Pickett the Bowtruckle Has an INFP Personality
If you’ve never heard of the Myers-Briggs personality test, it’s an amazing way to understand the personalities of the people around you. We’ve written about this test on MuggleNet before, but I thought it would be fascinating to focus on one character in particular and discuss what it means to have a specific personality type. We’re looking at Pickett the Bowtruckle from the Fantastic Beasts movies. The quiet, lovable, shy little Bowtruckle is lovely in his special way. To learn more about Pickett, we’re discovering his personality type and what goes with it.
Pickett is undoubtedly an INFP. This stands for introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging. Also known as the mediator personality type, INFPs prefer alone time to being surrounded by a group of people. Newt has stated that Pickett prefers hiding in his pocket rather than being around other Bowtruckles. Rarely does Pickett leave the safety of Newt’s pocket, and when he does, he only interacts with Newt. While we don’t know exactly why Pickett is so shy and quiet, we love him for who he is!
Another important aspect of the INFP personality is the intuitive and emotional nature. How many times has Pickett run back to Newt’s pocket to hide because he’s become emotionally distressed? Despite their tendency to withdraw from everyone, this personality type does develop deep bonds with a few chosen people. We see this in Pickett’s relationship with Newt. Pickett trusts Newt more than anyone else, and rarely does he leave his best friend’s side. Fun fact, INFPs are known to be able to communicate and learn many languages, which would explain why Pickett and Newt appear to talk to one another.
INFP personalities are compassionate and sensitive. Pickett certainly seems to peek his head out of Newt’s pocket when he believes his friend is in trouble or feeling sad. Pickett is aware of the world around him, methodically absorbing everything that is happening. Pickett may stay close to Newt for another reason. Like many introverted personality types, Pickett bonds closely to those who are like him. He recognizes a kindred spirit in Newt, someone he can relate to. Newt’s personality is similar to Pickett’s, and the two friends recognize that they’re searching for people just like them. Bonding with similar friends is a common trait among INFPs, and Pickett does this too.
Being an introvert already gives someone a natural affinity for alone time and it can be hard to make friends. When you’re an INFP, this is even more challenging. Each personality type is very distinct, and Pickett is no exception. Newt reassures Pickett during Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them that he doesn’t think the other Bowtruckles will “bully” Pickett. This could be interpreted as a clue to who Pickett is. He is different from the other Bowtruckles, probably because he’s more introverted and prefers the company of wizards like Newt. It can be difficult for INFPs to make friends, but when they do, they’re often important and lasting relationships.
In many ways, the name Pickett makes sense. He’s “picky” when it comes to choosing a friend. Pickett left his Bowtruckle family to live with Newt instead. Pickett has searched for a friend for some time, and now that he’s found a friend who accepts all his quirks, he will never let Newt go.
While it can be difficult to discuss such a beloved character’s weaknesses, there are setbacks to being an INFP. Pickett is stubborn, occasionally selfish, and always too afraid to speak up. These qualities can make Pickett closed off from even his closest friends. We know so little about Pickett, because he’s too afraid to be the center of attention. This is too bad, because we can all benefit from having a little extra Pickett in our lives!
Another factor is that INFP personalities take everything too seriously and view every catastrophe that happens as their own fault. Pickett is easily insulted and finds himself running away into Newt’s pocket to hide, even if it was Newt who upset him! This has to do with INFPs being so emotionally charged. Pickett allows his emotions to get the better of him instead of taking a moment to calm down. Pickett is already nervous around other people, especially strangers. When he was the center of attention when Gnarlak bartered for him, Pickett couldn’t stand it. Desperate to escape, he clung to Newt as if his life depended on it. When Newt saw Pickett getting so upset, it upset him as well.
Now, it’s important to mention all the amazing things that INFP personalities are capable of doing. This personality type is energetic and eager to help their friends. Although it takes some coaxing, if Newt needs him, Pickett will crawl out from his pocket and help his friend. INFPs are dedicated to the people they love, making them indispensable friends. Potterheads would never doubt Pickett’s loyalty!
