23 Adult Personality Types

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Adult Personality Types
Traits of 23 Adult Personality types

This is a short, quick list of the 23 Adult Personality types, adapted from the book ‘Writer’s Guide to Character Traits’ by Linda N. Edelstein, Ph.D. I extremely recommend reading this book if you are an aspiring writer, the book is beyond helpful in anything and everything you might need when creating a character. Please remember, in no way to I claim writing this. This is merely my attempt at sharing this amazing knowledge with others who might need it.

When you are creating a character a lot of people get stuck on one thing. The personality. What traits work well together? What don’t? What type of person would you like your character to be? Near everyone will fall under one of these types. They will not have all the characteristics under the type, but they will most definitely have several. Not only that, but these traits will vary from mild to extreme, so no two people are the same. So when you create a character, decide on what traits they have, and to what strength each trait is.

Remember, not all of a person’s traits will fall under one type. They might have a trait here or there in a completely different type, but these are few. And when you are picking traits, ask yourself ‘Does this work?’. Not all traits can, or will combine. An adventurer will not have a love for authority and rules. An Extrovert will not enjoy working or being alone. And so and so forth.

Normally, this would be included in For the Character, but there was so much information involved that just couldn’t be skipped, it was decided to give this subject its own thread.

Index
The Adventurer
The Boss
The Conformist
The Conventional
The Creator
The Dependent
The Eccentric
The Extrovert
The Fall Guy/Girl
The Fearful
The Flamboyant
The Hyper
The Loner
The Man’s Man
The Manipulator
The Passive-Aggressive
The Perfectionist
The Personable
The Problem Solver
The Resilient
The Show-off
The Ultra-Feminine
The Victim

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The Adventurer

The themes of the Adventurer are excitement and boldness. He may look and sound ordinary, but underlying most activities is the need to f eel like a warrior, often unknowingly at the cost of others. More men are Adventurers than women, because culture and socialization inhibit this type in growing girls; however, there have always been daring Adventurer women like Amelia Earhart.

Characteristics

• Energetic; always on the go.
  
• Bold, dominant.
  
• Often unaware of the feelings of others.
  
• A leader; wants own way.
  
• Competitive.
  
• Fickle, changeable.
  
• Lives on the edge; needs excitement to feel alive.
  
• Seeks thrills, is prepared to try anything, especially activities with speed or danger.
  
• Enjoys the spotlight, likes to perform.
  
• Is not bothered by rules or social conventions.
  
• Has an overt interest in sex; likes having a partner/spouse.
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Thick-skinned – lacking in guilt
  
• Confidence – poor judgment
  
• Forceful - ruthless
  
• Extroverted – hostile
  
• Rebellious – anti-authority
  
• Assertive – aggressive
  
• Independent – disagreeable
  
• Impulsiveness(in decision making) – dangerous to self or others
  

Traits of the Adventurer usually appear in childhood as boldness or risk-taking and mature over a lifetime. On the positive side, the Adventurer type contains fun-loving, entertaining, and gregarious elements. Negatively, this adult may ignore rules, run roughshod over the feelings of others, and bark orders.

Examples of Adventurer type characters on Eternal Night

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The Boss

The bossy person wants to be in the limelight, whether at home, work, or play. The themes that run through the life of a bossy are control of self and others) and having things her own way.

Characteristics

• Driven by aggressive energy; competitive.
  
• Confident.
  
• Stubborn; values self-control.
  
• Close-minded; rigid thinker, dogmatic in opinions.
  
• Serious.
  
• Rarely guilty or ashamed.
  
• Mistrustful of compassion or kindness.
  
• Low tolerance for frustration.
  
• Status-seeker.
  
• Is not deterred by punishment or pain.
  
• Is thick-skinned and insensitive to social approval, but sensitive to comments or attacks.
  
• Gets the job done, good at coercion.
  
• Tunes in to the weaknesses of others, then uses that knowledge.
  
• Can humiliate others, sarcastic.
  
• Justifies aggression: “You’ve got to take care of yourself”.
  
• Is boastful, brusque, belligerent.
  
• Wants to be the leader in any group.
  
• Does not concede to or acknowledge another point of view.
  
• Wants to get her own way.
  
• Avoids warmth or intimacy.
  
• Does not recognize the impact of her acts.
  
• Sees others as puppets to be manipulated; in domineering.
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Aggressive - reckless
  
• Quarrelsome - combative
  
• Desire to control others - sadistic
  
• Headstrong and forceful - abusive
  
• Quick responses – aggressive if threatened
  
• Desire to force ideas on others - tyrannical
  
• Directness –chronic rudeness
  
• Unwillingness to be a follower – a heckler
  

As a youngster, the Bossy type can be seen in adherence to doing chores, watching younger siblings, leading activities, or keeping things organized. Later, that same aggressive energy can be positively channeled into leadership or turn insistent and relentless, cold, demanding, or humiliating.

Examples of Boss type characters on Eternal Night
Merfonde Duskrunner

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The Conformist

The Conformist is similar to the Conventional (see the following personality type), but has more of a flavor of compliance.

Characteristics

• Compliant; goes along with others.
  
• Responsible.
  
• Rule-follower; uncreative.
  
• Follows rather than leads.
  
• Likes laws more than freedom.
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Discipline – inflexibility
  
• Morality – rigid behavior and preaching
  

The Conformist child will never rock the boat, and neither will the adult. The goal is to live within the rules and the laws. This type runs into trouble when he goes beyond law-abiding citizen to intolerant, unthinking bully.

Examples of Conformist type characters on Eternal Night

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The Conventional

A Conventional lives by the rules and prefers the established ways; the status quo is vastly preferable to change.

Characteristics

• Conservative in social matters, religion, and morals.
  
• Respectful of established ideas; prefers the familiar to the unfamiliar.
  
• Nostalgic.
  
• Oblivious to the need to try new things or do things differently.
  
• Belief in the motto “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it” taken to the extreme.
  
• Opposed to change: new food, new technology, or new vacation spots.
  
• Resistant to new styles, fashions, and trends.
  
• Dependent on others; strong ties to family and work.
  
• Is loyal, has long-lasting friendships.
  
• Is dependable and consistent.
  
• Lacks trust in innovation; prefers the status quo.
  
• Avoids situations that are strange, to easy, or to difficult.
  
• Is baffled by developmental transitions, such as alterations in family dynamics.
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Personal identity which depends on sameness – a strange, secret life
  
• Fear of change – mesmerized by people totally different from oneself
  

The Conventional is often created as a reaction to lack of consistency or stability in childhood. Chaos and strange experiences can be humiliating to a child, who may grow up to take great solace in predictability. Later in adulthood, distress will come from children or friends who challenge the Conventional’s ideas.

Examples of Conventional type characters on Eternal Night

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The Creator

The Creator’s life gets meaning from the ability to produce new ideas or products.

Characteristics

• Artistic, intuitive, sensitive.
  
• Observant; sees the big picture.
  
• Persistent.
  
• Unconventional; does not like conformity.
  
• Brainstormer; easily absorbed by ideas.
  
• Introverted; has an internal focus.
  
• Happy in the internal world: a pleasant place and a respite from the outside.
  
• Tolerant of ambiguity; allows disorder.
  
• Fanciful and enthusiastic.
  
• Imaginative; captured by the innovative.
  
• Content with her own company.
  
• Can work alone for long periods.
  
• Is forgetful, undependable in areas outside of focus.
  
• Can be impractical.
  
• Can be good-natured with others, but not always sensitive to them.
  
• Reacts to stimuli emotionally and subjectively.
  
• Sees the world in unique ways.
  
• Not swayed by the group; indifferent to “what the neighbors are doing”.
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Impractical – accident-prone
  
• Internal – oblivious to others
  

The child Creator views the world in unique ways and the need to express herself only gets stronger over time. The Creator’s needs may be demonstrated in the arts but could also find outlets in math, puzzles, or projects of her own design.

Examples of Creator type characters on Eternal Night

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The Dependent

The Dependent’s world revolves around having his needs met. These traits go beyond what is normally expected for a particular time of life, even in youth or during periods of trauma or illness.

Characteristics

• Shy, humble, lacks self-confidence.
  
• Troubled by own anger or aggressiveness.
  
• Procrastinator; has difficulty initiating projects.
  
• Easily flustered; becomes fearful and anxious.
  
• Reliant on others, which prohibits development or independence.
  
• Willing to take on unpleasant tasks out of desire to be liked.
  
• Lacking in self-confidence; sees oneself as inefficient and powerless.
  
• Fearful of abandonment.
  
• Wants to be taken care of, but fears disappointment.
  
• Tries to elicit care from others; feels unable to manage well without help.
  
• Needs guidance: “Tell me what you think I should do”.
  
• Craves reassurance and support.
  
• Allows parent, spouse, boss, or friends to make his major life decisions.
  
• Waits for others to take action; yields to others.
  
• Fears losing approval; fears evaluation.
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Acquiescence to others – painfully submissive
  
• Mild – clingy
  
• Need of others – a quick and indiscriminate attachment to people
  
• Difficulty in expressing disagreement – silence
  
• Consideration – excessive deference and self-sacrifice
  
• Difficulty making decision – others governing life
  

Although some of the Dependent’s traits may be inborn, others develop in response to circumstance; for example, a child who is terrified by a parent’s illness or threatened abandonment. Some Dependents had an authoritarian parent: This encouraged giving in to maintain relationships. Others had an overprotective parent who inadvertently caused the Dependent to believe that he was unable to function without guidance. The Dependent is willing to listen and obey if she or he gets reassurance in return. They seek work, play, and people who will provide approval and instruction; they rarely show much sparkle or creativity because that is to risky. The Dependent gravitates to work as a ban teller, clerk, or court stenographer, where initiative is not required. The Dependent type is focused on pleasing others, to the exclusion of pleasing him- or herself.

Examples of Dependent type characters on Eternal Night

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The Eccentric

The Eccentric marches to the beat of a different drummer. He is genuinely different from the norm and may appear weird to others.

Characteristics

• Self-absorbed, forgetful, impractical
  
• Better with abstract ideas than real situations and people
  
• Conveys the attitude of being burdened
  
• Engaged in internal dialogue
  
• ”Lone wolf”: works well alone; frustrates others
  
• Usually absorbed in the pursuit of some talent, gift, or skill
  
• Disorts and misreads the behavior of others; socially inept
  
• Can be interesting to others
  
• Picks up and drops conversations at odd points
  
• Remains out of touch with trends and conventions
  
• Is uninterested in others in any practical way – and it shows
  
• Does not intend to harm others, but is oblivious to social cues
  
• Demonstrates strange and unusual behavior
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Out of touch - isolated
  

Eccentric youth do not always do well since childhood is such a time of conformity, but with like-minded friends, they manage. It is easier for adults who can control more aspects of their lives, interes, social settings, and careers.

Examples of Eccentric type characters on Eternal Night

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The Extrovert

Extroverts are, if not the most fascinating of characters, among the most normal and least pathological. Extroverts truly like people, enjoy crowds, and flourish in energetic activities.

Characteristics

• Outgoing, not introspective
  
• Not easily intimidated
  
• Talkative
  
• Optimistic in outlooks; sees the hopeful side
  
• Expressive, enthusiastic, and gregarious
  
• Immoderate emotionally
  
• Belongs to groups and participates in activities
  
• Enjoys being with others; avoids being alone
  
• Is friendly; seeks social situations
  
• May not understand other people’s depression or anxiety
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Friendly – flighty, lacking intimacy, superficial
  

The natural friendliness of Extroverts is an asset from childhood on. The irony of this type is that their love for contact with people requires no intimacy. It works for them – they are happier people than introverts.

Examples of Extrovert type characters on Eternal Night

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The Fall Guy/Girl

The Fall Guy or Girl is notable for being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people.

Characteristics

• Trustful of people
  
• Gullible
  
• Underachiever; ambition is undirected
  
• Good humored; rarely hostile
  
• Narrow in range of interests
  
• Conventional
  
• Not analytical
  
• Gets taken advantage of by others
  
• Is socially at ease; pleasant
  
• Does not exercise good judgment about people; is overly trusting
  
• Is unaware of motives of others
  
• Tends to be a follower rather than leader
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Following others – danger from lack of judgment
  

There is always some kid who doesn’t get the joke, who falls for the scam, who remains innocent. The Fall Guy becomes a trusting adult, but is the target for every get-rich-quick scam around.

Examples of Fall Guy/Girl type characters on Eternal Night

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The Fearful

Life for the Fearful is driven by inhibition and fears of rejection. It dominates the interal world and relations with others.

Characteristics

• Withdrawn
  
• Sensitive to criticism
  
• Self-deprecating
  
• Non-assertive
  
• Unhappy
  
• Aversion to stress
  
• Is socially inhibited; uncomfortable in social situations
  
• Feels inadequate and anxious in the presence of others, but longs for closeness
  
• Is ultrasensitive to others; restrained in intimate relationships
  
• Concerned about physical appearance
  
• Has image of self as socially inept and unattractive
  
• Fears involvement with others unless certain of being liked
  
• Belongs to few groups
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Fear of embarrassment – avoiding activities that cause discomfort
  

When a person starts off shy and serious, over the years, people and circumstance do nothing to help him change, a Fearful is created. Fear, as dominating factor in life, leads to avoidance of any people or activities that might cause embarrassment or shame. The Fearful type will always be a responder, never an initiator.

Examples of Fearful type characters on Eternal Night
Gisli Allenforth

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The Flamboyant

Life for the Flamboyant contains love, sex, competition, and disloyalty, always with a lack of authenticity, as if the Flamboyant shows or expresses more than is really felt. Flamboyant women lack close relationships with other women.

Characteristics

• Dramatic, easily upset, and emotionally unstable
  
• Unaware of own seductive or aggressive behavior
  
• Always unconscious of a sexual undercurrent; interprets other’s behaviors as sexual; then feels like the evil seductress/seducer
  
• Susceptive to poor self-esteem and self-blame
  
• Indirect and devious
  
• Naïve and simplistic, immature, excessively emotional, and childish
  
• Depressed because she feels like a bad person
  
• Not a clear thinker; feels insubstantial
  
• Vague; has an unclear picture of self; does not see self as responsible for actions
  
• Attention-seeker; demands nurturing and support
  
• Dramatic; appears phony; provides an ongoing melodrama for others
  
• Prone to develop physical symptoms (headaches, weakness, chest pain) under stress
  
• Emotionally overdone; histrionic; positive and negative feelings are both expressed flamboyantly
  
• Seems “flaky”, flighty, and insubstantial to others
  
• May see others as sex objects
  
• Creates triangulated relationships
  
• Is competitive with individuals of the same gender
  
• Is exhibitionistic; dramatic in social situations
  
• Is vain, promiscuous, and jealous
  
• Has superficial but important relationships because of the need for attention
  
• Is manipulative; plays games to try and get whatever she wants
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Attention seeking – suicidal gestures without intention to do harm
  
• Intense feelings – disorganized, overwhelmed, or dysfunctional
  

Flamboyant traits may be created in childhood if parents have been overly seductive of the child was emotionally or sexually exploited by adults. Normal needs for nurturing are not met, so competitive behavior becomes the norm. The heightened emotion makes others perceive them as insubstantial. The need for attention remains and is channeled into adult flirtatiousness, although Flamboyants are not particularly sexually promiscuous.

Examples of Flamboyant type characters on Eternal Night

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The Hyper

The Hyper’s life is active, but not always with direction. There is movement, but it can occur without progress.

Characteristics

• Overactive in thought and behavior
  
• Grandiose; self-centered
  
• Careless; changeable
  
• Easily excitable with unstable moods
  
• Thrill-seeking
  
• Is outgoing
  
• Is active; energetic
  
• Becomes poor company because of self-centeredness and overactivity
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Excitement – outbursts of euphoria
  
• Moddiness – explosive anger
  

Hyper people are easily picked out of a group. As children, they are the ones who are running and jumping, knocking kids over, and breaking knickknacks. Sometimes they have explosive tempers. As adults, they can create lives that allow for a high level of activity and motion that satisfies them. They are not the kind of friend or partner who can easily share emotions.

Examples of Hyper type characters on Eternal Night

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The Loner

The Loner’s life seems to be directionless: He drifts with little strong attachment to anyone. The Loner’s type is not to be confused with the emotional numbness or freezing of temporary states of withdrawal experienced when individuals are in strange circumstances, such as being an immigrant or reacting to tragedy.

Characteristics

• Comfortable with solitude
  
• Reserved; rarely expresses anger or any other emotion
  
• Passive in the face of tragedy; may appear unambitious
  
• Inadequate at responding to significant life events
  
• Unwilling to reveal himself easily
  
• Harsh toward self
  
• Prefers hobbies and interests that allow him to be alone: computers, math
  
• Appears bland and cold; is indifferent to the approval of others
  
• Does not engage in the usual social smiles and nods
  
• Is oblivious to social cues; unable to bond with others
  
• Is detached; does not want social relationships and lacks skill to deal with others
  
• Avoids emotional entanglements; very restricted emotionally
  
• Is uninterested in sex; often does not marry and does not change if he marries
  
• Appears superficial or self-absorbed due to lack of interest in others
  
• Has few, if any, close friends; may be close to a sister or brother
  
• Does not get satisfaction from being a member of a family
  
• Finds social closeness difficult, maybe even terrifying
  
• Considers other people a source of pain, not comfort
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Solitary ways – gravitating to a harsh environment
  
• Detachment – retreating to ensure safety
  

Loners often feel like they shouldn’t exist, so they remain alone, emotionally as well as physically. The world of people is a frightening place. Loners make little eye contact with people; they try to tune out unpleasant experiences and avoid rejection and failure. Even a Loner’s demeanor, with dead eyes and stiff pasture, tells people that the Loner needs distance.

Examples of Loner type characters on Eternal Night
Alice Holmes
Mitsuru Katsura

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The Man’s Man

The Man’s Man appears one-dimensional because only certain qualities are allowed to emerge. TheThe Counterpark to the Man’s Man is the Ultra-Feminine.

Characteristics

• Exaggeratedly masculine
  
• Coarse; demanding and hard
  
• Fearful of weakness
  
• Secretive of any powerlessness or impotence
  
• Adventurous and aggressive
  
• Worldly and sexually experienced
  
• Ambitious; needs to win
  
• Compulsively masculine with no desire to change
  
• Lacks individuality and originality
  
• Emphasizes male interests; likes traditional male pursuits
  
• Is inflexible about masculinity
  
• Responds to trouble with aggression
  
• Is likely to have rocky relationships with women; may look for ultra-feminine woman
  

Normal to Extreme
examples of ways to vary the strength of each characteristic. Remember, the ‘norm’ is listed first, then the more extreme counterpart.

• Masculinity – being one-dimensional
  

Masculinity comes first, before tending to emotional needs or family occasions. The Man’s Man loves sports, guns, and physical activity of all sorts, regardless of his aptitude. Any relationship that requires much attention will be in jeopardy because he is out being adventurous and aggressive.

Examples of Man’s Man type characters on Eternal Night