Hedwig Has an ISFJ Personality
We’ve found out the personality types of Pickett and Dougal, so now it’s time to turn to a character from the Harry Potter series. Hedwig is a loyal friend to Harry and has been by his side since Book 1. She perfectly fits the criteria of the defender personality type, also known as ISFJ on the Myers-Briggs scale.
The defender personality type is defined by superb loyalty and mature relationship skills. We see this right away in Book 1 of the series when Hedwig immediately becomes close to Harry. She forms a bond with him while he spends the remainder of his summer break at the Dursleys’. It also helped that Harry and Hedwig were the only friends the other had at that time. Hedwig is also hardworking, kind, and selfless. These are other traits belonging to the ISFJ personality type. Hedwig’s job is essentially transporting mail for Harry, and she takes great pride in her work. She always finishes the task at hand, and Harry knows he can rely on her. Her quiet and trusted presence becomes invaluable throughout the book series.
An unusual and intriguing characteristic of defenders is their social nature. They combine the traits of introverts and extroverts, making them a little bit of both. Even though defenders are categorized as introverts, they are the most social of the introvert personality types. This fits with Hedwig precisely. While she is a background character that spends a great deal of time flying alone, she does love to spend time with Harry and his friends. What I like about the movies is how they show scenes of Hedwig flying great distances but then also spending moments by Harry’s side in the Gryffindor common room. It’s also interesting to note that, even though Hedwig never speaks, she and Harry seem to communicate somehow. Harry talks to her all the time, and Hedwig quietly listens. Their communication is one of the most beautiful aspects of their relationship.
While defenders have plenty of strengths, their weaknesses are an impediment. For example, defenders are easily insulted. The first example I thought of is during the events of Goblet of Fire when Harry has to use another owl to carry his messages. He does so to protect Hedwig and not have her captured, but Hedwig takes his actions as a personal slight. The two have a minor argument, but of course, they reconcile. This event goes to show that Hedwig can be too sensitive, but it’s because she loves Harry very much. Hedwig likes to do her work, and whenever Harry suggests that she rest or that he work with another owl, Hedwig gets angry.
Another failing of the ISFJ personality type is that they tend to overwork or overcompensate. This is a natural problem that comes with being hardworking. It’s a fine line between doing your best and working yourself to death. Hedwig is proud and independent, and she never refuses work. So when Harry sends Hedwig off on a long journey, she often returns exhausted. Usually, it’s Harry who has to tell her to rest and take a break.
Something that the ISFJ personality type struggles with is connecting with people outside of their immediate friend group or family. This might seem at odds with their generous nature, but it just means that they are careful with whom they trust. Hedwig definitely has trust issues. She forms a deep and meaningful attachment to Harry but very few other people. She is calm around Hermione, Ron, Hagrid, and even McGonagall after she gifted Harry a broom. However, Hedwig rarely likes to be around other owls. When she first meets Pigwidgeon, Ron’s owl, she seems appalled at his energetic behavior.
Hedwig is the loyal friend Harry wanted for years. She’s considerate, humble, clever, and faithful. She’s the pet all Potterheads want or at least the one I think is the coolest. It’s because of Hedwig that Harry is able to maintain a long-distance correspondence with his godfather. Even though Harry and Sirius didn’t have a relationship for long, Hedwig was a big help in making sure they shared as much time as possible together. Hedwig is more than just a pet to Harry – she’s family. One of the things that make ISFJ personality types stand out is how they easily become your family.
