The Enneagram

The Enneagram is a powerful and ancient personality system that offers profound insights into human behavior, motivations, and personal growth. Rooted in various spiritual traditions, the Enneagram identifies nine distinct personality types, each with its own patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

Unveiling the Nine Personality Types for Self-Discovery and Growth

Incorporating the Enneagram into character development can lead to more compelling and relatable literary figures. It provides a framework for writers to explore the complexities of human nature, emotions, and relationships, resulting in memorable characters that capture the readers’ hearts and minds.

While there are similarities between the Enneagram types and literary archetypes, they are distinct frameworks that can be used in character development. Writers often draw inspiration from both systems to create well-rounded and captivating characters with unique traits, motivations, and arcs in their stories.

Origins of the Enneagram

The exact origins of the Enneagram are shrouded in mystery, with its roots traced back to ancient wisdom teachings. Some scholars believe it emerged from early Christian mysticism, while others associate it with Sufi teachings or ancient Greek philosophy. However, the modern Enneagram as we know it today was developed and popularized in the 20th century by various teachers, including Oscar Ichazo, Claudio Naranjo, and Helen Palmer.

The Nine Personality Types

The Reformer (Type 1)

Reforms and idealizes the world, striving for perfection and being highly self-critical. They have a strong sense of duty and responsibility, seeking to correct flaws and uphold principles. Principled, conscientious, and disciplined, the One is often called “The Perfectionist” or “The Reformer.” These types strive to live with a great deal of integrity and usually feel called to a higher purpose. 

Celebrity Example: Katharine Hepburn “Without discipline, there’s no life at all.”

The Helper (Type 2) aka The Caregiver

Demonstrates warmth and empathy, focusing on others’ needs and often neglecting their own. They have a strong desire to be appreciated and valued for their helpfulness.

Celebrity Example: Mother Teresa tends to be generous, altruistic, and empathetic. Mother Teresa is likely a hardworking and motivated person with a drive to connect with the world. She tends to be cautious, respectful of authority, sincere, and skeptical of risks or big, sudden changes.

The Achiever (Type 3) aka The Performer

Driven by success and recognition, Type 3s are highly ambitious and adaptable. They fear failure and invest energy in maintaining an impressive image.

Celebrity Example: Lizzo tends to be ambitious, adaptable, and enthusiastic. Lizzo is generally driven and loves to set and accomplish goals. She tends to have lots of charisma, and may lack patience sometimes.

The Individualist (Type 4) aka The Creator

Emotionally attuned and creative, Type 4s are in touch with their unique identities. They can, however, struggle with feelings of inadequacy and longing for what they perceive as missing.

Celebrity Example: Taylor Swift tends to be creative, sensitive, and expressive. Taylor generally likes to be unique and seeks to find a distinct identity. She tends to have strong social skills and intuition, and may move between topics quickly.

The Investigator (Type 5) aka The Thinker

Observant and intellectually curious, Type 5s seek knowledge and privacy. They may struggle with detachment and withdrawing from others to conserve their energy.

Celebrity Example: Bill Gates tends to be curious, independent, and observant. Bill generally loves to pursue knowledge and seeks a deeper understanding of the world. He tends to be objective and direct, favoring straightforward facts over ambiguous emotions.

The Loyalist (Type 6)

Highly loyal and security-oriented, Type 6s often worry about potential dangers and seek support and guidance from others. They can vacillate between skepticism and loyalty.

Celebrity Example: Joe Biden tends to be engaging, hard-working, and responsible. Joe generally wants to feel safe and avoid outside threats. He tends to be supportive and naturally empathetic and may dive into long, deep conversations instead of direct, efficient ones.

The Enthusiast (Type 7)

Adventurous and spontaneous, Type 7s are enthusiastic and optimistic, seeking to avoid pain and discomfort. They may avoid deeper emotions and commitments. Celebrity Example:

“I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I’m not afraid to look behind them.” 

– Elizabeth Taylor

The Challenger (Type 8) aka The Protector

Assertive and protective, Type 8s value control and fear being controlled by others. They may struggle with vulnerability and have a desire to protect those they care about.

Celebrity Example: Adele tends to be self-confident, powerful, and assertive. Adele generally enjoys engaging in debates and making difficult decisions. She tends to work with an intense, but systematic approach and a focus on efficiency.

The Peacemaker (Type 9)

Easygoing and accommodating, Type 9s seek harmony and avoid conflict. They may have difficulty asserting themselves and may merge with others’ agendas to maintain peace. Celebrity Example:

“Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget to take the time out to enjoy the beauty in life. It’s like we’re zombies. Look up and take your headphones out. Say “Hi” to someone you see and maybe give a hug to someone who looks like they’re hurting.” 

– Keanu Reeves

Understanding the Enneagram Dynamics

The Enneagram goes beyond merely identifying one’s primary personality type. It delves into the complexity of human behavior by considering the interconnectedness of the types and the influence of wing types and instinctual subtypes.

1. Wing Types: Each individual may have characteristics of one of the adjacent types, known as their wing. For example, a Type 6 may have characteristics of either Type 5 (6w5) or Type 7 (6w7), which subtly influence their dominant type.
2. Instinctual Subtypes: The Enneagram further classifies individuals into three instinctual subtypes—self-preservation, social, and sexual (or one-to-one). These subtypes influence how each type manifests its core motivations and behaviors.

For Writers

An excellent resource for writers to develop well-rounded and dynamic characters in literature. By understanding the core motivations, fears, and behaviors of each type, writers can create more authentic and relatable characters.

Developing Multi-Dimensional Characters: exploring how that type’s core desires and fears influence their actions and decisions throughout the story. This approach helps create multidimensional characters with unique personalities and distinct emotional journeys.

Crafting Character Arcs: charting the growth and transformation of their characters over the course of the narrative. Characters may start off with unhealthy or imbalanced traits associated with their type but gradually evolve to exhibit healthier behaviors as they face challenges and learn from their experiences.

Exploring Interpersonal Relationships: By assigning Enneagram types to multiple characters in a story, writers can examine how the dynamics between characters are influenced by their personality traits.

The Enneagram can offer insights into potential conflicts, miscommunications, and opportunities for growth within relationships.

Crafting Authentic Dialogue: Each Enneagram type has distinct communication styles, preferences, and tendencies. Writers can use this knowledge to create dialogue that feels genuine to each character. For instance, a Type 2 character might have a tendency to be overly accommodating in their speech, while a Type 8 character may use direct and assertive language.

Adding Internal Conflict: The Enneagram can be used to introduce internal conflicts within a character. For example, a Type 3 character may struggle with the desire for success and recognition versus the fear of failure, leading to internal dilemmas that enrich the character’s development.

Portraying Villains and Antagonists: Enneagram types are not limited to protagonists; they can also be used to create compelling villains or antagonists. By understanding the motivations and fears of an antagonist’s Enneagram type, writers can develop more nuanced and formidable adversaries.

Understanding Character Reactions: Knowing a character’s Enneagram type can help writers anticipate their reactions to specific events or challenges. Different types may respond to similar situations in distinct ways, adding depth and consistency to the character’s emotional responses.

Avoiding Stereotypes: The Enneagram allows writers to avoid one-dimensional characterizations or stereotypes. By going beyond surface-level traits, writers can create characters that transcend clichés and resonate with readers on a deeper level.

Applications of the Enneagram

1. Self-Awareness and Personal Growth: The Enneagram serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery, helping individuals gain insight into their core motivations, fears, and patterns of behavior. By understanding their Enneagram type, individuals can embark on a journey of self-awareness and personal development, transcending limitations and unhealthy patterns.
2. Communication and Relationships: The Enneagram fosters empathy and understanding between individuals, enabling them to communicate more effectively and develop harmonious relationships. By recognizing the motivations and needs of others, conflicts can be resolved with greater compassion and respect.
3. Leadership and Team Building: In professional settings, the Enneagram can enhance leadership skills and team dynamics. Understanding team members’ Enneagram types allows leaders to tailor their management approach and create a cohesive and balanced team environment.
4. Healing and Transformation: The Enneagram can be utilized in therapeutic settings to address psychological issues and promote healing and growth. It helps individuals explore the roots of their behaviors and challenges, facilitating transformative experiences.

The Enneagram is a profound system that illuminates the intricacies of human personality and behavior. By identifying their primary Enneagram type, individuals gain valuable insights into their core motivations, fears, and growth opportunities. As a tool for self-awareness, understanding others, and personal development, the Enneagram offers a transformative path to greater compassion, empathy, and fulfillment in life. Embracing the wisdom of the Nine Enneagram types can lead individuals on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and authentic growth.

The Nine Enneagram types and the Twelve Literary Archetypes:

1. The Reformer (Type 1): Literary Archetype: The Hero or The Sage Similarities: Both seek to uphold principles and bring about positive change. They may have a strong sense of duty and righteousness.
2. The Helper (Type 2): Literary Archetype: The Caregiver or The Lover Similarities: Both are nurturing and compassionate, focusing on the needs of others. They may struggle with setting boundaries.
3. The Achiever (Type 3): Literary Archetype: The Achiever or The Ruler Similarities: Both are ambitious and goal-oriented, striving for success and recognition. They may have a fear of failure.
4. The Individualist (Type 4): Literary Archetype: The Artist or The Rebel Similarities: Both are creative and unique, seeking to express their individuality. They may struggle with feelings of longing or inadequacy.
5. The Investigator (Type 5): Literary Archetype: The Thinker or The Sage Similarities: Both are analytical and knowledge-seeking, valuing intellect. They may withdraw from others to conserve energy.
6. The Loyalist (Type 6): Literary Archetype: The Everyman or The Rebel Similarities: Both seek security and loyalty. They may vacillate between skepticism and loyalty to authority figures.
7. The Enthusiast (Type 7): Literary Archetype: The Explorer or The Jester Similarities: Both are adventurous and optimistic, seeking new experiences and avoiding pain. They may struggle with commitment.
8. The Challenger (Type 8): Literary Archetype: The Hero or The Ruler Similarities: Both are assertive and protective, valuing control. They may fear being controlled by others.
9. The Peacemaker (Type 9): Literary Archetype: The Innocent or The Lover Similarities: Both seek harmony and avoid conflict. They may struggle with asserting themselves.

brief Enneagram type test

Please read each statement and select the option that best reflects how you feel or behave. Be as honest and self-aware as possible while answering the questions. At the end, tally up your responses to determine your potential Enneagram type.

Instructions: For each statement, choose the response that most accurately represents your typical behavior or feelings.

I strive for perfection in everything I do.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I tend to prioritize the needs of others over my own.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

Achieving success and recognition is crucial to me.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I often feel unique or different from others.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I enjoy spending time alone, engaging in intellectual pursuits.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I seek security and often rely on others for support.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I thrive on excitement and new experiences.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I am assertive and don’t like to be controlled by others.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I avoid conflicts and prioritize maintaining peace.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I often feel a strong sense of responsibility towards others.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I enjoy helping others and being of service to them.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I can be quite self-critical and hard on myself.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I prefer to have a plan and structure in my life.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I often seek new opportunities and projects to stay engaged.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I tend to withdraw and avoid confrontation in difficult situations.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I enjoy being in control and making decisions.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I have a strong need for stability and dislike sudden changes.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I like to keep my emotions private and not burden others with them.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I am adaptable and can handle various challenges.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I find it easy to express my emotions and desires openly.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I am often concerned about worst-case scenarios and potential dangers.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I value harmony and dislike conflicts or confrontations.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I can be a bit of a dreamer and may struggle with practical tasks.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I am driven to achieve my goals and make a significant impact.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I am empathetic and can easily understand others’ emotions.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I prefer to keep my options open and explore different possibilities.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

I am protective of those I care about and may become confrontational if needed.

a) Strongly Agree

b) Agree

c) Neutral

d) Disagree

e) Strongly Disagree

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Scoring and Results:

To find your potential Enneagram type, tally up the number of responses for each option (Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly Disagree) for all 27 statements. The option with the highest number of responses indicates your potential Enneagram type. However, keep in mind that this is just a brief test and may not be as accurate as more comprehensive Enneagram assessments conducted by qualified professionals. For a deeper understanding of your Enneagram type, consider seeking guidance from experts in the field or taking more extensive tests designed by experienced Enneagram practitioners.