#mylittlepony - #Character discussion: The extrovert-introvert spectrum

Character discussion: The extrovert-introvert spectrum

So we talked headcanons and interpretations and possiblities about certain characters, how about we get a little bit more technical with it? Let's analyse the characters' personality; really take them apart and look at the things that make them work.

(I was originally going to do an MBTI analysis, because lately I've been getting back into it and that's what you do when you get into a personality typing system. But the thing is, I no longer use the stereotype-based bullshit online test method, but a far more complicated model. And typing this many characters like that would take ages and I don't even fully get it yet. So let's just look at one single aspect of personality.)

We all know about the whole extrovert-introvert thing. But of course, it isn't as simple as many would make you believe. Because even an introvert can get energized by spending time with people and even an extrovert can be the quiet one at a party. And of course, it is a spectrum. Even the introverts need their social interaction and even extroverts need their me-times. It's not as cut and dry as being either this or that.

Now this is where some people would throw the term "ambivert" into the mix and collapse the whole structure. But the thing is, everybody's an ambivert. Or rather, everyone is an introvert in one area of life, but an extrovert in another. You may be the kind of person who loves talking to people and sharing ideas, but not be great at empathy. Or the kind of person who reads books all day and also has great social skills. The deciding factor, is which one comes to you more naturally; which one you prefer doing. Do you read books as an everyday thing and only use your social skills when necessary, or do you meet people all day and only read books once nobody's around?

That's the basis I categorized the characters on. The far sides of the spectrum are self-explanatory: A very extroverted character is the one who bangs on the tribe all day and even in their alone time, will be preoccupied with their next interaction with the tribe. And then a very introverted character, is the one who fits the stereotype of the introvert more closely.

Like for example: Pinkie Pie is very clearly an extrovert. She spends all her time socializing and doing favours for others. She does have her own introvert space, but it is filled with 'other people' stuff. Then you have Zecora, who doesn't even bother to talk clearly. She will sometimes take up the role of a mentor, but only lightly poking her pupil's head, hoping that they come to the conclusion on their own terms.

Then as you move towards the middle of the spectrum, you get the run-of-the-mill extrovert, who does spend more time with the tribe, but also have their own thing, not connected to it. And then the regular introvert, who does prefer to have their alone times, but will gladly hang out with other people.

For example: Rarity is clearly an extrovert, as she's got very good social skills, which she will not hesitate using. But her work is still her work and that requires her own individualism. On the other hand, Fluttershy is downright afraid of social interaction (at least used to be), but spends a lot of time helping others, like animals, just because she likes them unconditionally.

We get more tricky as we move to the middle of the spectrum. But this spectrum isn't a bell-curve, but more of a buttcrack. And this is where we get the moderate extrovert, who does spend a great amount of time in their own introvert worlds, but will be more natural handling other people. And the moderate introvert, who prefers their own introvert world, but has no problem spending time outside of it.

For example: Limestone may seem like somepony very detached from others, due to her lack of social skills, but she does spend most of her time making sure things work for others. She values her family and the farm over herself. Then we have Twilight Sparkle, who does prefer to do things her own way, but has no problem with getting help, or teaching others, or just having small-talk on the way. She prefers her introvert space, but is totally fine outside of it.

And so, here are the categories:

• Very extroverted - Pinkie Pie, Starlight Glimmer, Applebloom, Princess Celestia, Discord, Trixie, Minuette

• Extroverted - Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Spike, Scootaloo, Lyra Heartstrings

• Moderately extroverted - Limestone, Sunset Shimmer, Tirek, Cheerilee, Queen Chrysalis

• Moderately introverted - Twilight Sparkle, Tree Hugger, Bon Bon, Octavia, Derpy

• Introverted - Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle, Marble, Sunburst, Lemon Hearts, Vinyl Scratch

• Very introverted - Zecora, Princess Luna, Big Mac, Maud, Moondancer, Twinkleshine

Now, I know a lot of these choices are pretty obvious, but others may be a bit unexpected. So feel free to ask and I'll tell you my reasoning. You can ask me about MBTI as well, but I don't promise to be easy to understand.

Edit: Though I'll be sleeping, so you may have to wait a bit for an answer.

What's this for? Well, partly for fun; analyzing stuff and organizing data, just for the sake of it. Brain exercise, ya know? Other than that, I think this can be used as a writing tool. A way to keep character-consistency. It is not necessary to get this deep with it, or even this precise. You could even use horoscopes to help with character writing. But it is useful nonetheless.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed that. Thoughts?

Submitted February 20, 2020 at 12:02PM by JesterOfDestiny
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