There's no single "most" manipulative MBTI type, as any type can be manipulative, but ENTPs, ENTJs, ESFJs, and INTJs are often cited due to their strategic thinking (ENTP/INTJ), social influence (ESFJ), or decisive leadership (ENTJ), using their strong cognitive functions (like Ne, Ti, Te, Fe) to sway situations for personal gain, though healthy individuals of any type usually avoid it. Unhealthy or immature expressions of any type, particularly those with strong External Judging Functions (Te, Fe, Ti, Fi), can lean towards manipulation.
Manipulative tendencies may derive from cluster B personality disorders such as narcissistic personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Manipulative behavior has also been related with one's level of emotional intelligence.
The Joker being an ENTP personality type, he possesses certain personality traits that align with this classification. One of the key traits for ENTPs is their dominant Extraverted Intuiting (Ne), which is one of the eight cognitive functions that individuals use to take in information.
ESFP: Quick to Blow Off Steam
Dynamic ESFPs let their passions and whims rule them, so it isn't too surprising they're reactive when it comes to anger. ESFPs are quick to react to anger and other emotions, even if they regret it later.
The most manipulative types will probably be those on both the Ne/Si and Fe/Ti axes (ENTP, ESFJ, ISFJ, INTP). As these types operate on a very social matrix. They see and interact with society, the ideas of people, the discourse of people, etc.
ISFP. Easygoing, creative, spontaneous, and modest, ISFPs may be more likely than others to self-medicate with substances. One study compared personality traits among people struggling with addiction. The researchers found ISFP to be one of the most common MBTI types among those who also struggled with a mood disorder.
For ENTPs, life is about exploring every possible answer and imagining what could be instead of settling for what is. This personality type really enjoys playing devil's advocate because they genuinely see value in every side of an argument.
As shown in table 2, the most frequently occurring type for this sample is ENFP (15.2%), followed by INFP (10.5%). The least common types are ESTP (1.2%), ISFP (2.0%), and ESFJ (2.0%).
INFJ personality types and INFP personality types are two of the MBTI personality types that tend to struggle with unhappiness in life.
ESFJ (the caregiver) are very warm, compassionate, and helpful people. They are often willing to go the extra mile for others. Other personality types like ISFJ, INFJ, ENFJ, ENFP, and ISFP are also loyal, kind, and gentle souls, and personalities to have as friends, leaders, and family.
INTJ: Batman
Batman's personality differs slightly depending on the installment, but the comic books usually portray him as an INTJ. This type is driven by knowledge, making them active self-learners, intelligent thinkers, and specialists in their areas of expertise.
ISTJ. ISTJ's are quiet and serious, generally interested in a peaceful and secure way of life. They are known for their responsible, dependable, and thorough natures. They are logical, practical, and work steadily towards goals without much distractibility.
Overthinking is a big problem for both INFJ personality types and INFP personality types. As a writing coach who specializes in working with both types, I've seen that overthinking is tied to INFJs and INFPs struggling overall with creativity, feeling connected to their intuition, and life in general.
INTP personalities often view the ability to influence others as a valuable skill – even if they don't always choose to employ it themselves. Interestingly, 70% of INTP personalities say that they are good at manipulation.
They may not trust anyone else to handle things the way they will. Controlling behaviors can also be a symptom of several personality disorders, such as histrionic personality, borderline personality, and narcissistic personality.
a Fit for Asexuality. ISFJ, ISFP, INFP, INFJ, and INTP.
Which MBTI Types Are the Hardest to Chase in Love?
Many autistic people tend to be more introverted, detail-focused, and prefer structure and routine. For example, personality frameworks like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) often associate autistic traits with types such as INTJ, INTP, and ISTJ, which value analytical thinking and deep focus.
Assertive Defenders (ISFJ-A) (71%) were the most likely personality type to identify as frugal, while Turbulent Architects (INTJ-T) and Turbulent Logisticians (ISTJ-T) (both 67% agreeing) were not far behind.
INFPs are known for their sensitivity – these personalities can have profound emotional responses to music, art, nature, and the people around them. They are known to be extremely sentimental and nostalgic, often holding onto special keepsakes and memorabilia that brighten their days and fill their heart with joy.
Hitler was not only an ENTJ type, but also a charismatic leader exercising charismatic leadership at a particularly critical period in German history. His behavior was therefore also shaped by these two factors.
ISTP Personality Traits
ISTP types favor logic and reason over emotional influences. They base their decisions on what makes sense. They are also spontaneous and prefer keeping their options open. Detectives are often more adaptable and less aware of time.