What Is the Enneagram?
The Enneagram is an ancient system of personality types. Learning about ourselves through the Enneagram helps us understand our motivations, our gifts, and those traits that give us trouble from time to time. We use the Enneagram to understand our relationships—personal and work—and how we can be better versions of ourselves. Writers and actors have used the Enneagram to help depict and portray their characters. Books on the subject abound.
In grad school, I wrote about the Enneagram in every paper including my thesis. After graduation, I was an Adjunct Professor for the School of Social Work for a brief time. I’m happy to share thoughts about using the Enneagram to deepen characters. I can talk about the Enneagram all day, but instead, please check out the next page for thoughts about using the Enneagram for your characters.
Ways to Use the Enneagram
Not sure how the Enneagram can help you create memorable characters? Send me an email and I'll answer your question here on my website!
What could cause problems for my Type Four protagonist, a single woman in her mid-thirties?
Answer: Ignoring what is right in front of her. Fours dwell on the past, dream about the future, and fail to recognize what is going on in the present. This pre-determined focus will leave other characters feeling unrecognized and unappreciated. In her quest to be authentic and to recognize the beauty, drama, or depth of feeling in a situation, Fours may miss the small, simple things woven together that create a satisfying life.
My protagonist is a big man, a pushy Eight. How can I make him a sympathetic character?
Answer: In their innermost selves, Eights are little boys and girls. Yes, they are tough, often loud, sometimes abusive, and threatening. The purpose of the bravado is to protect others (which they feel responsible to do) and to conceal their childlike core. Revealing this innocence can make this character endearing. Maybe your guy has a soft spot for kittens or a family member with a disability. An Eight will only reveal this delicate underbelly in private or protected situations, and we can’t help but love the brazen person in these surprising situations.
Ways to Work With Me
Looking for a speaker for your conference or local writing group? I enjoy sharing my knowledge about the Enneagram and how it can help shape dynamic characters with fellow writers.
Contact me at ellenjordanauthor@gmail.com
Speaking
CONTACT
For any book signing or speaking engagement inquiries, email me at: ellenjordanauthor@gmail.com
jejordan@q.com