Hate Her or Love Her, the Amber Heard Personality Is a Complex Study in Public Perception

Recently, while watching the Netflix documentary Depp v. Heard, I found myself unexpectedly drawn to Amber Heard.

I’ve always admired Johnny Depp’s personality and eccentric roles in films like Pirates of the Caribbean and Alice in Wonderland. But in the courtroom, it was Amber’s presence—intense, emotional, and hard to pin down—that caught my attention.

Since the trial, she’s become one of the most polarizing figures in pop culture. Some see her as a passionate activist; others view her as emotionally erratic. Either way, she’s impossible to ignore.

So what’s really behind the public perception? In this article, we’ll explore Amber Heard through the lens of personality psychology—specifically the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)—to get a better sense of the traits that seem to drive her public image and communication style.

Based on interviews, courtroom footage, and the way she presents herself emotionally and socially, we’ll explore two likely MBTI types—ESTP and ENFJ—with a brief look at a few other possibilities. 

Let’s take a closer look at the actress, the advocate, the controversial figure—and the personality behind it all.

Note: This article does not attempt to diagnose or label anyone. While mental health disorders like PTSD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder were publicly mentioned during the trial, we’re not medical or mental health professionals. Our focus here is on personality traits and public behavior.

Who Is Amber Heard? In Case You’ve Been Living Under a Rock

Before we dive into her personality, let’s take a minute to understand who Amber Heard is—and how she ended up at the center of so much public attention.

Amber Heard is more than just a tabloid fixture. She’s an actress, activist, and former partner of Johnny Depp who’s spent much of her adult life in the spotlight—sometimes by choice, sometimes not. To understand her personality, it helps to first understand her background and the public image that’s formed around her. 

Early Life and Career

Amber Laura Heard was born in Austin, Texas, in 1986 and raised in a conservative Catholic household. She eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, landing early roles in projects like Friday Night Lights and Pineapple Express. But it was The Rum Diary—where she met Johnny Depp—that marked a turning point in her career.

From there, she appeared in bigger films like Magic Mike XXL and Aquaman, gaining traction in Hollywood. Alongside her acting work, she’s also built a reputation as an activist, often speaking out on issues like domestic violence and LGBTQ+ rights.

Public Persona vs. Private Behavior

Amber’s public image has long been one of boldness and conviction—articulate, passionate, and justice-oriented. But during the 2022 defamation trial, her private behavior was pulled into the spotlight and dissected by audiences around the world.

From courtroom clips to press interviews, nearly every expression and comment became fuel for online debates. Is she emotionally vulnerable or emotionally manipulative? Courageous or calculated? It’s this tension between how she presents and how she’s perceived that makes her such a compelling—and polarizing—figure. 

Deciphering Amber Heard’s MBTI Type: Is She an ESTP or ENFJ?

Trying to type someone as multi-faceted and polarizing as Amber Heard isn’t easy. But that’s part of what makes personality analysis so interesting, especially when it comes to public figures.

For Amber Heard, two strong candidates for her most likely MBTI type are ESTP (The Persuader) and ENFJ (The Protagonist).

Let’s take a closer look at each.

Why Amber Heard Might Be an ESTP Personality Type

Energetic, bold, and unafraid of risk, ESTPs thrive in high-pressure environments. They tend to be persuasive, charming, and able to think on their feet, often captivating in interviews or social settings. Amber’s courtroom presence and ability to command attention—even amid scrutiny—mirror many traits of this type.

So, how does Amber reflect the ESTP personality in real life? Let’s take a look.

She’s bold and socially commanding, like a classic ESTP

In interviews like her 2018 Today show appearance and throughout courtroom testimonies, Amber maintains strong eye contact, commands attention, and speaks with authority—even when under emotional or legal pressure.

She’s direct and confrontational when challenged

During the trial, Amber didn’t shy away from cross-examination. She confronted difficult questions head-on and pushed back on opposing counsel when she felt misrepresented—a classic ESTP move that shows willingness to engage rather than retreat.

She’s energized by attention and public visibility

From red carpets and fashion campaigns to activism events, Amber appears comfortable in the spotlight. Despite public backlash, she continued attending premieres and giving interviews after the trial—suggesting she’s fueled, not fazed, by public attention.

She acts on instinct and emotion over long deliberation

Her decision to write a Washington Post op-ed during legal tensions—and later to give televised interviews post-verdict—reveals a communication style that’s impulsive and high-risk. It fits the ESTP pattern of swift, instinct-driven action.

But there’s a twist.

ESTPs can struggle with emotional depth, preferring action over reflection—a pattern that doesn’t always align with Amber’s emotionally expressive interviews and testimonies.

That’s where another possibility comes in.

Why Amber Heard Might Also Fit the ENFJ Personality Type

Most ENFJs are emotionally intelligent leaders—persuasive, passionate, and driven by a desire to advocate for others. This type could fit Amber’s activist side, especially considering her public speaking engagements, op-eds, and continued involvement in advocacy even during periods of intense public criticism. Although, as we will discuss shortly, her EQ score may be up for debate. 

Let’s explore the ENFJ traits that may show up in Amber’s behavior and public persona.

She’s emotionally expressive and deeply sensitive

Amber often displays strong emotional intensity—both in interviews and on the stand—which aligns with ENFJs’ tendency to feel and express emotions vividly.

She’s persuasive and knows how to shape a message

From interviews to public letters, Amber frequently blends emotional narrative with messaging—a strategy ENFJs often use to connect and influence.

She leads with values and stands firm on principle

Throughout her career, Amber has taken strong, consistent stances on women’s rights and social justice—even when facing backlash—reflecting the ENFJ drive to lead from a place of conviction.

She may see herself as a moral protagonist

ENFJs sometimes view themselves as central characters in a larger story of justice or redemption. Amber’s framing of her experiences—especially in op-eds and interviews—often casts her in that role.

ENFJs are powerful communicators, but they can sometimes become overwhelmed by emotion or fall into idealized narratives. This might help explain Amber’s passionate public stance and the intensity with which she presents her story.

Amber Heard Personality Type: Final Verdict?

Without a personality test, it’s impossible to pin down someone’s exact type—but based on what we’ve seen publicly, two possibilities stand out.

Amber Heard seems to reflect a mix of traits from both ESTP and ENFJ types. She shows the boldness, charm, and risk-taking energy often linked to ESTPs, while also displaying the emotional depth and values-driven intensity more common in ENFJs.

At the same time, some observers have speculated about deeper psychological factors—like borderline or histrionic personality traits—which, if present, could contribute to the emotional swings and dramatic shifts in behavior that make public typing more complicated. Of course, those are clinical terms, and we're not diagnosing anything here—but they do offer one explanation for why different people see her so differently.

There are even glimpses of other types—like the emotionally driven INFJ or the spotlight-loving ESFP—but those feel like smaller pieces of a much more layered personality.

In the end, Amber Heard doesn’t fit neatly into any one box. But viewed through the MBTI lens, she appears to blend the high-energy charisma of an ESTP with the emotional conviction and intensity of an ENFJ.

Of course, personality isn’t just about types; it shows up in how we deal with stress, conflict, and emotional tension. And that’s where things get even more complex.

The Amber Heard Personality on Trial: What We Learned About Her EQ

Amber Heard is no stranger to conflict—whether it’s in relationships, the courtroom, or the media spotlight. But beyond the headlines and viral clips, there’s a more interesting question: how does she navigate emotional tension, social dynamics, and high-stakes interpersonal conflict? 

In other words, what does her emotional intelligence look like when the pressure is on?

Looking at her behavior through a personality lens, we see a mix of emotional intensity, persuasive communication, and a willingness to engage in confrontation. Depending on the moment—and who’s watching—these traits can come across as strengths or liabilities. 

She expresses emotion openly—but may struggle to regulate it under pressure

In both courtroom footage and interviews, Amber often displays strong emotional cues: visible distress, impassioned speech, and wide vocal range. It suggests someone who feels deeply and wants to be understood.

But emotional intelligence isn’t just about expressing feelings—it’s also about managing them. There have been moments, especially under pressure, where she appeared reactive or inconsistent. That doesn’t make her less emotionally aware, but it could point to challenges with emotional regulation in high-stress settings.

She confronts conflict head-on, often with assertive intensity

Amber doesn’t back away from confrontation. If anything, she leans into it—whether she’s defending her version of events, challenging a narrative, or doubling down in the face of criticism.

This head-on approach is common in more extroverted personality types, like ESTP and ENFJ—especially assertive (A) subtypes. Some people see that as bold and brave; others see it as combative. And honestly, context and personal bias play a huge role in how it’s received.

She blends persuasion and emotion—but how strategic is it?

One of the biggest public debates surrounding Amber's personality is whether her emotional responses are genuine or performative. Is she being persuasive and emotionally attuned—or is she using emotion strategically to shape perception?

The truth may lie somewhere in between. People with strong social instincts can read a room, adjust their tone, and communicate with impact. That’s often a sign of emotional intelligence. But when someone’s under intense public scrutiny, it can also trigger skepticism about authenticity.

At the end of the day, Amber Heard’s conflict style seems bold, emotionally expressive, and unapologetically direct. Whether that reads as emotionally intelligent or emotionally erratic depends on the lens you’re using. Either way, she offers a fascinating case study in how personality shows up when the pressure is on.

Amber Heard's Mental Illness and the Johnny Depp Defamation Trial: What Was Actually Said?

Let’s be honest—if you’ve followed the Depp v. Heard trial at all, you probably expected this section to show up eventually.

As someone interested in personality and how it plays out under pressure, I couldn’t ignore what became one of the most talked-about parts of the trial: the psychological evaluation of Amber Heard.

First, a reminder: I’m not a psychologist, and this article is not intended to diagnose or pathologize anyone. We’re simply reviewing what was said in court and how it connects to broader discussions about personality and public perception.

The Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis

During the trial, Dr. Shannon Curry—a forensic psychologist hired by Johnny Depp’s legal team—testified that Amber Heard met the criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD). This diagnosis was based on multiple interviews, behavioral observations, and results from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2), a widely used psychological assessment.

Borderline personality disorder is often characterized by unstable emotions, intense relationships, impulsive behavior, and a deep fear of abandonment. People with BPD may experience rapid mood shifts and have a hard time regulating anger or anxiety—especially under stress. It's important to note that these patterns vary widely from person to person.

The Histrionic Personality Disorder Claim

Dr. Curry also stated that Heard showed signs of histrionic personality disorder (HPD), a condition marked by attention-seeking behavior, emotional exaggeration, and a strong desire to be at the center of events. People with HPD may use dramatic expression or physical appearance to draw attention, and can sometimes come across as insincere or overly theatrical.

Again, the court testimony wasn’t meant to stigmatize—it was part of a legal defense. And while those terms lit up headlines, the goal here is to understand how these possible traits may have shaped public reactions to Heard’s behavior in high-stakes, emotionally charged settings.

The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Debate

Another psychological point raised during the trial was post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—but it came with disagreement between the expert witnesses.

Dr. Dawn Hughes, a clinical psychologist hired by Amber Heard’s legal team, testified that Heard showed signs of PTSD stemming from her relationship with Johnny Depp. According to Hughes, this conclusion was based on clinical interviews and trauma assessments, and it was used to support Heard’s narrative of emotional and physical abuse.

However, Dr. Shannon Curry, testifying for Depp’s side, challenged that diagnosis. She stated that his ex-wife Amber Heard did not meet the criteria for PTSD and criticized the methods used by Dr. Hughes to reach that conclusion. Instead, Curry maintained that Heard’s symptoms aligned more closely with borderline and histrionic personality disorders, not trauma-based PTSD.

For those interested in personality and mental health, this disagreement highlights how complicated these assessments can be—especially when conducted in a high-profile legal setting. It also reminds us that diagnoses don’t always agree, and public perception is often shaped by which expert sounds more convincing in the courtroom.

So What Does It All Mean?

Whether or not these diagnoses hold weight is not for us to decide. But from a personality psychology lens, what stood out most was the emotional intensity, conflict style, and dramatic shifts in tone and behavior that polarized audiences. Traits like externalizing blame, explosive anger, and emotional overwhelm were brought up repeatedly during the trial and may have influenced how people interpreted her actions—fairly or not.

When Personality Meets Power Struggles and Allegations of Abuse

One of the most emotionally charged elements of the trial was the question of domestic violence—and who was responsible for what. Both Heard and Depp accused each other of physical aggression, emotional volatility, and manipulation, and the legal system was tasked with making sense of it all.

While the court focused on specific evidence and legal definitions, what we saw from a personality lens were two people in a deeply toxic dynamic, each reacting in ways that may have been shaped by their individual temperaments, trauma histories, and emotional coping styles.

Aggression doesn’t always look the same. For some, it shows up as outbursts and explosive anger; for others, it takes the form of emotional reactivity, blame-shifting, or strategic withdrawal. These red flag behaviors—whether rooted in personality traits, stress responses, or something deeper—don’t excuse harm but can offer context for how conflict escalates behind closed doors.

This doesn’t mean one person was "the abuser" and the other "the victim." In fact, part of why the trial sparked such strong reactions is because it didn’t follow a simple narrative. Instead, it forced the public to wrestle with the reality that toxic relationships can involve harm on both sides, and that personality traits—like impulsivity, emotional intensity, or a need for control—can feed into those dynamics in complicated, sometimes destructive ways.

Amber Heard: A Complex Personality in the Public Eye

Amber Heard is many things to many people—actress, advocate, antagonist, survivor, villain, heroine. But beneath the headlines and courtroom clips lies something more nuanced: a personality shaped by visibility, scrutiny, and the unpredictable mix of personal and public identity.

Of all the celebrities we’ve explored in this series, Amber may be the hardest to read. Her traits don’t line up neatly, and that’s part of what makes her so compelling.

Whether she leans more toward the bold, reactive energy of an ESTP, the emotionally driven conviction of an ENFJ, or carries hints of other types altogether, one thing is clear: Amber Heard evokes strong reactions because her personality resists simple labels.

Her story is a reminder that personality—especially in the spotlight—doesn’t stay static. It bends under pressure, shifts in response to trauma, and sometimes reflects more about the world watching than the person being watched. 

Curious where you might land on the MBTI spectrum? Take our 16-personality test and find out.