Stardew Valley MBTI x Enneagram: Elliott
Following my last post about the Stardew marriage candidates and their MBTI types, I've been learning more about Enneagram, how it pairs with MBTI, and how it changes some of the typical characteristics of each type.
The Enneagram and MBTI complement each other wonderfully, providing greater depth and understanding of how a person interacts with the world [Cognitive Functions] and their motivations why [Core Desire/Core Fear].
Here are my thoughts on the MBTI and Enneagram pairs for Elliott.
Elliott - ISFP 4w3: “The Aristocrat”
“ISFP 4w3s are unique people with a touch of ambition. They perfectly combine the adventurous spirit of the ISFP and the creativity of type 4. This type has goals they want to achieve. However, these goals must be achieved uniquely.
Because of their wing, ISFP 4w3s are more action-oriented than most ISFPs. If their wing is especially strong, they’ll have a strong desire to be successful.” - Personality Hunt
Elliott’s Core Desire: To be unique or different
The core desire of the ISFP 4w3 is to be unique and to succeed uniquely. To achieve this, they ensure everything they do highlights their uniqueness.
Even at first introductions, we see Elliott as someone who dramatically stands out in Pelican Town: his manner of speech, style of dress, and his choice to live on the beach alone in a shack.
His goal in life is also unique. Not only does he want to become a successful writer, but he hopes to achieve this dream by moving to Stardew Valley.
“Ever since I was a young boy, I've dreamt of becoming a writer. When the time came for me to leave home and start my own life, I moved here. I was drawn to the peaceful beauty of the valley, and hoped that days of quiet reflection in this idyllic atmosphere would fan the literary flames.”
Elliott’s Core Fear: To be seen as ordinary or a failure
The core fear of the ISFP 4w3 is to be seen as ordinary. They don't want to blend into the crowd, so to prevent this, they'll do everything they can to stand out while being authentic to themselves.
Thanks to his Introverted Feeling [Fi] Elliott stays true to himself despite harsh criticism for pursuing his dreams; however, because his 3 wing is also quite strong, he fears failure or being perceived as a failure if he doesn't accomplish those dreams.
“Everyone back home said I was nuts... that I could never make it as a writer. Can you believe it? They said 'For every successful author there's 1000 who fail miserably'. Such pessimism... it's sickening.”
"I know that I am kind of an 'oddball'. I hope you don't mind."
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How Enneagram 4w3 changes typical ISFP behaviour:
"Ambition is not the hallmark of ISFPs. Granted, it’s also not the hallmark of ISFP 4w3s. However, it’s more pronounced, thanks to their wing.
Thus, ISFP 4w3s might have goals and targets they want to achieve. If their wing is strong, they might also work towards these targets.
However, because of some of the flaws of a type 4, they might never be disciplined enough to achieve their goals." - Personality Hunt
Having Extroverted Thinking [Te] as his inferior function also makes being disciplined difficult for Elliott, though it's something he strives to improve with his ambitious nature.
"I've been working day and night to try and finish my book... It's been driving me insane, Farmer.”
"Hello, Farmer! What a pleasant surprise! I was just stopping in to [the Saloon to] relax after an eight hour writing session."
“I feel so relieved to be done with my book... it's like an elephant's been lifted off my shoulders.”
"My new year's resolution is to write, write, and write! I can never stop improving my skills."
"Caring for babies isn't exactly my strong suit... but I'll do my best to be a good father."
"Type 4 and type 3 are both image-conscious people. Thus, they usually have a good fashion sense. This also applies to ISFP 4w3s.
They dress to perfection, combining the uniqueness of type 4s and type 3’s need to impress. If there’s something you can be sure about, it’s their dress." - Personality Hunt
“I'm just taking a quick break to slather some coconut oil on my body.”
"What did I do today? I'll just say this... it takes a lot of work to maintain this rugged physique!”
“I'll admit... it takes me several hours each morning to make my hair look this good.”
"I have to brush my hair daily, or else it'll clump up into messy knots. It's a lot of work.”
“The sun is angry today... My skin is a bit too delicate, I'm afraid.”
"I leave early tomorrow morning [for the book tour]…I need to pack! Don't let me forget my hairbrush, my hairspray, my fine-tooth comb, and my pomegranate conditioner!"
ISFPs, like most sensors, are practical people. They focus on what is directly in front of them and what they can impact in the here and now. This doesn't mean they aren't creative people, but their creativity comes out in more hands-on ways.
This is different for ISFP 4w3s. They are super creative, combining their Extroverted Sensing [Se] and Introverted Intuition [Ni] into their artistic pursuits. They can create almost anything out of nothing, making them excellent writers, designers, painters, etc., etc.,
"... I've been dabbling in piano since I was a kid. I'm not very good, but it's fun."
“Hopefully a crab hasn't snuck onto my clothes again. Imagine crawling out of a pocket and finding yourself on a beach hundreds of miles from home! Hmmm... Perhaps this could make for an interesting novel...”
"A day can never be boring when you follow the whims of your imagination."
"A great idea can pass through your head when you least expect it… but if your mind is too busy you might miss it."
"A crackling fire adds wonderful ambience to the house... every piece of wood burns in a unique way."
"I'm doing a walking meditation. It's good for creativity."
"Type 4 is often called the romantic. Thus, it’s not surprising that ISFP 4w3s have a strong interest in love and romance.
While this is true, this does not affect their level of commitment in relationships. Just like typical ISFPs, they are in search of someone they are comfortable with.
This might make them seem flighty." - Personality Hunt
Not only does his interest in romance apply to Elliott's intimate relationships, but it can also be seen in his 'romantic' approach to life and literature, which is:
"...marked by the imaginative or emotional appeal of what is heroic, adventurous, remote, mysterious, or idealized." -Merriam-Webster
His unusual approach to life and romance makes many players suspicious of his intentions and sincerity during their first playthrough [myself included]. His fluffy words and flirty attitude cause many to wonder if he is concealing anything nefarious.
However, even though his language and personality can be mushy and over-the-top sometimes, throughout the game we see him as no less sincere than someone who says things bluntly.
"I write in hopes of connecting with others through time and space."
"It must be satisfying to follow your crop from seed to harvest. It's as if your essence is infused into the fruit."
"Farmer, I had a feeling that you would show up. Perhaps we're connected by an other-worldly thread."
“Elliott whispers a sweet secret into your ear.”
“Yes... could I refuse that soft, kind face? The touch of spring-time's sweet embrace?”
“You're ice cold! Let me keep you warm.”
"My love... I wouldn't trade you for 100 iridium bars. Nor 1000...Not even 10,000 bars, no....No, not even 100,000 bars!...Wa... one million bars of pure iridium...? Don't make me do this..."
"I made a whole secret book of poems expressing my love for you.”
"I feel burnt out in your absence. But when I hear that sound of muddy boots on wood, my heart rises from the ash."
"Look... I fixed up that old rowboat that's been sitting by my house. Pretty nice, huh? Farmer... Would you do me the honor of joining me for her maiden voyage?”
"Some people are shy. Keep showing interest in them and they'll get comfortable around you."
Depending on the strength of their wing, ISFP 4w3s can be quite competitive since they want to be the best. However, their competitive side usually only appears in games and other social events.
Depending on their maturity and wing strength, this can be an intense drive to win or playful competition between friends and family.
“Well, if it isn't the town's number one ice fisher! That was truly an impressive performance. I never stand a chance, but I always participate just to be sporting.”
"I'm a little out of practice, but I plan on entering the fishing contest tomorrow! You've got some stiff competition, dear.”
The problems of the ISFP 4w3s start here. ISFP 4w3s, just like ISFP 4w5s, can become fixated on themselves.
Thus, they might start feeling they are special. This makes them inflate their problems and put themselves first.
The downsides of this are immense. People might see them as self-centered. They might also strain their relationship with others." - Personality Hunt
The tendency to be self-absorbed creates a lot of problems for Elliott. His desire to be unique often causes him to act in over-the-top and melodramatic ways, especially when first meeting the farmer. Not only are many characters rubbed the wrong way by his melodramatic tendencies, but many players automatically judge him as problematic and pretentious, especially if it's their first playthrough.
However, this is intentional writing for Elliott's character development and while these characteristics can be red flags, they aren't always - as we will see later.
“You've plucked Pelican Town's finest flower... Now, you must care for it with all your heart.”
"Another year gone by, another gray hair… I suppose this gift can commemorate my decline."
"Farmer, I know you have faith in my abilities as a writer. That means a lot to me."
“Sometimes I wonder if I might just have an inflated self-image and no real skills...No, no... I'm not fishing for compliments. Though they are appreciated..."
“I have to brush my hair daily, or else it'll clump up into messy knots. It's a lot of work. I'm surprised I haven't just shaved it off in a fit of passion. I suppose I am too vain.”
"Hello, Farmer! What a pleasant surprise! I was just stopping in to relax after an eight hour writing session. Bartender! Fetch me your finest ale. And bring some wine for the lady!”
ISFP 4w3s aren't the most energetic, but if their 3 wing is strong, their lower energy levels may not be that bad. Because they are sensors, they are also more action-oriented when compared to the INFP 4w3.
“I can't seem to find the inspiration to begin writing my novel...”
"A great idea can pass through your head when you least expect it… but if your mind is too busy you might miss it."
“That's why I chose this beach as my home, so that I could have peace and quiet to do my work.”
"I spent the afternoon daydreaming about the ocean. So I decided to cook some seafood."
"I had a nice time at the beach by myself. I watched the waves come and go, just like old times."
"Winter is a great time to read books and play the piano. Remember to pause and enjoy a quiet moment or two."
“My inspiration for writing is like the weather... it comes and goes at random. Today I feel entirely dull. Perhaps I'll read one of the classics to get my creative juices flowing.”
3. Battle Between Staying Unique and Being Adaptable
Being a type 4, ISFP 4w3s want to be unique and different. However, type 3 wants to be successful and adaptable, creating internal conflict between the two types, especially if an ISFP 4w3's wing is strong. The core desire of type 4 usually wins in the end, but it's something ISFP 4w3s may struggle with for their entire lives.
Elliott struggles with wanting to achieve his literary dreams uniquely by living a lonely life on the beach. He yo-yos back and forth between wanting stability and security for his future and staying true to himself and his vision of completing his book in his own way.
“That's why I live out here by myself. I figured a lonely life by the sea would help me focus on my literary aspirations...”
"Sorry, I'm feeling morose today. I wish there was more certainty about the future. I don't want to grow old as a lonely hermit on this beach…",
“People have scraped a living off the sea for thousands of years. I just go to the grocery store.”
"The sweet friction of pen and paper is the music of my soul. That's why I chose this beach as my home, so that I could have peace and quiet to do my work."
"It's a little lonely out here on the beach… so I apologize if I was ever a little too forward with you when we first met. I was just eager to have a friend. It feels good to have a close friend like you."
"I came to the valley to find the ivory tower from which my talents could reign supreme. But what I really found was a dungeon of loneliness. You saved me from that."
4. Emotions and More Emotions
Being Feelers and type 4s, ISFP 4w3s are very emotional people. While being sensitive to emotion can be a positive, it can also get them into a lot of trouble.
Because of their emotional intensity and Extroverted Sensing [Se] tendency to act in the moment, they can frequently make spur-of-the-moment decisions based on their feelings before thinking them through.
They can also be sensitive to criticism, even if it's constructive and tactful. This can hold them back from achieving their goals and being open to new opportunities.
"There's just too much work to do! And my bank account's starting to run dry. Sometimes I wish I could just throw it all away and become a farmer like you."
"I had a good time at the saloon the other day… Though my liver is not quite so enthusiastic…",
“Why do you torment me? Can't you see you've shattered all my hopes and dreams.”
"Gus, I'll order a round for everyone!*hic*… Oh… I don't have the G. Heh heh… Never mind!"
"...Let's see, how do I put this...? For once, I'm at a loss for words... [Elliott leans in and passionately kisses the farmer].”
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The Path of Integration: 4w3 to 7w6
Throughout the game, Elliott struggles to enjoy his life while making his dreams of being a successful author a reality. His core fears of being ordinary and a failure - "to be just like every other failed author" - keep him locked in a prison of his own making.
As a result, he increasingly self-isolates and becomes very self-critical, pushing himself to complete his project even if it is self-detrimental.
"I came to the valley to find the ivory tower from which my talents could reign supreme. But what I really found was a dungeon of loneliness.
Type 4s are in the Heart Triad [along with types 2 and 3] making Elliott's core fear directly related to feelings of shame:
"The core belief type 4s struggle with as a part of the shame triad is that if they aren’t unique, they are unworthy of love...[they] will wear their emotions on their sleeve, and show up as a perfectly curated image to hide that feeling of unworthiness they feel at their core" - Making Mindfulness Fun
"Hello, Farmer! What a pleasant surprise! I was just stopping in to relax after an eight hour writing session. Bartender! Fetch me your finest ale. And bring some wine for the lady!"
Because Elliott also has a strong type 3 wing, his shame is multi-faceted, adding more complexity to his core fears and behaviours:
"[Their] core belief... is that if they aren’t always achieving more, they are unworthy of love...[they] numb and ignore their emotions to deal with their shame. They believe that if they allow themselves to be human, enjoy life, and show their emotions they will be unloved. This leads them to push people away and feel stressed because they believe the only way they can receive love is by being perceived as successful." - Making Mindfulness Fun
"…What I meant is that I'd like to get away from this dark, musty prison and experience a little bit of real life... that's all. *sigh*... sorry I'm complaining like this. I just need someone to talk to now and then.”
Once the farmer gets to know Elliott better, he relaxes around them and drops his 'over the top' persona. Though he still enjoys speaking more romantically and eloquently sometimes, he isn't as concerned with having the perfect words to say. He lets his guard down, allowing his true thoughts and feelings to shine.
"Hey. "Look… I fixed up that old rowboat that's been sitting by my house. Pretty nice, huh?"
"But I am grateful that you believed in me… in my vision. And, well… Um… Farmer? How do I say this…Well, we've been friends for a while now… But I'm… I'm not sure if I feel that way about you anymore. No! I'm not saying I want to cut all ties with you! In fact… quite the opposite…Let's see, how do I put this…? For once, I'm at a loss for words…"
Elliott starts to believe that he doesn't need to try so hard to be loved - that he is worthy of love for simply being his authentic self, imperfections and all. It's through the love and support of the farmer that Elliott starts to truly embrace himself and embrace the highs and lows of life, without shame.
Elliott's Book Tour Letters
After Elliott's marriage to the farmer, we see him begin to take on the positive traits of an ISFP 7w6 in his marriage dialogue; however, the evidence of this change can be seen even more in his 14-heart event: his book tour letters.
"I begin the tour this evening, at a local bookstore. I must admit, I'm becoming a bit nervous at the thought of public speaking…"
"I miss you very much. Remember to eat well! Oh, and don't forget the leftover crab cakes I put in the fridge…"
"Last night in Zuzu City was quite the experience! It seems there's a large literary scene here… a few dozen people showed up at my reading! I even signed a couple of autographs… it's strange to be seen as someone important. It's all a matter of framing, a grand illusion… for truly I am no one special. Only your devoted Elliott, as always."
"In dreams, when graced with lofty view
I gaze upon the sunlit sea
What distant shores I've traveled to
But time now clouds my memory
There is but one eternal place
Where I shall someday pass beyond
In Valley dear, where my love waits:
Our little home beside the pond"
-Elliott
"I won't bore you with any more details about my readings. They are mostly the same. I'm sure your time has been much more exciting! I can't wait to return and see what progress has been made...There's a lot to enjoy! Just don't stay out too late in the mines, my love. It's dangerous in there! If you must go… bring plenty of food."
"This will be my last letter before I return home. I've had a fine trip… though nothing too exciting. It's been nice to meet people who enjoy my work, but I'm eager to return home. I look forward to the comfort of our little house, the satisfying farm work, a home-cooked meal, and most of all, cozying into the flannel sheets with you."
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During my first playthrough, I had an unconscious bias towards Elliott. I believed that handsome men who took pride in their physical appearance, and/or spoke in a more romantic, flowery way automatically had something to hide.
Though that IS sometimes the case, it isn’t always, and I think that’s what made exploring Elliott’s character a surprising one for me.
His superficial traits rubbed me the wrong way, and I thought of him as nothing more than a self-centred, pompous, melodramatic ladies' man.
However, once I got to know him better throughout the game, I saw him not as suspicious but as a deeply passionate and highly motivated individual, who despite wrestling with his feelings of shame and unworthiness, is still unapologetically true to himself and his values despite the odds and adversity.
I think that’s how his character was meant to be written, and that subversion of expectation throughout the game made learning about Elliott so genuinely fascinating.
He's not everyone's cup of tea, but based on what we know about him, his personality, and his journey throughout the game, he has much more to offer than what first impressions might imply.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- References:
Personality Hunt: ISFP 4w3 - The Complete Guide
Merriam-Webster Dictionary: "Romantic" Definition
Making Mindfulness Fun: Enneagram Shame Triad
Personality Hunt: ISFP 7w6 - The Complete Guide
