It makes me really happy that more and more mbti websites acknowledge Mulder as an INFP. I’ve seen Mulder most frequently typed as an INTP online. He can be, depending on your interpretation or understanding of his character. However, I’ve always seen him as a INFP. I’ll tell you why.
Right off the bat, we know that Mulder is incredibly open minded and is easily able to find connections and patterns between different things and events. If his character doesn’t scream Ne to you, I don’t know what does. However, that doesn’t help clarify his type, as both INFP’s and INTP’s have Ne as their Auxiliary or secondary function.
The difficulty interpreting his character lies with his primary function, Fi vs Ti. Mulder’s unquestionable search for truth and understanding, often leads people to the conclusion that he is uses Ti (and therefore is an INTP). But his search is not done simply of curiosity and a need to check inconsistency in the world, but also a personal reason. His motive stems from the search of his sister. Doing things that come from personal motives and values is a Fi characteristic. Furthermore, anything he does that doesn’t connect with his sister and past, is frequently influence by his idea of right vs wrong. Again, a Fi concept.
Also, think about Scully and Mulder’s interactions. Scully and Mulder almost always clash when it comes to reasoning. Scully, who is a hardcore believer of definite science and reasoning demonstrates a strong T logic. Mulder clashes, since he can believe things due to personal feelings or “gut feelings”. How many times has he told Scully some version of “I just know” or “It’s not them” without any solid proof, to explain his thoughts on a situation? On multiple accounts he’s avoided hard facts, and his personal beliefs and thoughts pushed him to investigate things farther. Yes, this can be partly credited to Ne, but I believe it also involves a certain degree of Fi.
Here’s two quotes that help also articulate the differences between an INFP and INTP:
INFP: They resist anyone trying to conform them to the external world, because they have confidence in their ability to make their own decisions, based on what is right in the situation for them and how they feel about something. They are so private with their emotions that they don’t often come out until conflict arises – then, outside forces are shocked at how forceful and “stubborn” the INFP can be in sticking to their guns.
INTP: They have a similar drive toward independence, but it’s based on their trust in their logical approach to life rather than any desire to be “true to themselves.” They care more about being recognized for their intelligence and ideas. Their natural default is to be detached and objective in any situation, and they can bypass their feelings when their desire to learn and understand overcomes their disgust or sadness.
From what I’ve seen, Mulder is commonly attached and personally involved in each of his cases. When he can connect to the situation, Mulder often reaches out and tries to understand others by relating things that have happened to him personally. (Ex. If a loved one of someone had been kidnapped, Mulder would say “I know how you feel” as he truly empathizes with them and might even provide insight and share past details). If someone dies or get hurt in one of his cases he feels personally responsible. Scully on the other hand, is the one who is more detached and objective.
(To those who think that Mulder can’t be an INFP cause he’s not outwardly emotional, remember that INFP’s are pretty private with their emotions and only expose them in times of difficult and stress. Mulder is pretty emotional in those kind of situations.)
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