Writing Enneagram 1 Characters

Enneagram Type 1 characters, aka “The Perfectionists” or “The Reformers,” are your go-to if you’re aiming for someone principled, driven, and sometimes hilariously uptight. They’re the moral compasses of any story, often walking that fine line between being inspiring and, well, a little too intense. If you want to nail the vibe of a Type 1 character, here’s a guide to help you out.

1. Define Their Core Principle

Type 1s don’t just exist—they live for their values. These characters need a clear, unshakable belief system that drives their every move. Whether it’s honesty, justice, or protecting the planet, their "why" is non-negotiable.

• Example: Maybe they’ve sworn to never lie, even when it’d make life easier.

• Quick Tip: Jot down their top three values and let those shape how they interact with the world.

2. Show Their Inner Critic

A Type 1’s brain is basically a 24/7 critique machine. They’re harder on themselves than anyone else could ever be, and it’s equal parts motivating and exhausting. Let’s see how that inner critic shows up.

• Example: Your perfectionist artist might toss masterpiece after masterpiece because it’s “just not right.”

• Quick Tip: Write a moment where they overthink something so much they sabotage their own success.

3. Give Them a Cause

Type 1s love a good mission. Whether it’s saving the world or reorganizing their neighbor’s recycling bin, they thrive on purpose. Make sure they’ve got a clear goal to aim for.

• Example: A lawyer might work themselves to the bone fighting corporate corruption.

• Quick Tip: Tie their cause to their backstory for extra emotional depth.

4. Demonstrate Their Rigidity

Here’s the thing: Ones have a hard time seeing shades of gray. Their “my way or the highway” attitude can lead to great drama and, let’s face it, some hilarious situations.

• Example: A manager insists on following company protocol even when it’s clearly not the best option.

• Quick Tip: Show how their rigidity puts them at odds with more flexible characters.

5. Highlight Their Frustration with Imperfection

Imperfection is a Type 1’s kryptonite. Whether it’s a crooked painting or a messy relationship, it drives them up the wall.

• Example: A teacher loses sleep over minor typos in student essays while missing bigger issues.

• Quick Tip: Use small, relatable details to highlight how their frustration bubbles to the surface.

6. Let Them Wrestle with Anger

Ones tend to bottle up their anger, which means it’ll eventually explode in dramatic (and usually awkward) ways. This is a goldmine for character development.

• Example: A calm, collected character suddenly flips out when their ideals are repeatedly challenged.

• Quick Tip: Write a scene where their anger surprises everyone, including themselves.

7. Portray Their Growth

The best part of writing a Type 1? Watching them learn to chill out a little. Growth for Ones is all about embracing imperfection—both in themselves and others.

• Example: A perfectionist parent learns to celebrate their kid’s effort instead of focusing on mistakes.

• Quick Tip: Show tiny moments of progress that build up to a bigger transformation.

8. Focus on Their Reliability

If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s a Type 1. These characters are dependable to a fault, often taking on responsibilities no one else wants.

• Example: A soldier takes on extra duties to make sure the mission succeeds, no matter the personal cost.

• Quick Tip: Show how their reliability impacts their relationships, for better or worse.

9. Use Stress and Integration Arcs

When stressed, Type 1s go full Type 4: brooding, self-doubting, and maybe a little melodramatic. But when they’re thriving, they lean into Type 7 traits, becoming playful and open-minded.

• Example: A stressed perfectionist writer spirals into despair, while a growing one picks up a fun hobby.

• Quick Tip: Reflect their stress or growth in how they interact with others—it’s all in the details.

10. Create Tension Between Duty and Desire

The ultimate struggle for a Type 1 is balancing their moral duty with what their heart wants. This conflict can drive some seriously juicy drama.

• Example: A journalist must decide between exposing a scandal (their duty) and protecting someone they love (their desire).

• Quick Tip: Put them in situations where they can’t win without sacrificing something important.

Final Thoughts

Writing a Type 1 character doesn’t have to feel like homework—just remember to lean into their quirks, struggles, and growth. Whether they’re crusading for justice or stressing over their own flaws, there’s a ton of potential for compelling storytelling. So, have fun with it, and let your Type 1 characters bring some order (or chaos) to your story.

Got questions or need more examples? Let’s chat!