Utilizing the Enneagram for character growth could be a game-changer for crafting layered, plausible characters. This historical persona typing system can supply deep perception into your characters’ core fears and motivations, which makes it a pure match for constructing compelling inside arcs. As a result of the Enneagram inherently emphasizes private misconceptions (aka, the Lie the Character Believes), thematic Truths, and each Optimistic and Adverse Change Arcs, it turns into a particularly intuitive instrument for creating complicated and sensible characters. However there is a rub.

And the rub is that as a result of the Enneagram options solely 9 persona varieties, it might additionally appear to supply solely 9 attainable Lies, Truths, and character arcs. Zoe Dawson introduced this up in requesting this submit:

I exploit the Enneagram closely in crafting my characters, so my query could be: What’s your tackle utilizing the Enneagram 9 persona varieties and setting up their Lies in order that it’s not repetitious for every story? Examples could be nice.

Though essentially restricted, the Enneagram nonetheless presents an extremely complete and full framework for understanding human habits. As such, there’s a diploma of fact to the concept that people can solely bear a sure variety of basic adjustments. This harks again to certainly one of my favourite quotes, from Willa Cather:

There are solely two or three human tales, and so they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as in the event that they by no means occurred.

Creating Character Arcs (Amazon affiliate hyperlink)

Nonetheless, as Zoe factors out, a prolific author counting on the identical framework for each character may discover herself working into some repetition—particularly with regards to figuring out the Lie every sort believes. In earlier posts, I’ve famous the elemental Optimistic Change and Adverse Change Arcs inherent inside every core Enneagram sort:

>>Click on right here to learn 9 Optimistic Character Arcs within the Enneagram

>>Click on right here to learn 9 Adverse Character Arcs within the Enneagram

In the present day, I need to have a look at find out how to use the Enneagram to deepen your character work whereas holding every journey distinct and emotionally resonant.

Avoiding Repetition When Utilizing the Enneagram for Character Growth

How will you keep away from repetitive arcs when utilizing persona instruments just like the Enneagram? If every sort has a core concern and need, doesn’t that imply each story that includes a Sort One or a Sort 9 will find yourself exploring the identical emotional terrain?

Under no circumstances.

The truth is, utilizing the Enneagram for character growth can open up even deeper and extra assorted avenues for crafting emotional arcs. Though characters with the identical sort could battle with the identical core themes, the precise Lies they imagine about themselves and the world can take many types.

In the event you already know your individual Enneagram sort,  you possibly can take into consideration this from the attitude of your individual life. For instance, as a core Three, I can simply look via my life and establish how my very own core wounding, coping mechanisms, survival ways, ego identities, and even pursuits and obsessions are predominantly themed round a Three’s central considerations with id, authenticity, and private fact. Certainly, even the truth that my explorations of story concept have centered on character arcs and the interior battle between “Lies” and “Truths” is arguably a direct emergent from my Three perspective.

When most individuals consider Threes, they consider the stereotype: hyper-competent workaholic obsessive about success and picture. If that’s all you knew about Threes, you may battle to write down characters with personalities nuanced sufficient to disclose the spiraling fractal of depth hidden behind this simplistic archetype. A deeper understanding of how the Enneagram works (to not point out how folks and tales work) permits us to entry the practical simplicity of this nine-part system as a basis for the sensible variation it reveals.

From there, the Enneagram can grow to be a beautiful instrument for noticing and exploring the precise taste of perception and blindness every sort brings to any state of affairs. In shifting past the simplistic stereotypes to acknowledge the deeper themes at play for every sort, the sheer vastness of thematic potentialities additionally turns into clear. For instance, when you wished to discover a Three’s obsession with the subjectivity/objectivity of Reality, you’d uncover what are seemingly limitless character arcs that may eventuate. That is, after all, equally true of all the categories.

Utilizing Instinctual Variants to Create Distinctive Character Arcs

Writing Archetypal Character Arcs (affiliate hyperlink)

With all of that stated, the options I’m going to share in the remainder of at present’s submit barely scratch the floor of the attainable Lies anyone sort could also be challenged to beat. Subsequent week, I’ll be digging into this just a little deeper in answering one other reader’s query with an exploration of how Enneagram varieties operate within the totally different archetypes of the Life Cycle. For at present, I made a decision essentially the most helpful strategy to start analyzing the range obtainable inside Enneagram character arcs could be to notice how every sort’s core Lie could fluctuate relying on which instinctual variant is dominant.

What Are the Three Instinctual Variants?

Probably the most illuminating nuances within the Enneagram system is the idea of instinctual variants—what are generally known as subtypes. These are the primal survival drives that form how every of the 9 varieties exhibits up on the earth. Instinctual variants don’t change your core sort, however they do taste how that sort expresses itself in on a regular basis life.

For extra on instinctual variants, I extremely suggest Beatrice Chestnut’s guide The Full Enneagram.

The Full Enneagram

There are three instinctual variants:

1. Self-Preservation (sp):

This intuition facilities round security, consolation, and bodily well-being. If that is your dominant intuition, you’re most likely extremely attuned to points like well being, funds, routine, and making a safe private setting. You may discover your self scanning your life for what’s lacking or unstable earlier than something goes unsuitable.

2. Social (so):

This intuition is all about group dynamics, belonging, and impression. Social-dominant folks pay shut consideration to how they match into the collective. They’re typically oriented towards their place within the tribe, their fame, and their contribution towards one thing larger than themselves. This doesn’t all the time imply extroversion; it’s extra about their consciousness of the system.

3. Sexual (sx):

Additionally known as the one-to-one intuition, this drive is concentrated on depth, intimacy, and magnetism. It’s about fusion: being absolutely seen, absolutely identified, and absolutely alive within the presence of one other. Folks with a dominant sexual intuition crave depth in relationships and experiences. They typically have a type of “cost” to them—an edge, an attract, a way of ardour that leads the way in which.

Countertypes

Regardless that every of us makes use of all three instincts, we are inclined to favor one, repress one other, and let the third play a supporting function. (For instance, as a result of I’m self-preservation dominant and social repressed, my intuition stack could be proven like this: sp-sx-so.)

Right here’s the twist: the dominant intuition can generally override the “typical” habits of your core sort. This creates what are known as countertypes—one particular orientation for every sort that appears to be like totally different from the core sort, however which nonetheless lives out the identical core concern and need beneath. (For instance, as you’ll see in a while, the truth that I’m a Three with a self-preservation dominant intuition makes me the countertype. Briefly: although I all the time really feel like a Three, I don’t all the time look like a Three.)

Understanding characters’ instinctual stacks can convey unimaginable readability to what sort of character arc and thematic journey they’re more than likely to undertake—and the way which may evolve from story to story and even character to character, no matter sort.

Completely different Lies Every Enneagram Sort Character May Consider

Let’s have a look at how every Enneagram sort can be utilized to discover quite a lot of Lies throughout totally different tales, genres, and voices. (Be aware that these examples shouldn’t be taken too explicitly—i.e., because the solely strategy to specific every subtype’s Lies. They’re meant to spur your creativity, notably in regard to the subjectivity of Enneagram varieties for the characters referenced. They’re additionally not essentially consultant of a personality arc that’s accomplished within the referenced examples. As normal, I’ve relied on the typings from the location Funky MBTI.)

Sort 1: The Reformer

Core Lie: “I have to be good to be worthy.”
Core Worry: Being corrupt, faulty, or unsuitable.
Core Need: To be good, virtuous, and balanced.

Social Lie: “If I don’t set the ethical customary, nobody will.”

Instance: Hermione Granger (Harry Potter): Hermione’s obsession with learning, guidelines, and doing issues “the best means” stems from her concern of failure and must be seen as competent and morally upright.

Harry Potter and the Thinker’s Stone (2001), Warner Bros.

Sexual Lie (COUNTERTYPE): “It’s as much as me to set the world proper—regardless of the fee”

Instance: Catherine Freneau (Father Goose): Catherine’s depth stems from a deep sense of private mission. She pushes herself and others towards transformation, typically coming throughout as pushed, zealous, and unrelenting in her pursuit of what she sees as essential change—even when it strains her relationships.

Father Goose (1964), Common Footage.

Self-Preservation Lie: “If I’m not ready and ideal, I’ll be blamed.”

Instance: Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird): With quiet resolve and unwavering ideas, Atticus carries the burden of justice on his shoulders—believing that if he doesn’t stand sturdy, all the things might unravel.

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), Common Footage.

Sort 2: The Helper

Core Lie: “I need to earn love via service.”
Core Worry: Being unworthy of affection.
Core Need: To be cherished and wanted.

Social Lie: “If I serve the larger good, I’ll be cherished by all.”

Instance: Padmé Amidala (Star Wars): Padmé sacrifices her private wishes to serve her folks. She’s gracious and composed, all the time placing obligation above self, however her deepest longing is to be accepted and cherished for who she actually is.

Star Wars: Assault of the Clones (2002), twentieth Century Fox.

Sexual Lie: “If I’m not wanted by somebody, I’m not worthwhile.”

Instance: Frances Stevens (To Catch a Thief): Frances is daring, alluring, and direct in her affections—flirting and pursuing whereas additionally deeply craving connection and validation beneath the floor.

To Catch a Thief (1955), Paramount Footage.

Self-Preservation Lie (COUNTERTYPE): “If I act helpless or harmless, others will handle me.”

Instance: Robert Crawley (Downton Abbey): Robert typically performs the helpless patriarch, counting on others to handle each private and household issues whereas sustaining his sense of entitlement to care and a spotlight.

Downton Abbey (2010-15), ITV.

Sort 3:  The Achiever

Core Lie: “My price depends upon what I accomplish.”
Core Worry: Being nugatory or failing.
Core Need: To be valued and admired for achievement.

Social Lie: “I have to be admired and revered for my success.”

Instance: P.T. Barnum (The Biggest Showman): Barnum thrives on his capacity to garner admiration and respect via his enterprise success and the spectacle he creates, positioning himself as a charismatic chief and influencer within the public eye.

The Biggest Showman (2017), twentieth Century Fox.

Sexual Lie: “My worth comes from how engaging and charismatic I’m to others.”

Instance: Scarlett O’Hara (Gone with the Wind): Scarlett builds her self-worth via her attractiveness and the way in which she charms others, seeing her relationships and romantic success as a mirrored image of her worth.

Gone With the Wind (1939), MGM.

Self-Preservation Lie (COUNTERTYPE): “I have to work laborious and show myself to safe my place.”

Instance: Nancy Wheeler (Stranger Issues): Nancy, pushed by a necessity for accomplishment and approval, always works laborious to show her price, even when it means compromising her private wants for the sake of her profession and objectives.

Stranger Issues (2016-), Netflix.

Sort 4: The Individualist

Core Lie: “I have to be distinctive to be important.”
Core Worry: Being odd or not particular.
Core Need: To search out themselves and their significance.

Social Lie: “My struggling makes me worthy of affection.”

Instance: Rose DeWitt Bukater (Titanic): Rose feels trapped and unseen, expressing her struggling as a means of asserting her individuality and eager for a extra significant life.

Titanic (1997), Paramount Footage.

Sexual Lie: “If I combat laborious sufficient for what I would like, I’ll lastly show I’m not damaged.”

Instance: Kylo Ren (Star Wars: The Power Awakens): Kylo is consumed by his need to show himself, always preventing to beat his perceived weak spot and declare a strong, significant id.

Star Wars: The Power Awakens (2015), Lucasfilm Ltd.

Self-Preservation Lie (COUNTERTYPE): “If I preserve pushing myself via ache, I’ll lastly grow to be who I’m meant to be.”

Instance: Jess Mariano (Gilmore Ladies): Jess hides his emotional sensitivity beneath a hardened exterior, counting on independence and quiet depth to forge his personal path in life.

Gilmore Ladies (2000-2007), The CW.

Sort 5: The Investigator

Core Lie: “I’ve to guard my vitality and keep self-sufficient.”
Core Worry: Being overwhelmed or incapable.
Core Need: To be competent and succesful.

Social Lie: “If I grasp complicated information, I’ll earn my place on the earth.”

Instance: J. Robert Oppenheimer (Oppenheimer): Oppenheimer instructions respect via genius, however stays emotionally withdrawn—even whereas standing on the middle of a historic second.

Oppenheimer (2023), Common Footage.

Sexual Lie (COUNTERTYPE): “If I absolutely merge with somebody, I received’t really feel so alone.”

Instance: Scottie Ferguson (Vertigo): Scottie turns into obsessively hooked up to an imagined ideally suited of affection, dropping himself in his need for a connection that can make him really feel entire.

Vertigo (1958), Paramount Footage.

Self-Preservation Lie: “If I hoard my sources and preserve to myself, I’ll lastly really feel secure.”

Instance: Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol): Scrooge isolates himself and clings tightly to his wealth and solitude, believing that is the one strategy to really feel safe on the earth.

A Christmas Carol (2009), Walt Disney Footage.

Sort 6: The Loyalist

Core Lie: “Safety should come from the surface.”
Core Worry: Being with out assist or steering.
Core Need: To have safety and steering.

Social Lie: “If I observe the foundations and uphold the system, I received’t should be afraid.”

Instance: Willow Rosenberg (Buffy the Vampire Slayer): Willow clings to construction—college, guidelines, the Scooby Gang—to assuage her insecurity, solely entering into independence when surrounded by belief and function.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2001, The WB)

Sexual Lie (COUNTERTYPE): “If I’m sturdy and intimidating sufficient, nothing can damage me.”

Instance: Man of Gisborne (Robin Hood): Man compensates for his insecurity with aggression and dominance, attempting to show his price via power, loyalty, and need.

Robin Hood (2006-2009), BBC Studios.

Self-Preservation Lie: “If I keep near what’s acquainted and preserve others joyful, I’ll be secure.”

Instance: Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit): Bilbo prefers the secure predictability of his hobbit gap and resists journey, till belief in others helps him discover his braveness.

The Hobbit: An Surprising Journey (2012), Warner Bros.

Sort 7: The Fanatic

Core Lie: “Ache have to be averted in any respect prices.”
Core Worry: Being disadvantaged or trapped in ache or deprivation.
Core Need: To expertise satisfaction and success.

Social Lie (COUNTERTYPE): “If I serve a significant trigger and keep upbeat, I’ll be valued and guarded.”

Instance: Elizabeth Bennet (Pleasure and Prejudice): Lizzy combines appeal and cleverness with a way of social justice and ethical readability, whereas utilizing wit and idealism to sidestep vulnerability.

Pleasure & Prejudice (2005), Focus Options.

Sexual Lie: “If I observe my passions and chase the following dazzling expertise, I’ll discover what I’m lacking.”

Instance: Ariel (The Little Mermaid): Ariel dives headfirst into new worlds and romantic desires, enchanted by what could possibly be and pushed by a stressed starvation for one thing extra.

The Little Mermaid (1989), Walt Disney

Self-Preservation Lie: “So long as I encompass myself with the best folks and pleasures, I’ll be nice.”

Instance: Han Solo (Star Wars): Han seeks freedom, sources, and dependable allies to maintain life pleasurable and self-serving, even whereas avoiding the emotional weight of deeper connection.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Again (1980), twentieth Century Fox.

Sort 8: The Challenger

Core Lie: “Vulnerability equals weak spot.”
Core Worry: Being managed or weak.
Core Need: To guard self and stay in management.

Social Lie (COUNERTYPE): “If I combat for others and shield what’s proper, I can justify my power and discover belonging.”

Instance: George Bailey (It’s a Fantastic Life): George is a passionate, justice-driven chief who sacrifices his personal desires to guard his neighborhood however nonetheless struggles with the burden of accountability and frustration.

It’s a Fantastic Life (1947), Liberty Movies.

Sexual Lie: “If I can overpower and possess what I would like, I’ll by no means be betrayed or deserted.”

Instance: Erik Killmonger (Black Panther): Erik’s aggression stems from a deep concern that trusting anybody will result in his downfall.

Black Panther (2018), Marvel Studios.

Self-Preservation Lie: “So long as I can handle myself and get what I want, I don’t should depend on anybody.”

Instance: Henry VIII (The Tudors): Possessive and forceful, Henry calls for absolute loyalty and management in love and energy—unwilling to give up something as soon as he’s claimed it.

The Tudors (2007-2010), BBC Two

Sort 9: The Peacemaker

Core Lie: “My presence creates battle.”
Core Worry: Being overwhelmed by battle and rigidity.
Core Need: To create inside and outer peace.

Social Lie (COUNTERTYPE): “If I’m helpful to the group, I’ll be secure and accepted.”

Instance: Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings): Frodo places the fellowship’s mission above his personal well-being, typically dropping himself within the wants of the collective.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), New Line Cinema.

Sexual Lie: “I solely matter once I merge fully with another person.”

Instance: Bella Swan (Twilight): Bella dissolves her sense of id into her relationship with Edward, struggling to separate her wishes from his.

Twilight (2008), Summit Leisure.

Self-Preservation Lie: “So long as I’m comfy, nothing else actually issues.”

Instance: Queen Elizabeth II (The Crown): Elizabeth quietly clings to routine and the comforts of obligation, avoiding emotional upheaval by holding all the things as an alternative.

The Crown (2016-2023), Netflix.

***

By integrating the Enneagram’s instinctual variants into your character growth course of, you acquire entry to a dynamic vary of emotional and thematic potentialities, even throughout the identical sort. Removed from boxing your characters into inflexible molds, the Enneagram presents a versatile and deeply human lens via which to discover their assorted struggles, motivations, and transformations. Whether or not you’re writing a single story or a whole sequence, the richness of those inside variations ensures that every character arc can stay contemporary, particular, and emotionally resonant.

In Abstract

Even when writing a number of characters of the identical Enneagram sort, there’s a world of selection obtainable. By figuring out new Lies and the conditions through which these Lies can come up, writers can deepen each the realism and emotional texture of their characters.

Key Takeaways

• Characters of the identical Enneagram sort share core fears and wishes, however not equivalent arcs.
• The particular Lie a Character Believes can change relying on their setting, relationships, and inside growth.
• Nice storytelling typically comes from exploring totally different expressions of the identical psychological fact.
• The instictual variants that create the Enneagram subtypes open a window into the range obtainable for exploring many various themes and arcs.

Need Extra?

Outlining Your Novel (Amazon affiliate hyperlink)

Wish to elevate your character growth? Outlining Your Novel is the proper information that will help you construction your plot and deepen your characters. It presents a plethora of instruments for character growth, together with persona techniques just like the Enneagram. You’ll be able to acquire worthwhile insights into your characters’ motivations and progress, serving to you create multi-dimensional figures that resonate together with your readers. You’ll be able to pair these frameworks with the outlining course of within the companion workbook to craft compelling characters who really feel actual and dynamic. Begin outlining your strategy to stronger, unforgettable characters at present! It’s obtainable in paperback, e-book, and audiobook

Wordplayers, inform me your opinions! Have you ever ever used the Enneagram for character growth in your writing? What insights has it given you into your characters’ motivations and progress? Inform me within the feedback!

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