Columbo: Frank Columbo [INTP 9w1] (2024)

Date: October 10, 2020Author: Charity 0 Comments

MBTI Type: INTP

Columbo cannot let something go until he understands it. He often halts an investigation to puzzle over why something is out of place, or how that happened, or what is going on, whereas the other police detectives are more interested in the obvious clues. Most of the series’ escapades focus on him methodically and carefully unraveling the “why” the murderer did what he did, and figuring out how to trap him into a confession or find the evidence to prove it. It’s hard to tell whether Columbo knows immediately who did it, or casts his net wide and then follows his instincts, but his intuition often leads him to the right person. From there, he just has to find the details to prove it. He gets a sense of someone, and uses that to push all their buttons, presenting theories that are very close to the truth in order to unnerve them. He “bumbles around” to throw them off their guard, and fixates on the smaller details to see how they will react. He’s also far more interested in his intellectual police pursuits than in his personal life, although he does reference things at home all the time (and on occasion, what his wife knows about something comes in handy). He often displays good-natured inferior Fe by appealing to others for assistance (pretending to need their input, flattering their ego, calling them a genius and how he would never think of that, etc) and by being a little distraught if people do not like him or chastise him for inappropriate behavior.

Enneagram: 9w1

Columbo is extremely calm at all times, and very mild-mannered. He does not like to make people upset with him, and on several occasions, becomes distressed when someone doesn’t like him for smoking in the house. He goes out of his way to apologize and not offend them further. But he also uses his 9ish numbing instincts to throw people off their guard, since he rather complacently grins at insults. He shows no ambition except when on a case, and is perfectly content to just be a lieutenant. He drives around a car on its last wheels and doesn’t really care about stop signs, speed limits, or people calling it a “piece of junk.” His 1 wing, however, is hard-working when on a case, and has a sense of moral justice he tries to live up to – only once does he let a murderer get away with it, because he knows she cannot remember what happened. His 5 is self-trusting of his own hunches and logic. But his 3 is where all the fun is at – he acts like an idiot to get criminals to under-estimate him, and then plays them. Columbo “becomes” the role to get what he wants. As an sp/so, he’s self-contained, but also feels a need to give back to his community through his police work.

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MBTI Type: INTP

The article identifies Columbo as an INTP (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving). INTPs are known for their analytical and logical minds, coupled with a penchant for unconventional problem-solving. Columbo's investigative approach, characterized by his focus on the "why" and his intuitive leaps, aligns well with the traits associated with the INTP personality type.

Enneagram: 9w1

Columbo is classified as Enneagram Type 9 with a 1 wing (9w1). Enneagram Type 9s are often described as easygoing, conflict-avoidant, and desiring peace. The influence of the 1 wing adds a sense of moral justice and a conscientious work ethic to Columbo's character. His calm demeanor and mild-mannered approach to situations reflect the traits of a Type 9.

Enneagram Types' Traits

Enneagram Type 9 (Peacemaker): Columbo's calm demeanor, desire for harmony, and avoidance of conflict are indicative of a Type 9. His ability to stay composed and navigate situations without upsetting others aligns with the core characteristics of this type.
Enneagram Wing 1: The influence of the 1 wing is evident in Columbo's sense of justice and his hard-working nature, particularly when on a case. His commitment to moral principles and the occasional ambition he displays align with the traits associated with an Enneagram 1 wing.
Enneagram Type 5 (Investigator): The passage mentions Columbo's reliance on his own hunches and logic, which resonates with characteristics of an Enneagram Type 5. This type is known for its analytical and investigative tendencies, relying on a strong internal thought process.
Enneagram Type 3 (Achiever): Columbo's use of acting like an "idiot" to deceive criminals and achieve his goals is reminiscent of traits associated with Enneagram Type 3. Type 3 individuals often adapt their persona to achieve success in their endeavors.

Social Styles: sp/so (Self-Preservation/Social)

Columbo is identified as an sp/so, indicating a self-contained nature but also a desire to contribute to his community through his police work. This aligns with his character's portrayal as a detective who is both focused on personal well-being (self-preservation) and community engagement (social).

In conclusion, the analysis of Columbo's character showcases a nuanced blend of personality traits, incorporating elements from MBTI types, Enneagram, and social styles. These frameworks offer a comprehensive understanding of the complexities that shape this iconic detective's behavior and decision-making processes.