From Heroes to Villains: An Enneagram Guide to TV & Movie Characters

Why do we connect so deeply with some fictional characters and feel so frustrated by others? Often, it's because we recognize a core motivation that feels deeply human. The Enneagram offers a fantastic lens to analyze not just ourselves, but the characters we love (and love to hate) on screen.

Typing fictional characters is a great way to understand the Enneagram's core motivations in action. Here’s a glimpse into how the Enneagram can add a new layer of depth to your movie and TV show experiences by helping you spot the nine types.

The Reformer (Type 1):

• Examples: Captain America (MCU - Driven by a powerful moral compass and a desire to do what is "right"), Hermione Granger (Harry Potter - Believes in following the rules and strives for justice and perfection), Dolores Umbridge (Harry Potter - An unhealthy Type 1, convinced of her own righteousness to the point of cruelty).
• Look for: Characters who are idealistic, disciplined, and have a strong, often rigid sense of right and wrong. They are motivated by a need to be good and improve the world (or at least their corner of it).

The Helper (Type 2):

• Examples: Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation - Deeply caring, she lives to serve others and gains her sense of self from being needed), Mrs. Weasley (Harry Potter - The quintessential nurturing mother, whose love is fierce and whose identity is wrapped in caring for her family), Peeta Mellark (The Hunger Games - His core motivation is protecting Katniss; he is driven by love and a need to be helpful to her).
• Look for: Characters who are nurturing, supportive, and generous. They are driven to connect with and help others, but may struggle to acknowledge their own needs.

The Achiever (Type 3):

• Examples: Elle Woods (Legally Blonde - Ambitious, success-oriented, and highly adaptable to prove her worth), Tony Stark (MCU - Charismatic, image-conscious, and driven to be the "best" and be recognized for his achievements), Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby - Curated his entire persona and success to win the admiration of others).
• Look for: Characters who are goal-oriented, charismatic, and motivated by achievement and recognition. They are conscious of their image and how they are perceived by others.

The Individualist (Type 4):

• Examples: Loki (MCU - Feels fundamentally misunderstood, different from his family, and driven by a desire for a unique "glorious purpose"), Edward Scissorhands (Feels like he is fundamentally flawed and tragically unique, separate from everyone else), Tony Soprano (The Sopranos - Introspective, complex, and grapples with a deep sense of melancholy and feeling misunderstood).
• Look for: Characters who are creative, emotionally deep, and seek authenticity. They often feel "different" from others and are motivated by a desire to understand their unique identity.

The Investigator (Type 5):

• Examples: Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock - Analytical, knowledge-seeking, and emotionally detached, preferring his "mind palace" to the messy world of people), Dr. House (House M.D. - Hoards information, protects his private time, and keeps others at a distance to feel competent and safe), Bruce Banner (MCU - Withdraws from others to manage his inner world and avoid being overwhelmed).
• Look for: Characters who are curious, independent, and analytical. They are motivated by a need to be competent and capable, often protecting their time and energy.

The Loyalist (Type 6):

• Examples: Samwise Gamgee (Lord of the Rings - The epitome of loyalty, he is dependable and motivated by a need for safety and security for his community and friends), Ron Weasley (Harry Potter - Deeply loyal to his friends, he is also anxious, questions authority, and seeks security), C-3PO (Star Wars - Constantly worried, scanning for danger, and seeking guidance from authority).
• Look for: Characters who are trustworthy, dependable, and security-oriented. They are often anxious, planning for the worst-case scenario, and value guidance and stability.

The Enthusiast (Type 7):

• Examples: Michael Scott (The Office - Desperately avoids pain and negativity, constantly creates "fun" distractions, and wants to be the center of every positive experience), Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean - Always looking for the next adventure, reframing negatives, and escaping consequences), The Genie (Aladdin - Energetic, optimistic, and seeks freedom and new experiences).
• Look for: Characters who are charismatic, adventurous, and optimistic. They are motivated by a need to avoid pain and seek pleasure, fun, and possibility.

The Challenger (Type 8):

• Examples: Walter White (Breaking Bad - Becomes powerful and assertive to protect himself and his family, challenging all authority and avoiding vulnerability), Arya Stark (Game of Thrones - Fiercely independent, confronts power, and is driven to protect herself and her "pack" from being controlled), Darth Vader (Star Wars - Seeks to control his environment to never be vulnerable or powerless again).
• Look for: Characters who are direct, decisive, and assertive. They are motivated by a need to be in control of their own world and to protect themselves (and others) from being harmed.

The Peacemaker (Type 9):

• Examples: Jim Halpert (The Office - Easygoing, avoids conflict, and "merges" with his environment, seeking a life of harmony and connection), Hagrid (Harry Potter - Agreeable, supportive, and wants everyone to just get along), The Dude (The Big Lebowski - The quintessential Type 9, he is adaptable, avoids conflict, and just wants to maintain his inner peace).
• Look for: Characters who are agreeable, adaptable, and supportive. They are motivated by a need to maintain internal and external peace, often at the expense of their own agenda.

Remember:

• These are just interpretations! Great characters are complex, and there can be multiple valid readings for a character depending on the viewer's perspective.
• The Enneagram adds another layer of analysis to your favorite films and shows, enriching your viewing experience by helping you understand the "why" behind a character's actions.

So grab some popcorn, put on your favorite show, and have fun spotting the Enneagram types at play! To dive deeper into personality, check out the MBTI Guide book or The MBTI Advantage book series.