ISFJ: Leonard McCoy, “Star Trek: The Original Series”

ISFJ – the Protector, the Cultivator, the Steward

McCoy breaks a nice handful of ISFJ stereotypes. For one, he’s not a housewife, obviously. For another, he’s super cranky most of the time. And finally, even though he can be traditional and old-fashioned, he’s also on board a starship exploring strange new worlds.

Dominant Function: (Si) Introverted Sensing, “The Study”

McCoy is fond of referring to himself as a simple “country doctor.” At heart, he’s an old-fashioned Southern gentleman, and he never forgets his roots. He appreciates simple pleasures like a mint julep (“This Side of Paradise”), fresh air and the outdoors (“Shore Leave”), or a good home-cooked, non-replicated meal (“Arena”). He quickly discerns that the lavish spread provided by Trelane has only the appearance, and none of the flavor, of real wine and food.

McCoy’s also infamous for his distrust of technology, despite serving on Starfleet’s most advanced ship. He has particular disdain for the transporter, disliking the idea of his molecules being scrambled and squirted through space. At the same time, McCoy shows disdain for the “medieval” medicine of Earth’s 20th century, because it’s not up to snuff with the technology he knows.