The 7 Radicals Method or 7 Personality Types by V.V. Ponomarenko

The topic of personality types is a fascinating one, comparable to Jung’s archetypes (which I’ll write about another time). Today, let’s focus on psychotypes. Through studying various methods, I’ve found that the most effective way to interact with people—and succeed in life—is not through manipulation techniques, but by understanding others and, most importantly, yourself. Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses gives you a significant advantage. Only someone who truly knows themselves can resist manipulation and skillfully influence others. If a self-aware person is pushed toward behavior that’s not natural for them, they’ll notice immediately. Conversely, someone who doesn’t know themselves is much easier to sway.

The good news? Very few people truly know themselves. This method introduces 7 radicals (personality types or character types), which will help you better understand yourself and quickly read others to achieve your goals.

Origin of the Method

This method was developed by V.V. Ponomarenko, based on psychological theories about character traits. The names of the radicals come from psychiatric terms used to describe certain personality disorders. However, in this context, radicals simply refer to personality features where certain traits are strongly pronounced. This leads people to favor specific reactions, behaviors, and even styles in clothing and accessories.

The essence of the method is that you can identify character components by external signs. This allows you to quickly spot psychological and communication traits in real time—without tests—by observing someone’s behavior, communication style, and even appearance.

The following information is based on V.V. Ponomarenko’s book, 7 Radicals.

The 7 Personality Radicals

1. Paranoid (Goal-Oriented)
2. Histrionic (Demonstrative)
3. Epileptoid (Two Types: Stuck and Excitable)
4. Schizoid (Eccentric)
5. Hyperthymic (Cheerful)
6. Emotive (Sensitive)
7. Anxious (Fearful)

Paranoid (Goal-Oriented) Type

These are people with a strong inner core. They live for their ideas, fight for them, and defend them passionately. They’re not receptive to outside opinions, listening only to themselves (“My way or the wrong way”). This often leads to a refusal to listen to others and a tendency to avoid problems. Paranoid types are strategists, not tacticians. Their goals are global, and their ambitions are huge. They relentlessly pursue what others see as unattainable. Their lives are built on principles, allowing them to “walk over others” if needed. Their motto: “If you’re not with us, you’re against us.” They may lie for their cause, value only the end result, and believe the ends justify the means. They’re demanding of themselves and others, always evaluating strengths and weaknesses. Paranoid types are usually stress-resistant and are considered a strong personality type.

• Clothing: Neat, classic style at work; “military” style in leisure. Accessories are always appropriate and never excessive.
• Facial Expressions: Authoritative, confident.
• Gestures: Broad, chopping, pointing. They often invade personal space to unsettle others.
• Speech: Confident, sometimes lecturing. They like to talk about topics that interest them, are structured (“firstly, secondly, thirdly…”), and use strong language and judgments.
• Positive Communication Model: Show your strength or status. Reference laws or authoritative opinions. Present clear, structured arguments. Paranoid types respond best to authority and will listen if you show how your ideas help their grand vision.

Histrionic (Demonstrative) Type

Histrionic types crave attention and want to be liked. They often see themselves as natural actors—life is a stage, and everyone else is the audience. They behave dramatically and strive to be noticed. Their communication is often theatrical and overly talkative. Histrionics tend to believe their own stories, even if they’re exaggerated or untrue, simply because they want to make things sound better. Just listening to them will often reveal inconsistencies. They seize every opportunity to speak. This is considered a weak psychotype.

• Clothing: Often flashy, bright, or with extravagant details. Lots of jewelry, accessories, and, for women, heavy makeup. Men may wear excessive jewelry or eye-catching items like scarves or many rings.
• Facial Expressions: Exaggerated emotions—big smiles, open laughter, tears, dramatic sadness.
• Gestures: Broad, theatrical, and accentuated poses.
• Speech: Emotional, expressive, with dramatic pauses.
• Positive Communication Model: Be a good listener. Histrionics open up more if you “play along.” Compliment them, and they’ll likely agree with you. To catch them in a lie, just ask them to repeat their story.

Epileptoid (Stuck Type)

This subtype is rigid and slow to switch from one thing to another. They’re systematic, punctual, deliberate, and pragmatic. Preparation is important to them, and everything must be in its place. They’re intolerant of anyone disrupting their order. They plan and write everything down. Their motto: “My home is my fortress.” They’re slow to form relationships but are extremely loyal friends. If they call you a friend, they’ll never betray you and will sacrifice everything for you if needed. They rarely change jobs and are family-oriented.

• Facial Expressions: Direct, confident gaze, sometimes perceived as heavy. Rare and minor emotional outbursts.
• Gestures: Precise and measured.
• Speech: Slow and sluggish.
• Positive Communication Model: Use logical, well-structured arguments. Avoid rushing or being spontaneous. If they see their own interest, they’ll become your ally.

Epileptoid (Excitable Type)

This subtype is tough and sometimes harsh. They may be involved in sports or competitive activities. Like the stuck type, they’re neat and value hygiene, preferring short hair, short nails, and sporty clothing. They’re always ready for a fight, love order and hierarchy, and can be cynical. They follow instructions blindly (“I was just following orders”). They’re not picky about how they achieve their goals and may accuse others, even falsely, to test them. Unlike the stuck type, they’re unpredictable and impulsive, focused only on their own goals. They may engage in antisocial behavior, alcoholism, or drug use. This is a strong psychotype.

• Clothing: Sportswear.
• Facial Expressions: Direct, aggressive gaze; facial expressions are small and tense.
• Gestures: Heavy, muscle-flexing—an overt display of strength.
• Speech: Slow, harsh.
• Positive Communication Model: Keep your distance and maintain a firm stance—otherwise, they’ll try to dominate. Show your authority and don’t provoke impulsive actions. If they “lose it,” the situation can quickly get out of control. They like the idea of “teaming up against someone.”

Schizoid (Eccentric) Type

Schizoids have their own view of reality and unique perspectives. They live in their own world and make their own rules. They’re creative, unpredictable, and strong introverts. Their main trait: “Not like everyone else.” They often have an odd appearance—either fragile or awkward, sometimes even grotesque. This is a weak psychotype.

• Clothing: Often mismatched, untidy, with unexpected details. Unlike histrionics, schizoids don’t have a clear “look.”
• Facial Expressions: A “distant” gaze, sometimes mismatched with gestures (e.g., smiling while clenching fists).
• Gestures: Awkward, uncoordinated.
• Speech: Highly intellectual, full of terminology, often referencing various sources.
• Positive Communication Model: Since they’re introverted, face-to-face interaction is uncomfortable for them. They prefer remote communication. If you must meet in person, avoid harsh judgments or direct criticism—they’re very sensitive. Give them clear end goals, and if they’re your boss, report only completed results. They don’t care about the process.

Hyperthymic (Cheerful) Type

Hyperthymics are energetic, love life, and are optimistic. They find the positive in any situation, are always open to new things, and never get discouraged. They love socializing, are witty, and have a good sense of humor. They multitask and switch between activities easily. They often prefer extreme sports or adventures. This is a strong psychotype.

• Clothing: Versatile, comfortable, and non-restrictive.
• Facial Expressions: Lively, cheerful, energetic.
• Gestures: Energetic and quick. They’re restless, often dropping things or bumping into people.
• Speech: Enthusiastic. They may lose track of the conversation but quickly return to the topic.
• Positive Communication Model: Be open and relaxed. They’re always ready to connect and tend to be overly trusting.

Emotive (Sensitive) Type

Emotive types are marked by kindness and empathy. They’re attentive listeners and show understanding. They’re emotionally passive, preferring to observe others’ emotions rather than experience their own. They enjoy emotional TV shows, movies, and books. They avoid conflict and may have psychosomatic symptoms that worsen under stress. This is a weak psychotype.

• Clothing: Soft, pleasant to the touch, comfortable, and movement-friendly.
• Facial Expressions: Weak, uncertain. They may have “teary eyes.”
• Gestures: Smooth, not angular; may stroke themselves during conversation.
• Speech: Quiet. They prefer listening, rarely object, and seldom lie.
• Positive Communication Model: Be congruent and treat them as equals. Show trust and look for common ground.

Anxious (Fearful) Type

Anxious types are characterized by heightened worry and constant double-checking to avoid mistakes. They often struggle to make decisions and avoid social interaction, becoming very nervous when they must engage. They have calming rituals (e.g., wiping their feet, spitting over their shoulder, drinking coffee before work). They’re punctual and follow instructions to avoid penalties. They’re reserved in speech and actions. Their motto: “Measure seven times, cut once.” This is a weak psychotype.

• Clothing: Dull, closed, usually dark or gray with small geometric patterns.
• Facial Expressions: Weak, uncertain.
• Gestures: Self-soothing—touching themselves, wringing hands. Their posture is tense, as if ready to bolt.
• Speech: Quiet, uncertain, afraid of saying the wrong thing.
• Positive Communication Model: Offer encouragement, show trust, and praise any positive statements. Avoid unnecessary criticism. If criticism is needed, present it gently so they understand the situation isn’t dire. For anxious subordinates, give detailed, precise instructions.

Final Notes and Practice

If someone has only one psychotype, that’s an abnormality—such people are usually in institutions. Most people have three, but rarely more. Usually, one is dominant and is immediately apparent as a “meta-message.”

To practice:

1. Take a piece of paper
2. Go to your social network (e.g., VK)
3. Pick 10–20 acquaintances
4. Type them according to the radicals, briefly noting your reasoning

Study yourself and others. See you next time!