to mask his pain. Unfortunately, his fear of vulnerability and consistent stubbornness has caused him to have trouble in relationships. Sound familiar to any INTPs out there? 

5. Amy Santiago, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, ISFJ

If you have ever seen Brooklyn Nine-Nine, then you know that Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero) is the heart and soul of the 99th precinct. Like any ISFJ, Amy is the ultimate peacemaker and community leader. With her perfectly curated binders, she is extremely well-organized and detail-oriented. She is a rule-follower and a walking filing cabinet full of facts waiting to be told. Even with a need for perfection and rigid scheduling, Amy loves to help out others and be of service whenever and wherever she can. Despite popular belief, she is capable of letting loose and having fun, too.

You can thrive as an introvert or a sensitive person in a loud world. Subscribe to our email newsletter. Once a week, you’ll get empowering tips and insights. Click here to subscribe.

6. April Ludgate, Parks and Recreation, ISTP

Portrayed by the brilliant comedic actress Aubrey Plaza, Parks and Recreation’s April Ludgate may initially seem hard to get to know, but her devotion to her inner circle — like to her dear husband, Andy Dwyer, and her bosses, Ron and Leslie — is evident. She’s a pure delight to have around and full of dry humor and unforgettable one-liners. This likely ISTP may have taken a while to become the person she was always meant to be, but nevertheless, she got there and will be extremely successful in her future.

7. Jeff Bingham, Rules of Engagement, ISTJ

Wrongfully misinterpreted as a cold and selfish man, Rules of Engagement’s Jeff Bingham (Patrick Warburton) appears to be an ISTJ — he cares about others more than they may realize. He also often has difficulty expressing how he feels and showing affection for his loved ones (particularly toward his wife, Audrey). Not one for socializing, this extreme sports fanatic much prefers a quiet evening at home: just him, a Rangers game, and a foot-long meatball sub.

8. Peyton Sawyer, One Tree Hill, ISFP

One Tree Hill’s Peyton Sawyer (Hilarie Burton) is one of our favorite angsty teen introverts. While she may be considered popular at Tree Hill High, she also values taking time to unwind by listening to rock music and drawing alone in her bedroom. To Peyton, things like sporting events and partying mean nothing in the grand scheme of things. She would much rather spend her time pondering what else is out there. It is Peyton’s daredevil nature and her ever present need to express herself through art that makes her most likely to be an ISFP.

No matter what Myers-Briggs personality type you are, you can probably relate to at least one of the introvert characters above. Or, you may relate to one of many others appearing on screen these days in shows like WandaVision to movies like Raya and the Last Dragon. In any case, it’s nice to see my introvert traits reflected back to me in characters people love.

You might like:

This article contains affiliate links. We only recommend products we truly believe in.