For Writers: Enneagrams

From  Helping Writers Become Authors, Crafting Archetypal Arcs With Enneagram Insights. I learned what is an enneagram, and maybe some ideas for my own writing.

The Enneagram is often thought of as a personality system, but at its heart, it is an archetypal map of human motivation and transformation. Each of its nine types represents a universal pattern of behavior rooted in deep emotional truths (what we, as storytellers, might think of as thematic Truths). Like the Life Cycle of archetypes I explore in my book Writing Archetypal Character Arcs, the Enneagram reflects the evolving inner journeys we all undertake throughout our lives.

Looking at this, I'm not sure what it does for me. That is, other than to get me thinking a bit deeper on what I am doing.

Then I read this, and it does seem applicable:

Type 3: The Achiever

Core Lie: “My worth depends on what I accomplish.”

• Maiden: “I must earn the approval of my authority figures.”
  Theoretical Example: A high school senior, eager to prove herself, constantly overextends her commitments and sacrifices her personal needs to earn the approval of her teachers and parents, believing her worth is defined by their recognition.

• Hero: “I must win at all costs to prove my worth.”
  Movie Example: Lightning McQueen (Cars) believes winning races is his only value.

• Queen: “My reign will only be respected if I am admired.”
  Movie Example: Regina George (Mean Girls) seeks admiration above authentic leadership.

• King: “My value lies in my success and productivity, so I must stay in control and maintain my position, even when it’s no longer serving the greater good.”
  Play Example: Shakespeare’sRichard II clings to his throne, seeking personal validation and glory, but is ultimately forced to sacrifice his throne for the greater good of the kingdom when he realizes his inability to lead effectively has caused more harm than good.

• Crone: “Without accomplishments, I am nothing.”
  Book/Movie Example: Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada) clings to her influence and refuses to advance her loyal employees.

• Mage: “I must prove my worth by making sure others succeed according to my standards, or I will be seen as ineffective or irrelevant.”
  Theoretical Example: After decades of groundbreaking work, a renowned scientist hesitates to retire, fearing that stepping back will make his life’s achievements seem less significant if the next generation surpasses him.

Several of my characters are achievers - more would-be achievers -  but every of the other types are not really within my world. There is also with me the idea that in this world there is no perfection, it is impossible to attain, that human being are immune to perfection. What is left to us is the attempt to do our best, to pick ourselves up from our failures and try again.

Do check out the original article.