Last month, we discussed the Enneagram as a tool for building authentic (and flawed) characters. I am by no means a psychologist or an expert, but I have found that a general understanding of this ancient personality-typing tool helps me build better characters.
When I wrote my first novel (Still Waters, LPC Books, 2017) one of the best notes my editor gave me was to examine my character’s motivations. If I had known then what I know now, writing (and re-writing) that book would have been so much easier! Cora Anne Halloway is probably a type 4 pretending to be a type 1 because she’s seeking control over situations that are absolutely beyond her control. If I’d leaned into that more, I probably would have drawn her more accurately—or at least a little less “hissy fit” as an Amazon reviewer said. (Side note: reviews are so arbitrary. Most of mine talk about the great depth my characters have, but as usual, I focus on the negative.)
For my second book—The Bridge Between coming July 2019—I can own with great confidence the statement that Cora Anne’s mother, Lou, is absolutely an Enneagram Type 1. Otherwise known as: THE PERFECTIONIST.
We all know this person. Think Monica on Friendsor Hermione Granger in Harry Potter. This is the person who always has the answers, the supplies, and the extra snacks. I mean, really, how would Harry and Ron have survived being on the run in book seven without Hermione’s handbag?
Speaking of handbags, Mary Poppins is a type one too. Practically perfect in every way! There’s a woman who knows herself.
The great thing about writing type one characters is they are fairly easy to draw—give them a planner, a well-organized smartphone, a can of Lysol, or a strict eating plan. Note their accomplishments, their accolades, their success in business or creativity or motherhood. Portray this character as responsible, honest, a bit idealistic, and give them a healthy dose of common sense.
Then things get interesting.
Because while amazing at getting a job done, type Ones tend to struggle with situations they can’t control—as in, relationships. What happens when you make the neat freak roommates with the hot mess? You get Bert and Ernie, The Odd Couple, and my favorite—Elinor and Marianne from Sense and Sensibility. This creates instant conflict that’s instantly relatable to your reader.
Ones are fantastic characters (and real life people) because they aren’t perfect—much as they try to be. Their flaws are understandable:
- They can be overly critical.
- They see everything as black and white, right and wrong.
- They have high standards for themselves and everyone else.
- They avoid expressions of anger and have a deep fear of being wrong.
- They tend to be resentful of others because they repress their own negative emotions.
You’re looking on Instagram to see if you can figure out how many Ones you’re following right now, aren’t you?
By understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of the Perfectionist, you can create a character who is flawed, but likeable, critical, but relatable. Remember I told you about Lou, the mother in my new book? I knew going into this story many people didn’t like her because her own inner critic has taken over her life. BUT I’m hoping, as I tell her story, my readers will come to understand how—and why—she’s let herself become an unhealthy perfectionist. Then, I hope they really love seeing her let go and trust her heart.
Speaking of letting go, of course Elsa is a One. Another great type One character is Lane Kelley in Courtney Walsh’s Just Look Up. Give it a read and tell me what you think, or drop a comment here and tell me about your favorite type Ones in literature and pop culture.
For more Enneagram Type One Study:
Enneagram and Coffee on Instagram
Enneagram Types of 99 Fictional Characters
Don’t miss the rest of the posts in this series!
- Part 1: How to Use Enneagram to Type the Characters You Write
- Part 2: THE PERFECTIONIST: How to Type Your Characters with the Enneagram
- Part 3: Enneagram Type 2—How to Use Enneagram to Type the Characters You Write
- Part 4: Use Enneagram to Type the Characters You Write – Type Three
- Part 5: Use Enneagram to Type the Characters You Write – Type Four
- Part 6: Use Enneagram to Type the Characters You Write – Type Five
- Part 7: Use Enneagram To Type Your Characters – Type Six
- Part 8: Type Your Characters – Enneagram Seven
- Part 9: Type Your Characters – Enneagram Eight
- Part 10: Type Your Characters – Enneagram Nine
Lindsey P. Brackett writes southern fiction and cooks big family meals, but she complains about the dishes. Her debut novel, Still Waters, released in 2017 and was named the 2018 Selah Book of the Year. Someday she hopes to balance motherhood and writing full-time. Until then, she’s just very grateful for her public school system.
Connect with Lindsey and get her free novella at lindseypbrackett.com or on Instagram @lindseypbrackett.
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