From superheroes to villains, a character who is deeply intelligent, brooding, introverted, and mysterious without a doubt has an INTJ personality type.
The thinkers, planners, strategists, and architects of society (both real and mythical) are the rarest of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personalities.
Here are 21 of the most famous of the fictional characters INTJ. See if you can spot why they are INTJs?
What Is an INTJ Personality Type?
The INTJ personality type is an acronym that stands for introverted (I), intuitive (N), thinking (T), and judging (J).
It’s one of the 16 personalities on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), identified by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers.
INTJs are the rarest personality type, and people with an INTJ personality are called the architect, strategist, or mastermind.
They are independent, strategic, and analytical thinkers and problem-solvers who love competence, knowledge, and innovation. They are a contradiction because they can be just as creative as they are analytical.
INTJs are known for setting high standards (often impossibly so) for themselves and those around them. They strive to be better than the best and expect that from others.
Since INTJ personality types are introverts, they focus inward. They thoughtfully think about the world around them, and their inner world is complex and intensely private. INTJs prefer to associate with other intellectuals who stimulate their minds and intrigue them.
This makes perfect sense because the dominant cognitive function for these personality types is introverted intuition, so they think a lot and see the big picture.
Their auxiliary function is extroverted thinking, which is why they approach everything with logic and order.
Their tertiary function is characterized by introverted feeling, so they can value the emotions of other people when making decisions, but they prefer to plan and control a relationship until they click with someone, and then they are loyal and trusting.
Lastly, their weakest cognitive function is extroverted sensing, so INTJs often feel dissociated from their surroundings.
The main strengths of INTJs are:
Common weaknesses that INTJs struggle with include being emotionally disconnected, perfectionistic, impatient, insensitive, and single-minded. They question everything, never stop thinking, and are cynical about human nature.
In short, INTJs are the boldest of dreamers and the worst of pessimists.
Before we dive into famous INTJs fictional characters, here are a few real people with an INTJ personality:
21 Famous INTJ Fictional Characters
Here are some of the most famous INTJ fictional characters:
1. Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes
Of course, an introverted thinker who has logical skills and deep powers of deduction would be an excellent detective. This is why the world’s greatest fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, has to be an INTJ character.
The moody, pensive, and somewhat pessimistic Sherlock is only excited by mystery and intrigue, as these appeal to his creative and innovative sensibilities.
Using a combination of intuition and logical analysis, Sherlock is the typical INTJ or mastermind character that can solve any mystery, but continues to exist somewhat remote from the world.
Like most INTJs, Sherlock isn’t a very social person, and he lives alone with his only friend, Watson, as his companion and protégé.
2. Gandalf, Lord of the Rings
It’s no surprise that INTJs tend to be brooding and inward thinking.
With these tendencies, a wizard who talks to himself and stares deeply into space while smoking his pipe is a classical example of an INTJ. Gandalf, the Gray Wizard of Lord of the Rings is an intriguing example of an INTJ.
Gandalf doesn’t “bandy crooked words with a witless worm” and while he isn’t very social, he does love to watch people and enjoys seeing his friends happy, which is why he sacrifices so much to fulfill his role in the plan to destroy the “one ring.”
Being introverted, he is also filled with compassion for others, and he sees it as his role to be a teacher and guide.
3. Dr. Victor Frankenstein, Frankenstein
One famous INTJ is Dr. Victor Frankenstein, the main character in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel. Dr. Frankenstein is a scientist, which is a great career for an INTJ type. Scientists generally have an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and they are curious.
Dr. Frankenstein yearned to discover what makes the universe tick, and he was willing to do anything to achieve his goals.
His creativity together with being analytical and driven resulted in the creation of a monster (Frankenstein), and him playing God led to his own demise.
4. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pride and Prejudice
If you are a fan of Jane Austin and her 1813 novel, Pride and Prejudice, you may realize that Mr. Darcy has an INTJ personality. Mr. Darcy is a typical introvert because he doesn’t like social gatherings.
He prefers to spend time in his inner world, making him intelligent. He’s an aloof romantic hero, who’s somewhat emotionally detached, except with the few close friends and his sister to whom he is close.
Mr. Darcy embodies other INTJ personality characteristics too: being confident (almost to the point of arrogance), driven and determined, and highly independent.
5. Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger), Game of Thrones
With their deep focus on their plans and vast intelligence, INTJs can be aloof and even manipulative to get to the end results they seek. Petyr Baelish (aka Littlefinger) in Game of Thrones is one such character.
Baelish’s plans hinge on him getting power and taking what he wants to get there. With his dedication to his plan, he is willing to commit heinous atrocities and murder to make the ending as he wants it. He is a mastermind extraordinaire.
Playing his cards close to his chest, Baelish uses his power to read people and manipulate them to plan ahead and set his schemes in motion. He is an INTJ villain and he cares little for who he hurts, as he’s emotionally disconnected from people.
6. Bruce Wayne (Batman), Batman
A superhero who is a clear example of an INTJ is the character of Bruce Wayne (aka Batman). Wayne is a highly educated man, and he has many resources at his disposal.
With these, he crafts unique solutions to challenges, such as how to fly like a bat or disrupt radio signals with echolocation.
Instead of just sticking to gadgets that he is already using successfully, Wayne constantly innovates and updates his technology and tools, all so he can meet his ultimate plan of fighting evil.
The dark and isolated Wayne may present a public persona of being a typical rich playboy, but he is emotionally withdrawn and deeply introverted.
He has few friends, and while he cares deeply about people, it’s more about winning against evil and villainy for him in his quest.
7. Stephen Strange, Doctor Strange
The mysterious Doctor Strange is an INTJ personality type in that he is intrigued by the mysteries of the universe.
At the same time, Doctor Strange has an incorruptible morality that he supports strategically while planning how to execute his plans to save the world.
Despite having a slightly cocky nature and stubbornness, Doctor Strange knows he needs to learn from others if he is to expand his skills.
The planning and execution of his efforts to save Doctor Strange to be a deep thinker who can accomplish magical wonders.
8. Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption
The main protagonist of The Shawshank Redemption is an INTJ. Andy Dufresne always looks neat, has a calm attitude, and even embodies the INTJ death stare.
He is driven, never accepting his fate despite being sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
He continues to fight for his freedom, and with logic, great problem-solving skills, and creativity, he hatches the perfect escape plan.
Andy is lucky in that he is a patient man and can see the bigger picture, without which his plan wouldn’t have been a success.
9. Magneto, X-Men
Bad guys can also be INTJ characters. Magneto loses his way as a force for good, and he becomes a tortured villain who puts his natural skills of planning and strategizing to work to win power.
Magneto believes himself to be better than others, and his introversion has given over to a deep disgust with “mere mortals.”
In the Marvel universe, Magneto tries to end the lives of as many humans as possible. Using his mind, which he sees as the most powerful force on earth, Magneto believes he can dominate others and use them like pieces in his puzzle.
10. Kat Stratford, 10 Things I Hate About You
Another movie INTJ character is Kat Stratford from 10 Things I Hate About You. Kat has no issue telling others what she thinks and her snarky comments and quick wit help her not beat around the bush.
Her attitude, directness, and sarcasm drive people away. She comes across as emotionally detached until she opens up to her sister Bianca and love interest Patrick.
Kat may seem like she’s a regular misfit, but she is just an introvert who prefers to spend time by herself, reading books and listening to music. This also shows that she loves to learn.
11. Wednesday Addams, The Addams Family
Wednesday’s famous quote of “We don’t hug … We’re not shy. We’re contagious” captures some of the essence of an INTJ personality type.
Wednesday is pretty “allergic” to people and she’s quite emotionally detached, something that her serious nature worsens. Plus, she doesn’t care much for other people’s feelings, putting priority on what she wants and has planned.
The character is highly organized, patient, and intelligent, and it’s easy for her to resort to manipulation and blackmail to get her way. Wednesday is the brains whenever she and Pugsley (her brother) are carrying out a scheme.
12. Walter White, Breaking Bad
Another fictional INTJ scientist (or well, a science teacher) is Walter White from Breaking Bad. At first, Walter seems quiet and calm and like a good INTJ.
That is, until he is diagnosed with stage three lung cancer and learns about this a day after he turns 50.
That’s enough to send most people over the edge, and since Walter wants to ensure there’s enough money for his family, he decides to cook meth.
While that sounds like good intentions, it’s not long until Walter becomes an even worse criminal and doesn’t show any remorse for his actions.
Walter becomes single-minded in his goal (to the point of it being an unhealthy obsession, which is common for unhealthy INTJs).
13. Michael Corleone, The Godfather
Another example of a bad guy who is an INTJ is Michael Corleone (aka the Godfather), who designs the elaborate plots and plans of the Corleone family to make their fortunes and stay out of prison.
Despite the best efforts of the authorities, Corleone is always a step ahead of them.
He has the typical brooding nature, and he often sits quietly, planning his next move. This aspect is contrasted by his brother, Sonny, who has an ESTP, is impulsive and reckless.
Corleone has the classical characteristics of a mastermind, and he uses logic to overrule his emotions and keep planning the family’s road ahead.
14. Lisbeth Salander, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Adding to the female INTJ characters, Lisbeth Salander, from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, is a talented planner, and her schemes are all directed at showing women can beat their male abusers.
With careful planning, she does just this, unleashing a blunt vengeance that’s intimidating and hard to understand.
Salander is withdrawn, introverted, and coldly logical. Her harsh words are partially to keep people away, which is why she speaks bluntly with others and never shares her plans.
She intuitively plans her next moves, and she has no emotions when planning and she uses her cunning intelligence to come up with innovative ways to bring down her targets.
15. Scar, The Lion King
Every kid disliked Scar when The Lion King movie was released, and he is a true anti-hero. He is the reason why Simba’s father died, Simba ran away, and the animals in the Pride Land suffered from starvation.
Despite all that, Scar is intelligent, single-minded, and overconfident. He plans in detail to ensure he gets what he wants. Scar doesn’t hold others in high regard, and thus he manipulates the hyenas to do his bidding.
Like a true introvert, Scar likes to rule from the shadows.
16. Clarice Starling, Silence of the Lambs
One of the greatest challenges is to solve murders and capture killers. The greatest of these killers is Hannibal Lecter, and while he is an INTJ, he is also pursued by an INTJ, Clarice Starling.
In the original movie, Silence of the Lambs, we are drawn into the deep mental world of Clarice, and she is both intrigued and repulsed by Hannibal’s reasons for doing what he does.
Her ability to understand him and counter his brilliant plans is what earns his respect and catches him too.
Despite her traumatic past, Clarice manages to plan logically and stay in step with the brilliant mastermind of Hannibal. Her sense of justice is the force driving her to extreme lengths to catch her prey.
17. Hannibal Lecter, Silence of the Lambs
A great example of the INTJ stare is in Silence of the Lambs, when Hannibal Lecter is seen staring off into space when he meets Clarice Starling. It’s clear that he is off in his own mind, planning, plotting, and analyzing.
The intense level of conversation and the fact that Hannibal will only speak to Clarice in private are further indicators that he is an INTJ. His traumatic past and his disgust with humans is what drives Hannibal to become an INTJ villain.
Lacking empathy, Hannibal relies on his superior intelligence to achieve his ends, and he manages to manipulate people into doing his dirty work for him. This is also why he can hurt others without any regard for the consequences.
18. Matilda Wormwood, Matilda
Matilda is still a popular movie, and the main character is a healthy INTJ. Matilda Wormwood is introverted, intelligent, perfectionistic, and a fantastic problem-solver.
She is the brainy student who loves to learn and read. In fact, she taught herself to read since her family treated her as an outcast.
She’s patient, resilient, kind, and creative. Matilda is also an INTJ because she strategized to help Miss Honey get her house back and to overthrow the mean principal of the school who was abusing the students.
19. Elijah Mikaelson, The Vampire Diaries & The Originals
One of the original vampires, Elijah Mikaelson, from The Vampire Diaries and The Originals is an INTJ. Elijah is logical and analytical, independent, and controlled.
He likes to work alone, thinking ahead, planning, and manipulating to ensure he achieves his goals. That makes Elijah highly intelligent.
The character is also fiercely loyal to his family (thanks to his high sense of morality), going to great lengths to protect them time and again even though they continue to wrong him. He is the noblest of the original vampires.
Elijah seems to be emotionally detached because he is so restrained and reserved, but he shows that he is able to form connections with other Mystic Falls characters, like when he promised to protect Hayley and her child.
20. Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games
Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games trilogy is an INTJ. It may not seem like she’s an obvious INTJ since she isn’t highly intellectual, manipulative, and a planner.
But during her journey, Katniss shows that she is focused, strategic, fearless, and determined. She has to be to have survived the Hunger Games and everything else, right?
The character learns to use everything available to solve the problems that arise, and she thinks ahead, helping ensure that the odds are ever in her favor.
Unlike many other INTJ characters, Katniss shows that she is willing to learn from others, which helps her play the game and come out on top.
Like other true INTJs, Katniss keeps most people at arm’s length, but she connects with her sister (Primrose), Gale, Peeta, and Rue. She also lets in others whom she learns to respect and trust, such as Haymitch and Effie.
21. Kai Chisaki, My Hero Academia
Kai Chisaki, also called Overhaul, from My Hero Academia is a villain and an INTJ. He is the leader of a Yakuza organization and believes he is destined to be the next leader of the criminal underworld.
He strategically plans how he wants to destroy the Quirk society so the Yakuza can reclaim their power and former glory.
He sees people as pawns, so it’s easy for Kai to manipulate people so his masterplan can be a success. He improvises and innovates as needed, and that’s why he is good at managing the Shie Hassaikai.
Final Thoughts on Fictional Characters INTJ
Who are your favorite fictional characters INTJ? Are you an INTJ? The world of movies thrives on presenting us with brilliant INTJ characters, some of whom turn to the “dark side” to achieve their aims.
While these may seem sinister and confusing, with an INTJ, these are always logical. Fortunately, we have our INTJ heroes who are right there, fighting for justice despite standing outside social circles while embracing their introverted natures.
Wondering what’s the difference between an INTJ personality type and a person with an ENTJ personality? Then check out our guide with the 13 differences between INTJ vs ENTJ.
And if you're looking for more resources on people and characters with different personalities, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- ISTJ vs. INTJ: 6 Differences Between These Personality Types
- INTJ vs. INFJ: 6 Differences Between These Personality Types
- INTP vs. INTJ: 6 Differences Between These Personality Types
