Functional Order: Te/Ni/Se/Fi
Dominant Function: Te
Maximus is a commanding and successful general, who leads his battalions to victory. He makes quick, strategic decisions both on the battlefield and in the arena, calculated to end conflict quickly but also accomplish his goals. When the others are uncertain what to do, he takes command of them as their gladiator general (“If we stick together, we’ll survive”). He is decisive and likes to have a clear plan of action rather than make spur of the moment decisions. Nor does he waste time thinking about unnecessary elements not tied directly to his goals.
Auxilliary Function: Ni
He thinks strategically by using his insight into the mind of his enemies to predict what they will do next. Maximus knows instantly that Commodus has “slain” the emperor. He foresees certain of his decisions and the dreadful impact they will have on Rome. He thinks in futuristic terms both in making battle decisions in the heat of conflict and in envisioning a more perfect Rome. When asked to describe Rome, he describes an idealistic image of it in his head – what Rome represents to him as a symbol and absolute truth (“Rome is the light”). He works with single minded determination to kill his enemy and avenge his family, before his death. He has a rich spiritual life.
Tertiary Function: Se
He pays attention to his surroundings and sees potential for action in them, which keeps him alive in the arena. He is a skilled and natural fighter, able to respond to and adapt to his situation with ease. Maximus also admits to wanting to go home, to the rich pleasures to be found in his vineyards, his horses, and his wife’s hair. He describes his home in rich, sensory terms – its sights, its smells, its textures. He is bold, assertive, and unafraid of conflict and close combat.
Inferior Function: Fi
Far from responding positively to the enthusiasm of the crowd, Maximus despises it and at first, shows his contempt for their enjoyment of barbarity. But once he understands that winning them over and “giving them a show” will assist him in reaching his ultimate desire (to save Rome and kill Commodus), Maximus becomes more interested in fame. He experiences intense grief at his losses, but refuses to talk about them with anyone, instead dealing with them on his own terms. He is unswayed by anything he believes to be morally wrong.
Note: This argument has been taken from Funky Mbti in Fiction
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