The Most Manipulative Personality Types Ranked
Today we rank the 16 personality types from least to most manipulative. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but some of us are just more likely to be manipulative than others.
Today we rank the 16 personality types from least to most manipulative. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but some of us are just more likely to be manipulative than others.
There are many characteristics that can make someone manipulative. And there are many forms of manipulation. Some cunning and controlling people use their positions of power to manipulate others. Whilst others use emotional manipulation to play on the heartstrings of others to get what they want. And then there are those who use gaslighting as a way to control and manipulate their partner. They will make you feel insane and question your reality.
Manipulative people might be acting super nice to get what they want, or making others feel guilty so that they’ll do what the manipulative person wants. Additionally, people who are good at being manipulative are often adept at lying and tend to be pretty charming.
Just remember, this blog post focuses on the unhealthy personality traits of each type. It does not mean that every person with this personality type is automatically manipulative.
So, without further ado, here are the 16 personality types ranked from least to most manipulative. If you don’t know your personality type, you can take our free 5-minute personality test.
Least to most manipulative personality types
16. ISTP
ISTPs are the least manipulative personality type. They are independent and reserved, and usually prefer to live in the moment. They are not interested in controlling others and are more likely to let people do their own thing. ISTPs are honest and straightforward, and they value independence and autonomy. They would see little point in wasting time trying to manipulate someone when they could just ask them directly for what they want. ISTPs are more likely to use their manipulations for harmless things, such as using their charm to get a discount on a purchase or using their wit to defuse a tense situation. However, an unhealthy ISTP could charm someone into doing their dirty work for them. Overall, ISTPs are the least manipulative personality type.
15. INTP
The second least manipulative personality type is INTP. INTPs are independent and prefer to live in their own little world. Manipulation is not something that comes naturally to them. They’re more likely to use logic and reasoning to persuade others. However, INTPs are also intelligent and witty. They like to keep themselves mentally stimulated. Therefore, when taken to the extreme, they can use these personality traits to manipulate people for their own amusement. When they get bored, they will move on to the next thing that interests them.
14. ISTJ
ISTJs are not typically manipulative people. They are practical and logical, and they prefer to stick to the facts. They would rather use their time to get things done than try and control others. ISTJs are honest and straightforward, and they value stability and order. They would see little point in wasting time trying to manipulate someone when they could just ask them directly for what they want. However, an unhealthy ISTJ could use their practicality to take advantage of others. For example, they might use their knowledge of the law to exploit loopholes and get away with things. Overall, ISTJs are not typically manipulative people.
13. ESFP
Manipulation is not something that plays a big role in the lives of ESFPs. They are known for being fun-loving and outgoing people. They are also highly creative and expressive. ESFPs live in the moment and they generally don’t have ulterior motives. However, unhealthy ESFPs can be superficial and manipulative. They may use their charm and persuasion to get what they want from others. Whether it’s a freebie from a friend or attention from the opposite sex, ESFPs can be skilled at manipulation when they want to be. Unhealthy ESFPs may also use their popularity to control others. They can be manipulative in social situations.
12. ENFP
ENFPs aren’t known for being manipulative people. They are warm, optimistic and outgoing individuals. ENFPs are often too busy living in their heads with their thoughts to bother with manipulating others. However, when they feel their values or ideals are being threatened, they can be very manipulative. ENFPs will use their charm and wit to persuade others to see their point of view. They can be very persuasive when they want to be. ENFPs are also known for being spontaneous and impulsive. This can sometimes lead them into situations where they manipulate others without even realizing it. If this is the case, an ENFP will likely feel guilty about this when they realize it.
11. INFP
INFPs aren’t overly manipulative people. They are gentle and compassionate people. They are known for their idealism and their strong sense of morality. INFPs generally want to make the world a better place. However, unhealthy INFPs can be self-righteous and judgemental. They may use their strong values to manipulate others into seeing things their way. Unhealthy INFPs may also use their empathy and compassion to play the victim card themselves. They can manipulate people into feeling sorry for them.
10. INTJ
INTJs are not inherently manipulative people. They are known for being independent and analytical. INTJs are strategic, ambitious, and resourceful. INTJs generally don’t feel the need to manipulate others in order to get what they want. They would much rather use their intelligence and quick wit to outsmart others. However, if an INTJ is unhealthy, they may use their sharp tongue and quick wit to cut others down. INTJs are also incredibly goal-oriented and are often a few steps ahead of their competition. So at the extreme end, they may use their knowledge and insight to take advantage of others. INTJs can use manipulation as a way to control those around them and achieve their goals.
9. ESTJ
Another personality type that isn’t prone to manipulation is the ESTJ. They are known for being logical and sensible people. They are also very organized and level-headed. ESTJs often have a strong sense of duty and responsibility. They may be stubborn and inflexible at times, but overall they are honest and straightforward people. ESTJs generally don’t manipulate others because they believe in doing things the right way. However, unhealthy ESTJs can be controlling, and they can use manipulation to get others to conform to their way of doing things. They also like to keep order and they might incentivize others to toe the line by manipulating them with rewards or
8. ISFP
ISFPs are not necessarily manipulative people. They are generally warm and compassionate. They are also free-spirited and individualistic. ISFPs are known to feel things deeply and be emotional people. If this is not managed in a healthy way, an ISFP may turn to manipulation as a means of coping. They can be self-pitying and destructive. Therefore, unhealthy ISFPs can be skilled at playing the victim and using this to manipulate people into feeling sorry for them. They may also use their charm and persuasion to get what they want from others. unhealthy ISFPs can be skilled at emotional manipulation.
7. ISFJ
Unhealthy ISFJs have the potential to be manipulative. ISFJs are generally compassionate and warm people. They are known for their nurturing nature and their ability to care for others. They are also highly adept at reading people. However, when an ISFJ is unhealthy, they may use their strong people skills to emotionally manipulate those around them. This can be done in a number of ways, such as guilt-tripping, playing the victim, or manipulating through flattery. ISFJs may also use their knowledge of others’ weaknesses to control them. However, overall ISFJs are kind, caring people that just want to help those around them.
6. ESFJ
ESFJs are another personality type that can be manipulative. ESFJs are known for being very caring and nurturing. They often put the needs of others before their own and have a strong desire to please others. However, unhealthy ESFJs can use their caring nature to manipulate others. They may take advantage of people by pretending to be interested in them or their problems when they are really only interested in what they can get from them. The type of manipulation used by an ESFJ is more often than not emotional manipulation. They may use guilt or flattery to get what they want from you.
5. ENTJ
The fifth most manipulative personality type is ENTJ. People with this personality type are natural leaders and often have a strong vision for what they want. ENTJs are also known for being very confident and assertive. When it comes to manipulation, an ENTJ will use their charisma and persuasive abilities to get what they want from you. They may also use their position of power to control or manipulate others. ENTJs are often very ambitious and may be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, even if it means taking advantage of others. An unhealthy ENTJ is not above manipulating their way to the top. Frank Underwood from House of Cards and Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada are perfect examples of manipulative ENTJs.
4. ESTP
ESTPs are another personality type with the potential to be manipulative. ESTPs are quick thinkers and natural charmers. When it comes to manipulation, an ESTP will flirt, compliment, and use their wit and humor to get what they want from you. People with this personality type are also known for being high-risk takers, so they may take advantage of others in order to achieve their goals. ESTPs are also impulsive and may not think through the consequences of their actions. This can lead to them manipulating others to get what they want in the moment without considering the long-term effects. Ramsay Bolton from Game of Thrones and Eleanor Shellstrop from The Good Place are two examples of manipulative ESTP fictional characters.
3. INFJ
INFJs also have the potential to be very manipulative. People with this personality type have a high EQ and IQ. This can be a great strength, but it can also be a great weakness. Unhealthy INFJs can pick up on people’s weak spots and insecurities and then use this knowledge to control and manipulate them. INFJs can use this to benefit themselves but they can also get people to conform to their strong ideals and views. And when these views are a warped version of reality, they can have harmful consequences. So, while INFJs are typically seen as kind and compassionate people, they also have a dark side that can be very manipulative. Amy Elliott Dunne from Gone Girl and Lady Melisandre from Game of Thrones are two examples of INFJs who use their powers of manipulation for evil.
2. ENTP
ENTPs are the second most manipulative personality type. They are known for their quick wit, sharp tongue, and silver-tongued charisma. They are natural-born salespeople and can talk their way into (or out of) anything. With these skills in mind, unhealthy ENTPs are known to take advantage of others. They may use their wit and charm to manipulate those around them into doing what they want. ENTPs are also master debaters, but this skill can be used to manipulate your opinion and change your mind. The Joker from The Dark Knight and James Moriarty from Sherlock are prime examples of this.
1. ENFJ
ENFJs take the crown for the most manipulative personality type. ENFJs have high emotional intelligence and strong intuition. These combined make them very good at reading people and understanding their needs. This is one of ENFJs greatest strengths. However, when this is taken to the extreme, ENFJs can be master manipulators. They use their skills to control and manipulate others for their own gain. This manipulation can be subtle or overt, but it is always done with the intention of getting what they want. They are clever and can disguise it behind their natural charm and charisma. Not all ENFJs are manipulative, but there are a few to watch out for. Two perfect examples of this are Hans Westergaard from Frozen and Alison DiLaurentis from Pretty Little Liars.
So, which personality type is the most manipulative? Well, each personality type can be manipulative in their own way. It all depends on the person and the situation.
Manipulation can also come in many forms. An ENFJ is likely to use charm and flattery to manipulate people, while an ENTJ is more likely to use their position of power. Ultimately, it all comes down to the individual.
And remember, just because you’re a certain personality type doesn’t mean you’ll exhibit the unhealthy traits described in this post! You can learn more about the unhealthy personality traits of each type by checking out the most dangerous personality types ranked. Do you see a correlation between the most manipulative and most dangerous?