Walter White - LIE (remake + all 8 function breakdown)
Te 1: Base Business Logic
Pragmatism and Efficiency: Walter’s decision to enter the drug trade after being diagnosed with cancer exemplifies Jack London's mindset. He assesses his financial situation and the future of his family and realizes that his teaching job and car wash work will never provide the stability he seeks. He then focuses on pragmatic solutions, choosing a highly profitable (albeit illegal) path, aligned with his chemistry abilities, much like the opportunism on time observed in Jack. The entire operation is approached with focus on productiveness and results, business-minded perspective, as he consistently seeks to optimize production and distribution, demonstrating his skill in organizing complex processes in the real world, and a dangerous, criminal area of expertise.
Time and Risks: As an LIE, Walter continuously assesses the objective tasks in front of him and adapts to the most favorable conditions. He starts small in the meth business, but once he realizes the potential for more significant profit, he scales his operations. This progressive mindset, tackling on small tasks but making things harder and more rewarding ("Up the Risks") as he adapts, is classic Jack London behavior. He is not bound by sentimentality but instead by efficiency, as seen in his relationship with Jesse Pinkman, where he prioritizes the business over personal loyalty or emotions.
Autonomy and Desire to Develop more Assertiveness: LIEs also have this desire to get more assertive, as well as the desire to be autonomous, in Walter's case, operating freely as a criminal for maximum profits. He starts out in the show as a chemistry teacher that's mocked even by his own students, but rise to become the greatest kingpin of Albuquerque. He despises working under Gus Fring, but as LIE, he sees many things to be learned even from his toughest experiences. Walter’s logical planning and long-term vision (Te + Ni) push him to eliminate Gus at the right time and take over the entire operation. His methods are always centered on maximizing his own control and efficiency, refusing to be constrained by others' rules.
Strategical long-term vision: Throughout Breaking Bad, Walter consistently demonstrates his talent for planning, particularly in extreme or dangerous situations. Whether it’s orchestrating the downfall of his enemies or ensuring his family’s financial future, his ability to think several steps ahead, calculate risks, and optimize outcomes is evident. For example, his meticulous preparation for taking down Gus Fring reflects his Te-driven strategy, using precise timing, understanding of systems, and leveraging his knowledge of chemistry and logistics.
Disdain for Bureaucracy and Slow Processes: Walter’s impatience with bureaucracy is evident in his early resentment towards the healthcare system, which fails to provide him with the swift treatment he believes he deserves. This also fits with his Si polr function. He also shows this disdain in his teaching job, where he feels trapped by mundane responsibilities and unappreciated for his intellect.
Striving for Achievement: Deep down, Walter’s LIE nature is driven by the desire for his talents to be recognized and respected. This is shown not only in his meth business but also in his initial frustration with how his former partners at Gray Matter overshadow his own scientific contributions. His decision to become “Heisenberg” is a direct expression of his need to realize his capabilities fully, finding an outlet for his talents that demands recognition and commands respect.
Extreme Conditions: LIEs are known for their ability to handle extreme situations and pressures, often performing at their best in crises. Walter thrives under such conditions, maintaining composure and coming up with highly effective solutions even when faced with life-threatening circumstances. For instance, his quick thinking and resourcefulness are evident when he improvises solutions in dangerous scenarios, such as escaping from Tuco Salamanca or neutralizing Gus.
Cold Logic and Risk Assessment: Walter’s decision-making is consistently guided by rational assessments of risks and rewards, showing a characteristic Te approach. He does not shy away from difficult choices if they lead to greater efficiency or profit, even if those choices involve significant moral compromises. His cold-blooded decision to allow Jane to die, for example, is a calculated move to maintain control over Jesse and prevent the collapse of his empire. This mirrors the LIE’s approach to focusing on the bigger picture and long-term success over emotional or ethical concerns.
Ni 2: Creative Intuition of Time
Manipulation of Time:
Walter White's second Ni manifests vividly in his ability to strategize, anticipating threats and dangers, and strategically navigate the future, such as forging his path and accomplishing great tasks to become the number one in the world of drug trafficking. One prime example is his decision to enter the drug trade after his cancer diagnosis. He perceives the impending financial ruin that his death would bring upon his family and he foresees a means of securing their future by cooking methamphetamine. This also shows an important detail that's observed in LIEs, which is the use of some potential they already have, such as Walter wanting to try his hand at the criminal world of drug manufacturing, already having a lifelong interest and talent in chemistry. It also shows the tendency for this type to thrive, and overcome difficult situations, already focused in manipulating them to transform then into productivity, such as Walt did. LIEs after all are highly motivated individual when dealing with crisis and risks. His intuition of time guides him to the realization that his time is limited after his cancer diagnosis, and becomes the most productive he has ever been, showing the LIE's ability to grasp the benefit and be confident in what the future will bring to them, even in negative situations.
Temporal Thinking:
Throughout the series, Walter demonstrates an impeccable sense of when to act decisively and when to wait. This aligns with the way the LIE interacts with time, with a highly strategical thinking. His dealings with Gus Fring are a clear example of this. Walter patiently works under Gus, knowing the risks, but he bides his time, gathering information and resources before making his move. When the moment comes, he executes his plan with precision, killing Gus and taking over the operation. This reflects the LIE’s talent for using time to his advantage, carefully adapting to challenging situations and enduring them with minimal losses.
Management and Efficiency:
Walter's Ni also expresses itself in his dynamic approach to time. He often disregards rigid schedules in favor of the more pressing demands of his drug empire, showing the LIE’s flexible and dynamic planning style. For example, he abruptly leaves family gatherings or skips important events, such as his son’s birthday, because his illicit activities demand immediate attention. This fluid approach to time is typical of LIEs, who do not confine themselves to strict routines but instead adjust their actions based on expediency and necessity, always paying attention to efficiency and the numbers.
The right use in the right time:
In times of uncertainty, Walter's Ni-driven flexibility allows him to improvise and find solutions. One example is his use of the magnet trick to destroy evidence in a police evidence room. The idea comes to him unexpectedly, but it perfectly fits the situation. This ability to find useful solutions under pressure reflects the LIE's natural adaptation to instability, often relying on their creative intuition to come up with the the most effective course of action.
Disdain for Passivity:
Like many LIEs, Walter is highly uncomfortable with idleness. His retirement in season 5 illustrates this well. Despite achieving financial success and safety for his family, he becomes restless and eventually returns to the drug business. People like Jack London needs to be in constant activity, especially if they found something they have a talent on. This highlights the LIE’s disdain for periods of inactivity or stagnation, as they thrive in environments where they can engage in productive, meaningful work.
"Time is Money" Logic:
Walter’s focus on long-term goals and his ability to see the larger picture and courses of action often comes at the cost of his personal relationships. His wife, Skyler, and his family frequently find themselves on the periphery of his plans, which are dominated by his vision for the future. This detachment reflects the LIE’s tendency to prioritize time and efficiency over emotional interactions, often unintentionally harming those closest to them.
Fe 3: Role Ethics of Emotions
Unnatural Emotions
At the core of the LIE’s emotional struggles is their lack of fluency with emotions, particularly when these emotions aren't aligned with their practical or logical objectives. Walter is frequently seen wearing emotional "masks," alternating between a jovial, easy-going demeanor and one of intense seriousness. For example, in his earlier persona as a high school teacher, he often presents himself as mild-mannered and unassuming, trying to blend in with societal norms. This is the Fe-role in action, where emotions are not an innate strength but something they "use" situationally to engage with others. Walter's Fe role is displayed when he tries to mask his ambition and ruthlessness under a friendly exterior, such as during his family interactions or while negotiating in his drug enterprise, but he doesn't do this well because it's a point of pressure to him. Another example is how he is a bad liar, and Skyler and others often question there's something wrong with his unnatural, forced and mechanic display of emotion.
Emotions as logic
Walter's Fe is subordinated to his logic and power-driven goals, leading him to express emotions that are often calculated or false. For example, he maintains a facade of concern for his family, but this is largely a cover for his deeper need to justify his actions and maintain control. This aligns with the LIE's tendency to use emotions strategically, based on what is "needed for the matter at hand." Walter’s outbursts of anger, frustration, and even pride are well-timed to achieve specific outcomes, such as intimidating others or manipulating their emotions to protect his agenda. This manipulative use of Fe, rather than genuine emotional engagement, fits the LIE profile. An example of Walter White’s calculated emotionality is when he attempts to project an image of a loving husband and father, particularly to Skyler. However, his motivations are frequently coldly logical, and his concern for family often feels more like an attempt to justify his ego-driven desire for power and legacy than true emotional connection.
Lack of emotional depth
The LIE's logic-first approach comes at a cost to their emotional relationships. Walter uses his role functions to "engage" with Skyler, but the authenticity of these emotions is often undercut by his pragmatic intentions. Sometimes, he doesn't even pay much attention to trying better and putting up a better emotional "mask", because he's more worried about his business matters.
Emotional pressure
Walter also struggles with more negative emotions like fear, guilt, or vulnerability. His inability to handle Skyler's emotional reactions, particularly when she withdraws or expresses hostility, mirrors the LIE's discomfort with strong emotional displays. Walter often becomes paralyzed or defensive when confronted with such emotional volatility. This discomfort with negative emotions highlights another LIE tendency: they endure emotional pressure but lack the tools to respond effectively, often waiting for the situation to pass or trying to resolve it logically.
Si 4: Vulnerable Sense of Comfort
Inability to manage internal sensations: Walter’s inability to manage his health and physical surroundings reflects his vulnerable Si. He often neglects his own well-being in favor of his intellectual pursuits and career goals. Despite suffering from cancer, Walter refuses to accept help or care, demonstrating his irritation with needing to be physically vulnerable. He can ignore warm opportunities of being helped by others because of his discomfort with not providing for himself, much like Jack London. Even when in pain or discomfort, he tries to maintain a stoic facade, prioritizing his larger goal of building his drug empire.
Irritation and constant feeling out of place: Walter often feels uneasy when it comes to acknowledging his physical weaknesses. For example, after chemotherapy sessions, instead of resting, he immerses himself in work, pushing his body to the limit. His refusal to prioritize relaxation or seek comfort reflects how Si polr leads to shame and frustration when facing physical limitations. His work ethic, especially as he balances cancer treatment with meth production, reveals how he overcompensates for this weakness by focusing on external goals.
Neglect of Personal Appearance and Environment: Throughout the series, Walter’s appearance becomes more disheveled as his descent into the criminal world deepens. His lack of attention to his physical presentation, especially during critical moments in his life, underscores his Si polr. While initially a clean-cut chemistry teacher, he becomes indifferent to his looks as his priorities shift entirely toward building his empire. This reflects how Jack London can ignore the physical world at all once he's set to pursue his greatness.
Constant need for Action and Risk: LIEs struggle to engage in genuine relaxation or leisure, and Walter exemplifies this through his constant need to be doing something productive or with risks. He rarely takes time off, and when he does, his mind is still racing with thoughts of his criminal operations. Even in seemingly peaceful moments, such as family dinners, he appears tense and mentally elsewhere, unable to fully engage in the simple pleasures of life. His discomfort with "downtime" shows his lack of connection with Si.
Mismanagement of Health: Walter's Si polr is further highlighted by his reaction to his illness. Instead of focusing on healing and recovery, Walter views his cancer diagnosis as a challenge to his competence and dignity, and he channels his energy into achieving power and wealth through meth production. He rarely takes time to truly rest or recuperate, seeing such periods as a waste of time. This behavior illustrates how LIEs, when left to their own devices, will neglect self-care.
Awkwardness in comfortable and static situations: Walter often appears uncomfortable in settings that require a focus on comfort, intimacy, or domestic care. For instance, he struggles to connect with his family on an emotional and physical level, becoming distant from Skyler and his children as his meth empire grows. In contrast to his precise and calculated mind for business and problem-solving, Walter’s handling of personal relationships and homely settings becomes increasingly strained and awkward.
Seeking for trustful relationships:
Walter’s interpersonal relationships are full with tension and uncertainty, largely because of his Fi-seeking nature. His Fi is weak, though he is attracted to it, especially in bonding more profoundly with his family or even with partner Jesse Pinkman, even though he is not fully able to initiate that connection. At the beginning of the show, we see how Walt is receptive to bonding with other people, even when he captures and is ultimately pushed to kill Domingo Molina, "Krazy-8", but often learns through concrete experience that he has to have a more cold, stone heart in the line of business he's chosen.
LIEs, like Walter, are concerned with loyalty, trust, and the motives behind others' actions, but they struggle to read these dynamics themselves. Walter’s desire to know who is trustworthy becomes a key part of his narrative, especially in his relationships with Jesse Pinkman, Gus Fring, and Saul Goodman. He evaluates their actions logically, but he frequently underestimates their emotional responses and personal motivations. For example, he miscalculates Jesse's loyalty and doesn't fully understand his need for emotional support, leading to a series of betrayals and missteps.
Image of Loyalty:
Walter places a high value on loyalty to his "team"—initially his family, and later, his criminal enterprise. LIEs often subconsciously rely on ethical frameworks provided by others, and in Walter's case, this ethical foundation becomes more defined as he becomes immersed in the drug trade. His initial motivation to provide for his family shifts into a more complex set of values where loyalty to his "project" becomes paramount. He takes extreme measures to protect what he sees as his mission, even when it means alienating those closest to him. This mirrors the LIE’s tendency to defend core values such as devotion to their work or team, even at great personal cost.
Trust and Betrayal:
Walter is deeply affected by betrayal, particularly when it contradicts his logical assessments of trust. For instance, when Skyler begins to question and eventually turn against him, Walter feels betrayed on an ethical level, even though his own actions have led to the breakdown of trust. This demonstrates the LIE’s sensitivity to relationship crises. Walter does not intuitively understand how to mend the broken trust with Skyler or Jesse and instead relies on manipulation or logical coercion to maintain control over the situation.
Se 6: Mobilizing Force Sensory
Se Mobilizing in Walter White:
Openness to learn from force: Walter White development through the show exemplifies better his more accessible reception toward force, as he learns with difficult and tough situations how to be more assertive and tough himself. This happens in various critical points in the series, such as when he physically confronts threats like Tuco, the violent drug dealer. Walter's mobilizing Se is seen in how he always deals with people more powerful than him, learning something from them. It is also observed in how every bigger threat that Walt eliminates changes him, giving him more confidence. This is a hallmark of Se mobilizing—learning with situations where force and power are exalted.
Influencing Others Through Power: Walter's rise in the drug empire is tied to his ability to organize and execute tasks logically (Te), but as he gains more power, his Se mobilizes in more frequent, visible ways. He starts using intimidation and manipulation, like when he tells Skyler, "I am the one who knocks!". He also starts to create an ego, where he needs to be recognized for his deeds by people in the game ("Say my Name").
Mistaking Goals for Mirages: At the beginning of the series, Walter is motivated by providing for his family, but as time goes on, his goals shift toward empire-building. His grand schemes and plans (Te and Ni) sometimes lead him down unrealistic paths, like thinking threats will not appear in his way. This idealism, typical of LIE's subconscious side, occasionally leads him astray, needing for activation to Se—he fights back, reorients, and finds new, more concrete goals (e.g., taking over Gus’s drug empire after killing him), motivated by situations where risk is big and danger is high.
Competition-bound leadership: Walter does not naturally leads—he prefers to lead only with clear objectives in mind (Te), inspiring through his strategy and business-oriented mentality. However, when the competition is being better than him, he activates this competitive side, focused on becoming the best. That side of him can also make him become more greedy, as seen when even when he has a lot of money to guarantee the future of all his family, he still wants to make more. This comes from a desire to make an external impact, and make people see, unmistakably, that he is the best. This can be quite normal for Jack London.
Desire to be seen as a Macho figure: Walter focus on being seen as the man who provides for his family, both in a social and criminal level, also exemplifies well his Se mobilizing. He needs to be seen as a powerful person by others, one that deals with his own problems instead of running away or calling out for help.
Limiting Structures: Walter’s focus throughout Breaking Bad is on practical outcomes—whether it's synthesizing the best methamphetamine or outmaneuvering adversaries. His process of gathering information is primarily focused on immediate, fact-based needs that support his goals. For example, when he initially learns how to cook meth, Walter masters the chemistry and synthesis of the drug based on facts and empirical knowledge, not on abstract or theoretical considerations. His decisions are based on actionable logic rather than on ensuring the theoretical or structural coherence of his plans. LIEs are known for selectively engaging with Ti when it directly supports their objectives, but Walter doesn't linger on the internal consistency of a system unless it directly impacts his endgame.
One example of Walter’s Ti ignoring is his tendency to disregard the theoretical or moral framework that others try to impose on him. Characters like Hank, Gus, and even Jesse operate with various ethical and logical frameworks, but Walter is uninterested in adhering to external systems unless they directly help him. His decision-making revolves around achieving dominance, survival, and maintaining control, leading him to manipulate people and situations without worrying too much about whether his methods are consistent with some overarching logical structure.
In several scenes, Walter displays an aversion to abstract theorizing that doesn’t lead to tangible results. For example, when others attempt to moralize or introduce ethical reasoning to influence him (like Skyler or Hank), Walter deflects and redirects conversations to how they affect his goals. He isn't concerned with whether his plans fit a coherent, ethically justifiable system—only whether they are efficient and likely to succeed. This is especially evident when he justifies his actions with his iconic line, "I did it for me. I liked it. I was good at it." His Ti ignorance shows that his motivations and methods don’t have to fit into any theoretical logic beyond his personal satisfaction and success.
Walter is also highly attuned to discrepancies and contradictions in the logic of others, quickly identifying weaknesses or inaccuracies in their reasoning. His reactions to Saul Goodman’s legal advice, for instance, show that he values practical application over formalized logic or ethical correctness. Saul may propose technically sound, albeit morally questionable, solutions, but Walter evaluates them based on whether they help him maintain his empire, not on whether they are theoretically consistent or sound.
Collecting Information Based on Practicality: In his pursuit of success in the meth business, Walter meticulously gathers information, whether it's learning how to improve his product, anticipating the moves of his rivals, or understanding how the drug trade operates. His information-gathering is always rooted in practicality—Walter rarely engages in theoretical or unnecessary musings unless they directly apply to the problem at hand.
Resistance to Manipulation and Logical Distortions: He despises when people distort facts or fail to provide logically sound explanations. This is evident in his relationship with Gus Fring. While Gus operates with a veneer of professionalism and order, Walter is quick to pick up on inconsistencies in Gus's behavior and uses this to plot his eventual rebellion against him. Walter is fundamentally distrustful of people who manipulate facts or present incomplete or false information based on their own personal interpretations, which aligns with the LIE's natural aversion to logical discrepancies, especially when dealing with objective facts. His ability to see through half-truths and misinformation is one of his key survival strategies throughout the series.
1. Comparison to the Possibilities of Others: Walter constantly compares his life trajectory to others. Early in his career, he was part of a successful research group that eventually became a multi-billion-dollar company, Gray Matter. Seeing his former colleagues' success stirs his subconscious Ne, pushing him to reflect on how he could have been in their position. Instead of feeling envious in a petty way, he prefers to decide for himself which opportunities he could still pursue. As the show progresses, Walter’s primary motivation becomes proving his ability to succeed on his own terms, not living in the shadow of what could have been.
2. The Desire to Save and Protect: Walter justifies his entire venture into the drug trade with the goal of securing his family's financial future. The LIE’s subconscious orientation towards helping the weak is evident in Walter's initial rationale that he’s doing everything "for his family." His desire to protect and provide resonates with the LIE’s Id need to rescue others, which parallels his role as a high school chemistry teacher—a position that reflects the LIE’s tendency to mentor or guide those with less knowledge or ability.
3. Testing Physical and Mental Limits: Walter White’s journey is filled with high-stakes risks, demonstrating the LIE's inclination to test the limits of their possibilities. He repeatedly finds himself in situations where he must improvise under pressure—whether it's using chemistry to escape life-threatening scenarios or devising elaborate strategies to outmaneuver his enemies. These actions resonate with the LIE’s demonstrative Ne, where new, unseen possibilities are constantly explored, often in dangerous or life-altering ways.
4. The Romanticism Side of Adventure and Risk: Walter starts as a quiet, passive individual, but once he steps into the world of meth production, he embodies the LIE’s love for adventure and danger. He thrives under the adrenaline of risky ventures, from confronting dangerous cartel members to participating in life-threatening operations like train heists. His transformation from a meek teacher to a ruthless drug kingpin illustrates the LIE’s inherent desire for new experiences and challenges, mirroring their fascination with overcoming obstacles.
5. Respect for Diligence and Achievement: Walter deeply respects those who succeed through hard work and foresight. His admiration for Gustavo Fring, a methodical and calculated businessman, reflects the LIE’s respect for those who have achieved significant success through persistence and strategy. However, Walter’s growing need to outdo Gus highlights his competitive streak, characteristic of the LIE’s Ne demonstrative function, where Walter wants to test his limits and prove he can outmaneuver those he respects.
6. Indifference to Daily Life While Focused on Higher Goals: In his pursuit of empire-building, Walter becomes indifferent to the mundane aspects of life. He often disregards family concerns, highlighting the LIE’s tendency to focus on larger goals while becoming less attentive to personal matters. His ability to detach emotionally, even when dealing with personal crises, reflects the LIE’s pragmatic, long-term thinking.
7. Confidence, Optimism, and Masking Fear: Throughout Breaking Bad, Walter exhibits immense confidence, especially when confronting dire circumstances. He rarely shows fear, even in life-threatening situations, as he projects a sense of control and optimism, typical of the LIE. His composed demeanor and refusal to display vulnerability play into the LIE's characteristic confidence in their ability to overcome challenges and manage crises effectively.
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