MBTI Type: ISTP

Richard makes some rational decisions that others find “cold” – when Anne complains that George is going to hold her hostage to get his hands on her estate, Richard marries her instead—behind the king’s back. Everything she owns becomes his, instantly (when she points this out to him, he remains nonplussed). Later, he seizes the crowned prince and holds him in the Tower. Given the chance to crown himself king, he takes it—declaring his brothers’ wife invalid and his children bastards to legitimize his claim to the throne. To discredit Henry Tudor, after he learns Margaret Beaufort has engaged him to Elizabeth of York, Richard makes public his ‘affections’ for her, sees her as his favorite, and continues to court her, despite his wife’s obvious distress about it. The final episode shows a dramatic shift in Richard, as all his previous illusions fail. He is ruthless, willing to kill traitors, and use blackmail to ensure support. He’s opportunistic, whether that means defending Anne from her would-be rapists at the cathedral or running off with her in the middle of the night; seducing his niece, seizing power, making rapid power plays. He is physical and present, often riding off into battle with his brothers. Richard often attacks people – he goes after his brother George with a sword for being a traitor. He helps Edward smother the “mad king.” He attacks Lord Stanley’s son in his tent on the eve of battle and tells him if his father does not fight for York, he will kill him. Richard rides into the heat of battle, is yanked from his horse, and killed, but manages to kill a fair few others first. His tendency is to look on the surface and react quickly (such as in his marriage to Anne), while entertaining nagging doubts about whether he can trust other people. He often dismisses these hunches, trusting the princes to stay safe in the Tower, but can be paranoid under stress. Buckingham’s betrayal blindsides him. He uses low Fe to express his feelings at times, to console Anne, but also to punish her, when he suspects she has had the princes killed. Richard deliberately rubs his affection for Elizabeth in her face. He also frets endlessly about what others think of him, often referencing their opinions of him as legitimate reasons for frustration or concern. He wants to do things that ‘appear’ to be honest and above-board, when in reality, they are shrewd, calculated decisions. Richard appears to struggle with understanding his own feelings, and can be cold and withdrawn when he disapproves.

Enneagram: 6w5 so/sp

His brothers and their political rivals all say the same thing about him, that he is “loyal.” As long as Edward lives, Richard remains fiercely loyal to him, defending him, relying on him, and acting as his support system. He is genuine in his kindness and likable. Richard is a loyal and faithful husband (for the most part) since he has “given his word.” He’s dutiful and family-driven. Others trust him, though Anne senses something “more” at work behind his pragmatic decisions. They’re smart and calculated. But whenever things start to go array, Richard becomes more unhinged and distrustful. He doubts his friends. He doubts his wife. He becomes suspicious. Paranoid. His niceness, however, wears thin under pressure—the more anxious Richard becomes, the more worried he is about how people are viewing him and whether they are plotting against him. He falls into 3 disintegration—protecting his image, fretting about his reputation, and employing cold tactics to retain his power. His 5 wing is subdued, detached, and thoughtful. He seems withdrawn much of the time, and it’s hard to tell what he’s thinking or planning, since he never talks about it.