Page 52 - DMGT519_Conflict Management and Negotiation Skills

Conflict Management and Negotiation Skills

Notes the way these fluids were thought to affect behavior eventually became a part of personality
theory, eventually separated completely from the idea that fluids actually controlled behavior.
However, the names still remain. An ensemble based on these four humors can make the
ensemble diverse without actually changing the roles of the characters in the show’s continuity.
The four temperaments (humors) are:

1. Sanguine (blood): Extroverted and people-oriented. Exhibits optimism, good cheer, a love
of fun, enthusiasm. On the flip side, they may be impulsive, arrogant, self-indulgent, easily
angered or upset, wear their hearts on their sleeves, or even be a space case. Corresponds
to the element of air. If female, will be a Genki Girl, The Pollyanna, or a more plucky/
outgoing Yamato Nadeshiko.
2. Choleric (yellow bile): Extroverted and task-oriented. Exhibits leadership, dominance,
ambition, charisma, passion. But also shows narrow-mindedness, obsession, and a Hair-
Trigger Temper. Likes to be independent and have control over others. Corresponds to
the element of fire. If female, will be a Lady of War or Tsundere.

3. Melancholic (black bile): Introverted and task-oriented. Independent, courteous, organized,
hard-working, analytical; but also a brooding, high-strung perfectionist whose insanely
high standards lead to depression. Corresponds to the element of earth. If female, will
be The Woman Wearing The Queenly Mask, Kuudere, or an Emotionless Girl with a job
to do.
4. Phlegmatic (phlegm): Introverted and people-oriented. Is calm, stoic, reliable,
compassionate, observant; but also lazy, reactionary, docile. Tends to be dependent on
others, either by choice or because of insecurity. Corresponds to the element of water. If
female, will be either an Emotionless Girl, Dandere, Shrinking Violet, or more submissive/
docile Yamato Nadeshiko.
Alternatively, there’s a system of five temperaments where the Phlegmatic is moved into a
central, fifth position, with the fourth corner being filled by the Supine temperament:
1. Supine (tears): Quiet, friendly, non-confrontational, and dependent on others. Basically
narrows the first type phlegmatic category down to those whose introversion is due
to shyness and/or low self-esteem.
2. Phlegmatic II: The “middle of the road” temperament. Someone who typically doesn’t
exhibit the extremes or weaknesses of the four basic temperaments. In a positive light:
Balanced and well-rounded in character (half-way between temperaments). In a negative
light: Empty and devoid of character (having no temperament). The positive light is
commonly reserved for secondary characters like Wise Old Mentors, because more extreme
“temperamental” characters are easier to identify with and thus make more popular
heroes.
A Four Temperament Ensemble will have one character to fit each one of these four temperaments.
Sometimes a Five Man Band with four members will also be a Four Temperament Ensemble,
but in many cases, they’re mutually exclusive. For the five-temperament version, the most
common match-ups for the roles would be: The Hero – Phlegmatic (type II), The Lancer –
Choleric, The Big Guy – Sanguine, The Smart Guy – Melancholic, The Chick – Supine.

There is also some overlap with Power Trio scenarios: The McCoy is usually Sanguine, The
Kirk is usually Choleric, and The Spock is usually Phlegmatic; in these cases, the Melancholic
role will be filled by a prominent supporting character, who is still clearly outside of the triad.
In Red Oni, Blue Oni, a Red Oni will likely be Choleric or Sanguine, while a Blue Oni will more
likely be Melancholic or Phlegmatic. A five-temperament version could be seen as the maximum
extension of a Power Trio – The Phlegmatic Type II is The Kirk, The Choleric and The Sanguine

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