Mono-Colour and Allied Pairs
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an old, old personality test, which has become one of the most famous tests of its type around. It was first published in the 1920s, and was the work of two people (Briggs and Myers, mother and daughter) with no formal training in psychology, based on the ideas of Freud-era psychologist Carl Jung. It was originally concepted as a tool for behaviour prediction, but unfortunately hasn't shown any predictive power in the century since.
Still, looking at personalities can be pretty interesting, and even if the MBTI can't tell you which archetypes you should fall in love with or what your psychometry says about your career goals, it's still not bad at describing things as they are.
Still, looking at personalities can be pretty interesting, and even if the MBTI can't tell you which archetypes you should fall in love with or what your psychometry says about your career goals, it's still not bad at describing things as they are.
The MBTI assumes that there are 4 axes that make up a personality, resulting in 16 distinct personality “types”. Pretty close to perfect for typing out the 5 colours and each two-colour pair! It worked out so well for me, actually, that I'd be surprised if WotC hasn't done a similar exercise in their own pits of R&D. Anyway, if you're not already familiar with how the MBTI works, here's the rundown. (Also, if you're interested in your own type there are a ton of websites that'll provide a test for you. Here's a link to a random one of them.)
The Axes of Personality
[E]xtraversion vs. [I]ntroversion
This scale describes your relationships with those around you. People high in extraversion link their lives to others, either for their respect, acceptance or just companionship. People high in introversion derive satisfaction from within, often preferring solitude to social situations.
E: white, black, red
I: blue, green
[S]ensing vs. i[N]tuition
This is how you prefer to gather information about situations and problems. People high in sensing view the world in concrete, tangible ways, prefer specific and practical solutions and are present-oriented. People high in intuition prefer abstract concepts and theories, look for the big picture and don't mind unconventional solutions. Future-oriented.
S: red, green, white
N: white, blue, black
[T]hinking vs. [F]eeling
This is how you prefer to process information and evaluate your options. “Thinking” folks are objective and logical. They want their decisions to be, above all, consistent and efficient. “Feeling” folks empathize with the situation, preferring the decision that results in the greatest harmony and happiness.
T: blue, black
F: white, red, green
[J]udging vs. [P]erception
The most made-up of all the scales, the J/P scale is also the most complicated. Simplified, it measures your drive to exert your will on your environment. Judging people want to change the world based on their own moral code, while perception people take in whatever is around them. J's like to settle matters, and P's like to keep their options open.
J: white, black, green
P: blue, red
Now, on to the experiment! In addition to my own analysis, I've put the label down that Keirsy.com provides each type. They're a company who repackaged and sells the MTBI test, so they have a much more detailed description of each available if you're interested.
Mono-Colour
White
White is mainly concerned with law, order, and the welfare of the community. Inherently people-oriented, white is naturally extraverted. White is practical and believes strongly in the rule of law and tradition. Although it cares primarily for the people subject to that law, and it has little tolerance for deviance, White will gently and tenderly nurture those who are willing to toe the line.
ENFJ, the teacher.
Blue
Blue is primarily interested in the pursuit of knowledge and mastery of the arcane, and only tangentially aware of the people who assist. Blue cares little for what is, as is is simply a temporary state on the way to what could be. Blue probes and investigates everything, and finds emotional bias as immature as metaphor. Beyond its next research grant, Blue doesn't much care about molding the world in its image. It knows that the mere existence its superior intellect will cause whatever changes are required.
INTP, the architect.
Black
Black is quite interested in the lives of those around it. The lives of those around Black are the greatest tools, are they not? Black is more than willing to set aside whatever personal values or biases it might have for the sake of achieving its goals, which Black is coldly and energetically devoted to. Black has IDEAS and OPINIONS, and Black knows what's right! Critically, though, Black's ideologies are built on a chilly foundation of facts and logic, and Black is both willing and capable of doing whatever necessary to “convince” others to play along.
ENTJ, the field marshal.
Red
Red is interested in the lives of others as well, but is much more focused on experiencing those lives rather than using them. Red lives in the moment, unabashedly and exuberantly emotional. Red has strong opinions, but doesn't much care if you agree. Red will share them with you, sure, but the world isn't something that's meant to be changed, it's just something that you experience on your brief journey though it. Well, I mean, sometimes something has to be vigorously burned to the ground, but whatever. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust and all that. Red only turns it to ashes a bit faster.
ESFP, the performer.
Green
Green has one primary concern, and that is the security and safety of itself and its allies. Loyalty is Green's most valued trait, though Green most often stands alone as all of its strongest ideologies are unspoken and personal. Traditions are deeply important to Green, and it's often confused and frustrated when others disregard or abuse them. Nonetheless, when Green is on your side, you couldn't have earned a more reliable partner.
ISFJ, the protector.
Allied Pairs
White/Blue
WU is even more devoted to law and order than White. WU is the one is probably the one who wrote the rules, after all. WU has done the research, WU KNOWS what's best, and WU is not going to let your illogical preferences get in the way of your well-being. WU genuinely has your best interests at heart, and knows what you need better than you do, certainly. No, WU doesn't want to talk it over, what good would that be? WU has all the facts. Besides, there are many others who need WU's help as well. It's a busy colour combination.
ISTJ, the inspector.
Blue/Black
UB doesn't rely on anyone but itself. UB doesn't believe it needs help, it's clearly the most intelligent colour combination around. But, you know, UB might just be right. UB is happy to USE others, but unless they are directly accelerating UB toward its goal they will probably be discarded. Inefficiency is anathema. Despite this, UB can often be a great asset to a team. UB loves engaging a complex problem, untangling it, and solving it as efficiently as possible. In addition, UB has a contingency plan for just about any eventuality. Just... make sure that UB's plans include you.
INTJ, the mastermind.
Black/Red
BR is warm, vibrant, energetic, spontaneous and hedonistic. Even more than Red, BR is always seeking the novel, hungry to experience all the good, the evil, the gentle and the vulgar in the world. Where Red's exploration is a passive one, BR's certainly is not. Black's influence gives BR the urge to poke, prod and inject itself into every situation and person it encounters. Due to BR's enormous self-confidence and keen alertness, BR is at home in social settings, and is (usually) prepared to deal with and repair any damage done by an accidental misstep.
ENFP, the champion.
Red/Green
RG is an explorer of the wilderness, and of its own internal peaks and valleys. RG is deeply aware of the emotional currents flowing through and around it, and rides them willingly to wherever they take it. RG is somewhat removed from society as a whole, rarely expressing itself except through impulsive actions inspired by its private muses. RG would prefer to communicate to the world, instead of with individual residents of it.
ISFP, the composer.
Green/White
White opens Green up, pulling it into society, making it more comfortable with social situations. In turn, Green softens White's edges, mellowing White's hardline stance on the rules of civilization. GW is all about community, making sure that everyone is safe and getting along. GW still cares a lot about tradition and order, but takes a more holistic view of each. Just be excellent to each other. Pass the peace pipe, man. Here, GW has some life you can gain... Try it, you'll like it. Party on, dudes.
ESFJ, the provider.
If you didn't see your type, check back soon for part 2 and the enemy colour pairs.
The Axes of Personality
[E]xtraversion vs. [I]ntroversion
This scale describes your relationships with those around you. People high in extraversion link their lives to others, either for their respect, acceptance or just companionship. People high in introversion derive satisfaction from within, often preferring solitude to social situations.
E: white, black, red
I: blue, green
[S]ensing vs. i[N]tuition
This is how you prefer to gather information about situations and problems. People high in sensing view the world in concrete, tangible ways, prefer specific and practical solutions and are present-oriented. People high in intuition prefer abstract concepts and theories, look for the big picture and don't mind unconventional solutions. Future-oriented.
S: red, green, white
N: white, blue, black
[T]hinking vs. [F]eeling
This is how you prefer to process information and evaluate your options. “Thinking” folks are objective and logical. They want their decisions to be, above all, consistent and efficient. “Feeling” folks empathize with the situation, preferring the decision that results in the greatest harmony and happiness.
T: blue, black
F: white, red, green
[J]udging vs. [P]erception
The most made-up of all the scales, the J/P scale is also the most complicated. Simplified, it measures your drive to exert your will on your environment. Judging people want to change the world based on their own moral code, while perception people take in whatever is around them. J's like to settle matters, and P's like to keep their options open.
J: white, black, green
P: blue, red
Now, on to the experiment! In addition to my own analysis, I've put the label down that Keirsy.com provides each type. They're a company who repackaged and sells the MTBI test, so they have a much more detailed description of each available if you're interested.
Mono-Colour
White
White is mainly concerned with law, order, and the welfare of the community. Inherently people-oriented, white is naturally extraverted. White is practical and believes strongly in the rule of law and tradition. Although it cares primarily for the people subject to that law, and it has little tolerance for deviance, White will gently and tenderly nurture those who are willing to toe the line.
ENFJ, the teacher.
Blue
Blue is primarily interested in the pursuit of knowledge and mastery of the arcane, and only tangentially aware of the people who assist. Blue cares little for what is, as is is simply a temporary state on the way to what could be. Blue probes and investigates everything, and finds emotional bias as immature as metaphor. Beyond its next research grant, Blue doesn't much care about molding the world in its image. It knows that the mere existence its superior intellect will cause whatever changes are required.
INTP, the architect.
Black
Black is quite interested in the lives of those around it. The lives of those around Black are the greatest tools, are they not? Black is more than willing to set aside whatever personal values or biases it might have for the sake of achieving its goals, which Black is coldly and energetically devoted to. Black has IDEAS and OPINIONS, and Black knows what's right! Critically, though, Black's ideologies are built on a chilly foundation of facts and logic, and Black is both willing and capable of doing whatever necessary to “convince” others to play along.
ENTJ, the field marshal.
Red
Red is interested in the lives of others as well, but is much more focused on experiencing those lives rather than using them. Red lives in the moment, unabashedly and exuberantly emotional. Red has strong opinions, but doesn't much care if you agree. Red will share them with you, sure, but the world isn't something that's meant to be changed, it's just something that you experience on your brief journey though it. Well, I mean, sometimes something has to be vigorously burned to the ground, but whatever. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust and all that. Red only turns it to ashes a bit faster.
ESFP, the performer.
Green
Green has one primary concern, and that is the security and safety of itself and its allies. Loyalty is Green's most valued trait, though Green most often stands alone as all of its strongest ideologies are unspoken and personal. Traditions are deeply important to Green, and it's often confused and frustrated when others disregard or abuse them. Nonetheless, when Green is on your side, you couldn't have earned a more reliable partner.
ISFJ, the protector.
Allied Pairs
White/Blue
WU is even more devoted to law and order than White. WU is the one is probably the one who wrote the rules, after all. WU has done the research, WU KNOWS what's best, and WU is not going to let your illogical preferences get in the way of your well-being. WU genuinely has your best interests at heart, and knows what you need better than you do, certainly. No, WU doesn't want to talk it over, what good would that be? WU has all the facts. Besides, there are many others who need WU's help as well. It's a busy colour combination.
ISTJ, the inspector.
Blue/Black
UB doesn't rely on anyone but itself. UB doesn't believe it needs help, it's clearly the most intelligent colour combination around. But, you know, UB might just be right. UB is happy to USE others, but unless they are directly accelerating UB toward its goal they will probably be discarded. Inefficiency is anathema. Despite this, UB can often be a great asset to a team. UB loves engaging a complex problem, untangling it, and solving it as efficiently as possible. In addition, UB has a contingency plan for just about any eventuality. Just... make sure that UB's plans include you.
INTJ, the mastermind.
Black/Red
BR is warm, vibrant, energetic, spontaneous and hedonistic. Even more than Red, BR is always seeking the novel, hungry to experience all the good, the evil, the gentle and the vulgar in the world. Where Red's exploration is a passive one, BR's certainly is not. Black's influence gives BR the urge to poke, prod and inject itself into every situation and person it encounters. Due to BR's enormous self-confidence and keen alertness, BR is at home in social settings, and is (usually) prepared to deal with and repair any damage done by an accidental misstep.
ENFP, the champion.
Red/Green
RG is an explorer of the wilderness, and of its own internal peaks and valleys. RG is deeply aware of the emotional currents flowing through and around it, and rides them willingly to wherever they take it. RG is somewhat removed from society as a whole, rarely expressing itself except through impulsive actions inspired by its private muses. RG would prefer to communicate to the world, instead of with individual residents of it.
ISFP, the composer.
Green/White
White opens Green up, pulling it into society, making it more comfortable with social situations. In turn, Green softens White's edges, mellowing White's hardline stance on the rules of civilization. GW is all about community, making sure that everyone is safe and getting along. GW still cares a lot about tradition and order, but takes a more holistic view of each. Just be excellent to each other. Pass the peace pipe, man. Here, GW has some life you can gain... Try it, you'll like it. Party on, dudes.
ESFJ, the provider.
If you didn't see your type, check back soon for part 2 and the enemy colour pairs.