Character Psychology: Raistlin Majere

I first read the Dragonlance Chronicles when I was in either eighth or ninth grade (Classic, the Twins Trilogy, & The Soulforge (Raistlin’s past)). I was completely enamored with one character in particular – Raistlin Majere. He was a neutral to dark mage (wizard), depending on the book. He grew up as a child who was often sick and as a result, was illustrated as being very frail, but extremely sharp witted. He had a twin, Caramon Majere who was much his opposite and in many of the books Raistlin seems to outright despise for his ignorance and ineptitude. Even yet, they share a bond (whether they like it or not) that is not so easily broken. Raistlin was never really portrayed as a hero, often being selfish, evil, power-hungry, etc. Back when I was growing up and hitting into my angsty teens I not only identified with him, I swore that there was more to the story than him simply being “a bad guy” though, and for the first time in my life, I realized that good and evil are not nearly so black and white…

For Raistlin’s character in particular, I would say that the MBTI and some of Dr. Morris Massey’s theory are most helpful in describing him. In MBTI, I would definitely tag Raistlin Majere as being an INTJ. He is introverted, draws his power from within, intuitive, ever-thinking, ever-calculating, and extremely judgemental. He tends to be very self-serving but I believe this came about out of necessity after his mother died. He was close to her and Caramon and he had no one after both of his parents died. They were on their own, save for the magic school where Raistlin was eventually enrolled. He sought power initially to take control of his future where he felt helpless before with his mother (a Significant Emotional Event). His body was against him when he was doing his trial to become a mage and was cursed for it ((and other reasons) another Significant Emotional Event). I won’t give away the ending details, but a lot happens that swings him to both sides of the pendulum, showing both the light and dark within his tormented soul. Very fascinating stuff!