Enneagram types in a group

Enneagram types in a group

The Enneagram is a nine-type model of personality that writers, actors and coaches have used for decades. It describes very well how different types, working together, change each other: for the worse under stress, and for the better in growth. Used on your draft’s ensemble, it shows the undercurrents of tension and growth between your characters.

This page is about how each type behaves in a group. To give your characters types, see Give the app your cast’s types.

The three groups that shape a cast

Group Dynamics looks at which groups your cast falls into. When 2 or more characters share a group, the Group Psychology cards tell you what that does to your story.

• Gut, Heart and Head. Gut types (8, 9, 1) run on anger, expressed or suppressed. Heart types (2, 3, 4) are running from shame. Head types (5, 6, 7) are running from anxiety. A cast heavy in one center tends to fight the same fight over and over.
• How they get what they want. Assertive types (3, 7, 8) move against people, so they collide. Compliant types (1, 2, 6) move toward people and feel their sacrifices entitle them to something. Withdrawn types (4, 5, 9) move away from people, so nobody starts anything.
• How they react when things go wrong. Reactive types (4, 6, 8) make conflict visible and impossible to ignore; they carry the dramatic weight. Competency types (1, 3, 5) get more effective and less available. Positive Outlook types (2, 7, 9) smooth things over and may be the last to admit something is wrong.

The Ensemble Wheel also outlines three trios when all their types are in your cast: the Competency Trio (1, 3, 5), the Optimistic Trio (2, 7, 9) and the Reactive Trio (4, 6, 8). If you have 2 of the 3, Group Dynamics tells you which type would complete the trio.

The nine types in a group

Each type has a direction under stress and a direction in growth. Those directions are where your arcs live. The pairings below are the ones the app marks as friction or growth; every other pair is neutral.

1 · Reformer

Holds the group to a standard. Under stress, scatters and chases distractions instead of facing what is wrong. At their best, lets themselves feel instead of only judge. Friction with an 8; grows with a 2 or a 7.

2 · Helper

Holds the group together by giving. Under stress, pushes hard and dominates instead of giving. At their best, admits their own needs are valid. Friction with a 5; grows with a 1.

3 · Achiever

Drives the group toward results and image. Under stress, goes numb and passive. At their best, cares about people, not just outcomes. Friction with a 4; grows with a 9.

4 · Individualist

Brings depth, mood and contrast. Under stress, clings and needs to be needed. At their best, turns emotion into disciplined action. Friction with a 3; grows with a 5, a 9 or an 8.

5 · Investigator

Watches, analyses and solves from the sidelines. Under stress, leaps between ideas to avoid being overwhelmed. At their best, steps in with confidence. Friction with a 2; grows with a 4.

6 · Loyalist

Tests every plan for danger and keeps the group honest. Under stress, performs competence to hide anxiety. At their best, trusts themselves and stops scanning for threats. Friction with a 7; grows with a 9.

7 · Enthusiast

Brings energy, options and escape routes. Under stress, turns rigid and critical. At their best, stays with one thing long enough to master it. Friction with a 6; grows with a 1.

8 · Challenger

Protects the group and pushes it forward by force. Under stress, withdraws and hoards energy. At their best, lets vulnerability become strength. Friction with a 1 and with another 8; grows with a 4.

9 · Peacemaker

Keeps the peace and absorbs the group’s friction. Under stress, turns anxious and plays out worst cases. At their best, chooses to be seen and act for themselves. Grows with a 3, a 4 or a 6.

Where to see it

• Ensemble Wheel: your cast placed on the nine types, with the trios outlined.
• Pairings: every pair in your cast, with what each brings out in the other.
• Full Profile: one character in the ensemble, pair by pair.