The original (well technically second) Yu-Gi-Oh! anime still stand head and shoulders above all its sequel series in terms of popularity. While nostalgia indeed plays a heavy role in that discussion, the strong personalities of the characters on the show also play a part in this as well. Who can forget the big personalities of Atem, Seto Kaiba, Pegasus and so many more?

Using the MBTI personality type system, we're going to sort these duelists into their types. Are they more Introverted or Extroverted? Do they fare better with long term strategic planning or bold, in the moment living? Let's find out.

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Yugi Muto: Mediator (INFP)

Yu-Gi-Oh! Yugi Muto sad

In contrast to his alter ego, Yugi Muto is a fairly timid boy who enjoys games and being with his friends while not ruffling too many feathers. His main strengths with people is to empathize with them and see the best in everyone. He fits into the Mediator role perfectly.

Known for their altruism and idealistic nature, you can see how Yugi matches this description. Whenever there is a conflict or someone needs some convincing, there's nobody better to speak to them than Yugi. His kindness is unmatched by anyone else in the franchise and while he adopts a bolder personality later on from his friend Atem, he remains a mediator until the end

Joey Wheeler: Campaigner (ENFP)

Joey Wheeler Yugioh

Despite being the friend of the main character, it's hard to question Joey's status as the leader of his friends group. Known for their brash and aggressive personality, Campaigners won't hesitate to jump into the thick of any situation to help out and are often the life of any party. For anyone who has seen Joey emotionally outburst in any given episode, we know exactly how much he fits this.

When Mai Valentine was about to be attacked by the Winged Dragon Of Ra, who was the first one to attempt to save her? This blonde boy. While his overpouring of energy gets him into trouble as often as it helps him, Joey is a Campaigner you want on your side.

Tristan Taylor: Defender (ISFJ)

 

Tristan may be the least developed character in the "Dweeb Patrol" as Seto Kaiba calls them, but we do know enough about him in order to place him under the ISFJ aka Defender personality type.

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Tristan's best friend might be Joey and share some characteristics with him, he is more analytical than his blonde friend. Nonetheless, he defends (either with words or his fists) the safety and honor of Yugi, Serenity and even his romantic rival Duke Devlin throughout the series. Defenders also tend to be on the shy side which can be seen with Tristan's romantic pursuits of Serenity in the anime and his classmate Miho Nosaka in the manga.

Tea Gardner: Mediator (INFP)

Tea Gardner making a peace sign in the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime.

Of course, something who yaps on and on about friendship was going to get the mediator personality type. Similar to Yugi, Tea strives to keep everyone happy and on the same page. Where she differs from Yugi however is that she tends to be willing to give her friends a kick in the butt when they need it to get up on their feet.

A weakness of this personality can be seen through in her dreams of becoming a famous dancer in New York while being a girl in Japan with no training. Mediators tend to be too idealistic and impractical which brings her in conflict with Mai Valentine (who we'll get to later). Her speeches may be tiresome, but everyone would kill to have a Tea in their life.

Yami Bakura: Architect (INTJ)

Yu-Gi-Oh! Yami Bakura during Battle City

While many of the villains on the show tend to have long and drawn out tactical plans to get their goals accomplished, they all pale in comparison to evil spirit of the Millenium Ring known as Yami Bakura.

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Always thinking three moves to achieve his plans, Bakura outsmarts both the heroes and villains throughout the series which plays into his nature as an Architect. The planting of a portion of his soul in the Millennium Puzzle ensured a safety precaution in case he failed. His ability to manipulate others and complex schemes land Yami Bakura straight in this personality type.

Seto Kaiba: Commander (ENTJ)

Seto Kaiba with Blue-Eyes and Obelisk

 

Without a doubt the most domineering character in the whole franchise, Seto Kaiba is nothing if not determined. Even at a young age Seto showed the capability to excel in his training and take command of whatever room he was in, leading him to taking over his father's military weapons company before adulthood. What else could he be but a commander archetype?

Ruthless, charismatic and driven to leave his mark on the world, Seto thankfully made the shift over from villain to anti-hero as he would be quite a threat as a bad guy. In terms of weaknesses however, Commanders' stubbornness and intolerance of those with different ideas and lack of emotional intelligence can make them difficult to be around. There's a reason he isn't part of the main friends group after all.

Yami Yugi/Atem: Commander (ENTJ)

Yu-Gi-Oh Yugi

 

At first it may seem a bit odd that Atem and Seto Kaiba share the same personality type considering how their rivalry is the most beloved in the franchise, but considering their mutual connection to the Commander personality type it shouldn't come as a shock.

Like Kaiba, Atem can be cold, lacking in empathy and a bit too ruthless in his goals. Remember when he was willing to kill Kaiba on the castle of Duelist Kingdom? As the series progresses however Atem learns from Yugi and his pals that kindness and compassion go a long way in being a great leader. He still retains the same charisma and ability to inspire as commanders do however because who wouldn't do whatever Atem says in that powerful voice?

Mokuba Kaiba: Consul (ESFJ)

Mokuba Kaiba Yu-Gi-Oh!

Being the brother of Seto Kaiba cannot be easy. Thankfully, Mokuba Kaiba fits right into the role of Consul perfectly to compliment the Commander that is Kaiba.

Consuls are known for their loyalty and their capacity to stand by their friends and loved ones regardless of their actions. Despite several points where his brother commits morally questionable/evil deeds, Mokuba never strays from his side. However unlike Seto, Mokuba is friendly to Yugi's gang and to people as a whole way more than his brother can be. A Seto without a Mokuba is a much different person so thank God for the Consul of Mokuba Kaiba.

Maximilian Pegasus: Entertainer (ESFP)

Pegasus White Background

 

Creator of Duel Monsters and lover of cartoons, Maximilian Pegasus was indeed an interesting first villain for the anime series. While under the influence of Millenium Eye Pegasus was without a doubt evil, but he has a flair and flamboyance about him that unmistakably is a part of the Entertainer archetype.

Always the showman, Pegasus acted as both the final boss and master of ceremonies for Duelist Kingdom and took it all the way by having the finals take place at a literal castle, making stars the medals of the event and more. As well, the theme of his deck says a lot about him with the demented Toon monsters being wacky and zany to their core.

As can be seen in his duel with Yugi however, entertainers like Pegasus can flip out when things don't go their way or they feel they're being backed into a corner. Divas ya know?

Mai Valentine: Logistician (ISTJ)

Yu-Gi-Oh Mai Valentine

Mai Valentine may not be in core cast of Yugi's friends, but her bond with Joey in particular kept her floating around the cast for most of the series and shows her personality enough to classify her as a Logistician.

Unlike Yugi and his pals, Mai relies on cold, hard logic to get by in the world and in her duels. She accepts the harsh realities of the world and does what she has to do to thrive in it. Mai plays Duel Monsters to make something of herself and as an escape from her troubled past. Mai keeps a cooler head around manners more than most in the cast and that is needed to balance out the more hot-headed nature of someone like say... Joey.

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