From Yuri Katsuki (Yuri on Ice) to Alphonse Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist), these are our most favorite INFP anime characters.
INFP is a personality type on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. People who fall under this category have the traits of the mediator or idealist. They are imaginative, introverted, principled, and values-driven. These people have the pure intention to create their ideal world. Apart from reaching a higher level of self-awareness, they also invest their energies in helping others. According to research, only 4% of the population belongs to this personality type.
There are quite a few anime characters that exhibit this personality; they are kind, loyal, and believe in the concept of sacrifice and justice. These characters have the desire to transform the world. They will be prepared to sacrifice their lives if it guarantees the utopia they dreamed of.
We all have our favorite characters that we want to see on the small screen. Some will have that quirky personality, and others will be strong and tough. Anime is packed with characters who will fight to the end for things they believe in. Today, we’ll try to explore 20 anime characters who have the glaring traits of an INFP. We’ll not only highlight those with good qualities but also those with unhealthy traits of an INFP.
Top 20 INFP Characters in Anime
Like in our waking life, finding an anime character with an INFP personality is challenging. We’ll consider the characters who prefer to interact only with their close friends but love to be alone. They have strong intuition and generally focus on their personal feelings. They are also more open to other options when reaching a decision. Quickly then, here are 20 INFP anime characters.
1. Yuri Katsuki (Yuri on Ice)
Not a lot of you may be familiar with this anime series. It is a sports animation series that focuses on figure skating. Yuri Katsuki is imaginative, aloof, and a complex character. When you watch the series, it is pretty difficult to ignore INFP moments of Yuri, especially when dealing with competitions and challenges. Compared to the other players in this series, Yuri is more adamant about living according to his ideals and aspirations than winning the title. You will also notice that he is more concerned about his personal growth than what’s happening around him. At the start of the series, Yuri is on an INFP Loop; however, things will start to change once he meets Victor. Like most INFP, he could show his playful side to people he trusts.
2. Shinji Ikari (Evangelion)
Melancholic and selfless, Shinji’s personality is too close to an INFP. Like people with this personality type, he doesn’t back down when dealing with life’s challenges and responsibilities. However, he also chooses to withdraw himself from others. He is afraid of getting too close to someone. Music gives him peace and comfort, which is a way for most INFP to cope with the pain they are feeling. While dealing with his pain, he continues to search for his purpose in life. He can also be self-centered, especially when looking for direction and guidance. He acknowledges that it’s difficult for him to find happiness, but he continues living his life to find the answer. He has a conflicted personality, but he embraces it.
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3. Kaneki Ken (Tokyo Ghoul)
I know the anime adaptation was disappointing, but let’s leave that for another day. There were several instances in the series when Kaneki manifested the traits of an INFP. He is battling against overwhelming challenges while staying true to himself. At the start of the series, his biggest fear is to lose his sense of individuality. He fears that the changes happening to him might cause him to go against his values and moral code. INFP-t anime characters are individuals yearning for personal freedom and value originality. They are people who refuse to be affected by the opinions of others.
If you’ve watched the series, these kinds of struggles are very evident in the character development of Kaneki. He is selfless, timid, and gentle. He is ready to put himself at risk when saving the people that matter to him. While he may appear enigmatic at times, his core character of being an INFP still shines throughout the story.
4. Chifuyu Matsuno (Tokyo Revengers)
The ability to stay calm and choose a logical approach when dealing with challenges are just some of the prevalent INFP traits of Chifuyu. He is also highly loyal; he makes sure to fight alongside his friends, and you’ll never see him in conflict with people close to his heart. This character will not think twice when he needs to help someone; you will see his emotion shine during this instance. Even when he knows he could be in danger, he’ll remain on his friends’ side. He is the ‘counselor’ of the series; he will make a plan before jumping into a situation. He remains calm even under extreme pressure, for instance, the incident when his life is threatened. Unfortunately, there are instances when he acts naïve, leading to grave repercussions.
5. Shigeo Kageyama (Mob Psycho 100)
There are episodes in the anime series that show how Shigeo prefers to learn things based on his personal reasoning. His understanding is too focused on himself rather than looking at stuff from an external perspective. He remains rational and practical in his thinking. You’ll also see him as too absorbed, making it difficult for others to approach him, which may lead to misunderstanding. He remains curious about how his surroundings work and will pursue the most optimal way to live. The story also shows that he fears losing his identity, which is why he is too scared of using his power. He is too self-centered sometimes, preventing him from experiencing things outside himself.
6. Dr. Kenzo Tenma (Monster)
If you are a fan of the Monster anime series, you’re highly familiar with the personality of Dr. Kenzo Tenma. He is considered a genius in the field of neurosurgery. His dominant INFP personality would be his introversion. He also shows a strong intuition wherein he relies on what he learned from his father while gaining knowledge from others. Dr. Kenzo is focused on his personal future, but there are also instances when he is concerned about the future of Japan’s medical industry. He is a mentally-driven character who dreams that Japan will be a better place.
His idealism is what inspires him to save other people. He was willing to give other people a second chance, even if it didn’t coincide with his interest. The series also tackles the altruism of this character when he decides to move to Tokyo, although circumstances are not in his favor.
7. Alphonse Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)
In the series, Alphonse Elric is depicted as the more emotionally-volatile character. He has a conflicted and impulsive nature. He has shown a level of resistance against the law but also displays a sense of loyalty only if it is necessary. According to him, the military is just a tool the government uses for their benefits. He’s almost blindly devoted to his family, particularly his brother and father, whom he highly respects. With regard to his personal belief, there are instances when he even sounds fanatical. In some episodes, he believed that the Flame was the only solution to bring back balance to the world. Compared to Ed, Alphonse is the more reclusive one. He is more passive when handling life situations.
8. Toko Fukawa (Danganronpa)
Toko is one of the lead protagonists of Danganronpa; she has an imaginative, creative, and idealistic personality. She has established the Fukawa Institute, a tool used to research peace. It is also the institution behind the Awareness Revolution, a concept to achieve world peace. She is very wary of other people, often suspecting them to do something terrible to her. She has shown extreme loyalty to her group, even if the idea may not always resonate with her situation. Some people might argue about her INFP personality since she has another character that is completely opposite of her nature.
9. Mafuyu Satou (Given)
If you are a fan of Yaoi anime, you will most probably be familiar with Mafuyu. He is kind, shy, and gentle. But there’s also a downside to his personality: his obsessiveness over things. He is sometimes afraid he’ll embarrass himself in front of others. While there are some inconsistencies between the manga and the anime version, both highlight Mafuyu’s INFP personality. He initially rejects Atsushi and Aruto, but later develops a crush on them. He is goal-oriented and is able to reach his desired weight in no time. At the same time, there are instances when he will overeat if he’s not too conscious of his eating habits.
10. Junpei Yoshino (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Like the other INFP anime characters mentioned here, Junpei is characterized by his emotional depth. He is almost honest to a fault and kind-hearted. He is very attuned to his emotions and will strive to build a connection with others. However, he will only be open to people he thinks will understand and accept him for who he is. There are episodes where his soft and forgiving heart has been highlighted, but there are still situations when he will hold grudges. When he feels like he is being rejected, he can be withdrawn and will have trouble expressing his true feelings. This is because he doesn’t want to hurt people with his opinion. Once he develops a connection with others, he can become clingy and probably attached, more than necessary.
11. Miku Nakano (Gotoubon No Hanayome)
Some might think Miku has an INTP personality, but we believe it falls more on the INFP side. For instance, there are situations where she displayed her fantastic intuition and imagination. She is an introvert, not because she wants to be alone. She can confront others when needed and talk to people without pause or inhibitions. Her creative side has been showcased in her ability to write excellent Haikus. She mentioned how she wanted to write about the world, showing her idealistic behavior. Her secret obsession with the officials during the Sengoku Period influenced her philosophies, beliefs, and behavior. She can be very reserved and tends to belittle her abilities.
12. Yamaguchi Tadashi (Haikyuu!!)
Yamaguchi Tadashi is a former member of the Karasuno High Volleyball Club. In the early episodes, he is very timid and relies heavily on others. While he has become a victim of bullying before, he still has a kind and warm heart. He also expressed his strong support and loyalty to his teammates. He is ready to defend his friends, especially when he believes they are being insulted. There were instances when he doubted his skills, but through dedication and perseverance, he showed significant progress during the match with Aoba Johsai. There was also a noticeable improvement in the way he handled his emotions.
13. Kanade Yoisaki (Project Sekai Colorful Stage)
Her creative and highly idealistic personality makes her an INFP. She is also tolerant and imaginative, often showing that her mind is filled with new ideas. She is intuitive and could be very sensitive. The mini-anime highlights her deep emotions, even being dramatic at times. She displays a high sense of sensitivity to other’s feelings, making her compassionate. Her creative side comes through in her poetry, arts, and music. The fact that she was homeschooled at an early age may have triggered her introverted personality. She is accepting and loyal to the members of her circle. She hopes that people will feel a sense of satisfaction and happiness through her music.
14. Edgar Allan Poe (Bungou Stray Dogs)
Poe showcased his creativity in this popular anime series through his obsession. He’s been characterized as someone persistent in creating plans that will defeat Ranpo Edogawa. He has an introverted personality and often has random outbursts of emotion. He is highly attuned to his emotions. He’ll appear confident sometimes, especially during his encounter with Ranpo. When excited, he exhibits his feelings unbridled. His eagerness to defeat Ranpo eventually leads to an attachment. He will even visit Ranpo at an Agency to present a new challenge. This sense of competitiveness has developed into loyalty. The series showed how he is conflicted about the idea that Ranpo will die from his challenges.
15. Ami Mizuno or Sailor Mercury (Sailormoon)
Our list won’t be complete without an OG anime series Sailormoon. Ami Mizuno, who transforms into Sailor Mercury, is known for her reserved and idealistic personality. She has an inviolable sense of good and evil and a strong sense of justice. Ami can be very compassionate toward other sailor warriors and the weak. The series showed how she’s ready to sacrifice herself to save other people or animals. She will forgive people over minor mistakes. There are also instances when she expresses her frustration towards those who don’t understand her ideas and beliefs. She doesn’t resent them, she rather conveys her disappointment with a smile.
16. Akito Sohma (Fruit Basket)
Akito’s introverted nature is his dominant trait. When she was young, it was common for her to throw a fit, but she is a gentle and sweet girl. While pampered and spoiled by her father, she suffered psychological and emotional abuse from her mother. This is the reason behind her conflicted personality. She has been depicted as an immature, manipulative, and selfish character, but this is her only way to release her anger over her father’s death. She fears being abandoned and displays a misogynistic personality. While she may appear intimidating, she has substantial insecurity. She hates the idea of people unloving and rejecting her. She is also afraid to be alone in a world full of strangers.
17. Rem (Death Note)
Rem accurately depicts an INFP personality. She’s loyal to the rules but only to some extent. She and Gelus betray Shinigami rules once these contradict their values and beliefs. Rem is highly protective and supportive of Misa; she serves as the character’s trusted aide in fighting for justice and ending crime. In one episode, she confronts Light and warns him that if he tries to hurt Misa, she’d take her revenge by killing him. Later in this dark manga series, Rem sacrifices her life to save Misa. However, in the anime, Rem survives after the battle with L and Watari.
18. Komugi (Hunter X Hunter)
We’ve all fallen in love with the warm, introverted, innocent, and loving personality of Komugi from the Chimera Ant arc of Hunter X Hunter. Judging from the way she plays Gungi, she is very strategic. She has developed multiple strategies to defeat her opponent. This showcases her strong intuitiveness and creativity. When determining right or wrong, she checks her internal system and remains faithful to her core values. She is loyal to Meruem and considers him the king. When Meruem breaks the news that she’s about to die, she feels sad only for a short time. She immediately smiles and says dying with him doesn’t sound too bad.
19. Nobita Nobi (Doraemon)
Who’s not familiar with one of the most popular Kodomomuke anime series? Nobita is an introverted character but strongly yearns to be accepted socially. He will be very active when exposed to an environment favorable to him. There are many instances in the series and movie franchise when he has shown loyalty to the people he loves. While some of his friends have bullied him, he still comes to support them when they are troubled. It may not usually be highlighted in the TV series, but the movies indicate that he is very concerned with animals and plants. He is caring, kind, and sensitive.
20. Zeref Dragneel (Fairy Tail)
This entry might raise some eyebrows. Some might think (including a few Japanese websites) that he fits more into the INFJ personality, but we are putting him in the INFP category. It’s pretty tricky to find a perfect fit for Zeref. There were instances when he was depicted as this calculating tactician, but there were also times when he was emotionally volatile and suicidal. He is warm and kind hearted, but his curse forbids him from expressing it. He is reclusive but will be very active when placed in an environment he likes. He’s ready to go to great lengths, even sacrificing himself to show loyalty to his beliefs.
Conclusion
There we are! These are some of our favorite INFP anime characters. After reading this, you’ll hopefully have a better understanding of the traits of someone with an INFP personality. A character who will confront people if they go against their belief, but will avoid socializing during normal times. Someone who will have firm beliefs that almost turn into obsession. With a conflicted nature, it is not surprising that this personality is so rare.
