MBTI Type: INFJ

Burr is in this for the long haul – his lyrics repeat the mantra many times that he is willing to “wait for it,” implying he has something laid out in his head that he is waiting to begin at the right moment, but that in the meantime, he is envious of Hamilton’s far more aggressive outer-world tactics (how does he write like there’s no tomorrow? How does he get so much done?). He is envious of what happens “in that room” of which he is not a part, inferring his distance from sensory reality. He distinguishes himself from others, by mentioning his disregard for social norms (his affair, his daughter, his lack of concern for what society sees as moral, etc), and … when he does spring into action, it’s cautiously and with the idea that he can win. Others remark that Burr is approachable and likable, he seems warm and outward-focused, but Hamilton thinks he lacks a moral backbone or a spine, that he is wishy-washy and unsettled in his mind. Burr argues that one should say less and smile more, conceal what you really think from others, and take your time. He spends a lot of his lyrics in deep contemplation, over-thinking and envious of Hamilton’s success, in sharing his feelings about what it is like to be the “villain” of the story. Given the chance to make it ahead in an election, he changes political parties for the advantage, which Hamilton finds reprehensible because to him, it infers “Burr stands for nothing.” Burr also remarks on the need to “charm” people.

Enneagram: 9w1 so/sp

Burr longs to be important and powerful and in the room where it happens, but due to his lack of knowing when to motivate himself into action, he never does much of anything. He urges Hamilton to keep his mouth shut more and take a slower path, rather than kicking into high gear. It takes him forever to form a strong opinion and hold to it, or force himself out into the public eye. Hamilton accuses him of being slippery and fake, of not knowing what he believes, and refusing to stand up for it. Burr wants to appeal to the masses. He changes political parties to run for public office, because he thinks he has a better shot from there. Burr sings about how hard it is to be perceived by the American public as the murderer of a Founding Father. Most of his thoughts stay in his own head and he doesn’t share them with anyone else, much less act on them (“don’t let them know what you’re against, much less for”). He wants to be principled, but is inert.