Enneagram character types

The Enneagram is a system of defining personality types.  Most of us have a mixture of about 3 of the main personality types, but are dominated by one.  Personalities are, according to the Enneagram, divided into 9 categories.

 

The reformer / perfectionist (type 1)

Realistic; conscientious; principled; strives to live up to their own high ideals.

 

The helper (type 2)

Warm; concerned; nuturing; sensitive to other people’s needs.

 

The achiever (type 3)

Energetic; optimistic; self-assured; goal-orientated.

 

The individualist / romantic  (type 4)

Sensitive feelings; warm; perceptive.

 

The investigator / observer (type 5)

Need for knowledge; introverted; curious; analytical; insightful.

 

The loyalist / questioner (type 6)

Responsible; trustworthy; value loyal to family, friends, groups and causes; personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confronting.

 

The enthusiast / adventurer (type 7)

Energetic; lively; optimistic; wants to contribute to the world.

 

The challenger / asserter (type 8)

Direct; self-reliant; self-confident; protective.

 

The peacemaker (type 9)

Receptive; good-natured; supportive; seeks union with others and the world around them.

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The Enneagram is a great place to start when developing fictional characters.

(The brief descriptions above are derived from a book called The Enneagram Made Easy by Renee Baron and Elizabeth Wagele although I’ve added alternative known type names where applicable).

You can mix and match character traits to make up a fictional person just right for your story.