It’s been two decades since arguably the greatest sitcom of all time ended, yet many people still binge-watch it like it came out yesterday. Friends
Who hasn’t had a complete meltdown over a sandwich, owned an illegal exotic capuchin monkey, and said the wrong name at the altar? Oh, wait. That’s just a Ross thing.
All kidding aside, though, most people can relate to the friendship goals, not having a “pla” in life, freaking out about getting older, not liking our friend’s romantic partners—like Emily or Phoebe’s psychologist boyfriend Roger—or finding it hard to move on from our ex. We all dream of having meaningful friendships like theirs—ones that stand the test of time and help us navigate life’s ups and downs.
If you've read my bio, you know Friends is my "endlessly watchable" show. It's my go-to watch and repeat stress reliever . Yes, I still laugh at the jokes!
If you're anything like me, having watched Friends more than a few times, you probably know the iconic scenes by heart and understand the characters quite well. You know Chandler Bing's job, the lyrics to Smelly Cat, and you can even sing along with Phoebe to Ross's bagpipes.
But do you know the Myers-Briggs Personality Type of the Friends characters? Knowing the MBTI personalities of your favorite characters can help you figure out your own.
And what’s more fun than learning which of your favorite Friends characters shares your personality?
To ensure the chosen characters for each MBTI type are relatable, I have stuck to the six main characters and the more recognizable supporting cast, meaning none of Joey’s sisters make the list. If Chandler couldn’t tell them apart after fooling around with one of them, I don’t expect you to.
Get ready to laugh, nod along, and discover the character you share an MBTI personality with!
Don't know your MBTI type yet? No worries!
I challenge you to read along and see which friend you relate to most (if you are a die-hard fan, you probably already have yours picked out). Then, take the 16 personalities test to see if you are right—at least according to Myers-Briggs.
16 Personality Types of Friends Characters — All 16 MBTI Types as Friends Cast Members
The ten seasons of Friends featured a great mixture of wonderful characters who complemented one another despite having different personalities. The series had so many different characters that assigning a character to each personality type wasn’t a problem.
Here is a list of Friends characters for the 16 MBTI personality types, starting with the six best friends.
ESFP: Rachel Green, Joey Tribbiani ENTP: Chandler Bing ESTJ: Monica Geller ISTJ: Ross Geller ENFP: Phoebe Buffay ESTP: Estelle Leonard ISFP: Tag Jones INFP: Mike Hannigan, Gunther ESFJ: Janice Litman-Goralnik INTJ: Charlie Wheeler ENTJ: Pete Becker ENFJ: Alice Knight ISFJ: Mark Robinson INFJ: Richard Burke ISTP: Ugly Naked Guy INTP: David “The Scientist Guy” The MBTI assignments above are based on the behaviors observed on TV and not on actual test results by the actors who played them. And, of course, there were no assessments given out on the show. Could you even imagine Joey sitting still long enough to take a personality test?
As a sitcom, many characters may not exhibit perfect consistency in personality throughout the series. Still, I have tried to assign the most accurate MBTI personality based on the most stable behavior displayed.
Having understood this, which friend are you based on the list above? Not sure yet? It's okay; I'll be there for you (see what I did there?).
Read on to learn why I assigned the Friends MBTI types to each person the way I did.
Friends Character Myers Briggs Types: The Inner CircleEver wondered what personality types make up the inner workings of Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, Joey, and Phoebe? Get ready to dive into the quirks, charms, and idiosyncrasies of each friend as we unravel the Myers Briggs types that define our beloved Central Perk crew.
So grab your coffee cup, settle onto the couch, and let's explore the fascinating world of personality with the Friends gang!
What Personality Type is Rachel Green? Friends Rachel MBTI Type: ESFPVIDEO
It’s only right that we start with the energetic Rachel. She’s a social butterfly, blending great people skills with a love of excitement and new experiences . Like most ESFPs, Rachel loves spontaneity and living in the moment. She once freaked out when she realized Ross had mapped out their future and picked out baby names.
ESFPs do not like criticism or conflict; Rachel fully embodies this trait by absolving herself from blame in many situations or crying when criticized. Like asking Ross to take FULL responsibility for their breakup in an 18-page letter (front and back) or crying when Mr. Treeger criticized her for clogging up the trash chute he had just unclogged.
If you share Rachel’s ESFP personality , you probably also cherish meaningful relationships, thrive on spontaneity, and favor your feelings over logic when making key decisions—like jilting your fiancé at the altar to escape a financially secure but boring life or getting off the plane and choosing Ross over your dream job in Paris.
What is Monica Geller’s Personality Type? Friends Monica’s MBTI Type: ESTJVIDEO
Almost everything about Monica Geller screams ESTJ . She’s practical, committed, efficient, organized, responsible, reliable, assertive, tenacious, and loves rules and order. Some would call Monica a perfectionist, she would say it's just high standards . According to Monica, “Rules are good. They help control the fun.” She’s so responsible and reliable that Ross and Rachel want her (and Chandler) to have custody of Emma if they both die.
Although her fantastic planning and organizational skills often make her the go-to person for planning quality events, her no-nonsense approach sometimes (or always) drives the rest of the group crazy. For example, she drove Phoebe crazy while planning her wedding.
You might mistake Monica for an ESFJ Caregiver because she's a good host (as evidenced by her dreamy guest room and sumptuous Thanksgiving dinners), but she will always prioritize her core ESTJ traits over caregiving ones. If you're an ESTJ like Monica, you're likely a pragmatic leader who is satisfied by taming chaos through careful planning and mastering whatever you put your mind to.
What Personality Type Does Phoebe Buffay Have? Friends Phoebe’s MBTI Type: ENFPVIDEO
Despite Phoebe’s chaotic childhood (which she often uses as sympathy ploys with the rest of the Friends gang), she has remained energetic, upbeat, open-minded, and free-spirited like a true ENFP. Phoebe’s relationship with Mike perfectly encapsulated the compatibility of ENFPs and INFPs because he understood her unique qualities, quirks, and habits.
Her determination to be her most authentic self despite her traumatic background exemplifies the ENFP’s values.
If you’re an ENFP like Phoebe, you are warm, empathetic, and probably have a charitable heart with an infectious sense of humor. You also have a deep passion for expressing yourself through artistic pursuits like songwriting and “questionable musical talent” (She’s not as bad as Ross with the bagpipes or the keyboard, but as Monica puts it, “she sucks too.”)
What is Joey Tribbiani’s Personality Type? Friends Joey’s MBTI Type: ESFPVIDEO
As a fun-loving ESFP Performer, Joey is a simpleminded lover of women and food in equal proportion (He wants “girls on bread.”) Joey doesn’t share food with anyone, including his romantic partners or a needy baby. He loves to explore every means to have fun, whether with Tag’s scooter, a pile of boxes to build a fort, bubble wrap, or even jumping on a bed until he hurts himself.
Joey may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but sometimes he surprises us! For example, he can be very observant and knowledgeable about relationship matters—like figuring out Chandler and Monica's secret relationship or helping Ross identify the mystery student who called him the "hottie of the paleontology department." Common ESFP traits like spontaneity and optimism are noticeable in his unstable acting career, as he believes his big break is around the corner.
If you’re an ESFP like Joey, you’re kind, friendly , affectionate, thoughtful, and caring to your family and loved ones. Despite being a womanizer, Joey always chose his close friends over his relationship partners when push came to shove, like breaking up with Janine because of Chandler and Monica and choosing Phoebe over Ursula.
What is Chandler Bing’s Personality? Friends Chandler’s MBTI Type: ENTPVIDEO
As the sarcastically hilarious, quick-witted jokester of the Friends cast, Chandler is an ENTP personality with a core desire to constantly analyze ideas and poke holes in arguments—usually through his epic sarcasm and one-liners.
Chandler is usually non-judgmental but often employs quick wit, banter, and sarcasm to make fun of others’ eccentricities and habits. However, it’s all in good fun and not necessarily an attempt to criticize. When relating with ENTPs, it’s best not to take their words too personally.
Like a typical ENTP , Chandler channeled his need for creativity when he quit his boring, well-paying job—Statistical Analysis and Data Reconfiguration (or “Transponster” as Rachel called it)—and started a new career in advertising. There, he found excitement and room for creativity, even though he had to start from scratch.
If you’re an ENTP, you usually inject humor and mind-bending logic into any situation, just like Chandler Bing!
What is Ross Geller’s Personality Type? Friends Ross’s MBTI Type: ISTJVIDEO
Neurotic but well-meaning Ross encapsulates the ISTJ personality archetype . His most hilarious moments come from having his ISTJ traits shine through, like his judgmental nature when the girls took a self-defense class leading to the “Unagi” lecture or his logical and facts-based reasoning causing Phoebe to take him for a ride in their arguments over evolution and gravity despite presenting his “briefcase of facts.”
We can also credit his stubbornness in refusing to hire delivery guys like Rachel suggested (or perhaps his cheapness, which has nothing to do with being an ISTJ) for the PIVOT episode.
Can he be neurotic sometimes? Yes, the sandwich episode, finding out about Monica and Chandler, and his reaction to Rachel’s pregnancy are great examples. Ross was logical and honest except on one or two occasions—like pretending he had annulled his marriage with Rachel. He appreciates structure and predictability over spontaneity. He once told Joey that financial security—knowing where his next paycheck comes from—is important to him.
His dependability, loyalty, distaste for disorganization, and deference to traditionalism are ISTJ hallmarks we love. If you’re a conscientious planner who prizes logic, duty, and some alone time while following procedures like Ross, you’re likely an ISTJ.
Personality Types of Other Iconic Friends Characters While Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, Joey, and Phoebe undoubtedly steal the spotlight, it's the supporting characters who add that extra sprinkle of spice to the mix.
From Gunther's unforgettable antics to Janice's quirky charm, each character brings a unique flavor to the Central Perk gang's adventures. Whether it's the lovable oddities of Ugly Naked Guy or the unexpected romances of Mike Hannigan, these characters helped shape Friends into the cultural phenomenon it is today.
So, let's raise a mug to the sidekicks, the love interests, and the occasional frenemies who made our favorite sitcom even more unforgettable!
What is Janice’s Personality? Friends Janice’s MBTI Type: ESFJSay what you want about Janice, but Friends fans enjoyed her iconic appearances and trademark expression of “Oh…My…God” throughout the series. We all looked forward to Janice’s surprising encounters with the Friends inner circle members (Chandler claims he would rather run into Beyonce, but when does anyone take his words seriously?).
Janice Hosenstain (later to become Janice Litman-Goralnik) is a typical ESFJ caregiver who sees the best in others and may not realize when she’s suffocating her loved ones with love. She might be annoying and overbearing at times (Or every time. Chandler had to travel to Yemen to get away from her).
But she’s just a kind, warmhearted, and sympathetic woman who wants to care for her loved ones and be appreciated for her efforts. We don’t think that’s too much to ask .
What Personality Type Does Mike Hannigan Have? Friends Mike’s MBTI Type: INFPMike is a gentle, polite, easy-going guy with an INFP personality —except when he’s playing a competitive Tennis game against Monica. Mike isn’t your average kind of guy. It takes someone special to keep up with the fun-loving, free-spirited Phoebe Buffay, entertain her quirks, accept her eccentricities, and get her to settle down with you for the rest of her life.
Like most INFPs, Mike is open-minded, flexible, accepting, and non-judgmental. He entertained Phoebe’s quirks—no matter how ridiculous—like adopting baby rats, asking a charity foundation to return her donation, and changing her name to Princess Consuela Banana Hammock, to name a few.
In typical INFP fashion, Mike’s need for creative expression made him quit his career as an attorney to become a pianist. If you’re an INFP like Mike, you’ll always prefer being true to yourself than trying to fit in with the crowd.
What Personality Type Does Gunther from Friends Have? Friends Gunther’s MBTI Type: INFPBefore working as the manager of Central Perk, Gunther explored his creativity as an actor. He earned his big break in a soap opera until his character was killed off. Like most INFPs, Gunther is quiet, gentle, loyal, dependable, and sympathetic (unless you try to date Rachel, at which point you become his sworn enemy).
He is a private individual with a few friends and a love interest whom he puts on a pedestal without communicating his feelings to her. As an INFP, Gunther makes most decisions based on personal feelings over logic. Like hiring Rachel as a waitress and rehiring Joey at the coffee house after Rachel asked him to, even though they were both terrible employees.
What Personality Type is Rachel’s Colleague Mark Robinson? Friends Mark’s MBTI Type: ISFJAs an ISFJ , Mark Robinson is a gentle, easy-going, kindhearted, and nice guy (If you ask anyone but Ross). He got Rachel a great job at Bloomingdale’s when she was struggling to find her feet.
Ross and Joey insist Mark's kindness was only a ruse to get her to sleep with him. However, there was no doubt about his motives when he offered her a job in Paris after she got fired at Ralph Lauren (At this point, he was married with two kids).
Through his caring behavior with Rachel, he exhibited the ISFJ’s protective traits and their willingness to get their loved ones out of a jam.
What is the Personality Type of Friends' Character Estelle? Friends Estelle’s MBTI Type: ESTPMost ESTPs are great at active jobs where they're constantly solving problems , and Joey's agent, Estelle, definitely put that skill to the test when it came to finding him gigs!
The Friends gang suffered through Joey’s horrible performance in Freud, a low-budget off-Broadway musical. Rachel said she felt violated after watching it, and Ross felt time slow down. But Estelle, armed with the risk-taking ability and keen observational prowess of an ESTP , perhaps saw what others didn’t and hired Joey to her talent agency.
As an ESTP, Estelle was bold, confident, independent, and direct. Although she wasn’t very good at her job (she only had two clients), she still got Joey his breakout role as Dr. Drake Ramoray on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives.”
What is Ugly Naked Guy’s Personality Type? Friends Ugly Naked Guy’s MBTI Type: ISTPLike a true ISTP , Ugly Naked Guy was a calm, quiet, and friendly guy who stuck to his habits and lifestyle choices, explored life at his own pace, and lived on his terms.
In typical ISTP fashion, he enjoyed hands-on activities like laying the kitchen tile, decorating his Christmas tree, playing the cello, etc. Like most ISTPs, Ugly Naked Guy bonded with those who enjoyed similar hobbies , like his Thanksgiving dance with Ugly Naked Girl in his apartment and subletting his apartment to Ross after he ate mini muffins naked with him.
What Personality Type is Monica’s Rich Ex-Boyfriend Pete Becker? Friends Pete’s MBTI Type: ENTJMonica’s millionaire boyfriend, Pete Becker, showed several admirable qualities of the ENTJ Commander personality type (confidence, assertiveness, leadership, ambition) and some undesirable ones (stubbornness and taking too many risks).
Pete had a proven track record of success, but believing he could become the Ultimate Fighting Champion with just a few months of training and no prior experience was silly.
If you’re an ENTJ like Pete, don’t let your constant quest for achievement lead you to persist in something you’re clearly not cut out for , especially if it turns you into a punching bag (a punching bag would have put up more of a fight than Pete did in the ring) and costs you your romantic partner in the process.
What Personality Does Monica’s Ex-Boyfriend Richard Burke Have? Friends Richard’s MBTI Type: INFJAccomplished ophthalmologist Richard Burke displayed core INFJ Advocate personality traits like idealism, conscientiousness , sincerity, loyalty, compassion, and honesty. Like most INFJs, he rarely went into superficial relationships. Instead, he valued deep and meaningful romantic relationships where he could invest his energy (his ex-wife and Monica were the only two women he was intimate with).
INFJs find happiness in careers like healthcare (although studies do show that, unlike Richard, few INFJs choose ophthalmology), where they can improve the lives of others and create meaningful change in the world. INFJs can also be sensitive sometimes, like when Richard felt sad that Chandler and Joey saw him as a father figure instead of “one of the guys.”
What is Alice Knight’s Personality? Friends Alice’s MBTI Type: ENFJLike a typical ENFJ Giver, Alice is a warm, caring, and kind person who built a career as a teacher, inspiring her students and bringing out their best potential. Although her relationship with Frank Jr. was unethical because she was his teacher, she helped him evolve from the shy guy whose main hobby was setting fire to everything to a responsible father and husband with prospects.
What is the Personality Type of Rachel’s Ex-Boyfriend Tag Jones? Friends Tag’s MBTI Type: ISFPTag Jones, Rachel's ex-boyfriend on Friends , exemplifies the ISFP personality type, known for being artistic, spontaneous, and deeply in touch with their emotions, as seen through his passion for fashion design and his free-spirited nature.
Tag effortlessly attracted women because of his looks, but he was an introvert who cherished privacy. He loved having fun and constantly sought playful experiences, which might explain why he bought Rachel a scooter as a birthday present when she turned 30.
If you’re an ISFP like Tag, you’re probably fun, spontaneous, easy-going, down-to-earth, reserved, and averse to conflict.
What is Phoebe’s ex-boyfriend David’s Personality Type? Friends David’s MBTI Type: INTPWith traits like creativity, intellect, analytical thinking, and curiosity, it’s no surprise that David “The Scientist Guy” is an INTP (after all, science and research are right up their alley for careers ).
Although introverted, INTPs become excellent conversationalists when discussing things or people they are passionate about. For example, David and his friend got carried away while talking about Phoebe’s beauty during Phoebe’s musical performance, which made her “start yelling.”
What is Dr. Charlie Wheeler’s Personality Type? Friends Charlie’s MBTI Type: INTJHighly accomplished paleontology professor Charlie Wheeler is a definite INTJ due to her love for engaging in intellectual conversations and exploring new concepts. She is drawn to people of like minds, and her ex-boyfriends include two Nobel Prize winners and a Genius Grant winner.
Dating Joey may have been unusual, and it’s no surprise that she later dumped him for Ross when she realized they had nothing in common. The innovative problem-solving skills of INTJs were well demonstrated during the paleontology conference when Ross lost the keynote speech, and Charlie helped him recreate it from memory. She was especially disappointed that Joey kept giggling during the keynote speech whenever Ross mentioned “homo” or “erectus.”
Which Friends Character Are You? Now that we’ve broken down the MBTI personality types of the Friends cast, who did you relate to the most?
Maybe you embrace your idiosyncratic ENFP spirit like Phoebe. Or perhaps you’re an ISTJ overachiever always striving for traditionalism like Ross.
Don't see your favorite? With all you've learned about the best and worst traits of the MBTI types, can you take an educated guess at what their personality type would be?
Whichever Friends MBTI personality you resonate with could offer insightful wisdom about your traits. If you are unsure about your Myers-Briggs personality or why you act the way you do, take a quick test today!
Recommended: How To Be a Better Friend: What Personality Type Makes the Best Friend?
