Welcome to Anime Rants! Without a rambling introduction, I present my list of characters from The Apothecary Diaries with their MBTI type and a description. The descriptions carefully avoid major spoilers, so this article is safe to read if you haven’t yet completed the anime. Also note that this list is based only the anime, as I haven’t read the source material. In addition, it is not a 100% exhaustive list. Some minor characters were left out.
On a final note, if you disagree with any of the types listed here, feel free to discuss it in the comments. However, rude or inflammatory comments will be deleted. I hope you enjoy this writeup about the MBTI types in The Apothecary Diaries.
Ah-Duo
Type: INFJ (The Protector)
Lady Ah-Duo is the oldest of the concubines in the Rear Palace. In terms of personality, she is calm, collected, and exudes a quiet kind of confidence. Though graceful and reserved in the court, Ah-Duo behaves with more “masculinity” when her guard is down, using male speech patterns and relaxed posture while heartily enjoying alcohol.
It was difficult to identify Ah-Duo’s personality type, and my degree of confidence is still low. I’m also trying not to give spoilers, which means I can’t reference certain things she’s said or done. Her quiet complexity and maturity suggests she may be intuitive and introverted in nature. Since she stayed in the palace for personal reasons for many years, she is likely a feeling type. Lastly, Ah-Duo is seems like a long-term thinker, and is therefore most likely a judging type. Putting it all together, INFJ is the answer.
INFJs are sometimes called “Protectors” because it’s in their nature to look out for others. Many are wise, caring mentors who guide protagonists toward goals and understanding. This title may not be the best fit for Ah-Duo specifically, but I think it fits in an abstract sense.
Basen
Type: ISTJ (The Duty Fulfiller)
Basen is the younger son of Gaoshun. He is a physically strong attendant in the rear palace who sometimes accompanies and supervises Maomao on her “missions.” His intentions are good, but he usually comes across as harsh and grumpy. He’s a stickler for the rules and often chastises Maomao for acting without his permission. In terms of cognitive functions, Basen likely uses extroverted thinking (Te) and introverted sensing (Si), as evidenced by his sternness, caution, and desire to do things the right way.
The ISTJ has been called “The Duty Fulfiller” because they usually have a strong sense of honor, justice, and doing the right thing. Unlike intuitive types, they are extremely practical and driven toward action. No other type is quite so serious about getting things done.
Fengming
Type: ESFJ (The Caregiver)
Fengming is the head lady-in-waiting for Concubine Ah-Duo. Warm and uplifting, with a natural talent for caretaking, she truly has the qualities of a good mother. Someone as outwardly loving and people-oriented as Fengming would likely have a dominant function of extroverted feeling (Fe). Secondary would be either introverted intuition (Ni) or introverted sensing (Si). This means she’s either an ENFJ or an ESFJ.
Of the two, I believe sensing is more accurate for Fengming. She has the vibe of someone with excellent practical skills and a traditional way of thinking. If she was intuitive, we would expect Fengming to be more of a creative thinker as well as a bit less useful in daily functioning. With the top two functions of Fe and Si, Fengming is an ESFJ. Note that ESFJs tend to use emotional reasoning at the best of times; thus, when distressed, they may become frightenly irrational. This tendency definitely applies to Fengming.
The ESFJ is sometimes called “The Caregiver” for obvious reasons. This type is always interested in helping and caring for others, even when nobody asks them. This can make some of them annoying or overbearing. Regardless, ESFJs are skilled caregivers.
Fengxian
Type: INTJ (The Scientist)
This beautiful lady used to be a courtesan at the Verdigris House. There’s a lot we don’t know about Fengxian, and since I’m avoiding spoilers, there’s even less material to use for pointing out her personality. Still, without getting into any specifics, Fengxian is clearly a strategic and highly intelligent thinker. That’s why she’s so proficient at strategy games. In addition, she’s clever and nontraditional. Fengxian is almost certainly intuitive, thinking, and judging; this means she is either INTJ or ENTJ.
I think Fengxian’s intuition is the quiet type that always “runs” in the background, meaning she uses introverted intuition (Ni). Her other main function is extroverted thinking (Te), which is what allows her to be analytical, logical, and correct. Compared to a stereotypical bossy ENTJ, Fengxian is more reserved and independent. This makes her an INTJ.
The title “scientist” can be fitting for many INTJs – not just because many of them are literally interested in science, but because they have extremely analytical, logical minds. An INTJ is constantly thinking and gathering data. Some may even view life as a series of experiments.
Fuyou
Type: INFJ (The Protector)
Fuyou is a former consort of the Emperor, who is set to be given as a reward to a military officer who had great success in battle. I won’t spoil her story, but suffice it to say that she’s a lot less helpless than she might seem at first glance. She takes an active role in her own fate, using everything she can to stay faithful to what she truly wants. This kind of quiet drive is typical for the INFJ. The romantic idealism we see in Fuyou is also common for this type.
Finally, there’s her extremely private nature. Fuyou never told anyone about her real desires or plan. Despite keeping quiet for years, she never seemed bitter. Also, Fuyou needs to express herself just like anyone else, but her environment is suffocating. She copes by sneaking out on some nights and dancing alone in the moonlight. INFJs likewise are quiet and distrustful of others, but will surely find their own ways to feel free.
Fuyou is more of her own advocate rather than a protector of others. The title “Protector” isn’t the best match in this case. Still, Fuyou shows the INFJ tendency to fight for what they believe in even when there is nobody around to protect per se.
Gaoshun
Type: ISFJ (The Nurturer)
Gaoshun is a responsible, kind, and practical man who is introduced as the official attendant of Jinshi. His responses are usually calm and well-thought out. With his quiet warmth and dedication to both work and family, Gaoshun is definitely a sweetheart. He likely uses extroverted feeling (Fe). But his #1 function would have to be introverted sensing (Si), as evidenced by his quiet, measured, and traditional way of thinking. With lead functions of Si and Fe, Gaoshun is an ISFJ. This type is known for their dedication and fierce loyalty.
With their loyal and caring personalities, ISFJs are appropriately called “Nurturers.” Much like ESFJs, they wish to serve and protect others. However, while an ESFJ often wants to extend her love to the whole world, ISFJs are more likely to be dedicated to only a few people. That tracks for Goashun, who seems almost like a guardian for Jinshi.
Guen
Type: ESFJ (The Caregiver)
Guen is a eunuch physician who works in the inner palace. He runs the apothecary supplies area and quickly makes friends with Maomao. Guen is almost overwhelmingly kind, warm, and caring. He’s also honest to a fault, basically unable to lie even for good reasons. When Guen’s family hit hard times, he volunteered to work rather than let his little sister be sold off to make money. Now a middle-aged man, Guen continues supporting his family and bestowing kindness and courteousness to those in his care.
It’s obvious Guen is a strong feeling type that loves others freely. Extraverted feeling (Fe) is therefore his dominant function, with the secondary function being either Ni (introvertd intuition) or Si (introverted sensing). I think it’s clear that Guen is a sensing type, as he places great importance on loyalty, family, and security. Additionally, he’s practical and skilled compared to the stereotypical absent-minded and abstract ENFJ. Putting it altogether, Guen is an ESFJ.
Gyokuyou
Type: ENFP (The Inspirer)
Lady Gyokuyou is one of the four highest concubines of the Emperor. She is gracious, beautiful, and poised. However, compared to the others, she is more outspoken, lively, and active, making her an extravert. Gyokuyou also has a relatively independent nature, as well as a personal sense of honor and pride. She enjoys conversation, learning new information, and teasing others. A romantic at heart, Gyokuyou longs for love.
The stereotypical ENFP is a wild party child that can’t sit still and never stops seeking new experiences. I think Gyokuyou is a good example of a more realistic, toned-down ENFP. People of this type have a dominant function of extraverted intuition (Ne), which allows them to think creatively and with a strong desire to know and experience more. Their secondary function is introverted feeling (Fi), which dictates that they live according to their deeply held emotional values. This seems to match with Lady Gyokuyou.
ENFPs are sometimes called “Inspirers” due to their uplifting nature around others. An ENFP’s encouragement of their friends is like a tidal wave of love and energy. Gyokuyo’s version is a little calmer, but she is definitely encouraging to others and always brings positive energy.
Jinshi
Type: ENFJ (The Giver)
Jinshi is a eunuch with a high administrative position in the inner palace. He plays a huge part in running events and daily functioning. For personality, Jinshi is confident, outgoing, and warm. Though he may be a little vain or arrogant at times, he genuinely loves people and works toward what’s best for everyone. Jinshi loves positive attention and can be a little needy when it isn’t granted. Despite his usual laidback attitude, and the way he avoids boring paperwork, Jinshi is serious about his goals and his search for understanding of himself and the world. He’s a mix of an airhead dreamer and a very capable leader.
Someone like Jinshi – with a prominent focus on meeting the needs of others – is likely to have a dominant function of extraverted feeling (Fe). The secondary function would either be introverted sensing (Si) or introverted intuition (Ni). In Jinshi’s case, I think the latter is the correct choice. Users of Si are a little more grounded in reality compared to the more abstract intuitive types. Jinshi’s nature as a dreamer, as well as his keen insight into others, is indicative of intuition. With Fe and Ni as the two leading functions, Jinshi is an ENFJ.
“The Giver” is generally a good title for ENFJs due to their propensity to give their time and energy to helping others. They are also sometimes known as “Protagonists” because they have the hero’s need to aid and rescue people. This seems to track with Jinshi.
Jyoka
Type: Unknown
Notes: One of the “Three Princesses” of Verdigris House, Jyoka is a popular courtesan. Like the others at the brothel, she cares about Maomao like a little sister. Other than that, not much is known about her. I don’t think there’s enough information in the anime to figure out Jyoka’s type. I don’t even have a guess right now.
Lakan
Type: ENTP (The Visionary)
Lakan is a high-ranking military strategist who sometimes visits Jinshi in the inner palace to drink and talk. He enjoys riddles, strategy games, and interesting conversations or debates. Though he has a level of roguish charm that gets him through social situations, Lakan is neither tactful nor particularly compassionate. Most of his peers consider him an oddball because of his communication style and his lack of observance of tradition. Despite being a successful middle-aged officer, Lakan is unmarried.
Obviously a thinking type, Lakan uses introverted thinking (Ti). This trait allows him to be extremely analytical and interested in systems of logic – sometimes to the exclusion of human elements like empathy or social harmony. However, thinking might not be Lakan’s dominant function. I believe his primary function would be extraverted intuition (Ne), which is responsible for his thinking outside of the box, lack of tradition, and quick wit.
If Lakan’s functions were Ti/Ne, he would be an INTP. However, due to his zany energy, I think ENTP is the better fit, with the order of the functions as (Ne/Ti). The ENTP is sometimes called the Visionary due to their creative and original thinking.
Lihaku
Type: ESTP (The Doer)
Lihaku is a young officer in the military. As a handsome and outgoing man with adequate social skills, he possesses natural charm and charisma. However, he can also be very stubborn and come across as cranky or uncharitable when he’s not in his “social mode.” Lihaku’s actions later in the series prove that he’s a man of action who wants to earn things for himself. He is obviously very physically active, with rather amazing muscles, so we can presume he places a high value on fitness.
Going by stereotypes, Lihaku could be an ISTP or an ESTP. Both types are action-oriented, stubborn, and practical. ESTP seems like a better choice for Lihaku given that they are more social in nature and easily fired up about what they want. The ESTP’s two leading functions are extraverted sensing (Se) and introverted thinking (Ti). “The Doer” is a great description of this type, which always tries to grab the bull by the horns.
Lihua
Type: ISFP (The Artist)
Known as the Wise Consort, Lady Lihua is one of the Emperor’s main four concubines. She is socially graceful with a strong will and a good understanding of what matters to the Emperor. In contrast with her strong and practical side, Lihua also has a deeply emotional nature and often withdraws into her own mind, where she is timid and insecure. After losing a baby, Lihua became extremely ill and emotionally unstable for some time.
It was difficult for me to pin down Lihua’s MBTI type after just one time watching the anime. At the end of the day, I couldn’t decide and instead referenced The Personality Database, where most users agree that Lihua is a ISFP (as of September 2024). ISFPs are given the title “Artist” because of their appreciation for the physical senses as well as their creative pursuits and gentle, introspective hearts.
Lishu
Type: INFP (The Idealist)
Still a child under sixteen, Lishu is the youngest of the Emperor’s four main concubines. She is prone to social anxiety and has a fairly timid nature. With time, Lishu could develop more confidence and emphasize her positive traits like honesty and emotional understanding. However, for now, Lishu is but a troubled child, bullied by her own servants and frowned on by many in the inner palace.
This young girl matches the description of the textbook INFP in fiction. Though many INFP characters are creative poets or writers with unique insight about the world, they are more known for lacking confidence, courage, and social skills. Naturally, real INFP people are not this black-and-white, but things are often dumbed down in fiction. INFPs are known as “Idealists” because nothing matters to them more than their personal ideals and beliefs, sometimes at the cost of practicality and logic.
Loulan
Type: Unknown
Lady Loulan is a concubine who takes over the Garnet Pavilion after Ah-Duo retires from the inner palace. Readers of the source material might have more information, but in the anime’s 24 episodes, we aren’t given much knowledge about Loulan. We know she is fickle and frequently changes her outward appearance and fashion style. But that’s about all we know. As a result, I don’t have a good grasp on her type. I will, however, take a guess.
I would guess that Loulan is an INTP or ENTP. There’s something mysterious about her that I can’t put my finger on. My gut tells me that Loulan is surprisingly intelligent and hiding some kind of agenda – perhaps the political goals of her father. If something like that was true, then Loulan would probably be a user of extraverted intuition (Ne) and introverted thinking (Ti), leading to my guess of ENTP/INTP.
Luomen
Type: INFJ (The Protector)
Luomen is Maomao’s adoptive father. Early in the series, not much is known about him, so I will avoid spoilers that come later. We do know, however, that he is considered a skilled physician. He could be rich and successful, leading many to wonder why he lives in a tiny hut and runs a small apothecary business instead.
From everything we can gather in the series, Luomen is a gentle soul with a lot of wisdom and love to offer. He is obviously eccentric, or he wouldn’t have raised someone like Maomao. However, as eccentric outcasts go, Luomen is definitely the compassionate kind. This man’s insight and intelligence also help make him an effective doctor. INFJ seems like the type that fits best for this wise character.
The INFJ’s leading function is introverted intuition (Ni), which is what lets them constantly think, imagine, and process the world in an internal framework. Their secondary function is extraverted feeling (Fe), which makes them compassionate guardians and advocates of those in need. Luomen is happy to let Maomao be independent, but he is definitely her “spiritual” protector, serving as an emotional refuge for her throughout the series.
Madam/Okan
Type: ESTJ (The Guardian)
Madam (also known as Okan in Japanese) is the owner of the Verdigris House brothel and someone who helped raise Maomao as a baby. She is a very grumpy and stingy old woman. As a successful businesswoman, Madam is strong-willed, practical, and good at problem-solving. She is also excellent at managing money, which seems to be her priority most of the time. Despite her outward appearance of aggression and mercilessness, she does seem to care about the girls at her business, as well as Maomao, at least to some extent.
With her emphasis on strict, analytical thinking, and lack of emotional understanding, Madam is definitely a thinking type. I believe extraverted thinking (Te) is the correct choice for her primary function, as this form of thinking is very concerned with correcting and managing the outside world. Madam’s secondary function would either be introverted intuition (Ni) or introverted sensing (Si). An argument may be made for either option, but I think Madam’s practicality and tendency to play by the rules make her a sensing type.
With the two leading functions of Te/Si, we arrive at Madam’s type: the ESTJ. People of this type are sometimes called “Guardians” because they are extremely responsible and are likely to view protecting others as part of their all-important duty. ESTJs make excellent leaders because they are objective and consistent to the point of sometimes being merciless. That sounds like Madam if you ask me.
Maomao
Type: INTP (The Thinker)
This eccentric girl is the protagonist of The Apothecary Diaries. She was an apothecary under her father Luomen until she was kidnapped and sold as a servant to the inner palace of the country’s capital. Here, Maomao slowly made herself known as someone knowledgeable about poisons, medicines, and all manner of other topics. With her keen mind and unusual deductive abilities, Maomao helps Jinshi solve several issues in the palace.
Maomao is a highly analytical and reasonable person. She puts everything through her internal system of logic before making the best-informed decision she possibly can. This suggests that her dominant function would be introverted thinking (Ti). Maomao is also an imaginative “idea person” with an inquisitive mind that leaps between options manically to find the patterns. Her secondary function is probably extraverted intuition (Ne).
The type with dominant Ti and secondary Ne is INTP. Maomao is a great example of this quiet, curious, and thoughtful type. Though INTPs stereotypically lack motivation and easily tire of routine, they shine brightly doing whatever they truly love. Maomao’s passion, for example, is studying poisons. She, like any INTP, is capable of thinking through problems with a great mix of creativity and factual analysis. The INTP is sometimes called “The Thinker” for obvious reasons.
Meimei
Type: ISFJ (The Nurturer)
Meimei is a courtesan and one of the “Three Princesses” of the Verdigris House. She is very fond of Maomao, thinking of her like a little sister. Everything about Meimei says “sweetness and light.” She’s graceful, warm, and kind. In addition to being a good companion in bed and a wonderful dancer, Meimei is great company for playing board games, making her one of the most popular courtesans.
Beyond just being socially pleasant, Meimei is loyal, thoughtful, and altruistic. The best evidence of this is a choice she makes near the end of the series, so I won’t spoil that. Take my word for it that Meimei is a serious sweetheart and an extremely loving person. Although she has excellent social skills, Meimei is probably not an extravert. That’s why I consider her an ISFJ rather than an ESFJ. With the loyalty and patience of introverted sensing (Si) and the compassion of extraverted feeling (Fe), ISFJ excellently describes Meimei.
Pairin
Type: ESFP (The Performer)
Pairin is another one of the “Three Princesses” of the Verdigris House. Maomao describes her as “a warlord in bed,” with high physical stamina and natural sex drive. There isn’t a lot of screen-time or dialogue for Pairin, so I’m basing my brief analysis on what Maomao says about her. It seems like Pairin is more laidback and easygoing than Meimei, with a strong desire to enjoy physical senses in the form of art, music, and sexuality.
Pairin’s appreciation of the physical world means that her dominant function is probably extraverted sensing (Se). According to Maomao, Pairin also has a loving, motherly side. She was the main person who nursed Maomao as a baby. That suggests she uses introverted feeling (Fi), the form of feeling concerned with following one’s personal values. With her two top functions of Se/Fi, Pairin is probably an ESFP.
The ESFP is sometimes called “The Performer” due to their confidence, extraversion, and tendency to have artistic and marketable skills (singing, dancing, etc.).
Suirei
Type: INTJ (The Scientist)
Suirei is a quiet, serious court lady. She is tall, beautiful, and probably introverted. Now, in fiction, INTJs have a certain reputation: they are masterminds and strategists who lurk in the dark. They are often villainous or have a prominent “evil side.” We don’t know a lot about Suirei’s personality, but if you’ve watched the series, you know she’s brilliant. She’s always setting new plans into motion in the background. That’s why my best guess for Suirei’s type is INTJ. If we get to know more about her in later seasons, I might change my opinion.
Suiren
Type: ESFJ (The Caregiver)
Suiren is Jinshi’s main female attendant. She is a bit more stern than and less frantic than Fengming, but I still think she’s ESFJ rather than ESTJ. Just like Fengming and Guen, Suiren loves to care for others and help keep them on track. She has good practical skills, a warm heart, and a natural social confidence. ESFJ is most likely her type.
Xiaolan
Type: ENFP (The Inspirer)
Xiaolan is a young girl who befriends Maomao in the inner palace when the two of them work as servants. She is brimming with energy, positivity, and hope. Always excited about the latest gossip or the hottest man, Xiaolan is very stereotypically “girly” compared to Maomao. However, I don’t think she’s dumb. She’s just a lot more socially oriented than the independent, skeptical heroine.
I wish Xiaolan got more character development, but there’s not much available. She seems to match the typical description of an ENFP. As a supportive friend with useful connections inside the palace, Xiaolan is definitely an uplifting, inspiring person to be around.
~Thanks for reading~
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