Clarity of thought, based upon logical, reasonable, measurable ideas. Precise and practical, Quant works with facts and details, and possesses impressive powers of concentration in order to do this work properly. Reluctant to respond to experimental approaches, Quant’s view is always limited. Sometimes, Quant misses subjective / social implications. Shares family passion for numbers, analysis: The Count (Sesame Street) and Spock (Star Trek) are part of Quant’s family tree. MORE
To build sample scripts, we required a full set of characters. We started with personality characteristics representing a wide range of perspectives and ways of thinking (skeptic, internationalist, change agent, protector of status quo, big picture thinker, detail person, America first right-or-wrong, spiritualist, etc.). Then, we used the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to add structure, and to identify similarities, differences, and likely relationships between characters.
Currently, we believe that three characters will be adults (former schoolteachers with an interesting backstory); the other thirteen will be puppets. In the video performances, there are only humans in colored t-shirts because we have not yet visualized any puppets. (If you use your imagination, and read the notes next to each video, you’ll see what we have in mind.) For more information and visual concept boards for each puppet, click on MORE in each description.
Each character represents and advocates for a specific way of thinking. Some character names and descriptions ring true; others require development. (All characters are property of Independence Media; all rights reserved.)
Characters: Work-in-Progress
Snap is logical, efficient, focused, and rational. By injecting reason and process, Snap enjoys spending time with innovators, and comfortably adds value to every original idea. Snap is able to compartmentalize emotions in ways that others find shocking and unfathomable, but deep down, there is a great heart (just not one that Snap chooses to expose). Insists upon uniform standards and measurement, fair play. MORE
Does the best he or she can with anything or anyone that’s available; interested in just about everything. Good at anything practical and tangible, but struggles with theoretical, intellectual, big ideas. Constantly learning, improving, practicing, asking questions, pursuing technical mastery. Requires, and often crafts, clear directions and plans. Physically active, wants to be outdoors and independent. Requires constant challenges, but knows how to let it rest.
High energy, always seeing possibilities. Often shapes the discussion, directed toward an achievable, powerful end goal. Gets along with everyone. Fast-paced, exciting, active life. Never tires of working through new or different ways of thinking. Always conflicted between the theoretical and the practical, can often combine the two. Not into details, but insists upon an efficiency (lack of it wastes valuable time). Casual. Comfortable with powerful people. Tells a terrific story, but the story’s fine points change with each telling.
Informal, laughs easily and often, high energy, enthusiastic, popular, low stress, disdain for organization, structure and authority. Lots of friends, warm relationships. Have fun, involve everyone, make a difference. A catalyst: helps others to grow. Sees or finds humor in everything. Thrives on diversity; endlessly curious. Not flaky or lightweight, but may seem that way. Terrific advocate. Jumps in without thinking, but manages to escape consequences.
Easily copes with immense stores of details. Wants the team to succeed. Genuine interpersonal relationships at a deep level; clear on priorities of heart and mind. Relies upon expectations, highly cooperative environment where roles are clear and involvement as a specialist is highly valued. Gets discouraged, but challenge and relationships always results in a bounce-back with superior results. Often saves the day. (She’s Abby on “NCIS.”) * - Name to be changed.
Exhilarated by high expectations. Motivated by profit, power. Rigid, American right or wrong (but always right). Makes decisions quickly and completely. Stable, predictable, reliable, traditional. Owns property, keeps others away from that property, loves Armed Forces (in part because they are so well-organized and clear). Unclear about life in other nations (except those True Blue visited while in the service). True Blue’s heart carries a soft secret.
INFP
FAITH*
Harmonious beliefs, deep values, beauty of expression. Thrives on uninterrupted time, flexible structure, creative and caring individuals who express originality and individual growth. Understands what makes people tick. Takes criticism personally, not wild about rejection, puts off making decisions . * - Name to be changed.
INFP
FAITH*
INFP
FAITH*
INFP
FAITH*
Deeply committed to ethnical correctness and a big history view. Internalizes and energizes complex ideas. Genuine empathetic interest in helping others to understand, to thrive as their authentic selves. Takes long view, sees the big picture. Focused and single-minded, but single-minded to the point of inflexibility. Dislikes tension. Tends toward judgmental. Moves slowly and thoughtfully.
* - Name to be changed.
Treats the whole person, the whole situation. Natural creative problem solver, but a warm-hearted one. Positive world view is easily shaken; does not do well with criticism or negativity. Encourages open sharing of ideas in a tolerant, non-judgmental way. Ask more questions; don’t accept situations at face value. Charismatic and easy-going; knows how to please others. Often surprised by guile or other self-interested motives. Knows how to use power and control.
* - Name to be changed.
Always thrilled to be a part of it—like a lap dog and a curious pup. Hands on, learns more by observing than by thinking, favors common sense. Loves the variety, fun, spontaneity. Enthusiastic about everything. Future is a hazy concept, but the present day is what matters Wonderful intentions, Valuable, practical contributions. Works hard, loves every minute of it. Thinks on his/her feet. Able to break through difficult situations, get others to communicate. Follow-through? Not so much.
Naturally curious, practical. Loves variety. Wants in on the action. Probably a former beat reporter. Solves problems via instinct, investigation, observation. Sorts it out easily. Been there, done that. Handles complicated, simultaneous interactions. Absorbs, remembers facts. Observes like a predatory bird, no less active. Handles unplanned situations, organizes on the go. Lives in the practical, real world, not in a land of theories and intangibles and what-ifs. Perceived as unpredictable; sees himself/herself as pillar of reliable thought and action.
Careful observation, meticulous accuracy, remembers facts and details and uses them to help others. Works hard, but behind the scenes. Traditional, stable, structured, orderly world. Focus on one idea at a time, present, neither future nor theoretical. Best one-on-one. Private, quiet workspace, limited interactions. Values harmony. Lacks flexibility, spontaneity. Generous to a fault; loves to be of service. Demands little from others, takes responsibility for their inadequacies. * - Name to be changed.
Focused on potential positive societal impact of big decisions. Interest in doing important things that matter; engaging in strategic long-term thinking; interacting with experts and clever / creative minds. Employs logical, objective standards and policies. Enjoys challenging his/her intellect and creativity. Prefers well-organized environment with clear guidelines. Network extensively; do it all in public eye. May miss the simple answer, doesn’t always listen or hear or see; may be quick or pushy.
Focused on strong inner values, something I care deeply about. Loyal, cooperative team member. Attention to detail, practical benefit to real people, strong service orientation. Courtesy and aesthetics matter as much as a cheerful, cooperative experience. Keep things simple and out of the public eye. Careful about providing negative feedback. May ignore or misread ideas that are inconsistent with beliefs or world view. Present-oriented. Difficult to imagine the big picture.
Develop, analyze, critique new ideas. Engaged by complex problems, and original solutions. Let me think, spend quiet time with thoughts and ideas to see possibilities that may not be immediately apparent to others. Logic, reason, instinct and ideas lead the way. Envisions and imagines clearly. Relies upon self-confidence, personal judgment. Prefers to interact with chosen few. Let others handle details—allows time for the next intellectual challenge
For a closer look at our character development process, see the research documents developed for possible animal characters in the Archive section: dog, cat, squirrel, turtle, owl, bee, ant, pigeon, dolphin.