MBTI Type: ISFJ

Dido uses past precedent to determine her views on things, secure her expectations, and know “her place” in society; being jarred from these things (not having a coming out, receiving a marriage proposal, etc) catches her off guard. Once a thing happens, she expects it to happen again, often pointing out similar circumstances (such as when she convinces her “Papa” to go against social expectations, pointing out how “you only abide by the rules of society when it suits you” and lending him the courage to take a stand against racial injustice). Belle believes in the governing social rules of society and is comfortable operating within them (class system, rank, etc), but also is daring enough to want to change them for the better. Dido is intellectually curious and gathers lots of information and details about the things that interest her, including the court case before “Papa.” She is sensible and relies on her own experiences when making judgments about other people (if someone was cruel to her, he is cruel in general). In time, the wider implications of slavery and the racial and social divide become apparent to her, and Dido desires to correct them in whatever way she can. Though repressive of her emotions to some degree, Dido is very concerned with social appropriateness. She asks her “Papa” if he asked the painter commissioned to paint her and Elizabeth if he would be comfortable painting her (a black woman); she is conscious of how others perceive her and at times deeply upset by her inability to fit into society due to the hue of her beautiful skin. She is externally emotional when confronted by unkind truths about slaves, and is frank and assertive in her opinions when pushed to exhibit them. She takes her cousin’s sorrows dear to heart and is always willing to comfort and reassure her, while bringing her down to earth with the truth. She is curious about and questions everything; Dido wants to know how her “Papa” feels about her, why he chose to bring her into his house, how much influence her presence will have over the court case; why social rules are what they are; why human beings can be considered cargo. She deeply analyzes these things for truths that are personal and unique to her. She uses her logic to assess situations and reach conclusions. She notices inconsistencies of thought in the rules of the time and politely points them out to others. She looks to her “Papa,” someone of authority, worth in society, and power, and sees the potential for change that lies at his fingertips. The larger picture becomes evident to her and she strives to change him by encouraging him to be all he can be and set a good example. Dido uses her experiences to form larger impressions of people – including Elizabeth’s tyrannical, abusive first “lover,” which she then stands behind when asserting her beliefs about them (underlying implication to Elizabeth: if he was cruel to me, he will be cruel to you, and you deserve a better, happier life than that).

Enneagram: 1w2 so/sp

She always aware of what is and is not appropriate, preoccupied with good manners and in criticizing others who overstep the laws of politeness. Dido at first chastises John for speaking out of turn, approaching her when alone, and daring to question her mentor’s word. She feels quite angry about the unfairness of her position, but hides it behind appropriate behavior. In one scene, she desperately claws at her face, inferring her frustration with the color of her skin not making her perfect enough to lead a normal life. Dido, perhaps somewhat idealistically (a 1 trait), assumes her own goodness and fairness can overcome her skin color, and feels frustrated when society does not treat her fairly in return. She feels keenly when she does anything considered wrong, but can also feel justified in breaking her “Papa’s” rules, for a greater good. She judges a man by his actions toward her, and their level of unkindness and inappropriateness. Her 2 wing makes her want to find love and acceptance within wider society. She’s grown so accustomed to doing what everyone else wishes her to, she has lost her connection to herself – when a marriage suits everyone but her, she’s willing to consider it, and seems baffled when another man asks her if this match is what she wants. She passes on documents and information to the young man who has caught her eye, in an attempt to help him convince her “Papa” to change the laws of England to bring worth to human beings.