The Idiot's Guide to Typing People/Characters
It seems to me there is way too many overeager typists, especially on the internet. As somebody whose been doing the Jungian thing for almost a decade now, I've found, through personal experience, some useful tips that might help newer guys on the block.
You absolutely need to understand more than the dichotomies, simply using the letters is possibly the worst way to type people. The dichotomies become more useful after understanding cognition, or for using groupings such as temperaments or groups of interest.
Pay very little attention to long type descriptions or portraits; they are entertaining, sometimes enlightening, but always a vision from the subjective lens of the writer.
Take time to understand the cognitive functions and not just their stereotypical and often incorrect associations (a.k.a Ne = creativity, Se = experiencing stuff, Si = remembering stuff).
Also take note of the cognitive function stack, especially models which explain all eight of the functions and not just four. I liken using only four functions for typing as to reading half a book, or only singing the choruses of a song.
Understand that all types use functions. For example, an abundant display of Se doesn't always make somebody an ESxP, it can quite often mean an ENxJ, a threatened INxP, or even a rallied INxJ.
Take the time to learn how the functions appear in each type. Example; Ni in INxJ's often appears as internal abstraction, sky-high visions and a detachment from the physical world. Ni in ENxJ's usually appears as forward planning and development of their already held ideas or interests. For ENxPs it appears as viewing future planning as irritating, and discoveries made from foresight as boring and obvious.
That's all for today guys. Remember, book up before you type too much, but also be open to the perspectives of others! Appreciate the valuable input from other people, who knows? Maybe the lens you're looking through is the dirty one! Ciao.
Dr Op.