Muff Potter is one of the memorable characters featured in Mark Twain’s timeless classic, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer—a story that later inspired the anime adaptation titled Tom Sawyer no Bouken. Now, when we talk about Muff Potter, it’s important to understand his role not just as a side character, but as someone whose presence adds depth and emotional weight to the narrative. In the original novel, Muff Potter starts off as a man who was once respected in the fictional town of St. Petersburg. Over time, though, his struggle with alcohol led him down a difficult path, and he eventually became known as the town drunk—a label that followed him everywhere he went.

Despite this, Muff Potter isn’t portrayed as a villain or even a truly broken man. In fact, in the anime version, Muff Potter comes across as surprisingly warm-hearted and cheerful, often bringing a sense of gentle humor and kindness wherever he appears. Sure, he has his flaws—his drinking is never really hidden—but what stands out more is his genuine care for others, especially the children like Tom and Huck. He may not have much, but whenever they’re in trouble, Muff Potter is there, doing what little he can to help. That says a lot about his character, doesn’t it?

We first meet Muff Potter in Chapter 9 of the novel, where he’s seen spending time at the local tavern, already deep into drink. At this point, he’s only referred to as “Potter,” and readers don’t get his full name or backstory right away. His life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes entangled in the murder of Dr. Robinson—a crime he didn’t commit, but ends up being blamed for. The whole situation is tragic: Muff Potter is manipulated by the real culprit, Injun Joe, and due to his own fear and loyalty, he almost accepts responsibility for something he didn’t do. This moment becomes a turning point, not just for the plot, but for how we see Muff Potter—as a man caught in circumstances far beyond his control.

In the anime, Muff Potter gets more attention than he does in the book. He’s given extra scenes and moments that highlight his softer side. While the novel focuses more on his misfortunes, the anime chooses to emphasize his humanity. Muff Potter is shown interacting with Tom and Huck on several occasions, offering advice, sharing stories, or just being a friendly face. It’s clear that, despite his reputation, the boys see something good in him—and so do we, the audience. This shift in portrayal doesn’t change who Muff Potter is; instead, it enriches our understanding of him.

When you think about it, Muff Potter plays a surprisingly central role in the overall story. Without his wrongful accusation, Tom and Huck wouldn’t have faced such intense moral dilemmas or taken such bold actions to reveal the truth. So in many ways, Muff Potter acts as a catalyst for some of the most powerful moments in the tale. His hardships make us reflect on themes like justice, loyalty, and compassion—especially how society treats those who’ve fallen from grace.

Now, if we dive into personality types, Muff Potter seems to fit the ISFJ profile quite well. For those familiar with the Myers-Briggs system, ISFJs are often described as loyal, dependable, and deeply caring individuals who value tradition and duty. And honestly, that’s Muff Potter in a nutshell. Even though he’s marginalized by the townspeople, he still holds onto a strong sense of right and wrong. He’s willing to take the fall for a crime because he feels obligated—not because he’s guilty, but because he doesn’t want to cause chaos or go against the natural order. That kind of quiet integrity is classic ISFJ behavior.

Then there’s the Enneagram angle. Many would argue that Muff Potter aligns closely with Type 6, the “Loyalist.” These individuals are known for their deep need for security, their devotion to people they trust, and their tendency to worry or feel anxious under pressure. Muff Potter’s blind loyalty to Injun Joe—even after witnessing his cruelty—is a textbook example of a Type 6 clinging to authority in uncertain times. He’s afraid, yes, but his fear stems from a desire to belong and avoid conflict. He’d rather suffer himself than disrupt the balance or betray someone he sees as part of his world.

Of course, personality typing isn’t an exact science. Different viewers might interpret Muff Potter differently—some might focus on his passivity, others on his resilience. But one thing remains consistent: Muff Potter matters. Whether in the pages of Twain’s novel or in the colorful frames of the anime, Muff Potter leaves an impression. He reminds us that people are more than their worst mistakes or habits. Beneath the surface of a drunken man lies a soul full of kindness, loyalty, and quiet courage.

So, when we look back at the journey of Muff Potter—from his introduction in the tavern to his arrest, and ultimately to his redemption—we see a character shaped by hardship, yet defined by heart. And through it all, Muff Potter stays true to who he is: a man who, despite everything, still cares. That’s why, even today, Muff Potter continues to resonate with readers and viewers alike.