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A comprehensive guide to INTP characters in anime (and pop culture).
INTPs, also known as the 'thinkers' in the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator, earn this title for a good reason: these individuals are introspective, highly logical, and often lost in abstract theories. Their approach to life prioritizes reason and intellect. Curious about which anime characters fit this mold? While there isn't an official roster of INTPs in anime, we've curated a list based on characters' intellectual nature and behavior, such as Kakashi Hatake from Naruto. Keep reading for our full analysis, plus a list of characters who may not be INTPs but still feel relatable, along with non-anime figures who share similar traits. Beware: spoilers ahead.
Which INTP anime characters are the most well-known?
- L from Death Note
- Killua Zoldyck from Hunter X Hunter
- Kakashi Hatake from Naruto
- Kusuo Saiki from The Disastrous Life of Saiki K
- Toge Inumaki from Jujutsu Kaisen
- Angel Devil from Chainsaw Man
- Senku Ishigami from Dr. Stone
Steps
INTP Characters in Anime
L from Death Note L epitomizes the INTP personality. Before taking on the case to investigate Light's series of murders, L was an isolated individual, largely detached from the world around him. Even during the investigation, his disregard for social conventions was evident—he would sit on couches with shoes on, completely uninterested in the norms of society. His highly logical, analytical mindset played a key role in unmasking Light.
- L suspected Light of being Kira from the very start, pursuing his hunch with relentless logic, even though he struggled with absolute certainty.
- His deep fascination with solving complex puzzles mirrors the natural curiosity of INTPs.
Killua Zoldyck from Hunter X Hunter Raised to be a deadly assassin, Killua exhibits a pragmatic, tactical mindset, always calculating the optimal time and place for action, which makes him an exceptional strategist. Having been discouraged from making friends growing up, Killua is introverted and initially struggles to connect with others. His bond with Gon helps him open up and learn how to care for the people he values.
Kakashi Hatake from Naruto Kakashi, aka “The Copy Ninja,” is another quintessential INTP character. His remarkable ability to copy any technique he witnesses makes him an incredibly formidable foe in battle. Haunted by a tragic past, Kakashi struggles with deep-seated isolation and guilt, often distancing himself emotionally. Despite his detached, sometimes cold demeanor, Kakashi would do anything to protect his loved ones, reflecting the more thoughtful and caring side of INTPs.
- Though outwardly aloof, Kakashi’s actions demonstrate a deep, intellectual connection to his values, making him a classic INTP figure.
Kusuo Saiki from The Disastrous Life of Saiki K Kusuo Saiki, one of the brightest minds in anime, has grown so bored with the world due to his intellectual prowess that he seeks peace and solitude instead of more knowledge. When he briefly loses his powers, he is overwhelmed by fear and vulnerability, further solidifying his introverted INTP traits.
- Saiki's need to maintain control over his environment is characteristic of INTPs. His fear of insects, to the point of teleporting away at the sight of one, showcases his desire for a predictable, secure space.
Toge Inumaki from Jujutsu Kaisen Toge is a quiet, reserved figure in Jujutsu Kaisen, known for his unique cursed technique, which makes his speech a powerful weapon. Speaking only in rice ball ingredients due to his cursed language, Toge commands reality with every word he utters. At first, this may make him appear distant, but over time, it becomes clear that he is deeply loyal to his friends, willing to do anything to protect them.
- He’s a tactician in battle, conserving his strength for critical moments and even carries cough syrup to manage the strain on his voice after overusing his technique.
Angel Devil from Chainsaw Man A being torn between angelic and demonic origins, Angel Devil initially distances himself from humans, believing they deserve slow, agonizing deaths. However, his attitude shifts as the story progresses, revealing a deeper, more vulnerable side of him that challenges his devilish nature.
- Angel Devil often criticizes others harshly, a trait commonly seen in unhealthy INTPs who use brutal honesty as a justification for their harsh judgment.
Senku Ishigami from Dr. Stone
Senku is driven by an insatiable curiosity, a trait that defines many INTPs. Rather than focusing on routine tasks, he dives into complex experiments that lead to groundbreaking solutions. When he discovers a meteor filled with treasure, his first thought is not about the wealth but how he could use the manganese to create countless batteries!
Shikamaru Nara from Naruto Strategic, logical, and often steps ahead of his enemies, Shikamaru exemplifies INTP traits. His meticulous planning and foresight often leave opponents scrambling to keep up, though he tends to avoid unnecessary fights when possible, preferring to get back to his own pursuits.
- In his battle against Temari during the Chunin Exams, Shikamaru had already mapped out the next 200 steps, but quit the fight because it no longer piqued his interest.
Kisuke Urahara from Bleach Kisuke Urahara is a quintessential INTP, with a mysterious and often unpredictable nature. His unorthodox training methods—such as sending mod souls to kidnap Ichigo's friends to force him into action—highlight his preference for unconventional strategies. Urahara’s aloof demeanor hides a deeply prepared individual, always ready for whatever challenges arise, whether dealing with the Bounts or navigating the perilous journey to the Soul Society.
- His ability to stay one step ahead in all situations further showcases his INTP qualities.
C.C. from Code Geass C.C. is a reserved and emotionally detached character, keeping her feelings hidden behind a veil of intellectualism and a sense of superiority. Her calm demeanor and preference for solitude align with INTP traits, though her emotional coldness stems from a traumatic past.
- C.C. is known as The Immortal Witch due to her ability to heal from any injury, further adding to her mysterious and detached nature.
Dr. Gero from Dragon Ball Z In Dragon Ball Z, Dr. Gero is a brilliant but reclusive scientist whose life goal is to defeat Goku, the hero who’s saved the universe on multiple occasions. His disdain for humanity leads him to commit ruthless acts, such as indiscriminately killing people when first introduced. His introverted nature, intellectual brilliance, and logical approach to problem-solving embody the INTP personality, as he uses science and theory to shape his plans.
- Dr. Gero created the androids to challenge Goku and establish his vision of a new world order.
- After the fall of the Red Ribbon Army, he transformed into an android himself, enhancing his already sharp, logical mindset.
Sai Yamanaka from Naruto Shippuden Sai is a quiet, introspective individual who prioritizes his artwork over social interactions, making him the epitome of an INTP. However, as the series progresses, Sai begins to understand the significance of friendship, especially through his interactions with Naruto, Sakura, and other members of the Hidden Leaf Village. His growth leads him to develop strong emotional connections with those he holds dear.
- Sai excels in strategic combat, utilizing his Super Beasts to scout locations, navigate difficult situations, and defeat his foes.
Franken Stein from Soul Eater Franken Stein is driven by an unrelenting desire for knowledge, often going to extreme lengths to achieve his goals without concern for distractions. His experimentation can sometimes lead him to make seemingly irrational decisions in the name of science, and his tendency to work alone stems from his belief that others only hinder his pursuits.
- Stein often treats everything around him as a subject for experimentation, embodying the true INTP spirit of intellectual curiosity.
Kenma Kozume from Haikyuu!! Kenma approaches the world with a methodical and logical mindset. When faced with something unfamiliar, like Hinata's volleyball spiking abilities, he prefers to stay silent and figure things out on his own rather than asking others for help. His constant focus on his phone and lack of outward emotion in social settings make him a perfect example of the INTP personality.
Lain Iwakura from Serial Experiments Lain Lain is a shy, socially awkward 14-year-old who frequently immerses herself in The Wired, an alternate reality similar to the internet. In the physical world, Lain is detached from those around her, but within The Wired, she assumes various personas. The more she engages with The Wired, the more withdrawn and isolated she becomes in real life.
Armin Arlert from Attack on Titan Armin is a brilliant strategist with the goal of liberating the world from the Titans, monstrous creatures that devour humans. He’s a cautious planner, always considering how to save the most lives while taking down the Titans. For example, he once came up with a brilliant strategy where the most skilled soldiers snuck in to eliminate the Titans, while others distracted them.
- Despite the odds, Armin’s plan succeeded, and everyone escaped unharmed!
Gin Ichimaru from Bleach From the moment he’s introduced, Gin Ichimaru exudes an eerie, calculating nature. He speaks in riddles to mask his true intentions from the Soul Society, biding his time until Rukia’s execution to execute his betrayal. His distaste for the Soul Society and his meticulous planning with Aizen demonstrate the careful thought and logic that reflect his INTP traits.
Shouta Aizawa from My Hero Academia In My Hero Academia, Aizawa exemplifies the perfect career for an INTP as a teacher. He values rationality and logic, using tough love to mentor his students into strong heroes. His analytical skills are reflected in his quirk, which allows him to nullify other people's quirks with a simple glance, making him a powerful ally. His calm demeanor in high-pressure situations highlights his composed nature.
- Aizawa’s habit of sleeping in a sleeping bag and his indifference to his appearance mirrors the typical INTP disregard for tradition.
Noriaki Kakyoin from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Kakyoin grew up in isolation, causing him to retreat from social connections. His preference for solitude aligns with the INTP personality. Although initially introduced as an antagonist, Kakyoin ultimately becomes an invaluable ally to the Joestar group, the only group he truly connects with.
- Strategic by nature, Kakyoin used his Stand’s power to test Jotaro’s abilities before plotting his next move in battle.
Yuu Koito from Bloom Into You Naturally an introvert, Yuu gradually begins to understand the value of others' presence as the series progresses. However, she struggles with the concept of love, believing it should feel like the idealized portrayals in films and media. This leads her to question her emotions towards Touko Nanami, as she feels disconnected from the reality of love.
- Yuu finds it difficult to form connections with others because she is still navigating her own emotions and identity.
Babidi from Dragon Ball Z Babidi’s primary aim is to resurrect Majin Buu and sow destruction throughout the universe due to his intense disdain for humanity. Highly introverted and calculating, he orchestrates Buu's revival by exploiting the weaknesses of the Z-Fighters and using their energy to fuel Buu’s return. Babidi relies on the belief that Buu is the embodiment of pure evil, but his fatal mistake is assuming he could control such a powerful being.
- Babidi is one of the most sinister INTPs in fiction, meticulously plotting the return of a creature capable of annihilating the universe.
- He shows no concern for others' emotions, constantly belittling those who are capable of ending his life.
Shoko Ieiri from Jujutsu Kaisen Shoko is direct and straightforward, never sugarcoating her words when communicating. Her cursed technique enables her to reverse cursed energy, which is vital in combat situations. She maintains a laid-back demeanor, avoids unnecessary drama, and excels at analyzing and understanding complex situations.
- During Yuji’s autopsy, Shoko maintained complete professionalism, keeping her emotions in check as she performed her task.
Zeke Yeager from Attack on Titan Zeke is highly intelligent and logical. He leads with ruthless efficiency, disregarding social conventions, such as when he crushes the head of a Titan devouring Mike Zacharias to interrogate it. Zeke prioritizes facts over feelings, carefully evaluating a situation to draw rational conclusions.
- To defeat the Titans, Zeke proposes sterilizing the Subjects of Ymir, who are descended from the first person to gain Titan powers.
What is an INTP?
An INTP is a personality defined by introversion and intellectual depth. The INTP personality type, as outlined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, stands for introverted, intuitive, thinking, and perceiving. People with this personality type are often introspective, intelligent, and naturally curious. Though they are typically introverted and prefer solitude, INTPs often become the strategists of a group due to their analytical mindset. Their introspective nature may make them seem aloof or detached, but when they channel their mental energy, they can become indispensable team members.
- Think of L from Death Note, who, despite being a recluse in the beginning, played a crucial role in the investigation against Kira.
- INTPs are among the rarer MBTI personality types, with only 4.8% of the population identifying as INTPs.
Popular Anime Characters That Aren’t INTPs
Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto While Sasuke isn’t technically an INTP, he shares many traits typical of the personality type. He’s independent, strategic, and deeply driven. His quest for revenge against those who wiped out his clan shapes much of his journey, and his eventual rejection of his village further demonstrates his emotionally distant nature. Sasuke’s intellectual tendencies and solitary nature make him highly relatable to INTPs.
- His exact personality type is a subject of much debate, with some suggesting he’s an INTJ and others considering him an ESTJ.
Itachi Uchiha from Naruto Itachi has always been deeply curious about the world and its workings, preferring to form his own conclusions rather than seek answers from others. He is highly intellectual and uses his sharp mind to craft intricate strategies, often relying on deception and exploiting opportunities. In battle, Itachi is a master tactician, quickly analyzing his opponent’s moves and ensnaring them in his genjutsu at the first chance.
- Itachi’s genjutsu is a powerful illusion derived from his eyes, giving him complete control over the hallucinations he creates.
Uryu Ishida from Bleach Uryu epitomizes intellectual rigor. Detail-oriented and highly focused, he is always looking for the most efficient solutions to help Kurosaki and his friends get out of difficult situations. Known for his exceptional sewing skills and genius intellect, Uryu is a perfect example of an INTP-like character, even though he himself is categorized as an ISTJ.
Sōsuke Aizen from Bleach Aizen’s betrayal of the Soul Society was a shocking twist, but it wasn’t random. Each move he made was meticulously planned, relying on his keen intellect and intuition. He carefully prepared his strategy, biding his time until the perfect moment to reveal his contempt for the Soul Society’s structure.
- Though Aizen exhibits characteristics of an INTP, his profound judgment and critical view of the Soul Society make him stand apart. Some consider him an ENTJ or an INTJ based on his approach.
Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen While Gojo is far from being an introvert, his strategic thinking in battles aligns with INTP traits. With his immense power and experience, he quickly assesses situations and determines the optimal course of action. His expertise in curses and cursed techniques tilts the scales of any fight in his favor.
- Gojo’s Six-Eyes technique allows him to perceive aspects of the Jujutsu World that others cannot, reflecting an INTP’s focus on abstract concepts and ideas.
Bulma from Dragon Ball Z Though an extrovert, Bulma’s intellect and self-serving nature closely resemble those of INTPs. She constantly invents gadgets to aid the Z-Fighters, including the Dragon Radar, a tool that tracks the Dragon Balls. Bulma often uses the Dragon Balls for personal desires, such as wishing for fewer wrinkles or a more shapely figure.
- Her intellectual prowess and tendency to use the Dragon Balls for personal gain reflect INTP-like traits, though her extroversion places her firmly in the ENTP category.
Non-Anime INTP Characters
Velma Dinkley from Scooby Doo Velma embodies the logical and intellectual qualities typical of INTPs. Her love for discovering patterns, learning, and exploring abstract concepts helps her solve mysteries and develop as a person. With a vivid imagination and an open mind, Velma uses her brainpower to crack cases wide open.
- Brian’s intellectual nature and his love for writing often alienate those around him.
- Banner’s decision to expose himself to dangerous gamma radiation to save someone reveals his care for others, despite his reserved and intellectual personality.
The Riddler from Batman The Riddler is a Batman villain known for his elaborate riddles, which challenge Gotham’s residents and serve as a demonstration of his intellectual superiority. He often views others as beneath him, making him the perfect embodiment of the INTP archetype in villain form.
- The Riddler’s tendency to harshly critique others, justified by his belief in his own insights, highlights the darker side of the INTP personality.
