This is a repost of a guide we wrote long ago for Tulpa.io. We feel much more mixed these days about the topic of personality and creation, but established systems and singlets have told us that they find it helpful beyond just creation, so we've decided to preserve it. It probably won't receive many updates, though.
This is a continuation of our 101 + Glossary, breaking down some plural labels and communities a little further along with a few that we hadn't included in the glossary. If you're unfamiliar with the concept of plurality itself, we recommend you start there.
Just like with the 101, this primer is neither complete nor absolute. It does not capture every facet of every community or subcommunity. It is not a reflection of the one true way these labels are used by all people, nor does it include every labels that has been coined, nor does it dictate what the “correct” labels are. It is our attempt at sharing what we've personally gathered and understood over our years in the community, and is thus subject to change as we gain new understandings and the community itself changes. Labels shift in meaning, usage, and connotations; communities merge, split, and bicker; there will always be edge cases, overlaps, and those for whom categories simply do not apply. We strongly encourage anyone deeply interested in the subject of plurality to not stop their learning here.
(Content notes: some brief discussion of integration, drama over labels.)