User blog:Thebedazzleddementor/OH and the Four Classical Temperaments

Introduction

Hi! I had a lot of fun typing the LIs from Blades, so I decided to do another set. I settled on Open Heart, since it's another series where the love interests happen to neatly slot into the four types.

In case you're not familiar with the classical temperaments, it's an ancient personality system that roughly divides personalities on two criteria: extroversion vs. introversion and stable vs. reactive. It's not really psychology, just a basic framework for thinking about personality types. Another caveat is that I'm going to be focusing on "pure" temperaments—in other words, talking about each character as if they fit fully and completely in one category. Obviously, people (even fictional people) are more complicated than that, and no personality theory can describe a whole person.

The following link is not the only one I used to write this, but it's the primary one and a good basic rundown of how the types compare. https://temperaments.fighunter.com/?page=comparison

1. Sanguine - Bryce Lahela

Sanguines are probably the easiest temperament to identify at a glance, precisely because so much of the way they see themselves (and the way that they try to be seen) is built on their outward orientation. They are extroverts not only in the psychological sense but also in the popular conception of extroversion: outgoing, confident, charming, and free-wheeling. Moreso than cholerics (the other extroverted temperament), their exteriority is built on entertaining themselves and others. On a personal level, they are easily bored and seek out stimulation. On a social level, they gravitate naturally towards seeking the approval of those around them. This is not to say that sanguines are insecure (in fact, most of them have very high self-esteem). Rather, the sanguine just believes that life's more fun with friends—after all, is a party of one even really a party?

Sanguines seem on the surface like an emotionally reactive type; they feel a lot, and keeping things to themselves doesn't come naturally to the sanguine. However, the appearance in this case does not always match the reality. Sanguines draw a lot of good will from being energetic and irrepressible, so allowing themselves to slow down and feel deeply (as opposed to loudly) runs the risk of jeopardizing their persona as whole, especially if the emotion they're dealing with is a negative one. Whether consciously or not, the sanguine's sunny disposition can be a way of avoiding their own sadness, anxiety, or guilt. However, most sanguines are ultimately optimists at heart, and healthy coping mechanisms will mean that they quickly return to a real, positive equilibrium. At their best, sanguines are authentically enthusiastic about life and other people, spreading joy and turning strangers into friends. At their worst, they are shallow attention-seekers using the good approval of others to provide an illusory sense of self-worth.

Bryce has all the charm, humor, and flirtatiousness of the stereotypical sanguine. He is very comfortable with improvisation and thrives in high-energy environments with a lot of social input. Who else would ditch their friends and join a stranger's bachelorette just a few minutes later? He's an unpicky person who can almost always find a way to have fun—and to spread the fun around. Although Bryce hates the idea of people thinking he takes things seriously, he does: even sanguines aren't immune from the full spectrum of human emotion. When things go wrong for Bryce (when he starts losing surgeries, when his little sister runs away from home and shows up on his doorstep), he does everything he can to prevent from being "found out" as being upset. He doesn't necessarily hide his problems from others to avoid worrying them the way a phlegmatic might. Rather, sadness and worry run contrary to his self-image. Bryce is fundamentally uncomfortable with his own discomfort, and preventing others from finding out when he's struggling is a self-protective mechanism.

2. Choleric - Jackie Varma

Cholerics are alphas to the core. Whether it's climbing the corporate ladder or a simple interaction with an acquaintance, they want to win. What's more, they're very good at it. Exceptionally driven, they know that they can be the best, and they will do everything they can to become so. Unlike the melancholic temperament (who will likely gain the approval of others by accident), cholerics usually crave recognition for their excellence. Being the best is where you start; being seen as the best should follow, in the choleric worldview. This is not to say that cholerics are shallow or willing to cut corners in the pursuit of recognition. Indeed, excuses are for the weak, and cholerics are determined to be anything but. Instead, (mature) cholerics are true elbow-grease types. If something didn't go as planned the first time, you try it again and you work even harder, even smarter, even more focused than you did before.

As extroverted types, cholerics are quick to express their feelings in their environment (although this won't generally take the form of talking about them—cholerics don't "do" emotions if they can avoid it). Unlike the mercurial sanguine, the choleric's feelings run deep and long. A choleric can run for a very long time on a single moment of anger, failure, or indignation, using their emotions to fuel and sharpen their already intense focus. This intensity and staying power also makes them ferociously devoted friends to the select few they allow into their close confidence. Their ideal role in a relationship is generally the protector and allowing themselves to rely on others is challenging for them, as it involves admitting they have encountered a task beyond the capabilities of their iron will. They're also big believers in tough love, and a choleric's friends should be prepared to challenged and supported, never coddled. At their best, cholerics are proud, powerful achievers who demand the best from themselves and others. At their worst, they can be toxic, destroying themselves and the people around them with their all-consuming "zero sum game" mentality.

Jackie's character development centers largely on her moving away from toxic choleric traits toward healthy ones. Probably the clearest example of this is when she cuts the MC out of her life. When she finds herself slipping in the intern rankings, her first response is to dig in her heels and work even harder, like any good choleric would. However, she falls into the trap of viewing success as binary: either she wins or someone else does, no compromise and no exceptions. When the MC becomes a threat to her goals, they have to go. Thankfully, she eventually realizes how much she values their friendship, swallows her pride, and mends her fences. Later, when the MC reveals their intention to confess to giving Mrs. Martinez her fatal treatment, Jackie doesn't understand their decision. Why, asks choleric efficiency, would someone jeopardize the win for no concrete reason? In spite of this, Jackie would take a bullet for her friends (as most cholerics would) and remains loyal as the Martinez case blows up.

3. Melancholic - Ethan Ramsey

Melancholics are true perfectionists in their chosen fields. They strive for depth, mastery, and precision, even with no one else to push them or hold them accountable. They are intensely emotional and critical (of themselves at least as much as others), which often leads people to find them intimidating. They may also be intimidated by the melancholic's accomplishments: their natural investment into their passions mean that they are often highly skilled at what they do, even experts. This is fine by the melancholic, whose thoughtful and introverted nature means they often have little need for "company" for its own purposes. Although they generally have great awareness of their own feelings, they are natural brooders who would rather nurse a feeling internally than expose it to others. Their inner emotional worlds are highly intricate and carefully constructed, leaving the melancholic loathe to change their priorities and beliefs in spite of their intense emotions.

As mentioned before, the melancholic's exacting standards are not just a tool by which they measure the failings of others. In fact, one of the most universal traits of the melancholic temperament is self-criticism. The melancholic doesn't know anyone else's failings as well as their own, so there's no better or more consistent victim for their unrealistic expectations. Unsurprisingly, this leaves many melancholics as chronic pessimists. If no one—yourself included—is capable of consistently meeting your standards, hoping that they'll do so becomes exhausting. This pessimism may cause the melancholic to lash out at others, even to the point of cruelty. But make no mistake: even if the choleric screams, shouts, or swears, the driving force is almost always anguish, not anger. At their core, the melancholic is not an achiever (like the choleric) but an idealist. Although difficult to get to know, the melancholic's loved ones will likely cherish the relationship. Their cold, even abrasive outside tends to protect a core rich with surprising brilliance, sensitivity, and even artistry. At their best, they are capable of singular insight and devotion to truth and beauty. At their worst, they are bitterly dimssive, tearing down everything they come into contact with to excise their feelings of guilt and disgust.

Like most melancholics, Ethan is detail oriented, inflexible, and intolerant of flaws. This is true not only of his work as a diagnostician but also of his morality. He adheres to an extremely strict code of ethics: it's why he refuses to "taint" the mission of the diagnostics team by taking on paying clients until the MC goes over his head. It's why his moral compromise with Nash and his failure to help Naveen end up sending him into a spiral so extreme that he quits his job. It's why Ethan can't be bothered to show any respect or patience with the MC—not until they've proven their competence and strength of character. Ethan also keeps his emotional cards very close to his chest. Even his father, once his closest confidant, doesn't fully know the depth to which Ethan's mother's abandonment hurt him—to the detriment of their relationship.

4. Phlegmatic - Rafael Aveiro

Phlegmatics, more than any other type, are nurtures for whom service is a fundamental part of life. Although never drawing attention to themselves, they are sure to be there in the background, doing what needs to be done, caring for those who need care. This speaks to their humility as well as their kindness—phlegmatics truly don't believe that they are better than anyone else or doing anything remarkable in devoting their lives to other people. They don't see the world in terms of winning and losing, which is good since they're often deeply uncomfortable with conflict. Although many phlegmatics are sensitive in the emotional sense, almost all are sensitive in the sense of perception: they are keenly aware of others and are quick to sense discord.

In addition to their giving, humble nature, phlegmatics are also exceptionally stable in both their moods and their habits. They are fond of tradition and routine and often help to encourage rootedness in those around them. They are generally "low-key" people without much excess energy or visible emotional highs and lows. This evenness in their personality can express itself in a variety of ways, from gentle attentiveness to almost pathological sluggishness. This is not to say that all phlegmatics are lazy or spineless; indeed, most are deeply principled people with an immense commitment to their personal values. However, it takes a lot to urge a phlegmatic to take up arms, even for themselves. They are unlikely to crusade like the choleric or nit-pick like the melancholic. In fact, the most contrary a phlegmatic is likely to get (unless they've really been pushed too far) would fall somewhere in the realm of "stubborn." At their best, phlegmatics are the quiet saviors of the people around them. At their worst, they give up, withdraw, and crumple in on themselves.

Rafael's phlegmatic tendencies show themselves most clearly in his work as an EMT and his involvement in his neighborhood. His primary goal, whether on or off the clock, is to make sure that his life benefits that of others. As far as Rafael is concerned, this isn't heroic, or even really that interesting. Of course he ran into a collapsing tunnel to pull out a little girl. Of course he climbed down the side of a bridge to get a man out of a car. That's just how he is and what he does, and he's not sure why that makes him "Superman." In addition to his selflessness, he has a characteristic phlegmatic combination of reserve and people-smarts. His way of communication is easygoing and attentive, encouraging the person he's speaking to to feel comfortable with him. When he's uncomfortable at dinner with the MC's friends, he almost imperceptibly removes himself from the conversation while still at the table, and politely but firmly goes home after dinner. This process (keen awareness of/sensitivity to group dynamics, a gentle "phasing out" of the self when uncomfortable) is a very phlegmatic way of solving problems, ensuring that no one feels hurt or put-on.

Conclusion

So, that's OH. Next I'm plannng to do a book/series in which the LIs don't fit one to a category the way they do in in OH and Blades—right now I'm thinking either ES or ACoR. Let me know if you care which I write, or if you have any thoughts on my typings in this post.