the 9 types

Common names for the 9 Enneagram types

(Most people will say the # when referring to a type, because it's more neutral.)

Names from Riso & Hudson's "The Wisdom of the Enneagram"

Type 1: THE REFORMER, the teacher, the activator, the cruisader, the moralist, the perfectionist, the organizer

Type 2: THE HELPER, the altruist, the lover, the caretaker, the pleaser, the enabler, the "special friend"

Type 3: THE ACHIEVER, the motivator, the role model, the paragon, the communicator, the status seeker, "the best"

Type 4: THE INDIVIDUALIST, the artist, the romantic, the melancholic, the aesthete, the tragic victim, the "special one"

Type 5: THE INVESTIGATOR, the thinker, the innovator, the observer, the specialist, the radical, the expert

Type 6: THE LOYALIST, the guardian, the believer, the doubter, the troubleshooter, the traditionalist, the stalwart

Type 7: THE ENTHUSIAST, the generalist, the multi-tasker, the wunderkind, the dilettante, the connoisseur, the energizer

Type 8: THE CHALLENGER, the leader, the protector, the provider, the entrepreneur, the maverick, the "rock"

Type 9: THE PEACEMAKER, the healer, the optimist, the reconciler, "nobody special," the utopian, the comforter

Self-image for the 9 types

Each type has a characteristic self-image.

Self-image descriptions from Riso & Hudson's "The Wisdom of the Enneagram":

Type 1: reasonable, sensible, objective, moderate, prudent, moral, "good," rational

Type 2: loving, caring, selfless, thoughtful, warm-hearted, concerned, kind, compassionate

Type 3: admirable, desirable, attractive, outstanding, well-adjusted, effective, having "unlimited potential"

Type 4: sensitive, different, unique, self-aware, gentle, intuitive, quiet, deep, honest with self

Type 5: perceptive, "smart," curious, self-contained, insightful, unusual, alert, objective

Type 6: reliable, dependable, trustworthy, likable, "regular," careful, having foresight, questioning

Type 7: enthusiastic, free-spirited, spontaneous, cheerful, eager, outgoing, energetic, positive

Type 8: strong, assertive, direct, resourceful, action-oriented, tenacious, robust, independent

Type 9: peaceful, relaxed, steady, stable, gentle, natural, easygoing, friendly

9 Motivations

the driver (desire) for each type

Type 1: to have integrity and wholeness, to be correct

Type 2: to be loved, liked, and appreciated

Type 3: to be valuable and have success

Type 4: to be oneself and authentic, to find meaning

Type 5: to be competent and capable

Type 6: to be secure, safe, and supported

Type 7: to be happy and satisfied, to experience pleasure

Type 8: to protect oneself, to be strong and independent

Type 9: to be at peace and experience harmony

Animal symbols

Something fun... an animal symbol for each enneagram type!

Type 1: bumblebee

Type 2: puppy

Type 3: fox

Type 4: swan

Type 5: owl

Type 6: deer

Type 7: butterfly

Type 8: tiger

Type 9: whale

Caricatures

Have you ever seen an Enneagram meme or caricature (like the ones here) that you felt was an unfair representation of you or someone you know, simply based on type?

Why might a caricature not fit you?

Caricatures don’t take into account that every person accesses all nine types and all of them in different proportions.
People of the same Enneagram type can experience and present themselves very differently because there is variety within each Enneagram type, such as subtypes and level of integration.

Let's consider the caricature... First, investigate the motivations and self-images (on this page). Now, why do you think that caricature was chosen?

Learn about your own Enneagram profile and discover how the caricatures relate (or don't) to your own outer expression.

Matching Saboteurs to Enneagram types

Here’s how the concept of a “Saboteur” from Shirzad Chamine’s Positive Intelligence (PQ) program fits with the Enneagram:

We all have patterns of self-sabotage. By using the Enneagram — especially moving along the lines of release and stretch — we can intentionally shift these patterns toward healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and acting.

This shift often starts with awareness: noticing the patterns, asking powerful questions, and choosing exercises that are most helpful for your type.

In PQ, the process is called moving from Saboteur → Sage:

Saboteur: automatic, self-sabotaging reactions
Sage: grounded, constructive responses

You strengthen this shift by practicing Self-Command — staying present and mindful whenever unwanted patterns arise, especially achieved through meditation practices.

*This explanation reflects my interpretation of PQ concepts in the context of the Enneagram. Exercises and prompts for this process are included in the Positive Intelligence app.

Subtypes

Each person will manifest their Enneagram type a little differently depending on his/her leading subtype.

Self-preservation

Sexual (1:1)

Social

Self-preserving - concerned more with physical safety/comfort/health, including energy depletion, which in turn will mean preoccupation with finances, housing, and material belongings.

Sexual (aka Relational or 1:1) - concerned more with intense experiences - sometimes sexual or romantic/intimate in nature, but also includes things found thrilling or adventurous, what gives a "charge" or is "magnetic."

Social - concerned more with feeling necessary and liked within a group - in platonic and familial relationships, and also in community/national/global activities.

Just as we access all nine Enneagram types (in varying degrees), we also access all three subtypes (in varying degrees). Just as we have a core Enneagram type, we also have a leading subtype.

Each Enneagram type can manifest with any of the three subtypes in the lead, such as a "sexual 1", a "self-preserving 5," or a "social" 4.

Knowing your leading subtype can bring you to another level of Enneagram work, as there are specific strategies for personal growth according to your subtype.