MBTI Type: ISFJ

Mary allows all her own experiences to color her interpretation of present events; her mother’s ordeal with her father has made her overly cautious and respectful of the traditions and behaviors of court. Mary takes some comfort in her faith and sees no need to reform it. She respects the way things have always been done – that sons must come before daughters in the line of succession, and that the eldest precedes the youngest. She is detail-oriented and strives to know all the facts on a situation before passing judgment on it, unless it involves a person tied to a bad past experience (her dislike and distrust of her enemies). She wants her life to have meaning and purpose, but is more fearful of the future than excited at the thought of it. She understands that it is expected for a monarch to be emotionally subdued, and does her best in company to put on a stoic countenance – but Mary is very emotional. She shares her feelings openly with those she trusts through conversation, and in the form of verbal insults to those she doesn’t like, even though her contempt for them is unwise. Mary finds it hard to separate her opinions from her feelings on matters of family, religion, or politics. She has a kind heart and wants her father’s approval; when Chapuys gives her emotional and moral support in signing a document declaring her father as head of the church, in violation of her own beliefs, Mary does it – but never forgives herself for it. Though her mother is dead, Mary still strives to honor her, and in some ways, earn her respect by behaving at all times in an appropriate manner. She heartily disapproves of Katherine Howard’s reckless, inappropriate, socially shocking behavior. Her desire for understanding gives her a maturity that many others in court lack, but she has also been so well protected from society that she is very naïve in carnal matters. Mary is clear and articulate in her statements and aware of the hypocritical behavior of others, although not always in tune with her own inconsistencies. Mary shoots down new religious practices and theories, and allows others to speculate on her behalf, but also is a romantic who dreams of a better life. Fear of the many negative consequences of disobeying her father motivates her to take action; she also accurately “senses” what will happen to Katherine Howard.

Enneagram: 6w5 so/sp

Unlike her core 1 mother, when confronted with the act of succession and threats against her life, Mary signs it – and asks Chapuys to obtain her a pardon from the Catholic Church for her “heresy.” She continues to put her faith in others, from that moment onward—in Chapuys (whom she accuses of “abandoning her” with a “heretic” when she realizes Catherine Parr is “not of our faith”), in the Catholic Church (whom she intends to defend “if I ever become queen”), and in her various allies around court (from Anne of Cleves in her marital prospects to Richard Rich). Like most 6’s, she has to be right, and becomes overly forceful in her opinions, to cover up her insecurities, but is also full of self-doubt. Her 7 wing gives her an optimistic edge for the future, and makes her likable, sweet, and charming, inclusive of her siblings over time, but also more nervously “other-seeking” in looking for allies.