Even though Buffy the Vampire Slayer has been off the air since 2003, the super strong character portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar will never leave the hearts and minds of fans. Whether protecting the town of Sunnydale against evil vampires or falling for vampires herself, Buffy is one of those memorable protagonists who will go down in pop culture history. Although every episode has action sequences galore, the show’s character development and growth are definitely what viewers love the most.
Let’s take a look at the Myers-Briggs® Personality Type of the 8 most popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer characters.
8. Rupert Giles: ISTJ
Is there a more loyal character than Rupert Giles, Buffy’s watcher and mentor (played by Anthony Stewart Head)? It’s a rhetorical question for any Buffy fan who is familiar with this loveable, nerdy-in-a-good-way character. You get the feeling that he would do anything to help and protect Buffy and her loved ones.
His MBTI type is definitely ISTJ. The official description of this personality type says, “They are precise and accurate in their approach and often are counted on to follow through, even on the smallest details. Jobs typically attractive to them are ones that reward their loyalty and a sense of duty.” It’s no wonder that Giles loves to be in the school library and that he loves to teach everyone around him about the history of vampires and slayers.
7. Cordelia Chase: ESTP
Teen dramas need mean girls (along with love triangles and dramatic moments). The mean girl on Buffy the Vampire Slayer is, of course, Cordelia Chase, the popular high schooler played by Charisma Carpenter. We could call her ditzy and we could also call her hilarious, but one thing is for sure: she is a beloved part of the show.
As for her Myers-Briggs® personality type, she’s an ESTP. This description fits her perfectly: “They work best when surrounded by active, task-oriented people in an environment that is immediate, fast-paced, and focused on the project. They tend to be spontaneous and adventurous, often preferring to work without strict rules or restrictions.” Cordelia bores easily and she always needs to be entertained.
6. Joyce Summers: ISFJ
Buffy’s mom, played by Kristine Sutherland, is a typical mom on a teen drama… in a good way. She’s exactly what fans wanted: she’s overprotective in that charming mom way, she cares about Buffy, and she wants the best for her. And she owns an art gallery, which makes her super cool (even if Buffy doesn’t think so).
An ISFP is a “practical helper” and who better fits that description than a mother? Joyce sounds a lot like the MBTI description: “People with ISFJ preferences are patient individuals who apply common sense and experience to solving problems for other people. They are responsible, loyal, and traditional and enjoy serving the needs of others and providing practical assistance.”
5. Spike: INFJ
It’s a bit tough to think of a Myers-Briggs® Personality Type for a vampire, but hey, we’re totally up to the challenge. One thing that fans know about Spike, one of Buffy’s two vampire love interests (played by James Marsters), is that he likes to be in charge and he is pretty enthusiastic about the world of vampires.
He’s an INFJ, or an “insightful visionary.” He’s someone with big ideas and he wants to make a lot of change happen. Sure, even though he’s evil, Buffy still falls for him, so we end up having a bit of a soft spot for him. His British accent makes him seem more “reserved” than your average monster or creature, which is perfect since INFJs are described this way.
4. Xander Harris: ESFP
At first, we think of Xander (played by Nicholas Brendon) as a slightly dorky guy who has a major crush on Buffy. But then we get to know him and realize that he’s kind, goofy, and silly. He’s the character who never gets the girl but who totally should because he’s got a lot to offer.
When it comes to his Myers-Briggs® Personality Type, he’s an ESFP, or “enthusiastic improviser.” As the website explains, “People with ESFP preferences tend to be adaptable, friendly, and expressive. They enjoy life and being around people. They usually enjoy working with others and experiencing new situations.”
Xander is never happier than when he’s with the gang in the library or at school, figuring out how to fight vampires. He genuinely enjoys being around his friends (Buffy in particular).
3. Willow Rosenberg: INFP
Buffy’s friend Willow (Alyson Hannigan) may be on the quiet and shy side, but she’s an integral part of the Buffy universe. It’s tough to imagine this show without her kind nature and her willingness to help no matter what.
Since Willow works hard in school and is always a good friend, that makes her an INFP, or a “thoughtful idealist.” The official description for this personality type reads, “People with INFP preferences often enjoy devising creative solutions to problems while making moral commitments to what they believe in. They typically try to help others with their growth and inner development to reach their full potential.” If you need Willow to do some research on the wicked ways of vampires, she’s your girl.
2. Angel: ISTP
Before Edward Cullen came along, Buffy’s love interest angel was the good vampire that everyone knew and loved. Played by David Boreanaz, he wants to do his best to protect her, but he knows that things probably won’t work out between the two of them.
After Buffy and Angel spend the night together and he re-loses his soul, their breakup leaves her totally devastated. Fans felt the same way, but we still love Angel. He’s definitely an ISTP or “logical pragmatist.” He knows that sometimes, true love doesn’t win all and that the best thing that he can do for Buffy is leave her. One major thing to note about people with this personality type is they’re able to stay peaceful and chill when a tough situation presents itself. This is totally Angel.
1. Buffy Summers: ENTP
What about the MBTI® of the beloved protagonist of Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Buffy is definitely an ENTP or “enterprising explorer.”
Buffy is always determined to do whatever needs to be done in order to save Sunnydale and her friends and family. She will even sacrifice her own life if necessary. ENTPs are problem solvers and they approach situations and crises with a lot of creativity. Buffy saves the day a handful of times (no big deal) and she kicks butt with a smile on her face and her trademark quick wit.
Whether she’s killing the Master and saving the world (like she did in the season one finale) or getting ready for a night out at the Bronze, Buffy’s one of the most popular TV characters.
