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Nine Enneagram Type Descriptions

Type One Enneagram Character

The Reformer. The principled, idealistic type. Ones are
conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They
are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to
improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized,
orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can
slip into being critical and perfectionistic. They typically have
problems with resentment and impatience. At their Best: wise,
discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic.

Type Two Enneagram Character

The Helper. The caring, interpersonal type. Twos are empathetic,
sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and
self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and
people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to
others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be
needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with
acknowledging their own needs. At their Best: unselfish and altruistic,
they have unconditional love for others.

Type Three Enneagram Character

The Achiever. The adaptable, success-oriented type. Threes are
self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and
energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for
advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly
concerned with their image and what others think of them. They
typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness. At their
Best: self-accepting, authentic, everything they seem to be—role models
who inspire others.

Type Four Enneagram Character

The Individualist. The introspective, romantic type. Fours are
self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are emotionally honest,
creative, and personal, but can also be moody and self-conscious.
Withholding themselves from others due to feeling vulnerable and
defective, they can also feel disdainful and exempt from ordinary ways
of living. They typically have problems with melancholy,
self-indulgence, and self-pity. At their Best: inspired and highly
creative, they are able to renew themselves and transform their
experiences.

Type Five Enneagram Character

The Investigator. The perceptive, cerebral type. Fives are
alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus
on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and
inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and
imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and
intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and
isolation. At their Best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their
time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way.

Type Six Enneagram Character

The Loyalist. The committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are
reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent
“troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but
can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while
complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also
reactive, defiant and rebellious. They typically have problems with
self-doubt and suspicion. At their Best: internally stable and
self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.

Type Seven Enneagram Character

The Enthusiast. The busy, productive type. Sevens are
extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful,
high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many
talents, becoming overextended, scattered, and undisciplined. They
constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted
and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with
impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents
on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.

Type Eight Enneagram Character

The Challenger. The powerful, aggressive type. Eights are
self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful,
straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and
domineering. Eights feel they must control their environment,
especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating.
Eights typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing
themselves to be vulnerable. At their Best: self-mastering, they use
their strength to improve others’ lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous,
and inspiring.

Type Nine Enneagram Character

The Peacemaker. The easy-going, self-effacing type. Nines are
accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually creative, optimistic,
and supportive, but can also be too willing to go along with others to
keep the peace. They want everything to go smoothly and be without
conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent, simplifying problems
and minimizing anything upsetting. They typically have problems with
inertia and stubbornness. At their Best: indomitable and all-embracing,
they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts.
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