Anton Chigurh

Opening note: This analysis I am writing is made on "Anton Chigurh" from "No Country For Old Men" (the movie), using Classical Jung system. All the presented logic is based on Psychological Types Chapter X by Carl Gustav Jung. The closest type Anton Chigurh comes to is ISTP as per my analysis. Ti (Dominant function): Jung defines Ti as the function used to orient around subjective logic, while dominant function is the most conscious and trusted function. Anton Chigurh comes closest to a dominant Ti type for his default way of observing the world. A coin toss to decide whether you live or die isn't gambling, its the "cause & effect" that led to the outcome. Almost every interaction with people before tossing coin or killing them is about if everyone would have reached the same situation if they would have made different choice. Ti isn't about what's objective, but about what subjective constellation it activates in an individual. Anton doesn't merely see every occurring as it is in its objective form, but as a result of a deeper mechanical history that led to a certain ending. Se (Auxiliary function): Jung defines Se as the function used to orient around objective sensation, while auxiliary function is the secondary function which is less differentiated than dominant while still aiding it. Anton's Se aids his dominant Ti to provide justification for his subjective logic. He sees himself as a "carrier of fate", and a physical embodiment of it. By orienting to objective sensation, we asserts force, pressure, and physical aggression which as per him is justified for being part of the larger mechanism. It is not merely stereotypical "physical = Se", but about the mindset of Chigurh where he uses sensory attributes and effects to assert his subjective logic on his environment. Ni (Tertiary function): Jung defines Ni as the function used to orient around subjective unconscious images, while tertiary is less developed and immature function which might behave in brittle manner, but still being more differentiated than the inferior function. Anton's Ni is thus less developed, visible occasionally only, in certain situations where he tries to explain the hidden essence of an event or object. For example, the gas stations scene where the owner chooses head and fortunately wins to avoid a murder by Anton, Anton says "Don't keep it in your pocket (the coin), otherwise it will mix with other coins and become an ordinary one." Ni being his tertiary, it acts almost like a blindspot, being less visible than some other functions. Fe (Inferior function): Jung defines Fe as the function used to orient around objective values, while inferior is a function unknowingly suppressed by dominant one, and might uncontrollably blast with pent up potential. Anton despised anything that objectively defines values, like religions, social values, or human connections. He won't orient around values of others, but instead use his dominant Ti to handle situations, even if it appears dry. For example, after Jean Carla Moss returned from her mother's funeral, Anton isn't expected to show mercy there. Point of focus isn't that he has psychopathic tendencies, but about that he justifies his presence at her house to kill her as "fate" and result of universal mechanics. A complete disregard of Fe even if it could be instrumentally used to produce outcomes. Counter-arguments against INTP: INTP is the most debated alternative for Anton Chigurh. But it differs with auxiliary Ne and tertiary Si. This doesn't fit him because his subjective logic isn't supported or enforced through an unconscious imagery of latent connections, but through sensory impact, force, and actions. It would be more accurate to say that Anton as himself acts as the agent of fate than connecting his logic to a broader universal pattern. Si in Anton isn't a conscious function unlike tertiary Ni, thus not in function stack. This is because of high detachment from his internal bodily sensations. We have seen his level of pain tolerance in worst of situations, including car crashes, shotgun wounds, and cuts through handcuffs. Counter-arguments against ESTP: ESTP has dominant Se, auxiliary Ti, tertiary Fe, and inferior Ni. Anton's worldview wasn't based on sensory aspects (Si/Se), but on mechanical logic. Ti wasn't a supposting function, but the core lens to observe and understand the world. Tertiary Fe must show low but some signs of objective values. Anton went completely against it consciously, even if not deliberately. Moreover, the inferior Ni doesn't fit because there are certain situations where Anton tries to decode certain hidden essence in object, like the gas station scenes I discussed, even if less. Counter-arguments against INTJ: INTJ as Anton's personality assumes primary way to seeing the world in terms of hidden potentials, images, or symbols. But Anton had a more concrete way to look at the world, in terms of logic, cause & effects, etc. That clearly establishes T>N. An argument about intuition would've been plausible if there were more instances where he talks about related intuitive factors. Moreover, Anton is good at organizing plans and executing them, but that doesn't automatic make him a Te user. Jung said that types are about orientation, not ability. While Anton uses Te deliberately and situationally when required, his primary worldview remains oriented ti Ti. And inferior Se in Anton doesn't sit well for his enormous reliance on sensory execution and indulges.