Articles

SG-1 MBTI

Introduction

Jack

Daniel

Sam

Teal'c

Conclusion

To recap our SG-1 findings:

Jack O'Neill - ESTJ
Daniel Jackson - INFP
Samantha Carter - ENTP
Teal'c - ISFJ

For each scale, we have two team members with each preference:

Energizing: two E (Jack and Sam) and two I (Daniel and Teal'c)
Attending: two S (Jack and Teal'c) and two N (Sam and Daniel)
Deciding: two T (Jack and Sam) and two F (Daniel and Teal'c)
Living: two J (Jack and Teal'c) and two P (Sam and Daniel)

Each team member also shares two preferences with two other team members:

Jack and Sam are both E/T.
Jack and Teal'c are both S/J.
Daniel and Sam are both I/P.
Daniel and Teal'c are both I/F.

What exactly does this mean? I think it demonstrates how well SG-1 represents the variety of personality preferences. Each member brings a unique perspective to the team, fulfilling a distinct role. Yet, there is enough overlap to allow them to understand and appreciate each other's strengths or to compensate for each other's weaknesses, depending on the specific situation they face.

It also becomes clear in this analysis why Jack and Daniel have such a unique relationship. They basically don't overlap on any preferences and are thus to some extent diametrically opposed on almost every issue. And yet, preferences are just that--preferences--and each character has demonstrated his ability to develop his non-preference, or at least to appreciate its value in the other. They complement each other nicely, even if they do tend to argue a lot.

As the series continues, I'd like to see the writers explore the Teal'c/Daniel and Teal'c/Sam relationships more. Teal'c and Daniel, in addition to sharing two preferences, share similar histories: outsiders to the U.S. military life, away from their home, separated from family, with very strong feelings about the Goa'uld. We had a small hint that they do interact outside of their missions in "Fire and Water", but this has not been explored much.

Sam and Teal'c, on the other hand, don't overlap at all on preferences, similar to the situation with Jack and Daniel. Thus far, this is the least developed character interaction in the series, and I hope that the writers will rectify this in the future.

So that's my attempt to personality type the members of SG-1. I found the process very interesting, leading me to develop new insights into the characters. I also feel pretty comfortable with my choices, which gives credit to the writers' abilities to create distinct, well-defined characters. Other opinions may vary. :-)

-- Meli (October 1, 1999)

References

<<Prev