27 SubTypes or Instinctual Variants

The true perfectionist who worries a lot, wants things under control and tries to anticipate risks and problems. SP Ones have a strong inner critic and are hard on themselves, with a heightened sense of responsibility. They are often anxious and like to be prepared, down to the smallest detail. This subtype avoids expressing anger but can feel deeply frustrated when disrupted.

This SX dominant instinct E1 countertype stands out from other Ones because of their intensity and impact on others. They have an idealistic view of how things should be and feel entitled to reform people or society to their way of seeing or doing things. SX Ones may express anger and frustration directly when these efforts to improve others are resisted.

SO Ones bring attention to what is good, right and appropriate and set an example of integrity and principled conduct. Strict self control and high standards set them apart from people around them. Motivated by fairness and ‘making things right’ at their best they are systemic thinkers and role models for correct behavior(often demonstrated with rigid body language) and living ideals, beliefs and values.

This SP dominant instinct Two countertype may mistype with Type 7 or 6. They are “cute”, often child-like in that they are slightly shy but charming and inspire protective instincts in others. The SP Two wants to be taken care of but resists being dependent on others, hesitant and self-protective in taking on long-term commitments and responsibilities. They feel hurt or withdraw when they feel or fear rejection from others.

This Two focuses their talents, seductive abilities and energy on attracting and building strong, intimate relationships. In close relationships they are then able to feel trust and assert their needs more clearly or demands personal attention through seduction. They are strong-willed, flexible and passionate - even wild at heart - which may cause mistyping with Enneagram 4. Highly devoted in close relationships, they may find it difficult to accept limits, keeping personal boundaries or take "no" for an answer.

This Two uses their seductive powers in a more intellectual way to attract and engage groups, communities and broader systems. They stand out from the crowd, often taking a central or genuine social leadership role. They enjoy being ‘in the know’ and build their influence on their competence and connections. Giving more than they get may be a strategy to distract them from uncomfortable feelings. Less childlike than other Twos, their ambition and influence can mistype as a type Three or Eight.

This SP dominant instinct Three countertype dislike advertising their achievements, strengths and accomplishments overtly, and avoid being seen as image-oriented. In spite of this it is important to them to be recognised for their hard work and excellence. This subtype is reliable, efficient and productive and aspires to do the right thing. Their pursuit of material security and self-sufficiency through hard work may lead to workaholism.

This charismatic and enthusiastic Three focuses their competitiveness on supporting others, seeing success in relational terms. They tend to believe 'if those around me achieve success, then I am successful' which may lead them to mistype as a Two. Personal power allows them to persuade others and shape the course of events. They tend to compete for the attention and affection of those closest to them, and may suppress their own feelings to make themselves more attractive to others. This character want to create the perfect image around gender identity and how they express themselves.

The Social Three desires influence above all and tends to skillfully read and adjust to the social norms and requirements of teams or organizations. Highly competitive, good with image making, they enjoy being in the spotlight and confidently market their ideas, accomplishments and successful image. Looking good and successful is very important and they may cut corners or cover up failure, so long as the finished product makes them and their team look good.

Where some Fours are dramatic and emotion, this SP dominant instinct countertype, has learned to live with pain, suffering stoically and internalising negative emotions, and wants to be recognised for being ‘tough’ and not complaining. Even though they are quite sensitive, they may be disconnected from their feelings and prefer not to share their pain with others. They are empathic and look out for and try to support others who suffer.

This Four subtype is intense and vocal about their needs and feelings and are often described as ‘more shameless than shameful’ and mistype with Three and Eight. They tend to be demanding and competitive, escaping suffering by being the best in what they do. Their envy becomes a personal challenge to show others up. Demanding that others appreciate their needs may lead to a cycle of rejection, frustration and anger. Their ability to express these feelings of demand and anger may mask how sad or confused they really feel.

This emotional truth teller is sensitive and deeply connected to their suffering. They find comfort in suffering and express it to others, often attracting support and admiration from others. They are not competitive, but have a deep desire to be understood for who they really are. They often doubt themselves and focus on what they see as inferiority; they make comparisons to others and blame themselves, triggering strong feelings of envy and shame.

Very protective of personal space and privacy, this type sets clear limits and boundaries and is very comfortable living a relatively solitary life with just a few close friends. They would much rather observe social life than participate in it. Often truly introverted, they prefer not to reveal much of their inner self or private world, finding it difficult to lower their guard for fear of losing their privacy or sense of safety.

One-on-one Fives seek understanding and improve their ability to engage with the world by finding a partner who ‘gets them’. These Fives are less concerned with boundaries and self-sufficiency and focus on connecting with others in the quest for understanding. They experience strong ‘chemistry’ with another person, enjoying the connection and trust and openness this permits, sharing their private world. They risk depending on this other person to make them feel vibrant and alive, leading them to ‘test’ their partner’s loyalty or resist sharing them with others. They have a quirky creative or artistic style.

The SO Five searches for the essence or meaning of situations, with a focus on the big questions as they pursue wisdom and knowledge. They connect with groups or experts who share their brilliance and high ideals, often disconnected from everyday issues or emotions. Their ideals for an enlightened society can be both a calling and further detach them from the real world. While sharing values and ideals with energy and enthusiasm, they may resist sharing space, time or inner resources, disconnecting from the people around them.

The anxiety of the Six blends with the SP instinct to make fear and insecurity a theme for this cautious subtype. To feel safe, they build strong alliances and with others and show personal warmth. They are sincerely affectionate and warm-hearted in their interactions with others. They repress anger and are hesitant to share opinions, preferring to be cautious than risk mistakes.

This one-on-one dominant instinct Six countertype tends to be bold, assertive or even intimidating, which may lead to mistyping as an Eight. The SX Six is counter-phobic, believing that the best defense is a good offence and reacting against typical Six fears by running towards any fear or danger. This head-on approach may appear rebellious or something of a daredevil. Their need to feel strength and safety makes it difficult to connect to their doubts or feelings of vulnerability

This Six subtype connects to social ideals, working for a cause or standing up for the weak. They tend to be more ‘black and white’ than the shades of grey seen by other Sixes. They may seem like an Ennea One as they are precise and careful and prefer to follow rules and procedures. Highly rational and dutiful, they work to encourage compliance to rules or collective norms, and to ensure that everyone knows what is expected of them. They look for a system to trust to balance their self doubt. They can be out of tune with their personal feelings.

This energised Seven is a great networker, gathering a ‘family’ of close supporters and motivated by wanting the best for everyone. They love the good things in life and may risk becoming self-interested and pleasure-seeking. This subtype is generally good at getting what they need to have fun and feel safe, but may also be good at rationalising and defending whatever they want to do.

The dreamer, the idealist, the romantic ... the SX Seven sees reality through a rose-coloured filter, connected to the possibility in everything. Their enthusiasm and optimism may seem unrealistic or naive as they tend to believe in the good in everything and everyone. They want the world to be more than dreary and dull and may embellish reality and dislike relationships that have become boring and predictable.

The Social dominant instinct Seven countertype acts against the gluttony that characterises the Seven, tending to mistype with Enneagram 2. They are generous and have a strong desire to be of service, to create a better world. They will sacrifice their own needs to serve the needs of a group or person they support. They can be judgemental regarding the selfishness of others and they hope to be appreciated for their sacrifice, however too much self sacrifice can lead to feeling imprisoned.

The SP Eight is strong, direct and productive and appears powerful and effective. Confident in even the most challenging situations, they are survivors and are pillars of strength for many as they take the role of guardian, father or mother figure. They are driven for material success and behind the strong but indirect influence. When their needs are not satisfied, they become frustrated and intolerant, and tend to take a direct, no-nonsense approach to get what they want, without guilt or apology.

This subtype is the most rebellious Eight, provocatively breaking rules and standing out as a rebel, iconoclast or trail blazer. Their impulsiveness and desire for intensity may seem like Four characteristics, but these are rooted in an unapologetic drive to create change, willing to provoke and disrupt others to accumulate power and influence. They have a desire to serve a worthy cause, but prefer to do so from a central or leadership position. They use their self assertion and magnetic personality to possess others.

The social dominant instinct Eight countertype uses their power and influence in the service of others, making them appear Two-ish in their drive to support others rather than asserting their own needs. Sensitive to injustice and unfair social norms, they are loyal and protective and shield ‘their people’ from harm, unjust authority or abuse of power. Even though they prefer not to be too vulnerable, they invite and appreciate tough feedback from close allies.

This subtype is concerned with meeting physical needs, focused on activities such as eating, reading or sleeping for their comfort and wellbeing. These activities are typically a strategy to escape or comfort themselves through fulfilling their appetites. They create daily rhythms and routines that support instinctual life. Peace and time alone are important to them and they may be irritable and stubborn when others upset their balance or create problems.

This subtype fuses deeply with significant others in relationships as a strategy to feed their sense of self and sense of comfort. They tend to feel more secure when partnered with others and may find it challenging to be on their own. They are resistant to paying attention to themselves, their passions and desires and tend to go along with the preferences of others, even if this means sacrificing their own plans and needs. They can struggle with personal boundaries

This friendly, social Nine countertype ‘leans in’ and participates fully, often taking the role of mediator or facilitator in groups. They put their own issues aside, maintain a happy front to avoid burdening others and make sacrifices to meet group needs. They take comfort from feeling part of things in a broader group or community. Working hard to keep the people in their life happy, they may run the risk of becoming a workaholic, hiding their pain or stress.