by Lindsey Brackett @LindsBrac

I hope these short introductions into the Enneagram are helping you understand your characters and relationships better. Remember, we all carry tendencies of the nine different types, making us (and our characters) incredibly complex. But rather than focus on personality traits, the Enneagram begs you to discover—what is your core motivation? A question we writers are always willing to ask about our characters … but maybe not so much about ourselves.

Enneagram type 8 is often nicknamed “The Challenger.” Of all nine types, I believe type 8 is the most misunderstood. While men who identify as Eights are often rewarded for their tough, aggressive behavior that speaks of being a “man’s man” or a leader who isn’t intimidated, women are often degraded for being too independent or labeled controlling and domineering. 

On the surface, Eights typically exhibit the following behaviors:

• Confident & Direct—they say what they need to say and move on
• Quick Decision Makers—they trust their gut instincts and act.
• Protective—they are fierce defenders of people and things they love.
• Independent—being dependent on another makes an Eight feel controlled, so they will seek financial and emotional independence.
• Influencers—they take charge and are good at seeing the big picture.

While these traits make Eights excellent leaders, parents, and entrepreneurs, an Eight’s core desire to avoid being controlled can also make them appear standoffish, cold, and intimidating. In reality, Eights value people in their lives who help expose their vulnerability—who push back with them rather than always bowing down. They are a loyal type who values honesty and integrity, but may also be prone to anger and revenge. These are people who fear being vulnerable and see betrayal as unforgiveable. 

Think Katniss Everdeen from Hunger Games. We see her first as the fierce protector, but as the series progresses, she learns to embrace her one vulnerability—love. In doing so, she becomes a heroine everyone wants to follow. 

Bring out all the bold features of your type Eight characters, but don’t forget to let them live with their weaknesses as well. For it is when we are weak, that we become truly strong.

For more Enneagram Study:

Modern Mrs. Darcy

Enneagram.net

The Enneagram at Work

Enneagram and Coffee on Instagram

Eclectic Energies 

Enneagram Types of 99 Fictional Characters 

Integrative9

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

Because she’s a type 4 and therefore always seeking the unique, Lindsey P. Brackett writes southern fiction infused with her rural Georgia upbringing and Lowcountry roots. Her debut novel, Still Waters, released in 2017 and was named the 2018 Selah Book of the Year. Her latest novel, The Bridge Between, released in 2019. 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, Magnolia Mistletoe, at lindseypbrackett.com or on Instagram @lindseypbrackett.