G’day my lovelies!
Today we’re going to talk about how to craft engaging characters using the Enneagram.
But first of all, what is the Enneagram?
It’s a personality system with nine different character types, that goes into detail about the various qualities and attitudes of said types, and the interconnectedness between them. It’s illustrated by a nine-pointed geometric figure.
It’s great for constructing characters, as a lot of personality research and personality profiling has already been done for you. It cuts out a lot of time and brainstorming, so you can get on more with your story.
However, it’s also more than just a useful tool for character creation in stories. Studied in-depth, It combines both ancient and modern wisdom for those seeking deeper self-knowledge and self-development.
And it’s an interesting and thought-provoking read for the curious!
The Enneagram’s roots can be traced back to ancient spiritual and religious traditions, including Sufism, Christianity, Buddhism, and the Kabbalah.
What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves?
Thomas Merton
Its modern application as a personality system came into play in the 20th century, and evolved through the work of various scholars and teachers, including George Ivanovich Gurdjieff, Oscar Ichazo, and Claudio Naranjo.
Here’s a brief overview of each of the nine Enneagram types and what they’re like in relationships:
The Perfectionist (Type 1) also known as the Reformer
Perfectionists strive for excellence and hold themselves to high standards. They are principled and conscientious, often seeking to improve themselves and the world around them. In relationships, they may clash with others who are more laid-back or spontaneous, but they can also inspire others to strive for their best.
Core Desire: Striving for integrity and perfection.
Core Fear: Being corrupt or defective.
Key Motivations: To be good, to have integrity, and to improve the world.
Behavioral Traits: Detail-oriented, principled, and often critical of themselves and others.
The Helper (Type 2) also known as the Giver
Helpers are warm, caring individuals who thrive on helping others. They are empathetic and nurturing, often putting the needs of others before their own. In relationships, they may seek validation and appreciation, sometimes leading to feelings of resentment if they feel unacknowledged. However, they also bring a sense of compassion and support to their interactions with others.
Core Desire: Wanting to be loved and needed.
Core Fear: Being unwanted or unloved.
Key Motivations: To be loved, to be appreciated, and to help others.
Behavioral Traits: Warm, generous, and nurturing; may struggle with setting boundaries.
The Achiever (Type 3) also known as the Performer
Achievers are ambitious and driven, constantly striving for success and recognition. They are confident and adaptable, able to excel in various situations. In relationships, they may struggle with vulnerability, focusing more on achievements than emotional connection. However, they can also inspire others with their determination and ability to accomplish goals.
Core Desire: Striving to be successful and admired.
Core Fear: Being worthless or without value.
Key Motivations: To be successful, to appear successful, and to avoid failure.
Behavioral Traits: Ambitious, image-conscious, and focused on achieving goals.
The Individualist (Type 4) also known as the Romantic
Individualists are introspective and creative, with a deep longing for authenticity and meaning. They are sensitive and emotionally aware, often expressing themselves through art and self-expression. In relationships, they may seek intense connections and may struggle with feelings of envy or inadequacy. However, they also bring depth and insight to their interactions with others.
Core Desire: Seeking to be unique and authentic.
Core Fear: Being without identity or significance.
Key Motivations: To be unique, to express themselves, and to find their identity.
Behavioral Traits: Artistic, introspective, and often driven by intense emotions.
The Investigator (Type 5) also known as the Observer
Investigators are analytical and perceptive, with a thirst for knowledge and understanding. They are independent and innovative, often immersing themselves in intellectual pursuits. In relationships, they may struggle with intimacy and may withdraw to recharge their energy. However, they also bring wisdom and insight to their interactions with others.
Core Desire: Desiring mastery and understanding.
Core Fear: Being helpless or incompetent.
Key Motivations: To be capable, to understand the world, and to avoid being overwhelmed.
Behavioral Traits: Analytical, observant, and may withdraw to conserve energy.
The Loyalist (Type 6) also known as the Skeptic
Loyalists are loyal and responsible, with a strong sense of duty and commitment. They are cautious and security-oriented, often seeking reassurance and guidance from others. In relationships, they may struggle with anxiety and fear of abandonment, but they also provide stability and support to those around them.
Core Desire: Seeking security and guidance.
Core Fear: Being without support or guidance.
Key Motivations: To have security, to feel supported, and to avoid uncertainty.
Behavioral Traits: Loyal, responsible, and often anxious about potential risks.
The Enthusiast (Type 7) also known as the Epicure
Enthusiasts are spontaneous and adventurous, always seeking new experiences and opportunities for fun. They are optimistic and energetic, often avoiding discomfort or pain. In relationships, they may struggle with commitment and may avoid difficult emotions or conflicts. However, they also bring joy and excitement to their interactions with others.
Core Desire: Desiring happiness and fulfillment.
Core Fear: Being deprived or in pain.
Key Motivations: To be happy, to plan for the future, and to avoid pain.
Behavioral Traits: Energetic, spontaneous, often seeking new experiences.
YOU SHOULD READ BEFORE YOU DIE: THE LORD OF THE FLIES by William Golding. It’s war-time, and a bunch of young boys get stranded on an island after their plane gets shot down. Alone, and without any adults to guide them, the boys elect leaders and split off into factions. While some are able to work peacefully together and get along, others are more rebellious and generate terror, and soon their attempts at governing themselves plunge into disaster.
The Challenger (Type 8) also known as the Protector
Challengers are assertive and self-confident, with a natural leadership style and a desire for control. They are protective and decisive, often advocating for justice and fairness. In relationships, they may struggle with vulnerability. However, they also bring strength and determination to their interactions with others.
Core Desire: Seeking control and power.
Core Fear: Being controlled or manipulated.
Key Motivations: To be in control, to protect themselves and others, and to avoid vulnerability.
Behavioral Traits: Assertive, confident, and may confront challenges head-on.
The Peacemaker (Type 9) also known as the Mediator
Peacemakers are easygoing and empathetic, with a desire for harmony and unity. They are supportive and accepting, often avoiding conflict and confrontation. In relationships, they may struggle with assertiveness and may suppress their own needs to maintain peace. However, they also bring a sense of calm and acceptance to their interactions with others.
Core Desire: Seeking inner peace and harmony.
Core Fear: Conflict and disconnection.
Key Motivations: To have inner stability, to maintain peace, and to avoid conflict.
Behavioral Traits: Easygoing, agreeable, and may struggle with inertia.
Now here are suggestions on how to apply the Enneagram in your writing process:
Character Surveys: Use Enneagram-inspired character surveys to delve into your character’s basic personality traits, fears, desires, and motivations, and how they cope with stress or conflict.
Plot Development: Tailor your plot to challenge and evolve your characters based on their Enneagram type for a more engaging and authentic story.
Dialogue and Behavior: Infuse your character’s dialogue and behavior with nuances specific to their type. This creates a well-rounded and believable portrayal that resonates with readers.
Relationship between characters: Explore relationship dynamics between characters. Determine tensions and compatibilities based on type.
Characters’ potential for growth: Explore how your characters might grow and evolve through overcoming their weaknesses and challenges.
UGLY WORD OF THE DAY: CHORTLE. Meaning to laugh in a noisy, gleeful way.
It’s important to note that each individual is unique, and the Enneagram system recognises the dynamic nature of personality, allowing for variations and growth within each type.
This is just a brief overview of this topic, as we’ve barely scratched the surface. There’s lots to learn about the Enneagram! I recommend reading The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Riso and Russ Hudson if you’re interested in discovering more.
Okay, which Enneagram type resonates most with you? See yourself among the types? I strongly relate to type seven.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog on the Enneagram. Have a great week and happy writing.
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