Gansey Makes Art

From 16 Personalities:

[...] Ever-skeptical INTJ personalities prefer to make their own discoveries. In their quest to find better ways of doing things, they aren’t afraid to break the rules or risk disapproval – in fact, they often rather enjoy it. But as anyone with this personality type would tell you, a new idea isn’t worth anything unless it actually works. INTJs want to be successful, not just inventive. They bring a single-minded drive to their work, applying the full force of their insight, logic, and willpower. They have little patience for anyone who tries to slow them down by enforcing pointless rules or offering poorly thought-out criticism – though astute observations are generally welcome.

Common Strengths and Weaknesses of the INTJ personality type:

So, we can see here traits that are very reminiscent of Suguru's behavior after he's taken over by Kenjaku. Not to say that he doesn't display these qualities when he leaves Jujutsu High to pursue his goal of eradicating all non-sorcerers, but I'll delve into why I still think the INTJ personality type doesn't quite fit Suguru while he's alive in the latter half of this post.

Strengths

High self-confidence

Independent

Decisive

Determined

Open-minded

Strategic

Multiskilled

Logical

Imaginative

Weaknesses

Judgmental

Dismiss emotions

Discreet

Over-analytical

Arrogant

Not sociable

Here's another poignant excerpt from the INTJ 16 Personalities profile:

INTJs can be both the boldest of dreamers and the bitterest of pessimists. They believe that, through willpower and intelligence, they can achieve even the most challenging goals. They are firm believers that taking the easy way out in any given situation prevents people from achieving greatness. But these personalities may be cynical about human nature more generally, assuming that most people are lazy, unimaginative, or simply doomed to mediocrity.

[...]

INTJs aren’t known for being warm and fuzzy. They tend to prioritize rationality and success over politeness and pleasantries – in other words, they’d rather be right than popular. And because these personalities value truth and depth, many common social practices – from small talk to white lies – may seem pointless or downright stupid to them. As a result, they may inadvertently come across as rude or even offensive when they’re only trying to be honest.

Now, this is where we start to see the discrepancies. This is starting to sound like someone else we know, wouldn't you say? Perhaps a white-haired someone? I'd argue that Gojo is likely an ENTP, but that's for another post.

What are the key differences we notice between Suguru and Satoru's approaches when protecting Riko Amanai? Suguru is gentler, more concerned with being considerate of Riko's feelings, and he responds to Kuroi's pleas with kindness and compassion. Young Satoru is more irritated that they haven't gone about things more efficiently at the risk of Riko being in danger. Satoru is less concerned with the emotional aspect of the situation and focuses more so on how to succeed.

So, if not an INTJ, what is Suguru Geto's MBTI type?

Suguru is more concerned with honoring Riko's humanity, and it's his influence that informs Satoru's behavior during the rest of their mission to keep her safe.

Another big difference is that the INTJ personality enjoys questioning the status quo. Suguru is quite the opposite. When we meet him, he's the one reining in Satoru's generally rebellious and questioning nature. If anything, Suguru's extreme devotion to the status quo is a big part of what sends him over the edge.

I would argue that Suguru is actually an INFJ.

From 16 Personalities:

Idealistic and principled, people with the INFJ personality type (Advocates) aren’t content to coast through life – they want to stand up and make a difference. For these compassionate personalities, success doesn’t come from money or status but from seeking fulfillment, helping others, and being a force for good in the world. While they have lofty goals and ambitions, INFJs shouldn’t be mistaken for idle dreamers. People with this personality type care about integrity, and they’re rarely satisfied until they’ve done what they know to be right. Conscientious to the core, they move through life with a clear sense of their values, and they aim to never lose sight of what truly matters – not according to other people or society at large but according to their own wisdom and intuition.

Sound like someone we know? Suguru fits these traits to a T. From the very beginning, we see Suguru living up to his ideals, both while a Sorcerer, and then living for his ideals once he leaves Jujutsu High to put an end to all non-sorcerers. We simply see Suguru as two sides of the same coin. If you're still not convinced, take a look at the following:

Many INFJ personalities feel that their life has a unique purpose – a mission that they were put onto this earth to fulfill. For [the INFJ], one of the most rewarding aspects of life is seeking out this purpose – and then, once they’ve found it, striving to do it justice. When INFJs encounter inequity or unfairness, they rarely give up – instead, they consult their intuition and their compassion to find a solution. With their innate ability to balance the heart with the head, these dedicated types are hardwired to right the wrongs of the world, no matter how big or small. These personalities just need to remember that while they’re busy taking care of everyone else, they need to pause sometimes and take care of themselves as well.

If you're not screaming, know that I am.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the INFJ

Strengths

Insightful: never fooled by appearances

Principled: strong adherence to moral values

Passionate: INFJs crave to live a life of purpose.

Altruistic: people with this personality type aren't happy to succeed at another person's expense. They use their strengths for the greater good and rarely lose sight of how their words and actions affect others.

Creative: I feel this one speaks for itself. Gojou-kesa. C'mon.

Weaknesses

Sensitive to criticism: especially if they feel that someone is challenging their most cherished principles or values (the gym scene, anyone?)

Reluctant to Open Up: They may find it difficult to open up and be vulnerable about their struggles, not wanting to burden someone else with their issues. Unfortunately, when they don’t ask for help, they may inadvertently hold themselves back or create distance in their relationships. (The whole fandom and their extended families weep for Geto to Get Some Help.)

Perfectionistic: INFJs might find it difficult to appreciate their jobs, living situations, or relationships if they’re continually fixating on imperfections and wondering whether they should be looking for something better. "I just couldn't wear a heartfelt smile, living in this world."

Avoiding the ordinary: INFJs may bite off more than they can chew in the pursuit of their ideals.

Prone to Burnout: INFJs’ perfectionism and reserve leave them with few options for letting off steam. People with this personality type can exhaust themselves if they don’t balance their drive to help others with necessary self-care and rest. (Need I say more?) "Ever since that day… …it’s been running through my head. What I saw was nothing out of the ordinary. A hideous evil, known to everyone. Knowing that full well… …I chose to protect them as a jujutsu sorcerer. Don’t lose your way. Follow through with your duty as a jujutsu sorcerer."

It's Suguru's idealism, perfectionism and deep commitment to his principles that sends him over the edge. He can't stand how messy his reality becomes after witnessing the murder of Riko Amanai, and he can't accept that it's Jujutsu Society that's truly to blame for the lack of resources and protection he and other Sorcerers are given.

He starts going on missions alone, refusing to ask for help or indicate how seriously he's struggling. He feels he needs to stay strong - likely for Gojo's sake. Likely for all Sorcerers sakes. Until that point, he and Gojo were "the strongest". And Suguru's devotion to this purpose blinds him to his own deterioration.

When his ideals don't match up with his reality, he spirals and loses his grasp. And so, he chooses the path Yuki indirectly alludes to when they meet.