Helping Writers Become Authors S17:E12: Using the Enneagram for Character Development: Avoiding Repetition for Lies Each Type Might Believe
May 19, 2025
Explore how the Enneagram framework reveals the unique lies that each personality type believes, influencing their fears and desires. Discover how these insights can deepen character development and add richness to storytelling. With examples from popular culture, the discussion highlights the emotional complexities tied to different types, encouraging creative narrative arcs. Learn to craft multidimensional characters by understanding their motivations and transformations through this fascinating personality system.
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Enneagram Types and Variants
- The Enneagram reveals core fears, desires, and lies, but has only nine types, risking repetition in character development.
- Exploring each type's instinctual variants adds depth and variety to avoid repetitious character arcs.
Avoid Repetitive Arcs Using Variants
- Look beyond basic Enneagram traits by exploring your character's unique core lies and instinctual variants.
- This helps create distinct, emotionally resonant arcs even among characters of the same type.
Instinctual Variants and Countertypes
- Dominant instinctual variants—self-preservation, social, and sexual—shape how Enneagram types express themselves.
- These variants can create countertypes that look different but share core fears and desires.
