Crafting Archetypal Arcs With Enneagram Insights

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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.

Although this archetypal similarity makes the Enneagram and the six Life-Cycle archetypes intuitive partners, it can also be difficult to sort the complexity of the two systems in a way that is actually useful for developing characters. Last week, we explored some of the innumerable possibilities for character-arc variation available within each Enneagram type. This week, I’m answering another reader question—from Elisheva–that points to this central conundrum of combining the Enneagram with the archetypes of the Life Cycle:

I love archetypes and I love the Enneagram, but when I try to use both tools when writing a story I get confused about how they interact. Both of them have their own Lies and conflict dynamics. And yet, they both are true. As a person, we go through the archetypical life stages, but we also have our personality to contend with. So, essentially, we are juggling the Lies and conflicts that come with each stage while also juggling the Lies and conflicts from our innate natures. How does this work when writing a story, so as not to confuse ourselves and others and get tangled in a conglomeration of themes, Lies, and conflicts—but to have it come through cohesively?

The shortest answer is that you don’t need to understand or combine both systems in order to create dynamic and dimensional characters. Often, the simplest approach is best, in which case focusing on either an archetypal approach or an Enneagram approach might be best. However, if you enjoy the complexity of examining how different systems combine to reveal even deeper insights into human behavior, then this is your stop!

In This Article:

What Happens When You Combine Archetypal Arcs With Enneagram Insights?

As I’ve explored in other posts (linked below), the Enneagram is a system of nine archetypal personality types, each representing a different core motivation and strategy for navigating the world. It maps surface behaviors, as well as the deep emotional patterns that drive our actions, fears, and desires. Unlike many personality systems, the Enneagram charts a path of growth, showing how individuals can evolve toward their healthiest, most integrated selves—or fall into patterns of stress and fixation.

>>Click here to read 5 Ways to Use the Enneagram to Write Better Characters

>>Click here to read 9 Positive Character Arcs in the Enneagram

>>Click here to read 9 Negative Character Arcs in the Enneagram

>>Click here to read Enneagram Types for Writers: Types 1-4

>>Click here to read Enneagram Types for Writers: Types 5-9

>>Click here to read Avoiding Repetition for Lies Each Type Might Believe

Writing Archetypal Character Arcs (affiliate link)

Similarly, the archetypal Life Cycle I explore in my book Writing Archetypal Character Arcs (and the Archetypal Character Guided Meditations) charts the universal phases of transformation we experience as we move through life. From the individuation of the Maiden, through the personal expansion of the Hero, the leadership of the Queen, the sacrifice of the King, the acceptance of the Crone, and the surrender of the Mage, the cycle demonstrates how archetypal energies evolve as we mature, confront challenges, and step into new roles within both our inner landscapes and our outer lives.

Combined, these two systems offer a richly layered view of human development. The Enneagram helps us understand the why behind our individual journeys (i.e., our motivations, blind spots, and inner work), while the archetypal Life Cycle provides a broader view of the when (i.e., the inevitable seasons of growth and change we all encounter). Together, they can create a powerful framework for writing deeper characters, as well as living more conscious, authentic lives.

Enneagram Lies for the 6 Archetypes of the Life Cycle

What follows is, as ever, a limited and subjective list of suggestions for how the themes of the Life Cycle and the Enneagram may mingle. My hope is that it will spark your own intuitive knowing about these deep archetypes, so you can find your own best interpretations for your characters and stories.

Type 1: The Reformer

Core Lie: “I must be good to be worthy.”

• Maiden’s Lie: “I must always be perfect to earn a place in the world.”
  Book/Movie Example: Hermione Granger (Harry Potter) constantly seeks academic perfection to prove herself, but must individuate beyond the system of authority to learn which rules are worth breaking.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), Warner Bros.

• Hero: “I can only defeat evil if I never make mistakes.”
  Theoretical Example: A police cadet learns that true bravery lies not in flawless actions, but in showing up and serving despite imperfections.

• Queen: “Leading means upholding impossible moral standards.”
  Book/Movie Example: Jean Valjean (Les Misérables) burdens himself with living a perfectly moral life after his redemption.

Les Miserables (2018-2019), BBC One.

• King: “I must be flawless to maintain my authority.”
  Theoretical Example: A legendary mob boss, feared and respected for his rigid moral code and flawless control, must face the devastating truth that his need to be untouchable is tearing his empire apart.

• Crone: “I failed in life because I was never perfect enough.”
  Book/Movie Example: Judge Danforth (The Crucible) struggles to evolve with the times, clinging to his rigid beliefs and refusing to acknowledge his mistakes.

The Crucible (1996), 20th Century Fox.

• Mage: “True wisdom is reserved for the flawless.”
  Theoretical Example: A beloved professor, on the brink of retirement during a critical crisis facing his school, must confront his fear of leaving his students vulnerable and step back to let them take charge, trusting that their own mistakes will lead to the growth they need—while he comes to terms with the fact that his time as their guiding force has ended.

Type 2: The Helper

Core Lie: “I must earn love through service.”

• Maiden: “If I am not useful, I will be abandoned.”
  Theoretical Example: A young woman on the brink of adulthood believes she must constantly care for others and meet their emotional needs, even it means sacrificing her own dreams.

• Hero: “I can only save others by sacrificing myself.”
  Theoretical Example: A young paramedic, eager to prove his bravery and worth in service to his community, believes he must always be the first to respond to emergencies, even at the cost of his own well-being.

• Queen: “I must care for everyone, even at the cost of my own needs.”
  Movie Example: Mufasa (The Lion King) rules with compassion, but his inability to fully confront and neutralize the threat posed by his brother reveals his failure to assert the tough authority needed to protect the kingdom.

The Lion King (1994), Walt Disney Pictures.

• King: “Real authority is earned by serving everyone else first.”
  Theoretical Example: A veteran football coach, beloved for always putting his players first, must confront the painful truth that his need to be needed is holding the team back—and that the greatest act of service might be letting someone else lead.

• Crone: “Without someone to care for, I have no purpose.”
  Theoretical Example: A retired teacher, disheartened by the loss of her former vitality, is coaxed back into the community by a group of former students. She must reconcile with her own aging and accept that her contribution may now look different.

• Mage: “Wisdom means knowing how to fix everyone’s pain.”
  Theoretical Example: An aging master carpenter, watching his apprentices struggle with the pressures of their craft, must confront his deep need to fix their problems and allow them to endure the pain of their mistakes in order to grow into their own skill and wisdom.

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.

Cars (2006), Walt Disney Pictures.

Mean Girls (2004), Paramount Pictures.

• 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.

The Hollow Crown (2012-2016), BBC Two

The Devil Wears Prada (2006), 20th Century Fox

• 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.

Type 4: The Individualist

Core Lie: “I must be unique to be significant.”

• Maiden: “I must be unique and different to be truly valued, and if I don’t stand out, I’ll never be understood.”
  Theoretical Example: A sheltered artist, struggling to believe her voice matters in a noisy world, is unsure how to break free from the expectations placed on her by family and society.

• Hero: “I must prove my worth through my struggles and pain, or I will never truly be seen as special or important.”
  Theoretical Example: A struggling musician determined to make it big must learn that personal growth comes not just through artistic expression, but by accepting himself and others.

• Queen: “No one can understand the pain of leadership like I do.”
  Theoretical Example: A compassionate community organizer fears that if she imposes responsibility on others, she will be misunderstood and rejected for being too rigid or impersonal.

• King: “My uniqueness sets me apart from everyone, including those I lead.”
  Theoretical Example: An aging founder of a successful nonprofit, believing his uniqueness is what made the organization thrive, fears his departure will cause the loss of his individuality and the purpose he’s created.
  

• Crone: “I was always too different to truly matter.”
  Book/Movie Example: Miss Havisham (Great Expectations) isolates herself after heartbreak.

Great Expectations (2012), Lionsgate.

• Mage: “My wisdom is irreplaceable, and no one else can truly understand my unique insights.”
  Theoretical Example: A once-celebrated maestro watches his protégés follow their own unconventional paths, overcoming his fear that if he doesn’t guide every decision, his unique vision and legacy will be forgotten.

Type 5: The Investigator

Core Lie: “I have to protect my energy and stay self-sufficient.”

• Maiden: “I must have all the answers and fully understand everything before I can be valued or take action.”
  Theoretical Example: A refugee teenager feels she must handle every challenge on her own, fearing that asking for help would put her at the mercy of unfeeling authorities.

• Hero: “I can’t act until I know everything.”
  Theoretical Example: A young environmental activist believes that to make a real difference, he must single-handedly lead every initiative and never show vulnerability, fearing that depending on others will expose his lack of knowledge or authority.

• Queen: “Leading requires complete control over information.”
  Theoretical Example: A respected scholar must come to terms with the limitations of her intellect and find a balance between reason and the emotional needs of others, ultimately discovering that leadership requires vulnerability.

• King: “I must hold onto control at all costs because if I let go, everything will fall apart and no one will be able to manage without me.”
  Theoretical Example: A long-serving mayor of a small town struggles to step down, convinced that without his detailed knowledge of the community’s history and past decisions, the town’s future will unravel.

• Crone: “My worth ended when I stopped learning new things.”
  Book/Movie Example: Ben Weatherstaff (The Secret Garden) is initially withdrawn and resigned to his age and solitude, but must learn to open up and connect with the younger generation.

The Secret Garden (1993), Warner Bros.

Type 6: The Loyalist

Core Lie: “Security must come from the outside.”

Tangled (2010), Walt Disney Pictures.

• Hero: “I must rely on rules and authorities to survive.”
  Theoretical Example: During the American Revolution, a young militia leader, determined to prove his worth in battle, hesitates to take command in the face of danger, fearing that if he fails, he will not only let down his comrades but prove he was never truly fit for leadership.

• Queen: “The crown is safest when I control everyone’s loyalty.”
  Theoretical Example: A new President, obsessed with maintaining unwavering loyalty from every member of her Cabinet, begins to micromanage their actions and decisions, believing any hint of dissent could unravel the entire country.

• King: “I must eliminate all threats to maintain stability.”
  Theoretical Example: A seasoned detective, revered for keeping his city safe through rigid oversight and paranoia, begins to unravel his own team with distrust and overreach, forcing him to realize that his need to control every threat is eroding the stability he built and that stepping aside is the only way to restore trust.

• Crone: “I only mattered when others needed me for advice and support.”
  Theoretical Example: An aging fairy godmother, long retired and forgotten, sinks into despair believing her worth ended when the kingdoms no longer needed her contribution—until a young, reckless princess unexpectedly seeks her out, forcing her to confront her fear of irrelevance and rediscover a deeper purpose in passing on her wisdom.

• Mage: “True wisdom comes only from following tradition.”
  Theoretical Example: An experienced blacksmith who has spent decades perfecting his craft allows his apprentice to explore modern advances.

Type 7: The Adventurer

Core Lie: “Pain must be avoided at all costs.”

• Maiden: “I can’t commit to anything serious because if I do, I’ll be stuck and miss out on all the exciting possibilities life has to offer.”
  Play/Book/Movie Example: To avoid sorrow and responsibility, Peter Pan (Peter Pan) refuses to grow up.

Peter Pan (2003), Universal Pictures.

Iron Man 2 (2010), Marvel Studios.

• Queen: “If I take on too much responsibility, I’ll lose my freedom and the joy of spontaneity that I crave.”
  Show Example: Louis XIII (The Musketeers) refuses to face the mounting pressures of his reign, instead distracting himself with pleasures and escapism, believing that avoiding harsh realities will protect him from the pain of responsibility and prevent his kingdom from unraveling.

The Musketeers (2014-2016), BBC One

• King: “If I step down, I’ll miss out on all the excitement and adventure, and my life will lose its purpose.”
  Theoretical Example: The aging sheriff of a small frontier town refuses to retire, convinced that without the daily thrill of chasing outlaws and dispensing justice, his life will become empty and meaningless.

• Crone: “If I stop chasing fun, I’ll face regret.”
  Theoretical Example: In her twilight years, a once-vibrant grandmother convinces herself that if she keeps distracting herself with new hobbies and adventures, she can stave off the emptiness that comes with facing her mortality.

• Mage: “I must keep my proteges entertained and excited with new ideas and challenges, or they’ll lose interest and never grow into their full potential.”
  Book/Movie Example: Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings) sometimes feels the need to inject excitement and challenge to keep people engaged, especially during moments of stagnation.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), New Line Cinema.

Type 8: The Challenger

Core Lie: “Vulnerability equals weakness.”

• Maiden: “If I don’t stay tough and in control, the world will crush me before I get the chance to grow up.”
  Show Example: Haunted by the loss of her mother and consumed by shame over a secret mistake, a young Beth Dutton (Yellowstone) learns to weaponize her vulnerability—driving away Rip, the boy who loves her, believing that needing anyone will only lead to more pain and make her unfit to carry the Dutton legacy.

Yellowstone (2018-2024), Paramount Network.

Troy (2004), Warner Bros.

• Queen: “I must crush weakness to lead effectively.”
  Movie Example: Princess Leia (Star Wars) believes that if she doesn’t keep absolute control over the Rebellion and shield everyone with her strength, everything she has built will fall apart.
  

Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), 20th Century Fox.

• King: “Power must be protected at all costs.”
  Theoretical Example: An ancient dragon-king refuses to name a successor, believing that if he releases his hold on the throne, chaos will consume the realm and erase everything he’s built.

• Crone: “If I show any weakness now, the world will forget me.”
  Theoretical Example: An aging private investigator, weary from years of solving crimes, struggles with the belief that if she doesn’t stay ahead of everyone, she’ll be left behind and forgotten.

• Mage: “If I don’t control everything around me, everything will fall apart.”
  Theoretical Example: A dying inventor must accept that without his direct involvement, the future of art and science will fall into the hands of the next generation—whether they are ready or not.

Type 9: The Peacemaker

Core Lie: “My presence creates conflict.”

Cinderella (2015), Walt Disney Pictures.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), New Line Cinema.

• Queen: “A ruler must maintain harmony at any personal cost.”
  Theoretical Example: A single mother must reconcile with her teenage son’s drug use and her struggle to impose discipline.

• King: “Leadership means erasing my own desires.”
  Theoretical Example: An aging carnival owner, long seen as the heart of a beloved traveling show, must confront the truth that true harmony sometimes means letting go.

• Crone: “My life mattered only when I avoided conflict.”
  Theoretical Example: A retired diplomat refuses to enter the fray again even though she is needed.

• Mage: “Wisdom is found only in silence and noninterference.”
  Book/Movie Example: Professor Dumbledore (Harry Potter) initially withholds vital truths, believing noninterference safest.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), Warner Bros.

Best Fit Enneagram Types for Each Archetype

Understanding which Enneagram types align best with each character archetype can offer further insights for writers looking to craft psychologically resonant stories. Below, we’ll explore which Enneagram types can be the best fit for each of the six major archetypal arcs. As seen above, every Enneagram type will have the opportunity to embody each part of the archetypal Life Cycle. However, for the purposes of storytelling, certain Enneagram types more obviously align with the innate themes of certain life archetypes.

Click for a larger view.

1. Maiden Arc

The Maiden represents youth, innocence, and the early stages of growth. This archetype often involves a journey of self-discovery, in which the character confronts fears of inadequacy.

Suggested Best Fits:

Type 2 (The Helper): Twos seek external validation and approval, often believing they must be useful to be loved or accepted. This aligns with the Maiden’s journey of proving her worth.

Type 4 (The Individualist): Fours often feel like outsiders and believe they’re too different or broken to belong. This aligns with the Maiden’s struggle to find her place.

Type 6 (The Loyalist): Sixes struggle with self-doubt and trust issues. This aligns with the Maiden’s early dependence on others.

2. Hero Arc

The Hero is the archetype of the individual who goes on a quest to prove himself, often facing trials that push him beyond his limits. This arc typically involves growth through challenges and the development of inner strength.

Suggested Best Fits:

Type 3 (The Achiever): Threes are motivated by the desire to prove their worth through accomplishment. This aligns with the Hero’s need to confront the difference between authentic self-worth and success-driven identity.

Type 7 (The Enthusiast): Sevens seek excitement and avoid pain. This aligns with the Hero’s lessons in embracing hardships and responsibility, as well as the adventurousness found in many Hero stories.

Type 9 (The Peacemaker): Nines prefer to avoid conflict and maintain harmony. This aligns with the Hero’s lessons in standing up and taking action for what is right.

3. Queen Arc

The Queen archetype represents leadership, responsibility, and the balance of power with wisdom. The Queen must confront the tension between personal desires and the needs of others. She often faces internal conflict over whether to uphold idealistic values or to compromise for the greater good.

Suggested Best Fits:

Type 1 (The Reformer): Ones seek perfection and uphold high moral standards. This aligns with the Queen’s responsibility to govern with justice.

Type 2 (The Helper): Twos may take on leadership roles out of a need to care for others. This aligns with the Queen’s struggle to balance the needs of the people she leads with the equal necessity for justice and fairness.

Type 3 (The Achiever): Threes are driven by a desire for success and admiration. This can align with the Queen’s desire to lead effectively while also ensuring she is loved and respected.

4. King Arc

The King is an archetype of mastery, authority, and moral leadership. Kings must balance power with compassion, making decisions that affect others, while also grappling with personal doubts about worth and legacy.

Suggested Best Fits:

Type 1 (The Reformer): Ones value moral integrity while desiring to fix the world. This aligns with the King’s role as a ruler who holds the kingdom’s best interests at heart.

Type 6 (The Loyalist): Sixes seek stability and security, often taking on leadership roles when they believe they can protect others. This aligns with the King’s desire to shoulder the tremendous burden of total responsibility for his kingdom.

Type 8 (The Challenger): Eights possess a drive for control and strength; they must learn that real power comes from wisdom, not domination. This aligns with the King’s focus on authority and leadership.

5. Crone Arc

The Crone represents wisdom, reflection, and acceptance of life’s consequences. This archetype is concerned with legacy and the knowledge gained through life’s experiences.

Suggested Best Fits

Type 1 (The Reformer): Ones must learn to accept imperfection. This aligns with the Crone’s need to forgive herself and embrace her flaws.

Type 4 (The Individualist): Fours often feel like they are misunderstood or disconnected. This aligns with the Crone’s need to reflect on her life choices and embrace her true self.

Type 5 (The Investigator): Fives search for knowledge and detachment. This aligns with the Crone’s focus on intellectual wisdom and the perspective gained over a lifetime. Fives can also align with the Hermit archetype, the negative aspect of which the Crone struggles with in her passive shadow form.

6. Mage Arc

The Mage represents mastery, transformation, and the passing of knowledge. The Mage has the wisdom and skills to guide others, but may struggle with the isolation and surrender needed in the role of mentor.

Suggested Best Fits:

Type 1 (The Reformer): Ones desire to fix and improve the world through wisdom and example. This aligns with the Mage’s role as a wise leader who desires to guide the young.

Type 3 (The Achiever): Mature Threes can provide guidance to others on how to achieve success while also needing to confront their need for external validation. This can align with the Mage’s role as a mentor who passes on knowledge.

Type 5 (The Investigator): Fives are natural learners and seekers of knowledge. This aligns with the Mage’s ability to impart wisdom to others.

Understanding the best-fit Enneagram types for each archetypal character arc can offer powerful insight into your characters’ internal journeys. When you align your characters’ Enneagram-driven fears and desires with the core themes of their archetypal arcs, you create a narrative with emotional resonance and psychological depth.

Whether your character is a Hero learning to face his limitations, a Queen learning to lead with integrity, or a Crone reckoning with her past, the Enneagram can add nuance and authenticity that helps bring the character arc to life. By thoughtfully pairing archetypes with Enneagram types, you can gain a dual lens through which to craft stories that both captivate and transform.

In Summary:

Both the Enneagram and the archetypal Life Cycle systems are powerful tools for understanding human motivation and transformation. When combined, they can offer a deeper layer of insight into character development. The key challenge is balancing the complex dynamics of both systems without creating confusion in the story. While it’s not necessary to merge both systems to create dynamic characters, those who enjoy complexity can use them together to enrich their writing. Each Enneagram type brings its core Lie and conflict dynamics into the phases of the Life Cycle, influencing how characters evolve.

Key Takeaways:

• The Enneagram provides a framework for understanding a character’s motivations, fears, and desires, while the Life Cycle tracks universal phases of transformation.
• Combining both systems can deepen character exploration. However, it’s important to avoid overwhelming readers with too many conflicting themes and conflicts.
• Focusing on one system at a time (either Enneagram or archetypal Life Cycle) is a simpler approach, but integrating both can lead to more complex and nuanced character arcs.
• Using the core Lies and conflicts of each Enneagram type within the phases of the Life Cycle can help to create multidimensional characters that evolve through their internal and external struggles.

Want More?

If you’re ready to dive deeper into your characters and their journeys, my Archetypal Character Guided Meditations can help unlock fresh insights and inspire new creative possibilities. These guided meditations are perfect for dreamzoning, brainstorming, and exploring your characters’ core motivations from the inside out.

Whether your character’s story is best suited to the archetypes of Maiden, Hero, Queen, King, Crone, or Mage, these meditations will guide you to understand the heart of your characters and bring them to life in new and exciting ways. It’s like having a personal guide to help you dig into the soul of your story! Start exploring today: Archetypal Character Guided Meditations.

Go on the journey with your characters! Check out the Archetypal Character Guided Meditations.

Wordplayers, tell me your opinions! How do you merge archetypal characters with the Enneagram types in your writing? Which Enneagram type fits best with the archetypes you use, and how do their core motivations shape the journey? Tell me in the comments!

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