Stardew Valley MBTI x Enneagram: Shane
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 Shane's Enneagram paired with his MBTI.
Shane - ISTP 5w6: “The Troubleshooter”
“ISTP 5w6s are analytical people who lean towards caution. This personality type is curious and passionate about their interests. Because of their wing, they are always cautious and look for all possible flaws before leaping.” – Personality Hunt
Shane’s Core Desire: To be self-sufficient
The core desire of the ISTP 5w6 is to be self-sufficient. ISTPs are naturally very independent and want to make their own way. To achieve this goal, they use their abilities to carve a niche for themselves, and honing their unique skills as 5w6s, they are often very successful.
“My life...It's a pathetic joke...Look at me...Why do I even try? ...*sob* I'm too small and stupid to... to take control of my life…”
"I want to feel like I'm not just a leech on the world. I want to contribute somehow, even in a small way like this.”
Shane’s Core Fear: To be dependent [a burden] on others
The core fear of the ISTP 5w6 is to be a burden on others, especially to those they care about. We see Shane struggle with his mental health and alcoholism through the game. He tries hard to fight his demons on his own, not wanting others to be held back by his personal issues.
It isn't until later in his character development that he learns to be okay with relying on others for help, that there are people who truly care about him, and that asking for their support isn't the burden or 'weakness' he believed it to be.
“I just feel like no matter how hard I try... I'm not strong enough to climb out of that hole.”
"Anyway... I just wanted to thank you for taking care of me. And I want you to know that I'm going to take things a little more seriously from now on. I don't want to be a burden on anyone…"
"You know, I sometimes forget that I really do have friends, people that care about me. And it's okay for me to rely on them... it doesn't make me weak.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How Enneagram 5w6 changes typical ISTP behaviour:
New Strengths
1. More Introverted
ISTPs are introverts and ISTP 5w6s are even more introverted. They have a lower social battery than typical ISTPs and need extra time alone to recharge. However, this doesn't mean they aren't assertive. They will put their foot down when they need to.
Examples:
“I hardly know you. Why are you talking to me?”
“What's the point of talking to me? I don't want any friends.”
“...I don't feel like talking to anyone.”
“It's a lot of effort to be friends with someone. It's easier to just be alone.”
2. More Loyal
"ISTP 5w6s are loyal people...Because [type 6] is their wing, ISTP 5w6s will have a measure of loyalty. Their loyalty extends to their friends, family, and even their workplace. While this is true, their loyalty will never be as strong as a core type 6." - Personality Hunt
Examples:
“I... Well, I won't be living here forever, and I wanted to pass something on to Jas. I've been teaching her how to care for them.”
“I guess I've grown attached to Marnie and Jas. We're a ragtag bunch but it kind of feels like a weird family. I never really had much of a family as a kid.”
“I need to keep it together for Jas' sake. I don't want to be a bad role model for her.” “I'm kind of like a father figure to Jas. I just hope I haven't let her down too much.”
“Shane's hard at work. He doesn't seem interested in talking.”
“I may keep to myself a lot, and I may seem unhappy sometimes... but I do appreciate all the work you do. I'm a lucky guy.”
3. More Creative
ISTPs aren't known for being traditionally artistic, but they can be incredibly creative in their own way. This is even more true for ISTP 5w6s. They love to work with their hands and show their creativity in practical ways.
Examples:
"My special blue hens... I've been raising them in secret for the last few months.”
“We'll have the best eggs in the whole valley! Fresh and healthy, with rich golden yolks. Not like those pale, sickly Joja eggs...”
“Sounds great. I'll have to create a bunch of practical effects to make it look cool.”
"Hey! I want you to be in this shot... okay? Just walk by Clint and Emily in the background while they're talking... It'll give the scene a little more authenticity.”
4. More Cautious
ISTPs aren't known for being cautious. Their Extroverted Sensing [Se] makes them more prone to taking risks and testing new ideas. Being Preceievers means they also love being spontaneous. ISTP 5w6s are different. While they also enjoy these things, they are more hesitant and risk-averse than typical ISTPs.
This is because type 5 is interested in self-sufficiency, while type 6 is interested in being secure. They don't want to do anything that risks losing either of these, so they are much more cautious when taking risks or making decisions.
Examples:
“A chicken will never let you down. Humans, on the other hand...”
“It's weird, when I was younger I swore I'd never have a kid. I wonder what happened to me?”
“Hey. Sorry if I came off as rude when we first met. It takes me a while to warm up to strangers.”
5. More Prudent with Spending
Due to their cautious nature, ISTP 5w6s will be less impulsive with their spending, preferring to be more prudent with their finances. However, this doesn't mean they'll be perfect at budgeting or sticking to a budget.
Although Shane spends exorbitant amounts of money on beer and liquor early in-game, once he starts getting treatment for his mental health issues, we see him begin to spend his money much more wisely and carefully, like in his 8-heart cutscene with Jas.
Examples:
"I've cut back on an expensive habit. I have a lot more spending money now!”
6. More Logical
ISTPs are Thinkers, and being a type 5 makes an ISTP's logical thinking even more pronounced. This can have its pros and cons. A positive is ISTP 5w6s can make very sound logical decisions, but on the flip side, they can be insensitive to the feelings of others.
Examples:
“Life isn't fair, and I can't help but feel bitter about it.”
“Do me a favor... when I pass away, use my dust to fertilize some corn for the hens.”
“If I watch more TV maybe I can forget about life. That would be relaxing.”
“Sigh*... If only we could send the kids off to Joja work-camp for a season...I'm just kidding.”
New Weaknesses
1. More Detached
Type 5s are prone to becoming detached if absorbed in their hobbies or passions. This can harm an ISTPs relationship with friends and family if they aren't careful.
Examples:
"Welp... got my year's supply of Vitamin D. Now I can play video games with the blinds shut the rest of the year.”
“Ah... this is the life. No responsibilities, Tunnelers game tonight, fridge stocked with all the goodies a guy could need.”
“If you need to go see your friends in town, go ahead. I'm happy in the company of the TV and a couple of tall boys.”
“Ooo... my throbbing head. How many did I have last night?”
2. Fearful
Type 5 and type 6 are both in the Fear Triad, making 5w6s fearful people. This fear often influences their decisions, and combined with their need for self-sufficiency, can cause them to be stuck in a situation for too long.
Examples:
"You know, Charlie... I was thinking... A guy like me is always teetering on the edge of despair... know what I mean?”
“Here's a chance to finally take control of my life... These cliffs... bu... *blaap*... but I'm too scared, too anxious. Just like always...”
3. Prefer to Play it Safe
"Fear, cautiousness, and worry are all factors that influence their preference to play it safe. This usually means little or no risk and a lot of pessimism. While this has its benefits, the drawbacks are also obvious. ISTP 5w6s will miss out on opportunities and life in general by playing it too safe. - Personality Hunt
Examples:
"Every time I try something new it goes horribly wrong. You learn to just stay in a shell."
“Why try? Life's just a roll of the dice. When they rolled mine, the dice fell off the table.”
“You ever feel like... no matter what you do, you're gonna fail?... Like you're stuck in some miserable abyss and you're so deep you can't even see the light of day?”
4. Lower Energy Levels
Type 5s live in their heads. This, combined with ISTP's dominant function Introverted Thinking [Ti], they spend a lot of time logically breaking things down and reassembling them in their minds. This takes up a lot of energy, making implementing their ideas harder for ISTP 5w6s.
However, ISTPs are still action-oriented and will always strive to be somewhat productive.
Examples:
"Hoo... Feels good to rest these hams. If anyone needs me, I'll just be sitting here, marinating.”
“Buhh... I don't feel like being productive today.”
“Farmer, should I do something useful today?... or just nap forever?”
“I guess... if I had some pants I might've gone outside today... but, nah.”
------------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion
Due to his substance abuse and mental health issues, typing Shane was more challenging than the others. Though it can be hard to type fictional characters with 100% accuracy, given what we know about his character, how he responds to dealing with his alcoholism and depression, and his personal growth throughout the game, I believe there is strong evidence to suggest that Shane is an ISTP 5w6.
His Enneagram type 5 desire for self-sufficiency and independence, paired with his MBTI cognitive strengths as an ISTP, makes watching his character transform from a prickly, self-isolating man with severe alcohol addiction and spiralling mental health, into a brave, hard-working, and loyal friend/partner to the farmer heartwarming and inspirational.
Do you agree that Shane is an ISTP 5w6? If not, what type do you think he is? Let me know your thoughts in the comments :)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- References:
Personality Hunt: ISTP 5w6 - The Complete Guide
