HBO's Deadwood is a revered western series about the development of a South Dakota frontier town in the 1870s. Deadwood, South Dakota grows from a small camp into a thriving city. Inspired by both real people and real events, the series ultimately takes great liberties with history in order to create an immersive, entertaining experience for viewers.
The series originally aired for three seasons between 2004 and 2006. A follow-up, Deadwood: The Movie, was released in 2019. The memorable personalities who make up the residents of Deadwood are played by the likes of Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, John Hawkes, and Brad Dourif. These well-developed and impressively played characters span the spectrum, but they are sized up easily with a little help from the Myers Briggs Type Indicator® system.
Seth Bullock: ISFJ
Seth Bullock believes he's the classic good guy, but his hotheaded and stubborn ways often thwart his efforts to enact justice. The former Montana marshal moves to Deadwood in order to open a hardware shop with his best friend Sol. Bullock leaves his wife and stepson behind, instigating himself in the lawlessness running rampant around town by becoming sheriff.
ISFJs are quiet, reserved protector types who wait in the shadows until it's time to act. These personalities reliable, practical, and possess an eye for detail.
Al Swearengen: ENTJ
Al Swearengen starts off as the unofficial boss of Deadwood. The owner of the Gem Saloon oversees sex workers, gambling, and alcohol sales. Swearengen's goal is to protect his interests at any cost – even if it means resorting to murder.
With his commanding presence, there's no doubt Swearengen is an ENTJ. Outgoing, confrontational, and demanding, ENTJs know how to take control and demand respect.
Alma Garret: INFJ
Alma Garret is a wealthy New Yorker living in Deadwood with her husband Brom. She quickly becomes a widow after Brom is murdered by Al Swearengen's men for questioning what he believes to be a bad deal related to gold prospecting outside Deadwood. While carrying on an affair with Seth Bullock, Alma comes to learn her late husband's gold claim is actually quite profitable.
While dealing with her own inner demons, Alma goes out of her way to help others in Deadwood. She even adopts an orphaned girl. Alma exhibits a classic INFJ personality; this type is known to value close relationships, exhibit reticence, and project deep sensitivity toward others.
Dr. Amos "Doc" Cochran: ESFJ
Without Doc Cochran, Deadwood would be a cesspool of disease and death. This inventive, stubborn physician keeps everyone in check with his medical advice and expertise, the latter of which he acquired while serving in the Civil War. Cochran cares about people, and he treats every patient with respect.
ESFJs are considered caretakers. Doc Cochran is the ultimate caretaker. Like ESFJs, Cochran is organized, loyal, and responsible – all the qualities needed in a frontier doctor.
Sol Star: INTP
Seth Bullock's close friend and business partner is the only Jewish resident of Deadwood. Sol is a resourceful, gentle man who relies on his intellect to get by. Eventually, Sol runs for mayor of Deadwood against the corrupt, self-serving E.B. Farnum. Sol also falls in love with Trixie, one of Al Swearenger's sex workers.
Shy and independent, INTPs like Sol use logic and analysis to form decisions. While they can seem insensitive at times, INTPs are simply motivated by their own internal dialogues –
which can be hard to share with others.
Calamity Jane: ESFP
Both the real and fictional Calamity Jane depicted in Deadwood are considered complicated female characters. In the series, Jane is depicted as a perpetually drunk, foul-mouthed scout who is loyal to those she respects. As the show progresses, Jane's emotional depth and morality are exposed.
With her outward expressiveness and big mouth, Jane fits the criteria for ESFPs. These types love performing and being the center of attention. They are noted for the spontaneity and practicality.
Cy Tolliver: ESTP
Al Swearengen's main rival, Cy Tolliver arrives in Deadwood with his long-time business associate Joanie Stubbs. The pair open the Bella Union saloon, which Cy rules over with an unpredictable ferocity. Cy desires money and power, aligning himself with the people he believes will secure his financial future in the burgeoning encampment.
Cy presents himself as a persuasive and classy businessman, an ESTP. Action-oriented and influential, those with this personality type don't take no for an answer.
Joanie Stubbs: ENTP
Cy's business partner is a resourceful woman who has worked in the sex trade for decades. Once they settle in Deadwood, Joanie decides to open up her own brother in another part of a town – Chez Amis. Joanie does whatever she can to protect the girls who work for her from the dangerous, disrespectful men around them. Joanie is a lesbian who eventually engages in a romantic relationship with Calamity Jane.
Joanie forges a unique path for herself in Deadwood, making her the consummate ENTP. Innovative and creative, these extroverted types love debating, learning, and analyzing data.
Trixie: INFJ
Al Swearengen's "favorite girl" at the Gem Saloon, Trixie endures years of abuse before she eventually starts vying for freedom and independence. Trixie learns accounting from Sol Star, eventually working as an apprentice at Sol's hardware shop. The two eventually fall in love, giving Trixie the chance to begin a new life.
Despite having a tough exterior, Trixie is a deeply caring woman who advocates for herself and other downtrodden folks. Typified by the INFJ personality, these sensitive and idealistic types are always planning behind the scenes, looking for ways to make life more meaningful and worthwhile.
Charlie Utter: INFP
Charlie Utter is a true friend to many people in Deadwood. Associated with Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok, Utter runs a freight and mail business in town. Utter eventually becomes a deputy sheriff under Seth Bullock. He is also close friends with Joanie Stubbs, coming to her aid whenever she needs him.
The quintessential mediator, Charlie Utter knows how to listen and help. A true INFP, Utter is a loyal friend interested in being available to others.