Louis XVI reigned as King of France from 1774 until the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789. He became monarch at the young age of 20, inheriting a kingdom burdened by heavy debt, largely due to France’s support of the American Revolution. Throughout his early years on the throne, Louis XVI made several attempts to reform the country’s taxation system and curb government spending. However, these efforts were consistently met with resistance from the powerful nobility and clergy, who were unwilling to relinquish their privileges.
As time went on, Louis XVI struggled to manage the growing financial crisis and the widespread discontent among the French people. His inability to effectively address these issues played a significant role in the escalating tensions that eventually led to the revolution. In many ways, Louis XVI was a well-meaning ruler who wanted to do what was best for his people, but he often lacked the decisiveness and political strength necessary to enact meaningful change.
In the anime La Seine no Hoshi, Louis XVI is depicted as a central character during the turbulent years of the French Revolution. He is shown as a somewhat idealistic and well-intentioned monarch who finds it difficult to grasp the full extent of the people’s suffering and the seriousness of the political climate. Despite his efforts to negotiate with the revolutionaries, he ultimately finds himself forced to flee Paris with his family in a desperate attempt to escape capture and execution.
Throughout the series, Louis XVI is portrayed with a great deal of sympathy. He is often seen as a man caught between his royal duties and his genuine concern for his subjects. His relationship with Queen Marie Antoinette is also a major focus, shedding light on the immense pressure both of them faced as representatives of a monarchy that was increasingly seen as out of touch and irrelevant.
Even though his reign ended in failure and tragedy, Louis XVI remains a significant figure in history. He serves as a symbol of the excesses and failures of the old regime, and his story is often used to illustrate the dangers of unchecked power and ineffective leadership. His depiction in La Seine no Hoshi reflects the enduring fascination with his character and the complex emotions surrounding his legacy.
From a personality perspective, Louis XVI appears to embody the traits of an ISFP type in the Myers-Briggs framework. ISFPs are known for their strong moral compass and deep sense of compassion. They often seek harmony in their personal and professional lives, and they tend to avoid conflict whenever possible. This personality type is also known for its individuality—ISFPs are not afraid to be different and often express themselves through creative or artistic pursuits.
Louis XVI, as an ISFP, likely felt the weight of his responsibilities deeply. He may have struggled with the expectations placed upon him as a monarch, especially when those duties conflicted with his personal values and sense of justice. ISFPs are also known to rely on their intuition and gut feelings when making decisions, which could explain some of the king’s more indecisive moments.
In addition to his MBTI type, Louis XVI can also be analyzed through the lens of the Enneagram. Based on his behavior in La Seine no Hoshi, he seems to align with Type 6—known as “The Loyalist.” This type is characterized by a strong sense of loyalty, a desire for security, and a tendency to seek guidance from others during times of uncertainty.
Louis XVI demonstrated a deep commitment to the institution of monarchy and the traditions of France. He was clearly concerned with maintaining the dignity of his position and preserving the image of the royal family. This sense of loyalty extended not only to the crown but also to his immediate family, as he consistently showed concern for their safety and well-being.
At the same time, Louis XVI often appeared anxious and uncertain, especially when faced with difficult decisions. He frequently turned to advisors for reassurance and was known to be indecisive, which are common traits among Enneagram Type 6 individuals. His cautious nature and need for support reflect the inner fears and doubts that often drive this personality type.
Ultimately, Louis XVI’s portrayal in La Seine no Hoshi captures the complexity of his character—his strengths, his weaknesses, and the tragic circumstances that defined his reign. Whether viewed through the lens of history, personality theory, or fiction, Louis XVI remains a compelling and deeply human figure whose story continues to resonate with audiences today.
I am the king and I want it.