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splashstar01 · 7 months ago

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MBTIs of BBC's Merlin & Arthur Pendragon

Arthur Pendragon (ISTJ)

Introverted (I): Now I know many people see him as an extrovert. I argue he plays extroverted out of necessity. Although Arthur is often in the spotlight due to his royal position, he tends to process emotions and decisions internally. He’s reserved about personal feelings, often keeping a stoic exterior, particularly in moments of vulnerability. His introversion explains why in season 4 finale (the show only has 5 seasons), he told Merlin that Merlin was still his only friend, despite the fact that all the Knights of the Round had already been established! He clearly differentiates knights who would willingly give their lives from real friends. Arthur is so private that he doesn't even tell his wife things. In season 5, she casually said, "Arthur never tells me anything." Arthur only really lets Merlin in. (Because he loves Merlin, duh. lol)

Sensing (S): Arthur is pragmatic and focused on the present. He has a strong sense of duty and tradition, often valuing tangible results and sticking to established systems, like the chivalric code and the duties of being a king.

Thinking (T): He makes decisions based on logic and duty rather than emotions. Arthur strives to do what is right for Camelot and tends to focus on rationality when dealing with political and military matters, even if it means setting aside personal attachments.

Judging (J): Arthur values structure and order. He is disciplined, prefers routines, and is committed to fulfilling his responsibilities as a king. He can be strict, both with himself and others, expecting everyone to uphold the same level of duty.

Merlin (ENFP)

Extraverted (E): I have heard some parts of fandom say Merlin is introverted.... But Merlin has to be the friendliest, most outgoing and open character on the show! Merlin effortlessly connects with others. He’s warm, often initiating interactions with various people across all social classes, and enjoys forming deep bonds with those around him. Basically, the complete opposite of Arthur. Arthur's top knights, Lancelot and Gwaine, became knights for Merlin, because of their friendship with him! Merlin at his best is a happy, bubbly dude!

Intuitive (N): Merlin looks beyond the surface and sees potential and possibilities. He is often focused on his vision for the future, specifically the destiny he believes Arthur must fulfill, and tends to think about the broader implications of events.

Feeling (F): Merlin makes decisions based on his emotions and values. He is compassionate and deeply cares about the people he loves, even risking his life to protect them. His empathy drives many of his actions, as he is guided by his heart rather than just logic.

Perceiving (P): Merlin is adaptable and flexible. He thrives in chaotic situations, often relying on his quick thinking to solve problems on the fly. Unlike Arthur, Merlin isn't tied to structure and routine, preferring to go with the flow and adjust his plans as circumstances change.

Even being complete opposites (they don't have a single common letter in their MBTI), Arthur and Merlin's personalities complement each other in a way that makes their relationship dynamic, powerful, and balanced. Despite their differences, these contrasts are what strengthen their bond, making them effective as partners and allowing them to grow as individuals.

How their MBTIs shaped their love story:

1. Arthur (ISTJ) – Duty vs. Love

Arthur’s ISTJ personality makes him deeply rooted in duty and tradition, which often conflicts with his personal feelings. As a king-in-waiting, he’s bound by the rules and expectations of Camelot. This sense of responsibility prevents him from openly expressing his affection for Merlin, a commoner and servant.

Suppressed feelings: Arthur’s introversion and thinking function push him to hide his emotions, especially his care and affection for Merlin. His loyalty to his role as prince often conflicts with his deeper, unspoken feelings for Merlin. Arthur’s rational side forces him to focus on the kingdom, keeping his emotions hidden beneath his duty to the crown.

Traditional values: As an ISTJ, Arthur’s sense of tradition keeps him from crossing the boundaries of class and status. His love for Merlin, if fully acknowledged, would defy these societal norms, and his reluctance to embrace that love fully reflects his fear of breaking those structures.

2. Merlin (ENFP) – Love as a Driving Force

Merlin’s ENFP personality is more openly emotional and driven by personal values. His feeling and perceiving traits allow him to express affection, even though it’s subtle and often masked in humor or banter. Merlin constantly shows his love and devotion to Arthur by risking his life to protect him and ensuring Arthur’s destiny as king.

Boundless loyalty: Merlin’s deep emotional attachment to Arthur is clear, as he constantly sacrifices his own desires, hiding his magic and risking his safety to ensure Arthur’s survival. His ENFP idealism drives his belief in Arthur as the Once and Future King, and this belief is tied deeply to Merlin’s personal love for him. The idealism of an ENFP is evident in how Merlin sees the bigger picture of Arthur’s destiny but is also fueled by his personal love and emotional bond.

Unconditional care: While Arthur struggles to show emotions, Merlin’s extraverted nature makes it easier for him to express affection through acts of service. He remains unwavering in his commitment to Arthur, which highlights the ENFP’s ability to love deeply and unconditionally, even when the other person may not fully reciprocate outwardly.

3. Their Banter – The ENFP vs. ISTJ Communication Style

The teasing and banter between Arthur and Merlin highlight their different communication styles. Merlin’s ENFP warmth and humor frequently bring out Arthur’s softer, more human side. Arthur’s ISTJ personality makes him reluctant to openly express affection, so their teasing and sarcastic exchanges become a way to communicate affection indirectly. The playful insults act as a cover for their deeper bond.

Arthur’s respect for Merlin grows over time, despite his reserved demeanor, and Merlin’s ability to challenge him emotionally helps Arthur soften. Their banter is more than comedic relief; it shows how they communicate their care for one another in a way that feels safe and acceptable.

4. Trust and Emotional Vulnerability

Arthur (ISTJ) is slow to trust others with his vulnerabilities, given his reliance on structure and duty. But over the course of the series, he opens up to Merlin more than anyone else, showing a side of himself that he hides from everyone, including his wife and family members (like Morgana and Uther). Merlin’s warmth and loyalty gradually create a space where Arthur can be emotionally vulnerable.

Merlin (ENFP), in contrast, is more expressive and emotionally open from the beginning. His challenge lies in getting Arthur to see past his role as a servant and accept him as an equal in friendship—and potentially in love. Merlin consistently puts Arthur first, and Arthur, in return, eventually trusts Merlin above all others, including knights and advisors.

5. Protectiveness and Sacrifice

Arthur’s ISTJ sense of duty makes him protective of those he cares about, even if he doesn’t vocalize it. His actions speak louder than words, as he consistently risks his life for Merlin. This protectiveness is a manifestation of his deep, unspoken love for Merlin. However, Arthur often couches these actions in the context of duty—saying he would do the same for anyone in Camelot—when, in reality, Merlin holds a special place in his heart. He was about to abort a mission, causing hundreds of deaths, all for Merlin. Also, in one scene, as they were fleeing from a monster, Merlin fell and Arthur went back for him, a mere "idiot" servant. In that same scene, a knight fell (knights are the bread & butter of Camelot), but Arthur just kept running with Merlin....

Merlin (ENFP), with his focus on emotions and the bigger picture, sacrifices everything for Arthur. His feeling-based decisions make his love for Arthur a central motivation for everything he does, even if it means hiding his magic and true self. This constant self-sacrifice for Arthur’s sake is a key expression of Merlin’s love, a classic ENFP trait—giving up his own needs for those of someone he cares deeply about.

6. Destiny and Fate – The ENFP Belief in Idealism

Merlin’s ENFP idealism sees Arthur as not just a king but the Once and Future King, destined to unite Albion. This belief in Arthur's potential drives Merlin’s unwavering devotion, and his love for Arthur is inseparable from his belief in their shared destiny. Merlin’s visions of a better future are rooted in his love for Arthur, and it’s his idealism that keeps him fighting for that future.

Arthur (ISTJ), being more grounded, is less concerned with abstract concepts like destiny and fate at first, but over time, Merlin’s unwavering belief in him helps Arthur grow into the king Merlin always knew he could be. Arthur begins to rely on Merlin’s intuition and instincts more and more, eventually embracing the destiny Merlin foresaw for him. Though Arthur may not openly express it, he comes to understand that Merlin’s faith in him is born out of deep love.

7. The Final Goodbye – An Emotional Climax

The emotional 'I love you': In the final episode, Arthur’s ISTJ stoicism breaks as he finally acknowledges the depth of his bond with Merlin. When Merlin reveals his magic, Arthur is hurt and betrayed at first (typical ISTJ reaction to broken trust), but eventually, he softens, realizing that Merlin has been protecting him all along. In his final moments, Arthur shows his vulnerability, thanking Merlin for everything—a rare moment of emotional openness for him. He simultaneously mouths 'I love you.'

Throughout the series, Arthur’s ISTJ sense of responsibility made it difficult for him to prioritize his personal feelings over his role as king. But as he faces death, duty and love become inseparable. His final act of trying to kiss Merlin shows that, even though he had been bound by the expectations of the crown, in his last moments, his love for Merlin overrides those constraints. His inability to express affection easily is part of his ISTJ personality, but in his final moments, he sheds that restraint, finally allowing himself to express what he’s likely felt for a long time. For Arthur to mouth 'I love you", even silently, is monumental. It’s a complete surrender of the emotional guard he’s maintained, signifying not just love but trust, vulnerability, and a breaking of the social norms and responsibilities that have constrained him. The fact that he chooses to say it at the very end shows that he always cared deeply for Merlin, but only now, when there’s nothing left to hold him back, can he express it.

Arthur, having always struggled to communicate his feelings, finally mouths the words "I love you" when it’s too late to make a difference. This is reflective of his ISTJ personality—he needed to be pushed to the very brink of death before he could allow himself to be emotionally vulnerable and express his love. The timing makes this moment all the more tragic because Arthur had to die before truly opening up.

The almost-kiss: Arthur’s instinct to pull Merlin in for a kiss reflects the ISTJ desire to do things physically, practically, and decisively, even in the most emotional moments. It also shows how Arthur, who had been in control of so much of his life, wanted to take control of this final expression of love. Yet, his inability to complete the kiss mirrors his inability to fully express his love for Merlin throughout their time together—blocked by the weight of his responsibilities as king.

For Arthur, to attempt to kiss Merlin in his final moments is a gesture of complete vulnerability. An ISTJ like Arthur rarely breaks emotional barriers, but in this moment, he lets go of everything—the crown, his duties, his stoic exterior—and reaches for the person who has always been there for him. It’s the ultimate sacrifice of his own emotional walls.

Arthur’s attempt to kiss Merlin shows that he is finally willing to defy the traditions and expectations that have held him back for so long. As a prince and then a king, he was expected to follow societal norms, but in his final moments, he’s free of those chains and can express his love for Merlin without fear of judgment or duty holding him back. The kiss is the ultimate acknowledgment of the love he had hidden behind his royal duties.

Throughout the series, Arthur has hidden his true feelings for Merlin behind duty, status, and responsibility. His inability to express affection easily is part of his ISTJ personality, but in his final moments, he sheds that restraint, finally allowing himself to express what he’s likely felt for a long time. As he faces death, duty and love become inseparable. His final act of trying to kiss Merlin shows that, even though he had been bound by the expectations of the crown, in his last moments, his love for Merlin overrides those constraints. Arthur, true to his ISTJ nature, often preferred action over verbal declarations of emotion. By attempting to physically pull Merlin in for a kiss, Arthur shows that his love for Merlin transcends words—it's something he feels deeply and wants to express through connection, even when he doesn't have the words to say it outright.

Merlin's internal turmoil: As an ENFP, Merlin had always worn his heart on his sleeve, even when his love for Arthur was expressed through loyalty, service, and protection. The fact that Arthur finally mouths "I love you" just as he's dying would shatter Merlin’s heart, as it represents the culmination of everything Merlin had been hoping for but never dared to fully expect. Merlin, the dreamer and idealist, had believed in Arthur’s greatness, and now, in this moment, Arthur’s love is revealed, only for it to be taken away immediately in the "bury (or kill) your gays" trope.

For Merlin, the attempted kiss is heartbreaking because it represents the closeness and intimacy they could have had if circumstances were different, as Merlin said, "I always thought if things had been different, we'd've been good friends." ENFPs, with their emotional expressiveness, seek connection and intimacy in their relationships, and Arthur’s attempt to kiss him in his final moments is a bittersweet acknowledgment of the love that Merlin had always known was there, but could never be fully realized. The fact that they were so close to expressing that love makes the loss all the more devastating for Merlin.

A Tragic Love Story Cut Short

The final scene where Arthur mouths "I love you" and attempts to kiss Merlin before dying is the ultimate expression of their hidden, unspoken love. Arthur’s ISTJ personality, which had kept his emotions guarded for so long, finally breaks, allowing him to express his true feelings. Meanwhile, Merlin’s ENFP nature, always driven by emotion and idealism, is left devastated by the cruel timing of this revelation.

Their MBTI types add layers to this tragic love story. Arthur’s love, expressed at the very end, shows how hard it was for him to balance duty and emotion, while Merlin’s eternal grief reflects the ENFP’s idealistic belief in love, crushed by the harsh reality that they were too late. Their love was always there, simmering beneath the surface, but in the end, fate allowed only a fleeting moment of acknowledgment before tearing them apart.

After Credits/The Once & Future King:

1. Merlin’s ENFP Hope and Eternal Longing

Driven by Idealism: Merlin’s ENFP personality is defined by hope and idealism, traits that keep him believing in Arthur’s eventual return. Even though Arthur died, Merlin’s unwavering belief in the prophecy—that Arthur will rise again—fuels his determination to keep waiting. For Merlin, his love for Arthur and his faith in the prophecy are intertwined, so he continues to hold onto the belief that their story isn’t over.

Endless Loyalty: ENFPs are known for their loyalty to people they care deeply about, and Merlin’s waiting for over 1,500 years is the ultimate expression of that loyalty. He never moves on, because his heart and soul remain connected to Arthur, and he believes that their bond transcends death and time itself.

Living in Grief and Hope: As a feeler, Merlin experiences the full emotional weight of Arthur’s loss, but his belief in Arthur’s return sustains him. The fact that he has to wait so long makes his grief even more intense, but the hope that Arthur will rise again keeps him going, even after centuries of loneliness. His ENFP nature ensures that his love for Arthur never fades, and he continues to hold onto the possibility of their reunion.

2. Arthur’s ISTJ Rest and Duty to Return

Waiting for the Right Moment: Arthur’s ISTJ personality means that, even in death, he is waiting until the precise moment when he is needed most. His sense of duty to Camelot and to Merlin persists, even after death, as he waits for the time when his kingdom—or Merlin—truly requires him. The prophecy reflects Arthur’s ISTJ nature, as he will return to fulfill his duty, not a moment too soon or too late.

Faith in Merlin: Even in the afterlife, Arthur’s deep trust in Merlin remains. Although he is resting, there is an unspoken understanding that when he rises, Merlin will be by his side, just as he always has been. Arthur’s loyalty and sense of responsibility mean that he trusts Merlin to carry on until the moment of his return.

The Final Act of Duty and Love: Arthur’s rise will be his final act of duty as king and as a friend and lover. His ISTJ sense of purpose and structure drives his eventual return, knowing that Merlin and the kingdom will need him again. When he does come back, it will be out of love for Merlin and a deep sense of responsibility to his people.

3. A Love That Survives Time

Merlin’s Endless Vigil: For over 1,500 years, Merlin has waited, watching the world change, but his love for Arthur remains constant. His ENFP personality clings to the belief that the prophecy will come true, and when Arthur finally returns, it will be the culmination of centuries of waiting. Merlin’s idealism, rooted in his deep emotional connection to Arthur, sustains him through time. He doesn’t seek out other connections because, in his heart, Arthur is the one he’s waiting for.

Arthur’s Timeless Love: Even though Arthur is resting, his love for Merlin isn’t diminished by time. When he returns, his ISTJ loyalty will kick in, and he will fulfill his promise—coming back to be with Merlin and to save the kingdom when it’s needed most. His return is not just a matter of destiny, but also a testament to the bond he shares with Merlin, one that surpasses life, death, and time itself.

4. The Ultimate Reunion

The Prophecy Fulfilled: When Merlin and Arthur finally reunite after over a millennium, the moment will be one of overwhelming emotional release for both. Merlin, with his ENFP emotions, will have spent centuries holding onto hope, and Arthur’s return will be the answer to his deepest longing. The reunion will allow Merlin to finally let go of the grief he’s carried for centuries, knowing that Arthur is back by his side, just as he always believed he would be.

Arthur’s ISTJ Return to Duty: Arthur’s return will be a moment of intense duty and purpose, but also of love. His ISTJ nature ensures that he will rise again when Merlin (the last remaining piece of Albion) needs him most. Their reunion will be both the fulfillment of a prophecy and the completion of their love story.

5. Symbolism of Eternal Love

Waiting as a Form of Love: Merlin’s long wait for Arthur shows that love isn’t confined to one lifetime. His waiting is a manifestation of his deep, undying love, and it reflects the ENFP’s capacity for emotional endurance. Even though he’s spent centuries alone, his heart remains tethered to Arthur, and when Arthur finally returns, it will be a moment of profound emotional catharsis.

Arthur’s Duty Transcends Time: Arthur’s ISTJ sense of duty extends beyond the grave, showing that his bond with Merlin is eternal. His return will not just be about fulfilling his destiny as king, but also about being reunited with Merlin, the person who has always been by his side. This reunion will be the ultimate proof that their love and duty to each other cannot be broken by death or time.

Conclusion: A Love That Defies Time

The prophecy of Arthur’s return turns their story into an eternal love saga. Merlin, driven by his ENFP idealism and emotional depth, waits for centuries, believing in the prophecy and holding onto the love he has for Arthur. Arthur, waiting in Avalon, as the prophecy foretold, remains loyal to his duty and his love for Merlin, waiting for the moment when he is needed most.

When they are finally reunited, it will be a moment of ultimate emotional release, where centuries of love, hope, and loyalty finally come together. Their story is one of timeless love, with their bond surviving beyond life and death, waiting to be fulfilled in a future where they can be together once again.

#merthur #merlin #arthur pendragon #bbc merlin #merlin bbc #enfp #istj #MBTI #even tho i personally dont believe in MBTI anymore! its still fun to do!#merthur almost kiss #merthur i love you #merthur is canon #check my merthur is canon tagggg

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danzinora-switch · 3 months ago

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Typing the Turtles (ROTTMNT) Part 4 - Michelangelo

This started out as an investigation into the turtles’ insecurities, because one thing the show does so well is demonstrate that they are still teenagers. And being a teenager is a confusing experience - there’s angst, drama, exploring one’s identity, a lot of growth, and overall figuring out who you are. That’s a messy process, too! And we see this mess in our turtles: they mess up, they’re learning, they self-doubt, they have fears and insecurities, but they’re also discovering their strengths and how to overcome their inner obstacles.

So after thinking about all this way too long, here’s my psychological breakdown of each turtle (I’ll be referencing MBTI and the Enneagram a ton, but will include links for more general information on those if you don’t know what I’m talking about).

Parts One , Two , and Three found on the links for Raph, Don, and Leo.

Mikey: ENFP, 4w3

The Individualist, the Campaigner, the Enthusiast, the Diplomat

I struggled for FOUR. YEARS. To figure out if Mikey is an enneagram 4 or an enneagram 2. And I’m finally going with enneagram 4.

Mikey is creative and very in tune with his emotions. To understand the enneagram 4, we must get away from the stereotype that 4’s are moody, mopey, angst-filled. Happy fours exist! They are quite common, in fact. https://www.elisabethbennettenneagram.com/post/the-happy-four This is especially enhanced by Mikey being an ENFP: extroverts who want to ‘get deep’ with others, learning their intrinsic desires and motivations. Mikey has both of these aspects.

We see that Mikey has a pretty strong sense of self in episodes like ‘The Clothes Don’t Make the Turtle’, where he actually doesn’t want to engage in dress-up montage and is the first to state that they are perfect as they already are and to “embrace the Turtle, baby!” Fours are driven by uniqueness and individuality, with a desire to find both themselves and their purpose. https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-4/ Mikey is constantly expressing himself through his art, cooking, and a myriad of other skills including DJ’ing (Mascot Melee and Lair Games) ballet (Lair Games) and some sort of rodeo clown/mime class (Bug Busters).

But Mikey doesn’t keep this concept of self-expression and identity to himself. He likes to meaningfully connect with others and the way they express themselves, too. He often supports their endeavors as the world’s biggest hype-man (stated literally in Shell in a Cell). ENFP’s are called the campaigners because they’re looking for that deeper, meaningful joy in others even as their own upbeat approach to life lets them explore new things. https://www.16personalities.com/enfp-personality You want someone to enthusiastically encourage you and cheer you on as you Do the Thing, whatever thing that may be? That’s Mikey.

This kind of engagement is also why I believe he’s a 4w3. Three wings are usually more ambitious and goal-oriented with people-pleasing tendencies, which can (in my opinion) look a lot like a Two. Fours also move to Twos in stress, becoming clingy and needy.

What does all this look like? The biggest example is Mikey’s Draxum project. There has to be more to this warring warrior-scientist because there always is more to everybody. Mikey’s goal is to rehabilitate him, yes, but it’s to rehabilitate him by connecting with him on a deeper level and getting Draxum to connect with others (humans) on that deeper level, too (Repairin’ the Baron). Additionally, when Splinter asks Mikey why cares about Draxum so much in Hidden City’s Most Wanted, Mikey responds “He made me. He made us. …Maybe he didn’t make us for the right reasons, but I’m still glad he did.”

Mikey is only one of four teenage mutant ninja turtles in this world, and that makes him pretty darn unique. He embraces that. He loves who he is, and he loves other people for who they are.

Mikey at his Worst: We don’t like to look at Mikey at his worst self I think because so often he brings such joy and positivity and caring into the world that it feels easier to ignore any negative aspects about his character. But Mikey is only human turtle, too. These behaviors are usually emotion-driven to the point that they blind him from greater context/awareness. He’s not thinking about the others around him. For example, in Nothing but Truffle, Mikey is very bossy to Todd as he fixates on getting that shadow moon truffle. This is probably the episode that depicts Mikey at his most selfish: he starts off determined to figure out how to make his pork chops as good as MeatSweat’s, then becomes enamored by a day hanging out with his idol (that 3 wing kicking in, as well as ENFP overaccommodation).

Mikey also has a competitive streak in him second to Leo’s. He can’t wait to “rub it in Raph’s face” when he gets the game in Hot Soup: The Game, and needles Leo by calling him ‘second place’ throughout You Got Served. Additionally, when Mikey gets mad, he can let his anger carry him to some extremes. In ‘Donnie’s Gifts’, he demands that Raph tell Donnie exactly how they all feel. In ‘Pizza Pit’, we see Mikey’s anger/hangriness drive him to extreme rage as they chase down DIGG for destroying their favorite pizza places. When he’s blocked from being able to do (razzmatazz) or get (pizza, the truffle) what he wants, he’ll let his feelings take over regardless of how it affects those around him.

Average Mikey: Most of the time, Mikey lives completely in the present. He is often reacting to whatever is right in front of him at the time. Outside of danger, he is happy to spend his time playing video games, creating art (Flushed, But Not Forgotten) or cooking (The Ancient Art of Ninja Hide’n’Seek, The Longest Fight, Pizza Puffs, Donnie’s Gifts). He also enjoys hanging out with all of his brothers, playing various games with Leo (You Got Served, Sparring Partner) or helping Donnie with his projects (Repo Mantis, the scrapped Gourd Almighty). Being so in tune with the present, Mikey often hits the nail on the head with what exactly is going on (usually emotionally) with the situation, and responds.

This type of response is neutral, however. For example, in Bug Busters, after they destroy the lobby of the hotel, Mikey says “we need to do the right thing, guys… and get out of here.” Another moment includes their first time hero-ing in Origami Tsunami where he comments “Man, this seemed like a really cool idea until we didn’t succeed at it.” Or in The Gumbus, when Stockboy asks if they’ve subscribed and donated to his channel, Mikey replies “No. But we’ve been thinking about meaning to.” Or even cheering on Draxum in Repairin’ the Baron after he admits he’ll need to tolerate humans with a happy “there’s the bare minimum!” The humor in all of this is that Mikey’s not wrong. He’s exactly right, and just outright states it, for better or for worse.

Which is another thing about Mikey: nothing is subtle. He puts himself out there, and everything he does is done to the max. When he cries, he sobs. When he laughs, he laughs hard. When he’s scared, he’s terrified. When he’s mad, he’s enraged.

Even his ‘doctor’ personas (which you can look at as a 4w3 who prefers ‘the stage’ than a quieter 4w5 for expression) are extremes. https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-4/wing-3 Dr. Delicate Touch tells it how it is, no matter how much the truth may hurt (Pizza Pit, Bullhop). Dr. Positive looks on the bright side, no matter how far out of reach that goal may seem (Repairin’ the Baron). Dr. Feelings will commit to emotional intelligence and the importance of experiencing feelings no matter how closed-off to the idea his patient(s) may be (Breaking Purple).

Mikey at his Best: The thing is, while Mikey is often unapologetically his whole entire self, bad side and all, he accepts the very same traits about everyone else. He believes everyone is perfect as they are (The Clothes Don’t Make the Turtle) not because they have obtained some kind of ideal, but because he thinks their entire being, warts and all, is what makes them beautiful and perfect.

Mikey appreciates everything around him in this way. In Hot Soup: The Game, we see him constantly pausing and appreciating various items in the store. The suit of armor he fell in? Has a feather! The ice cream kitty statue? Is adorable and makes him coo. There are dozens of little moments throughout the entire show where he constantly just pauses and notices what’s around him and how cool/beautiful/fascinating they are.

This is how Mikey views people, too. He was the first one to warm up to Todd, even when there was still a chance he was the spine-breaking bandit (Repo Mantis). He looks up to Rupert Swaggart for his cooking skills, while simultaneously acknowledging that the guy is a jerk (Nothing But Truffle). Even after Bullhop has been “working a nerve!” he still asks him at the end if he wants to join the Mad Dogs. He points out to Donnie, as he’s having trouble with Shelldon, that Shelldon “is at a delicate age. You need to nurture his spirit, or you’ll drive him away.” (Breaking Purple). And he’s right.

This is also how I think Mikey can come across as a Two very often. He’s so supportive, so generous in always helping others, hyping them up, and being there for them that it can read very much like a Two. But the motivation is what it comes down to: Mikey doesn’t help out because he needs to be needed, or to feel loved. He already feels loved. He’s engaging with them on their terms. His connection with them is utterly genuine and authentic. That is a very powerful kind of acceptance that is hard for anyone to say no to.

The biggest example of all of this is, again, Draxum. No one else was going to touch Draxum with a ten foot pole. But Mikey, as a 4, takes his past in stride and meets him where he is with a full, true, connection. Even though Draxum grouses, he doesn’t turn down Mikey’s help. Unlike a two, Mikey’s not helping to be loved, or because he feels he needs to help. Mikey states “He created us. That makes him family. And once he feels like he’s a part of our family, his goodness will shine.” His entire logic is that Draxum needs to feel part of a family, something that is missing from him currently. Right before that sentence, Mikey lays out, very clearly, exactly what state Draxum was in. He was totally alone and helpless. And he’s not doing it in a judging way, exactly, nor lauding how great he is for helping him out of that. He’s stating the blunt truth. Mikey encountered a depressed, powerless, down-on-his luck warlord. And he still accepted him for everything he was: a depressed powerless, down-on-his-luck warlord, and his creator. Since he created Mikey (and since Fours heavily value their sense of identity and purpose) this means A LOT to Mikey.

“How can you say there’s no such thing as ghosts, when there’s such a thing as us!” (The Gumbus)

“He created us, Raph. Without him, we wouldn’t even be here.” (Repairin’ the Baron)

“He made me. He made us. …Maybe he didn’t make us for the right reasons, but I’m still glad he did.” (Hidden City’s Most Wanted)

“We’re perfect the way we are! Embrace the TURTLE, baby!” (The Clothes Don’t Make the Turtle)

Of course he decided he was family, and of course he believes that connecting Draxum with family is going to grow Draxum into a better person. Mikey is all about embracing the wonderfully unique, diverse, and fascinating people in this world and finding the joy and beauty in even the darkest, ugliest places.

Now, there are three other teenage mutant ninja turtles in Mikey’s world.

Mikey Relationships:

I’ve talked about Mikey’s relationships in all the previous Typing posts, but will try to continue here. What KILLS me, though, is we were on the cusp of some surely-great Mikey episodes before Nickelodeon interfered, which would have made this entire post much, much easier (T-Hex, the Turtle Tots episode, ‘Wedding Crashers’). So I’m going a little out on some projected limbs, here.

Raph: It’s interesting that though Mikey is usually supportive of Raph, Raph tends to be less supportive of Mikey. He’s hesitant to let him go on a solo mission (Hot Soup: The Game), or back up his and Donnie’s plan in One Man’s Junk. I think this was really going to be explored in the planned episode where Mikey and Raph confront each other about this: Mikey is growing up, becoming his own person, and Raph needs to let him grow. He can’t keep him sheltered as the Big Brother all the time. This would cause an ENFP 4 a lot of friction if they can’t explore for themselves and stretch their wings.

Donnie: Mikey has a close relationship with Donnie, and there’s a lot of team-up episodes with the two of them (Repo Mantis, One Man’s Junk, the fight in Bug Busters, etc.) There’s also a dozen little moments of affection between the two, hugs and pats on the head that indicate a lot of sweetness (Hot Soup: The Game, Bug Busters). Donnie’s the closest brother Mikey has to also being a creator: he builds inventions, and engineering marvels, Mikey creates art in graffiti and culinary forms. Additionally, they both love music and dance (Mascot Melee, Lair Games). That is a great environment for Mikey’s unique, creative side to grow in, probably seeking more of Donnie’s company as Raph’s becomes stifling.

Leo: There are a surprising number of similarities between Leo and Mikey. They get along as easy as breathing, hanging out in a number of casual off-screen ways (Mrs. Cuddles, Sparring Partner, You Got Served). Mikey’s competitive streak can exacerbate Leo’s, as they share that 3 on the Enneagram, but Leo is also one of Mikey’s biggest supports. He goes against Raph in Hot Soup: The Game, to let Mikey go on his solo mission. He points out in Origami Tsunami that Mikey is known for his legendary optimism. Mikey is Leo’s Hype-Man in Shell in a Cell and Leo encourages Mikey while he’s masquerading in the hippo costume (Newsworthy). They’re pretty solid.

Overall, Mikey is a genuine, authentic, creative and expressive turtle who is not afraid to meet people where they are. His emotional openness, curiosity, and solid sense of self make him a truly engaging friend, ally, and loved one. I wish we could see him challenged a bit more, and truly the center of an episode exploring his traits, but until then, we’ll love him as he is.

For more information on the ENFP and Enneagram 4 personality types, click here:

https://www.16personalities.com/enfp-personality

https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-4/

https://www.elisabethbennettenneagram.com/post/the-happy-four

https://personalityhunt.com/4w5-vs-4w3-similarities-and-differences/

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-4/wing-3

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