Writing with the Enneagram: Type 1

Summary

This video script delves into the character development of type 1 personalities, focusing on their rigid moral codes and the growth they undergo when these codes are challenged. Through examples like Ned Stark from *Game of Thrones*, Kate from *Sicario*, and Katara from *Avatar: The Last Airbender*, the script explores how type 1 characters must learn to navigate the complexities of the real world, often by 'getting their hands dirty.' The core theme centers on the tension between idealism and pragmatism, with type 1s evolving as they realize perfection isn’t always achievable in a morally gray world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Type One characters are driven by a deep need for perfection and a rigid sense of right and wrong, often displaying anger towards anything that does not meet their standards.
• 😀 The core struggle of Type One characters is reconciling their ideals and the flawed, imperfect world around them. Their journey often involves a gradual disillusionment with their rigid principles.
• 😀 The growth arc of a Type One typically involves 'getting their hands dirty'—breaking their own rules or compromising their values in order to navigate a complex, morally gray world.
• 😀 A prominent example of a Type One character is Ned Stark from *Game of Thrones*, who starts with an unwavering commitment to honor and justice, but is ultimately forced to adapt and compromise to protect his family.
• 😀 Type One characters are not necessarily rigid followers of societal rules but are often governed by a personal code of morality that can become inflexible and detrimental when confronted with real-world challenges.
• 😀 In *Sicario*, the protagonist Kate's journey mirrors the Type One arc as she moves from moral high ground to making morally ambiguous decisions, ultimately realizing that the world does not fit into her black-and-white framework.
• 😀 *Tokyo Vice*’s Detective Katagiri exemplifies a Type One’s struggle, initially believing in the righteousness of following the law, only to realize that a more pragmatic, morally flexible approach is necessary to achieve justice.
• 😀 The Type One ego death occurs when they are forced to face the consequences of their rigid ideals and adapt in order to protect what they value most, even if it means betraying their own principles.
• 😀 The Type One's emotional center is their 'gut'—a visceral, often suppressed anger. This anger is managed through strict moral codes, which act as a controlled outlet for the Type One's inner frustration.
• 😀 Type One characters often face tragedy when they fail to adapt and let go of their rigid moralities, which leads to self-destruction or personal loss. Thanos in *Avengers: Infinity War* is an example of a tragic One who clings to his destructive belief in order to achieve his perceived sense of balance.

Q & A

What is the core characteristic of a Type 1 personality in the Enneagram system?

A Type 1 personality, often called 'The Perfectionist,' is driven by a rigid sense of right and wrong. They are highly principled, moral, and dedicated to adhering to rules or standards, often with a strong sense of justice or honor.

Why do Type 1 characters in stories tend to have a difficult time adapting to the world around them?

Type 1 characters struggle to adapt because they are deeply attached to their fixed sense of morality and principles. Their world is often viewed through a black-and-white lens, and this idealism often clashes with the complex, morally ambiguous realities of the world, leading to conflict or growth.

How does a Type 1's 'getting their hands dirty' signify character growth?

For Type 1s, 'getting their hands dirty' represents the moment when they are forced to challenge or compromise their rigid principles to make meaningful change or achieve a greater good. This growth typically occurs when they confront the limitations of their moral rigidity.

Can you explain the transformation of Ned Stark in *Game of Thrones* as an example of a Type 1 character?

Ned Stark epitomizes a Type 1 through his strict adherence to honor and justice. However, his inability to adapt to the corrupt political world of King's Landing leads to tragic consequences. By the end of his arc, Ned compromises his values to protect his family, representing a pivotal growth moment before his death.

What is the role of disillusionment in a Type 1 character's development?

Disillusionment is key in a Type 1 character's growth, as they are often forced to confront the shortcomings of their idealized worldview. Realizing that their rigid sense of justice or morality may not always yield positive results pushes them to either compromise their values or experience tragedy.

What does the phrase 'Type 1 ego death' refer to in the context of the script?

The 'Type 1 ego death' refers to a moment where the character's rigid moral framework collapses, often due to the recognition that their unyielding principles have led to harm or a failure to protect loved ones. It's a form of self-reckoning where the character must confront the limitations of their ideals.

How does the character Kate from *Sicario* exemplify a Type 1’s growth?

Kate's journey in *Sicario* exemplifies a Type 1's growth by showing her shift from holding onto a strict moral high ground to reluctantly participating in morally ambiguous actions. She becomes disillusioned with the system and ultimately compromises her values to achieve a larger goal, symbolizing a 'getting their hands dirty' moment.

Why does the script argue that justice is deeply tied to the gut center, especially in Type 1s?

Justice is tied to the gut center in Type 1s because it stems from a visceral sense of 'right' or 'wrong,' based on deep, instinctual feelings rather than intellectual deliberation. For Type 1s, their moral actions are rooted in gut feelings that are rationalized through their principles.

What is the significance of the character Zuko in *Avatar: The Last Airbender* in understanding Type 1s?

Zuko’s arc in *Avatar: The Last Airbender* highlights how Type 1s can be misunderstood. While Zuko initially follows his own sense of honor, which aligns with his desire to gain approval from his superiors, his story ultimately reveals the difference between personal integrity (Type 1) and external validation, as his growth leads him to develop a more nuanced understanding of honor.

How does the concept of 'the moral binary' affect Type 1 characters in storytelling?

The 'moral binary' often traps Type 1 characters in rigid categories of right and wrong. Their journey involves moving beyond this binary by acknowledging the complexities of life, which allows for growth. When a Type 1 character chooses to break free from this binary, they show the possibility for personal development and a more balanced worldview.