PROTAGONIST PERSONALITY (ENFJ):

Protagonists are natural-born leaders, full of passion and charisma.

Forming around two percent of the population, they are oftentimes our
politicians, our coaches and our teachers, reaching out and inspiring
others to achieve and to do well in the world. With a natural confidence
that begets influence, Protagonists take a great deal of pride and joy in
guiding others to work together to improve themselves and their
community.

Firm Believers in the People:

People are drawn to strong personalities, and Protagonists radiate

authenticity, concern and altruism, unafraid to stand up and speak when
they feel something needs to be said. They find it natural and easy to
communicate with others, especially in person, and their Intuitive (N)
trait helps people with the Protagonist personality type to reach every
mind, be it through facts and logic or raw emotion. Protagonists easily
see people’s motivations and seemingly disconnected events, and are
able to bring these ideas together and communicate them as a common
goal with an eloquence that is nothing short of mesmerizing.

The interest Protagonists have in others is genuine, almost to a fault –

when they believe in someone, they can become too involved in the other
person’s problems, place too much trust in them. Luckily, this trust tends
to be a self-fulfilling prophecy, as Protagonists’ altruism and authenticity
inspire those they care about to become better themselves. But if they
aren’t careful, they can overextend their optimism, sometimes pushing
others further than they’re ready or willing to go.

Protagonists are vulnerable to another snare as well: they have a

tremendous capacity for reflecting on and analysing their own feelings,
but if they get too caught up in another person’s plight, they can develop
a sort of emotional hypochondria, seeing other people’s problems in
themselves, trying to fix something in themselves that isn’t wrong. If they
get to a point where they are held back by limitations someone else is
experiencing, it can hinder Protagonists’ ability to see past the dilemma
and be of any help at all. When this happens, it’s important for
Protagonists to pull back and use that self-reflection to distinguish
between what they really feel, and what is a separate issue that needs to
be looked at from another perspective.
People with the Protagonist personality type are passionate altruists,
sometimes even to a fault, and they are unlikely to be afraid to take the
slings and arrows while standing up for the people and ideas they believe
in. It is no wonder that many famous Protagonists are cultural or political
icons – this personality type wants to lead the way to a brighter future,
whether it’s by leading a nation to prosperity, or leading their little
league softball team to a hard-fought victory.

PROTAGONIST STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES:

Protagonist Strengths:

 Tolerant – Protagonists are true team players, and they recognize

that that means listening to other peoples’ opinions, even when
they contradict their own. They admit they don’t have all the
answers, and are often receptive to dissent, so long as it remains
constructive.
 Reliable – The one thing that galls Protagonists the most is the idea
of letting down a person or cause they believe in. If it’s possible,
Protagonists can always be counted on to see it through.
 Charismatic – Charm and popularity are qualities Protagonists have
in spades. They instinctively know how to capture an audience, and
pick up on mood and motivation in ways that allow them to
communicate with reason, emotion, passion, and restraint –
whatever the situation calls for. Talented imitators, Protagonists
are able to shift their tone and manner to reflect the needs of the
audience, while still maintaining their own voice.
 Altruistic – Uniting these qualities is Protagonists’ unyielding desire
to do good in and for their communities, be it in their own home or
the global stage. Warm and selfless, Protagonists genuinely believe
that if they can just bring people together, they can do a world of
good.
 Natural Leaders – More than seeking authority themselves,
Protagonists often end up in leadership roles at the request of
others, cheered on by the many admirers of their strong personality
and positive vision.

Protagonist Weaknesses:

 Overly Idealistic – People with the Protagonist personality type can

be caught off guard as they find that, through circumstance or
 nature, or simple misunderstanding, people fight against them and
defy the principles they’ve adopted, however well-intentioned they
may be. They are more likely to feel pity for this opposition than
anger, and can earn a reputation of naivety.
 Too Selfless – Protagonists can bury themselves in their hopeful
promises, feeling others’ problems as their own and striving hard to
meet their word. If they aren’t careful, they can spread themselves
too thin, and be left unable to help anyone.
 Too Sensitive – While receptive to criticism, seeing it as a tool for
leading a better team, it’s easy for Protagonists to take it a little
too much to heart. Their sensitivity to others means that
Protagonists sometimes feel problems that aren’t their own and try
to fix things they can’t fix, worrying if they are doing enough.
 Fluctuating Self-Esteem – Protagonists define their self-esteem by
whether they are able to live up to their ideals, and sometimes ask
for criticism more out of insecurity than out of confidence, always
wondering what they could do better. If they fail to meet a goal or
to help someone they said they’d help, their self-confidence will
undoubtedly plummet.
 Struggle to Make Tough Decisions – If caught between a rock and a
hard place, Protagonists can be stricken with paralysis, imagining
all the consequences of their actions, especially if those
consequences are humanitarian.

PROTAGONIST RELATIONSHIPS:
People who share the Protagonist personality type feel most at home
when they are in a relationship, and few types are more eager to
establish a loving commitment with their chosen partners. Protagonists
take dating and relationships seriously, selecting partners with an eye
towards the long haul, rather than the more casual approach that might
be expected from some types in the Explorer Role group. There’s really
no greater joy for Protagonists than to help along the goals of someone
they care about, and the interweaving of lives that a committed
relationship represents is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Their Intuitive (N) trait helps them to keep up with the rapidly shifting
moods that are common early in relationships, but Protagonists will still
rely on conversations about their mutual feelings, checking the pulse of
the relationship by asking how things are, and if there’s anything else
they can do. While this can help to keep conflict, which Protagonists
abhor, to a minimum, they also risk being overbearing or needy –
Protagonists should keep in mind that sometimes the only thing that’s
wrong is being asked what’s wrong too often.

Protagonists don’t need much to be happy, just to know that their

partner is happy, and for their partner to express that happiness through
visible affection. Making others’ goals come to fruition is often the
chiefest concern of Protagonists, and they will spare no effort in helping
their partner to live the dream. If they aren’t careful though,
Protagonists’ quest for their partners’ satisfaction can leave them
neglecting their own needs, and it’s important for them to remember to
express those needs on occasion, especially early on.

Protagonists’ tendency to avoid any kind of conflict, sometimes even

sacrificing their own principles to keep the peace, can lead to long-term
problems if these efforts never fully resolve the underlying issues that
they mask. On the other hand, people with the Protagonist personality
type can sometimes be too pre-emptive in resolving their conflicts, asking
for criticisms and suggestions in ways that convey neediness or insecurity.
Protagonists invest their emotions wholly in their relationships, and are
sometimes so eager to please that it actually undermines the relationship
– this can lead to resentment, and even the failure of the relationship.
When this happens, Protagonists experience strong senses of guilt and
betrayal, as they see all their efforts slip away.

If potential partners appreciate these qualities though, and make an

effort themselves to look after the needs of their Protagonist partners,
they will enjoy long, happy, passionate relationships. Protagonists are
known to be dependable lovers, perhaps more interested in routine and
stability than spontaneity in their sex lives, but always dedicated to the
selfless satisfaction of their partners. Ultimately, Protagonist personality
types believe that the only true happiness is mutual happiness, and that’s
the stuff successful relationships are made of.

PROTAGONIST FRIENDS:
When it comes to friendships, Protagonists are anything but passive.
While some personality types may accept the circumstantial highs and
lows of friendship, their feelings waxing and waning with the times,
Protagonists will put active effort into maintaining these connections,
viewing them as substantial and important, not something to let slip away
through laziness or inattention.

People with the Protagonist personality type take genuine pleasure in

getting to know other people, and have no trouble talking with people of
all types and modes of thought. Even in disagreement, other perspectives
are fascinating to Protagonists – though like most people, they connect
best with individuals who share their principles and ideals, and types in
Diplomat and Analyst Role groups are best able to explore Protagonists’
viewpoints with them, which are simply too idealistic for most. It is with
these closest friends that Protagonists will truly open up, keeping their
many other connections in a realm of light-hearted but genuine support
and encouragement.

Others truly value their Protagonist friends, appreciating the warmth,

kindness, and sincere optimism and cheer they bring to the table.
Protagonists want to be the best friends possible, and it shows in how
they work to find out not just the superficial interests of their friends,
but their strengths, passions, hopes and dreams. Nothing makes
Protagonists happier than to see the people they care about do well, and
they are more than happy to take their own time and energy to help
make it happen.

While Protagonists enjoy lending this helping hand, other personality

types may simply not have the energy or drive to keep up with it –
creating further strain, people with the Protagonist personality type can
become offended if their efforts aren’t reciprocated when the
opportunity arises. Ultimately, Protagonists’ give and take can become
stifling to types who are more interested in the moment than the future,
or who simply have Identities that rest firmly on the Assertive side,
making them content with who they are and uninterested in the sort of
self-improvement and goal-setting that Protagonists hold so dear.

When this happens Protagonist personalities can be critical, if they

believe it necessary. While usually tactful and often helpful, if their
friend is already annoyed by Protagonists’ attempts to push them
forward, it can simply cause them to dig in their heels further.
Protagonists should try to avoid taking this personally when it happens,
and relax their inflexibility into an occasional “live and let live” attitude.

Ultimately though, Protagonists will find that their excitement and

unyielding optimism will yield them many satisfying relationships with
people who appreciate and share their vision and authenticity. The joy
Protagonists take in moving things forward means that there is always a
sense of purpose behind their friendships, creating bonds that are not
easily shaken.
PROTAGONIST CAREERS:
When it comes to finding a career, people with the Protagonist
personality type cast their eyes towards anything that lets them do what
they love most – helping other people! Lucky for them, people like being
helped, and are even willing to pay for it, which means that Protagonists
are rarely wanting for inspiration and opportunity in their search for
meaningful work.

Protagonists take a genuine interest in other people, approaching them

with warm sociability and a helpful earnestness that rarely goes
unnoticed. Altruistic careers like social and religious work, teaching,
counselling, and advising of all sorts are popular avenues, giving people
with the Protagonist personality type a chance to help others learn, grow,
and become more independent. This attitude, alongside their social
skills, emotional intelligence and tendency to be “that person who knows
everybody”, can be adapted to quite a range of other careers as well,
making Protagonists natural HR administrators, event coordinators, and
politicians – anything that helps a community or organization to operate
more smoothly.

To top it all off, Protagonists are able to express themselves both

creatively and honestly, allowing them to approach positions as sales
representatives and advertising consultants from a certain idealistic
perspective, intuitively picking up on the needs and wants of their
customers, and working to make them happier. However, Protagonists
need to make sure they get to focus on people, not systems and
spreadsheets, and they are unlikely to have the stomach for making the
sort of decisions required in corporate governance positions – they will
feel haunted, knowing that their decision cost someone their job, or that
their product cost someone their life.

Having a preference for Intuitive (N) trait over its Observant (S)
counterpart also means that careers demanding exceptional situational
awareness, such as law enforcement, military service, and emergency
response, will cause Protagonists to burn out quickly. While great at
organizing willing parties and winning over skeptics, in dangerous
situations Protagonists just won’t be able to maintain the sort of focus on
their immediate physical surroundings that they inevitably demand of
themselves hour after hour, day after day.

It makes a great deal more sense for Protagonists to be the force keeping
these vital services organized and running well, taking their long-term
views, people skills and idealism, and using them to shape the situation
on the ground, while more physical personality types manage the
moment-to-moment crises. People with the Protagonist personality type
are always up for a good challenge – and nothing thrills them quite like
helping others. But while willing to train the necessary skills, Protagonists
will always show an underlying preference for the sort of help that draws
a positive long-term trend, that effects change that really sticks.

Careers operating behind enemy lines and arriving at the scene of the
crime too late to help will simply weigh on Protagonists’ sensitive hearts
and minds, especially if criticized despite their efforts. On the other
hand, Protagonists are a driven, versatile group, and that same vision
that pulls them towards administration and politics can help them focus
through the stress of the moment, knowing that each second of effort
contributes to something bigger than themselves.

PROTAGONIST PERSONALITY – CONCLUSION:

Few personality types are as passionate and charismatic as Protagonists.
Their enthusiasm and vivid imagination allow Protagonists to overcome
many challenging obstacles, more often than not brightening the lives of
those around them. Protagonists’ creativity is invaluable in many areas,
including their own personal growth.

Yet Protagonists can be easily tripped up in areas where their idealism

and passion are more of a liability than an asset. Whether it is navigating
interpersonal conflicts, confronting unpleasant facts, pursuing self-
realization, or finding a career path that aligns well with your inner core,
you may face numerous challenges that at times can even make you
question who you really are.

 At the heart of it, Protagonists need to see how the story ends, to feel and
experience the gratitude and appreciation of the people they’ve helped in
order to be happy.
 Protagonists are the most likely personality type to describe their romantic
relationships as very intense and passionate.
 Protagonists are genuine, caring people who talk the talk and walk the walk,
and nothing makes them happier than leading the charge, uniting and
motivating their team with infectious enthusiasm.

Everything you do right now ripples outward and affects everyone.

Your posture can shine your heart or transmit anxiety. Your breath
can radiate love or muddy the room in depression. Your glance can
awaken joy. Your words can inspire freedom. Your every act can open
hearts and minds.
-David Deida.