[Lady K]

I've got plans to write a novel from the perspective of a serial killer. Yes, I know it sounds weird, hush. I want to do it from first person perspective, and I think it would be smart to type my killer in order to assess what decisions he/she might make in a given situation. I know you're all going to tell me that it depends on (insert a bunch of random junk) so here's some details that I think might help:

• History of harming animals. Not something specifically sought out, but done in vengeance and curiosity.
• Above average intelligence, but works the average joe job.
• Meticulous in home environment, but purposely disorganized in public
• Adulation of women, hatred of women
• Shy, quiet, mild-mannered in public situations
• Confident to the point of arrogance in private, and in self estimation

That's all that I can currently think of, but I should be able to answer any questions anyone has about the character. I have the character pretty well mapped out in my head.



I'm not up to date on my personality types really, which is why I'm asking. I'd like opinions from people who've spent a lot of time researching and looking into this type of thing. What personality would you assign a person like this, and why? What aspects of the personality are the most important?

[snail]

Sounds like a really messed up INTJ or INTP.

[Grey]

Personally, ENTP. I'll skip all of the preamble on how it's hard to ascertain the type without specific evidence to point towards all of the 'functions', but you describe your character as manipulative of his environment, crafting a careful mask to appear one way in public, I'm guessing, to throw off suspicion. ENTPs seem to be not so much manipulative, but mindful of their environment and constantly thinking of what they can do to work with it.

If not that, ENTJ.

[Lady K]

Is there a specific reason you think he's an extrovert? Snail's suggestions both include being an introvert. And what would be the difference in being a J or a P in ENTP/ENTJ? Talk to me like I don't know all this, because I don't! :P

[Mutatio NOmenis]

Serial killers are INFJ's without emotions. They are very emotionally driven, but lack the ability to deal with their emotions.

[Blue Butterfly]

I lived with one for 14 years but I cannot tell you what personality type he was. He confused me to no end. When he was with the public he was one way but behind the publics eyes he could turn into a monster.

[snail]

I lived with one of those, too, Hurting. He tested as an INTP, but other INTPs tell me he sounds more INTJ. That's why I listed both of those types as possibilities.

[Lady K]

They are very emotionally driven, but lack the ability to deal with their emotions.

I was under the assumption that a T was the type of person who has the inability to deal with emotions, despite having them, because they don't understand them? Is this wrong? The only thing I was certain of was that my character was a T! lol Very logical and well thought out reasoning to everything that he does. He's very controlled, and he's not going to get caught. I'm not sure emotions control him. He's not quite a sociopath though, at least not at this juncture.

[Grey]

Is there a specific reason you think he's an extrovert? Snail's suggestions both include being an introvert. And what would be the difference in being a J or a P in ENTP/ENTJ? Talk to me like I don't know all this, because I don't! :P

I'm not judging on the basis of being extroverted or introverted; I'm judging more on the basis of the description. The way it sounds is that your character cares a lot about he's perceived, and possibly not just out of the need to. He doesn't have to be talkative or quiet to be an extrovert. Secondly, I would say ENTJ because it seems a close call; ENTJs have a tendency to want to challenge. The 'J' was thrown in as a base, as you describe your character as being meticulous about things.

I don't think INTP or INTJ are possible, but that's just my opinion.

[Blue Butterfly]

I lived with one of those, too, Hurting. He tested as an INTP, but other INTPs tell me he sounds more INTJ. That's why I listed both of those types as possibilities.

Oh my! Snail no wonder we understand each other so well. You know what I know then if you have seen death. Mine was my dad and he died with I was 14. I did not know anything about personality types then. Now I have a difficult time even seeing his face and remembering stuff about him. It has been to long ago.