Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

I'll start this out for Angela with a link to an online site for the Keirsey Temperament Sorter. The Keirsey Temperament Sorter

Myretta, glad to see this topic, I'd be very interested in following this conversation. Hope everyone jumps on the band wagon.

Myretta, glad to see this topic, I'd be very interested in following this conversation. Hope everyone jumps on the band wagon.

Thanks, Myretta. That's probably the best place to start to get an understanding of personality typing. To get things started, let's look at the personality types of the main characters. Elizabeth - ENFJ (Incidentally, this personality is best suited for the clergy.) Darcy - ISTJ or INTJ Jane - ISFP? Bingley - ES?P Elizabeth (ENFJ) is an Extravert because of her lively disposition, although she can be introspective enough to be a borderline Introvert as an Extravert gets energy from external sources while Introverts get energy from internal sources. As an iNtuitive and Feeling type, she is good at discerning people and their dispositions. It also adds to her charm as she can instinctively shift her tone and body language to push her position in a conversation. As a Judging person, she makes judgements based on what he sees, as she judges Darcy from his external behaviour. Darcy (ISTJ or INTJ) is a definite and probably extreme Introvert as he appears to have little external reaction to others and any opinions are kept safely inside. He tires easily at social occasions as other people sap his energies as in the Meryton assembly. He thinks before he speaks and "doesn't perform to strangers". As a Sensing type, he is suppose to zone in on little details, esp ISTJs. Attention to detail is one of the best characteristics of a Sensor. As an affirmed ISTJ, I'm not so sure that Da cy fits as well in this category. He makes judgements based not always on facts, but rather by what he believes and projects, which is more of an iNtuitive trait. INTJs are known to be people who make quick decisive decisions and sticks to them. When he rides ahead of the rest of the party to Pemberley, it seems to be to pay attention to detail for his guests, but I think it could be just to get away from Caroline Bingley for a bit. As an Introvert Thinker, he would have trouble handling and dealing with ifficult people, which Miss Bingley definitely was. As for being a Judging type, the book is called Pride and Prejudice. It would be quite odd if the hero was someone who was not a judger. :-) Jane (ISFP?) is less outwardly oriented than Elizabeth, which is why I chose her to be an introvert. She doesn't appear to have a close friend outside the family, unlike Elizabeth who at least has Charlotte. As she appears to take people at face value and pays attention to detail, which is why I thought her to be a Sensor. She cares deeply not to hurt people and she is good with people, esp. children (as evidence, the Gardiner children), which makes me believe her to be a Feeling type. Finally for the Jud ing vs. Perception, that was the hardest and I'm still not sure which she is. She takes the wait and see approach on everyone's character and is careful not to judge them until she knows the extent of their actions, which is a typical perceptive type reaction. However, she exhibits the characteristics of an ISFJ, which are people who instinctively seem to know what presents to give everyone at Christmas. Do we have more evidence of one or the other? Bingley (ES?P) enjoys large parties with strangers (Meryton assembly) and makes quick decisions (as his quick acceptance of Netherfield as well as the comment he made regarding leaving it), both very much Extravert and Perception type qualities. I guessed at the Sensing type as he doesn't appear to go beyond the facts that Darcy and his sisters present to him in regards to Jane, but at the same time he doesn't appear to be a detailed oriented type of person, which makes him more of an iNtuitive. Any sugge tions? Other characters?

Bingley ESTP? "I think....." "She would be just as (forgot- not got book here) to me if she had relatives to fill all of Cheapside" "It shows a great affection for her sister" Do I make sense here?

I'll have to look up an ESTP's profile again. But, from your evidence, Caroline, it sounds about right, esp. the "fill all of Cheapside comment". Since about 60% of thinkers are men, it is quite possible. Let me get back to you once I re-read the profile.

There was a previous round of discussion on this topic during the fall of '96 which should be inclucded in the archives from the old BBS. For a little fun, go to the site of The Keirsey Temperament Sorter, and assume the role of one of the characters and answer the questions as you think s/he would have done based on Jane Austen's illustration of their personalities. JA has done such a good job of illustrating her characters that they will come out as a particular "type" a significant percentage of the ime no matter who answers the questions on their behalf.

Joan, too: That's a good idea. The only thing is that I'm not very good at getting into someone else's shoes even if they are Darcy, Elizabeth, or any of the P&P gang. However, if anyone else wants to make an attempt, I'm more than happy to see the results. :-) Why don't you start, since you suggested it? That means that you get to pick from the entire pool of characters. Caroline, I read the ESTP profile in a book called Type Talk. (I'm not sure of who the author is since I don't have the book with me at work.) It seems that the ESTP profile is right on the money for Bingley. It mentions how ESTPs are very engaging and gregarious, even more so than any of the other types, which would explain why Bingley and Darcy are friends, as Darcy the Introvert is not likely to seek out new friends. Also, it mentions that ESTPs will drop whatever they are doing if they discover that i isn't worth the effort, and may be impatient with things that take a long time, which corresponds to the part when Elizabeth is at Netherfield during Jane's illness and Bingley says that he's very impatient with writing letters and how words seem to spill out faster than he can write them down. Very ESTP! Also after reading the profiles, I am incline to believe that Jane is an ISFJ because ISFJ children tend to be quiet, obedient, and well-organized, which I can see Jane being. I just can't explain away the non-judgemental aspect of her. As well, I am incline to believe that Darcy is more of an INTJ rather than an ISTJ because ISTJs are always doing things because it is part of their duty. They will adopt personalities that are suited for each occasion because they see it as their duty to act properly in a l situations. Darcy obviously does not do it as he shows a definite distaste at the Meryton assembly. Also, INTJs will always seek improvement in everything and everyone. They will do things just to improve. So when Elizabeth tells him that "had he behaved in a more gentleman-like manner", he improves himself to behave more gentlemanly. Also, he mentions at Netherfield that an accomplished lady should also improve her mind by extensive reading. I know in the Old BB discussions, two people who took the tes as Darcy found him to be an ISTJ. I'm most interested in what evidence they have to back that view when they took the test because as a confirmed ISTJ, I don't see him as one. As a character, he is imminently more interesting than I.

Why don't you start, since you suggested it? I already did in the earlier round. Did both Darcy and Lizzie, as did Steve (no longer with us) - and we both came up with the same types (though not exactly the same scores within a classification.)

thanks, Angela and Joan. Now, Joan,tell me what I really want to know.............Did anyone do the temprement sorter in the guise of our favourite movie star, and if so, what did they come up with? Because it certainly wouldn't be Darcy's profile!

Joan, too: Since you were one of the two people who found Darcy to be an ISTJ, I'm wondering if you remember what answers you gave on the test? I know it's been a while, but if you can I would really be interested. Caroline, I would be interested in knowing that, too. Now onto type watching other characters. Lady Catherine - I would be inclined to see her as an ESFJ, but I am not certain. She is an Extravert because she likes having guests at Rosings even when they are just the Collinses and when Elizabeth, Darcy, and Col. Fitzwilliam are at the piano at Rosings, she interrupts them because "she must have her share of the conversation". Both typical characteristics of Extraverts. She is most likely a Sensor, because she pays extraordinary care of details even to the point of shelves in the closet in Elizabeth s room while she is staying at Hunsford. A Feeler because she has specific opinion that are strictly her own. A judger because she so frequently makes decisions quickly about everyone. The only thing that mystifies me is that ESFJs are suppose to be emminent hosts and hostesses, which I have trouble seeing. Can anyone think of facts that would back up that aspect of an ESFJ personality? Mrs. Bennet - I see her as an ESFP. She reminds me a lot of my mother-in-law, who is a definite ESFP! Extraverted because she likes attention as evidenced by the theatrics she gave on Lydia's elopement. As well as, constantly talking about her nerves. Sensing because she seems grounded in real world things. (I really don't have any real evidence to back that up, though.) Feeling because she is never objective about anything. Perceiving because she has troubles keeping a limit on excesses, which Judgers ge erally keep a better rein (sp?) on. Mr. Bennet now is a mystery. I can see him as an Introvert because he spends many hours locked up in his library and an iNtuitive because of his sarcasm and wit. However, I cannot determine his other types. Anyone want to hazard a guess?

Since you were one of the two people who found Darcy to be an ISTJ, I'm wondering if you remember what answers you gave on the test? Sorry, I can't even remember what the questions were at this point, much less the answers. But now that you have made predictions about Lady C. and Mr. and Mrs. B., try answering the questions "as" them, and try to come up with something that JA revealed about each of them to support the answer to each question and see how it comes out. It is true, of course, that even when taking the tempreament sorter "as" yourself, your own answers will vary from time to time depending on your mood and how your life has been going, or whether you answer as your "personal" or "professional" self.

It is true, of course, that even when taking the tempreament sorter "as" yourself, your own answers will vary from time to time depending on your mood and how your life has been going, or whether you answer as your "personal" or "professional" self. True Joan.Truth to tell, the first time I tried it (ages ago, before I even discovered this board) I came out as IXXX, which was absolutely usesless! The distribution of personality types is also touched upon at that site, I believe, and the authors express some surprise as to the percentages of each type represented by the samples in relation to the population at large and to the population of the internet.I havn't the heart to tell them that it might be because there are hundreds of demented Lizzy and D rcy Wannabes, Napoleon imitators, teens with random selector buttons for fingers, not to mention confused adults like me messing up their statistics for them.

I would love to see someone's assesment of Caroline Bingley; Angela, care to have a go at it?

and the authors express some surprise as to the percentages of each type represented by the samples in relation to the population at large and to the population of the internet. I havn't the heart to tell them that it might be because there are hundreds of demented Lizzy and Darcy Wannabes... Oh dear! Have they commented on that now? I must admit that I did feel a bit guilty responding as fictitious people. If they are seriously trying to keep statistics, perhaps someone should enlighten them? (Although there's really no way that they can expect to guarantee that all people participating via the net will be taking it seriously.)

Well I have just taken the test and I have come out ENTJ. Which I thinks suits me to a t. I'm definitely power hungry.

Oh, a fellow ENTJ! I read a description of the type that made me LOL - it's like our motto should be, "hey, it's good to be blunt! You got a problem with that, peon?"

Tracey awesome line, that's exactly how I am!!

Any other INFJs out there? I was so impressed with what I read about this personality type because it was me, even down to occupation (teacher, but with a background in science and mathematics). They knew all of this from 65 questions? ;-) BTW, under the description for INTJ, Darcy is listed with a group of 'famous fictional INTJs", along with Hannibal Lecter!

]BTW, under the description for INTJ, Darcy is listed with a group of 'famous fictional INTJs", along with Hannibal Lecter! Yow! I guess we'd know to avoid a dinner date at Pemberley if the menu included fava beans and a nice chianti! ;)

Margaret, Hilary and I are almost your type; we are both INFP/borderline J's.

In a rare moment of candor, let me say I am an archetypal INTJ (married to an INTP, which makes for some pretty psychically synchronized conversations!) so reading Darcy's character in Austen's writing (and extending him in my own jottings) is nearly self-analysis at times... ;-)

Another INFJ (teacher type) here.

I've come out as INFP three times now, so I guess I'll stick with it. How do you feel being the same as Fanny Price, Amy?

INFJ (but I know in the past it came out ISFJ, but close)

It's nice to know that there are other INFJs out there----when I read that only 2% of the population was, I felt freakish (what-do-the-rest-of-you-have-that-I-don't kind of thing).;-) Which of Austen's characters would be INFJ? Jane Bennet?

I don't mind being thrown in with Fanny; I'm not a Fanny hater. But I don't particularly identify with her.

On second thought, scratch the Jane suggestion---I'm never that nice! But there was a point in my life when I was an "Anne Elliot" type....

re: 14 Sorry I haven't been around the last couple of days to predict Caroline Bingley. I have a deadline on Monday, and I just got a chance to drop by for a few minutes to drop off the prediction. After Monday, I'll get a chance to do more characters. Here's a stab. Caroline Bingley is quite snobbish, so that can cloud type watching somewhat. From what we have, she appears to be an Extravert, because she does seek out society even though we mainly see her seeking out Darcy. Also, she generally speaks before she thinks, which is another Extravert trait. Finally, she appears to be interested in being acquainted with more people than actually knowing them, which is another trait of an Extravert. She also appears to be rooted in details, as she points all of Elizabeth's ut in front of Darcy at Pemberley, and she asks about Georgiana's height at Netherfield, which would point her towards a Sensor type. As a person with lots of personal opinion, she appears to be a Feeler, but I'm going to have to take a look at her in better detail to confirm this type. Finally, she is more calculating than spontaneous, and she has a tendency to make judgements about people rather quickly, which points to a Judging personality. Thus, by this quick evaluation, she, like Lady Catherine, is n ESFJ, perhaps to a smaller degree as she has less power than Lady C. However, ESFJs can have problems with reality, so this may not be so far off. re: 12 Joan, Too: I can get a copy of the questions from the Kiersey book, as well as how to calculate the answers. So over the next week or two (after my deadline), I try to take a stab at my predictions, trying the test on paper. This way, I won't mess up anyone's statistics. Glad to see that this topic is picking up. Sometimes, taking the test as a character can be misleading, especially if the character is an introvert. Being an introvert, your most dominant type is hidden, and even the reverse of the type can be hard to detect. For instance, Sensors can be cast as iNtuitives or Feelers can be cast as Thinkers. The alternative is to type watch, which in my opinion is the reverse of taking the test as someone. What you do is take the type description and try to match the pers n to the type. There are usually key points of a person's personality that jump out at you when you read the type and match it with what you see. Which is essentially what I've done for the characters I have covered. A book I would recommend for Type Watching is called Type Talk by Otto Kroeger and Theresa Theusen (?). I don't have the book with me at the computer, but it covers a lot on Type Watching and what to look for. It also discusses how a person of a certain personality would parent, find life par ners, even how they could behave as children. Anyway, back to the grindstone. See ya next Tuesday!

Wow! Thanks Angela, and good luck with your Monday deadline.

Here's what I got when I took the test in August 1996: Keirsey Temperament Test Results EI: 10 out of 10 Introvert 100% SN: 14 out of 17 iNtuition 82% TF: 5 out of 13 Feeling 38% JP: 3 out of 18 Perceiving 16% Your Jungian Personality type is INTJ And here's what I got today: Keirsey Temperament Test Results EI: 10 out of 10 Introvert 100% SN: 14 out of 18 iNtuition 77% TF: 9 out of 20 Feeling 45% JP: 6 out of 19 Perceiving 31% Your Jungian Personality type is INTJ

I'm split between ISTJ and INTJ, but the description of INTJ fits me very well.

Good grief, that makes 3 of us INTJ! Any other synchronicity such as being horrifically hardworking (often behind-the-scene but still putting out 150% contrasted to others' 100%) sign like Capricorn or? I thought so...

I'm a Capricorn; in fact, I was born on ;-) (Not that astrology means anything...)

cute tree,and not that liking a certain "color" should mean anything either.

The tests usually tell me I am XXTJ, but I figure the extroverted characteristics are learned behaviors and that the 'sensing' characteristice may be also - part of being older and part of raising a daughter. The INTJ description seems to fit me best. The 'test people' say INTJ's are the most unusual and here we seem to be becoming a majority. Interesting!

According to the test I'm an ISTJ - but I found I answered a lot of the questions with what I'd prefer rather than what I actually do. Is that cheating? Never tried this before, but I also think some of it may change with age - except for the "I" part; I've always been that!!

I'm an INTJ with Cliff Claven tendencies ;-) Perhaps the predominence of INTJ's has something to do with the medium of the internet. Other people are out there in the real world, while we plunk away on our keyboards.

ISTJ here. When I took the test yesterday, the statistics showed that ISTJ's were in the majority; more than 13%

Re #'s 39 and 41 Inko and Linda, I join you in ISTJdom. I printed out the descriptions and they sound very like me -- hubby agrees.

Sheesh! For a bunch of introverts you all sure are doing a lot of talking! ;-)

Yes, but it's not face-to-face, Cheryl! %-)

Yep, nothing like keyboarding (or in regency era, letterwriting alla Darcy) to preserve one's privacy and still communicate one's myriad intuitions! I was thinking the other day about how draining a job like teaching or seeing lots of patients can be to an INTJ (or similar IXXX)...my dad got around it by being a radiologist (like our keyboarding here, he saw patients via x-rays)...I get around it by teaching from the side or back of the room (I pace a lot too)...Freud was once asked why he/analysts sat back by the head of the patient, out of view; he said he couldn't tolerate all the eye contact daylong otherwise (besides its freeing up the patients t speak their issues aloud, I am sure)

Interesting, Wendy.This IXXX, who's really an INFP trying to cope with the real world in a sensible manner,teaches from the back of the room too,sitting down as well.However, I had always assumed it was because I wanted my students to look at the OHP, not me!As for INTJs being so common here, could it not be because they are all closet writers?

This thread on teaching is interesting. (I am an XXTJ who belives she is really a INTJ.) I loved teaching and always planned to get back to it. I have been a computer analyst since 1972 where the money is better. I always thought that I liked myself better when I was teaching - that I 'became' a less introverted person. I also have problems with assignments at work that require me to be a half time extrovert and a half time introvert, although I have always believed that I could do either role full time just fine. For example, if I have a lot of telephone work to do, I either ignore it to do my technical work or ignore the technical to do the telephone work. It is hard to juggle the two!

]Sheesh! For a bunch of introverts you all sure are doing a lot of talking! ;-) As diagnosted E... am not blabing that much, not that I don't want too :) Since bordering E/I, have a funny feeling E came with the standard package and later transformed to an I, custom-maid by life Welcome fellow E/I NFP

My "I" might have formed that way, too, J.

Re:#43 It is interesting that some elements of our personalities are exhibited in our postings. I was thinking about this topic while driving home the other day. I decided that you, Cheryl, and Kali must definitely be ENFPs. Re:#45 ]Yep, nothing like keyboarding... In real life (versus internet life), my closest friends are Exxx's. When with them, I can never get a word in edgewise. Here (although I am not very talkative here either), at least I can speak whenever I want. Linda

Linda- LOL at your last sentence. So true!! The other great one is when an E??J type very decidedly tell an I??? type how to live his/her life! "Reserved behavior does not imply agreement!" ;-) (Note: My #45 post use of IXXX really meant I???, any combo of introvert.) As to being a "closet writer," I'm actually out in the open about it :-) (and I probably wouldn't be able to fit in one with this size computer and me) (although, if CF were to be present as well helping me, um, with typing, I'd probably attempt it)

The other great one is when an E??J type very decidedly tell an I??? type how to live his/her life! "Reserved behavior does not imply agreement!" ;-) Wendy, very true! What does that say for Darcy and Lizzie? Maybe there are so many INTJ's here because of Jane Austen then?(Was she ISTJ or INTJ? the latter, I think.)

As an "E," I must take up for my maligned group! I certainly don't tell the "I" types how to live their lives, I merely make well thought out suggestions, which of course intelligent folk must necessarily follow to secure their own happiness! Hrumph! ;-)

How cute! I actually love being around E???s because of their very difference! (I'd better because, of course, my daughter is most emphatically an E??? [ESFJ?] already at age 9!!)

My favorite "E" (outside the family) is a neighbor who is like a breath of fresh air in my reserved world. No wonder Darcy loved Bingley so much.

There seem to be darned few Es on this board. So, to balance things, I'll confess to being an ENFJ and will also publicly expose my sister Cheryl and an ENFP. We were beginning to think we were the only ones here.

Guess what Auntie, My. It is all in the family--I am a ENFP!

Myretta: There seem to be darned few Es on this board. So, to balance things, I'll confess to being an ENFJ and will also publicly expose my sister Cheryl and an ENFP. Oh my! I've been "outed"! But I don't suppose that it comes as any great surprise that I'm an ENFP! We are delightful people, if I do say so myself, and being an ENF I certainly would! It's when you add that J to it that the ENF person gets a little pushy! ;-p (*samooch* sister!)

If I remember correctly, I am an ENFJ...

Kali: If I remember correctly, I am an ENFJ... Well I guess it does run in the family. Here we all are!! (But daughter, doesn't this make you a Lizzie?)

Speaking of other characters/shows and their types, how about HOME IMPROVEMENT? Tim Allen and his wife? Neighbor Wilson Wilson?! Some amusing interaction there...

I am INTJ. I am quite suprised how many INTJ are here. Is it possible to become E when one is born I (as Lizzie suggested at Rosing)? jenny

I was born *very* "I" - I hid behind my mother a lot, and cried for a week when I started first grade. But I definitely got over it, partly because I hated being ignored. Hmmmmm, maybe I was always an E............. Seriously, I don't think that any of the four traits are necessarily fixed. Everyone can vary, depending on their mood or situation.

I think I might have been made into an "I". There was a minor childhood trauma that might have changed me from an "E" to an "I". I'll never know for sure.

When this indicator was given at work, the rep from the personnel company explained the M-B in a way that really struck a chord with me, and explains what many of you seem to be working towards. There are 16 possible score combinations, and these scores are like living in a 16 room house, and your score is the room you PREFER. You will, of couse, spend time in very room, depending on how you are feeling that day, and the people you spend the day with. This is the way of acting and reacting that you fin the most comfortable. You may think of another room as a "power" room, and prefer to be there when dealing with difficult people, etc. Because I was taking the test at work, I tended to answer the questions with my "work" hat on. I was torn on many questions becuase the answer would have been different at work that at home. I would like to take it again with my "home" hat on, and see what the differences would be. These would then be the two rooms that I spend most of my day. Has anyone else taken the test from two differing perspectives? I would be interested in the results.

Thanks, mom...I wish that did make me Lizzy! But you know that I don't really agree about the "E" in her chart...;) --- Wendy, you go! What a hilarious hodge-podge of personalities on that show...

I'm back finally! My deadline is sort of over. My ISP finally decided to let me in today. (All I got were busy signals yesterday and after about an hour I gave up!) Anyway to more predictions. My next attempt is Lydia. Her personality's been on my mind the last couple of days for heaven knows why. I think she's an ENFP with some J tendencies, and the following are my reasons: (I will attempt a bulleted list. So my apologies, if it doesn't work.) She generally speaks before she thinks. (E) She loves and longs for Balls. (E) An introvert, esp. extreme introverts, would be tend to shy away from such large gatherings. She isn't a stickler for details. (N) She far from being objective about anything. (F) She's doesn't make many judgements. (P) The ones she does make are so that she can justify her view of the world. (i.e. Her comment about Mary King being a "freckled thing" because she doesn't like Wickham paying attentions to her.) My main justification of her type comes from an ENFP's profile. ENFPs are "dynamic, enthusiastic, highly skilled with people, affirming, and gregarious", which somewhat exemplifies Lydia. With ENFPs, "The more the merrier" is the theme. They are also "rarely complacent in a relationship", always thinking "this relationship could be better, if I worked harder" or "There's a better relationship, still out there waiting for me". They see the future as being endless possibilities and tend to ignore the presen , which is quite in character for Lydia. They also see the best in people and can ignore the worst. For example, Wickham "is a fine horseman", while she ignores the fact that he was willing to elope with her. I hope that this prediction doesn't offend those of you who are ENFP. To paraphrase someone we are all familiar with, I write as I find. :-) re:65 I have taken MBTI as my own person, and I have taken the Kiersey TS as a work person and I come out as ISTJ in both cases. There is a variation in the degree of each preference, for example, I'm more S, T, and J in my work than at home, but then my job (technical writer) is an ISTJ job. Actually, I found out about MBTI and personality typing when I was looking to change careers in my fourth year at university. I was in a Science program, which was more suited to INTJs than ISTJs, and consequently, I detes ed it. (There were also no jobs in my field, another incentive to change.) The only career that involved writing for an ISTJ personality was tech writing. Consequently, I love what I do, and I am a firm believer in MB personality typing.

Okay, then- what do Cheryl, Rebecca and Johanne think of Lydia?I have always rather liked her, despite everything. Don't ask me why, I'm no good at thinking.........

I have always had a soft-spot for her. Yes, she is a silly young girl, but give her a chance to grow. And maybe if she wouldn have been in a different society, so would have been more refined. She reminds me a lot of the way I was in my early teens--I was a real terror.

Rebecca: She reminds me a lot of the way I was in my early teens--I was a real terror. I'm so glad that I am just your auntie and not your mother! *samooch* ;-)

I adore Lydia in P&P2. I never stopped to think about how young she and Kitty were until I saw P&P2. She seems like so much fun in many of her scenes. And I can see the pressure on her be out in society at too young an age. How can Kitty be out and not Lydia when Lydia dominates Kitty. I am reminded of a family I knew in the early 60's whose 16 year old Lydia was pregnant by her long time 16 year old boy friend. In those days, married and/or pregnant girls had to transfer to a different high school or drop out so their lack of virginity would not contaminate their former classmates. The young couple married. Dad informed the school board that he would take them to court if they interferred with the girl's right to an education. He sat down with the kids and the boy's parents and mapped out a plan for them to continue their educations and become financially competent. The way he created a safety net around the kids instead of punishing them or letting anyone else punish them for the situation has always impressed me.

a really cool Dad, and a lucky couple, Katy!

That was the sixties - he was really bucking tradition. The school board changed its rules. The 'youngsters' are probably grandparents now.

I wonder how long their marriage lasted. Many of my dad's friends who got hitched as teenagers have long since separated...and at least two of the girls I know who married in high school were divorced before graduation...

Yikes! but I was wondering the same thing!

last I heard, in the early 90's, they were still together. but whether the marriage lasted or not, her dad was protecting her future and his grandchild's future by making sure they both finished high school and got job training afterwards.

Katy -- what a stand up thing for the father to do. It is never easy to buck convention (or the establishment). It was good when school systems (i.e., the public) began to realize that pregnant teenagers need an education, too.

Her dad did right, Katy.

I'm going to branch off slightly this time. I just saw Emma T's S&S last Sunday and I just re-read the novel this week, so the next character I have typed is Elinor Dashwood. I believe her to be an ISTJ. Introvert because she is not expressive and actually prefers not to speak to others unless necessary. Sensing because she is the Sense in Sense and Sensibility, not to mention her attention to the real world. Thinking because she is always rationalizing and reasoning things out. Not to mention she tries a ways to be objective in the matters of the heart. Finally, she is Judging because she likes to make decisions ahead of time not to mention she rarely leaves things to the last minute. She is also always doing things that should be done, rather than things that catch her fancy--the embodiment of ISTJ's Next time I'll attempt Charlotte or Mr. Collins.

Great, Angela! As a fellow ISTJ, I can relate to your suppositions. Sounds like Elinor to me.