ESFP – the Performer, the Activator, the Challenger
When Star Trek: The Next Generation debuted with a middle-aged, bald captain, the creators stuck a Kirk-like young cad in the seat next to him, just in case. Riker’s charm and energy liven up the bridge and any other room he’s in, and he’s the guy that makes-it-so when the Captain gives out orders. He’s pretty good in the command chair himself, although he needs some time to figure that out.
Dominant Function: (Se) Extraverted Sensing, “The Kitchens”
Commander Riker likes to be out in front—at poker, at romance, and at life. He’s equal parts easygoing and intense, depending on what the situation calls for, and he never just sits in a chair when he can straddle it. Data calculates that Riker uses traditional tactics less than 21% of the time.
And of course, he loves poker—the game of risk and bets is right up Will’s alley, and he usually cleans up. He plays a mean trombone—although he can never quite get the solo in “Nightbird” right. He likes to cook with real ingredients—although he’s not actually very good at it.
Riker works as hard as he plays. When he gets the cultural exchange assignment aboard a Klingon ship, he throws himself completely into the role, digging into Klingon food and learning how to hold his own against the aggressive egos of his new shipmates. He manages to fight his way into everyone’s respect, and he unseats the captain in a moment of crisis in order to take control and save the ship. Continue reading
Heroes & Villains of MBTI 