If you never want to leave the 2014-millennial-pink energy of Younger, we’ve got you covered with this guide to the Myers Briggs personality types of all the show’s main characters
Just in time for 2025, Netflix dropped the perfect unicorn chaser with the debut of all seven seasons of the sweet, glossy, funny and highly bingeable TV series Younger. We’re celebrating with you by breaking down all the personality types on the show.
But First…What is Younger?
If you missed the sleeper hit series in the 2010s (spoiler alert!), Younger’s premise is built around the main character of Liza Miller, a 40-year New Jersey mom, fresh off a nasty divorce, who pretends to be a 26-year old in order to get back into her old career path in book publishing. The show’s central theme is that when life gets you down, sometimes you have to get creative. And also that 2014-era TV New York City is a glossy, jewel-toned #girlboss Camelot the likes of which we (and maybe even Darren Starr) will never be able to credibly imagine again.
If you are into books, or even just #booktok, the show is also a send-up of the gossipy, insular publishing world, awash with mentions of Michiko Kakutani, the 92nd Street Y, Page 6 book excerpts, boozy Frankfurt and Hamptons book fairs. It also has a cavalcade of authors imitating real-life writers (from George R.R. Martin, to Dr. Meg Jay, Cat Marnell, Marie Kondo, Kellyann Conway and Obama-speechwriter-bros), as well as cameos from real-life literary stars like Meg Wolitzer and Erica Jong.
Laden with pop-culture references, the show is a time capsule of the era. So much so, that journalists at the time the show aired questioned if it would be too “dated” to watch at some point. The actress Miriam Shor, who plays the show’s inimitable Diana Trout answered the complaint to ELLE, saying “I don’t think it would be dated as much as it would be interesting to see how things were referred to in pop culture through our show, and also in the literary sense, like through the fake books and real books we reference. That’s fascinating to me.” We could not agree more.
So in addition to all that glossy nostalgia (which, for the record, we’re 100% here for), Younger is compulsively watchable thanks to its beloved, quirky cast of characters. From the start, you are cheering for main character Liza (played by the delightful Broadway star Sutton Foster), but soon enough you’re also rooting for almost everyone in the cast, from Josh, the most well-adjusted tattoo artist in Brooklyn, to aspiring publisher (and tradwife) Kelsey Peters, to the hilariously formidable Diana Trout. So with that, let’s dive into Younger’s personality types, shall we?
Not sure of your type? You can take Truity’s free, validated TypeFinder® test, based on Myers Briggs theory here.
Liza Miller - ENFP: The Champion
At the start of the series, Liza is jobless and staring down rampant ageism when applying for roles, while she struggles to pay for housing and her daughter’s college tuition. But we soon find out that you cannot keep a good woman or an ENFP down! ENFPs are masters of adaptability and highly enthusiastic, which we see as Liza moves in with her best friend Maggie in Brooklyn and navigates the publishing world all while pretending to be 15 years younger than she is. By living a complete lie (including pretending to know how to use Tinder and not need reading glasses), Liza has figured out a way to defeat the world, somehow engineering a new career and the sex life of a 20-something.
As an ENFP, Liza is highly creative and open-minded. Her unique approach to problem-solving and openness to new ideas help her thrive in the dynamic environment of Empirical Press, from dressing up as Princess Pam-Pam to satisfy their marquee author Edward LL Moore, to genius marketing campaigns like #showusyouroates (topless selfies in honor of Joyce Carol Oates’ newest banger). ENFPs are deeply empathetic and supportive, and this makes them a natural connector and motivator of people. Liza is the glue that knits Maggie, Josh, Kelsey, Lauren and the rest of the Brooklyn crew together, as well as Diana, Charles and Kelsey at work.
ENFPs place great value on personal freedom and happiness, both for themselves and for others, as we see with Liza breaking out of New Jersey and pursuing her own career and new life. They’re fiercely protective of their friends and prioritize their values and freedoms too. Liza worries about the impact of Kelsey’s string of lame boyfriends, Josh’s ability to have kids, Charles’ marriage and career and her daughter’s ability to study abroad. She doesn’t just want happiness and freedom for herself, she wants it for everyone around her.
ENFPs are spontaneous, making them a lively presence in both their personal and professional lives (like Liza’s bursting out into song at Marie’s Crisis Cafe, to woo Diana back to Empirical, for example). ENFPs have off-the-charts energy levels, and honestly I get tired just watching Liza running in heels from Midtown, to the Upper East, to Williamsburg, in order to juggle a baller career, a colossal web of lies and an explosive love triangle.
Kelsey Peters - ESTP: The Dynamo
ESTPs like Kelsey Peters are charming, clever, gregarious and bold. Others notice the ESTP’s big energy and their flirtatious tendencies, which we see as Kelsey deftly climbs the highly networked publishing world to build her own imprint, while engaging in some next-level flirting with the likes of Zane and multiple authors.
In short, ESTPs are one of the 16 personality types most likely to excel at “working a room.”
ESTPs also tend to be impatient. Kelsey gets frustrated when she isn’t moving up quickly enough, when Charles won’t back one of her books, and when she outs Claw author Quinn onstage about manufacturing her book orders. ESTPs have a mental toughness and sense of competition that make them relentless in pursuing what they are after. They also hate to be bored and want life to always be new, stimulating and interesting, and can be commitment-phobic. This is apparent in Kelsey’s fierce rivalry with on-again-off-again romance and fellow editor Zane, and her string of partners who didn’t quite meet the moment or fit into her life.
Diana Trout - ENTJ: The Commander
Diana Trout is the hardworking, scathing and imperious doyenne of marketing at Empirical Press, and is a classic Myers Briggs ENTJ. This type is known as the Commander and Diana literally commands everyone around her (as well as the hearts of the audience: she’s a cult fan favorite). Diana's decisiveness, assertiveness and confidence make her a formidable presence in the office, commanding respect from the industry and her peers.
ENTJs like to use fashion to make a statement at work and Diana’s legendary collection of statement necklaces certainly ticks that trait box (even if none of those necklaces could actually be contained in a normal-sized jewelry box).
Strong-willed, logical and ambitious, ENTJs are ALL about work, like Diana who readily admits she has no life outside of it. Given their logical way of thinking, it's no surprise that ENTJs like Diana are experts at finding flaws and holes in their colleagues' plans. Diana does this on the reg with almost everyone (Oh, you think reviews sell books? Where do you get these little nuggets of wisdom from, hmm? Buzzfeed?)
ENTJs are usually friendly and gregarious, but in the pursuit of success, they can be blunt, critical or impatient (hello: Diana). ENTJs can also be arrogant, as we get to (gloriously) experience with Diana’s one-liners about her colleagues (example: “When I was your age I could run a 10K and rehydrate with White Russians.” ) As the series matures, we actually can see Diana facing her ENTJ weaknesses and softening up a bit: acknowledging her relationship with plumber Enzo, growing in empathy, and, dare I say it, forming real female friendships with Liza and Kelsey.
Charles Brooks - INFJ: The Counselor
As an INFJ, Charles Brooks, Empirical’s Publisher, often displays deep insight and intuition about his company and where the industry is headed, as well as the needs and motivations of those around him.
Although his job requires sales and socializing, at heart, he is a private and reserved person who shares his thoughts and feelings with only a select few. We see this in his determination to not “out” his and Liza’s relationship at work, and his distress at being called out in his ex-wife’s novel.
INFJs like Charles are focused on understanding ideas and concepts, are led by their values and intuition, and are firm decision makers. We viewers watch this play out in Charles’ move from Empirical and his unwillingness to change course for Liza. INFJs are compassionate and supportive; like Charles, they often act as mentors (as Charles does with Kelsey) and confidantes (as Charles does with Liza).
Like most INFJs, deep down Charles is visionary and idealistic. His vision for the publishing company is driven by idealism and a desire to make a positive impact in the literary world.
Josh - ISFP: The Composer
Artistic tattoo artist Josh, Liza’s millennial love interest / hottie, has all the earmarks of the Myers Briggs type ISFP. For one, creativity and artistic talent are central to his identity and career. He’s also bold and spontaneous, which we see when he moves from West Virginia to Brooklyn to pursue his dreams of body art.
ISFPs live to seek new experiences and to help others. Like Josh, they tend to become bored easily and can struggle with decision-making and planning for the future, as we see in Josh’s vacillation over the future of Inkburg, his fatherhood and in his relationships with Clare and Liza.
ISFPs tend to be sensitive and kind-hearted, as Josh is with Liza, Clare (offering to marry her for a visa, for example!) and being a rock for Maggie, Kelsey and Lauren later in the show. Spontaneous and free-spirited ISFPs can’t be pinned down. However, with true friends and when loved up, ISFPs are loyal to the core and supportive. Josh shows these traits in his care and adoration of Liza, even during challenging times in their relationship.
Lauren Heller - ESFP: The Performer
The over-the-top social butterfly and publicist extraordinaire Lauren Heller has all the signs of an ESFP, one of the personality types most likely to be energized by time with others and live in the moment.
Lauren is so addicted to being the center of the action, that she even refuses to leave a SoHo House-like member’s club and ends up sleeping in their bathroom! Charming, engaging and supportive, ESFPs love to be in the mix, whether as the life of the party or by meeting the needs of others. We see this with Lauren not only getting the gang into every emerging trend and party of the 2010s, but also sincerely helping them with their careers (from doing good deeds for “her Diva” Diana Trout – like scrubbing her boyfriend’s shady internet history – to getting her one-time love Maggie’s art into Hector & Dorf stores, to making Josh’s baby Insta-famous to pay for his baby swag) .
ESFPs look on the bright side and do their best to live life to the fullest. But they can be easily bored, avoid conflict even when it's necessary, and struggle with long-term planning. Lauren hesitates with her doctor boyfriend and lives for years in her parents house, only to jump to being roomies with Josh and Kelsey.
Maggie Amato - ENTP: The Visionary
ENTPs like Maggie are innovative, curious and driven by innovative ideas and curiosity about the world. They are also witty and charismatic. Maggie is the queen of the quip on Younger, known for her quick wit and charismatic personality, often bringing humor and energy to social situations.
ENTPs value their independence and often take an unconventional approach to life and art. Like Maggie, they are also known for being fearless, confident and totally cool with breaking norms. For example, we see Maggie “moving to Brooklyn way before it was cool,” creating avant garde art, and telling off huge art world collectors and shady “Instagram” copy-cat artists, alike.
ENTPs are incredibly open to having friends and partners from differing walks of life, as we see in Maggie’s friendship with the more traditional Liza, a much younger, straight dude Josh and PR queen Lauren. ENTPs are adaptable and open-minded. In addition to her art and career, Maggie embraces new people and ideas, including her orthodox Jewish partner Malkie.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to the 16 personality types of Younger! And if you haven’t rewatched lately: you know what to do. Put on a K-Beauty mask and watch like it’s 2015!
