Harry Potter Characters and the enneagram Archives

The Harry Potter series is full of dynamic characters with fully developed personalities… and enneagram types! This is what makes delving into the Harry Potter world so much fun! Today, we are going to spend some time talking specifically about Harry Potter and the enneagram types 8 & 9!

Enneagram Type 8: Delores Umbridge

The key thing to know about eights, is that they are motivated by not wanting to be controlled. This key motivation pushes them to in turn control others, if they are in a place of power and control, no one can have power and control over them.

We see this hunger for power in the character of Delores Umbridge. She deeply fears showing weakness, wearing armor of pink and shields of pretensive sweetness. Unlike a type 3, who could pull off a clever façade, Umbridge fools no one with her “air of fake likeability.” Because we know their is no authenticity of goodness behind her actions, everything about her becomes sour.

Umbridge is an example of an enneagram type eight that has gone way below the level of average to an unhealthy state. She is full of anger, that overflows into cruelty. The more power she gains, the more evil she becomes. This power hungry appetite cannot be filled. she becomes like an evil dictator, completely closed off to all emotions and feelings, that would otherwise steer here in a healthy direction, she moves forward to rule demanding that she is on top.

In the un-healthy stage of a type eight, we see Umbridge as reckless, ruthless, suspicious, and seeking revenge. She demands that her way is the only way, and that all must follow. Her attempt to not be controlled, however, doesn’t end up working out for her. As we know, ignoring our personal health and growth will only get us in a deeper pit.

Enneagram Type 8 Professor Alastor (Mad-Eye) Moody

Now we can compare degrees of health within the same enneagram type. Professor Alastor Moody is also an enneagram type eight, yet he is in an average, and sometimes healthy state within his type. He is confrontational, and bold, but not cruel. Mad-Eye is self-sufficient, and a dualistic thinker, but he also know how to make a group inspired to follow him.

Eights make natural leaders because they don’t mind taking charge and being in control. The difference here is earned respect (For Moody) and demanding obedience out of fear (from Umbridge). Mad-Eye shows his great leadership as he guides the Order of the Phoenix through many a turbulent time, and as an Auror he is respected, looked up to, and even awed.

He understands the power of vulnerability, and has learned to put his guard down around those he trusts. Though he often dominates his environment, he also looks out for those who need his help. Most of the time he speaks his mind boldly, but at times he restrains himself, when he sees the outcome will be better if he holds back.

Enneagram Type 9: Harry Potter

Firstly, I don’t think any other type on the enneagram could have survived living with the Dursleys! And Harry’s humanity is always shining through in effort to be a good person, to keep things peaceful, and amicable. Time and time again, it is Harry who offers the olive branch to these people who treat him so unkindly.

Secondly, a key component of enneagram type nine is their tendency to merge with others. They sort of go along with whatever the person they are with wants to do. Harry does this frequently. Hermione is often the one with all the ideas, and he just sort of agrees, trusting that she is both intelligent, and faithful. He gets placed in many scenarios, that other numbers would simply back out of, say no to, or refuse to comply.

Harry is also, just a really likeable kid. Nines are known to be the easiest number to be around. They don’t bring their own baggage, never bring up conflict, and usually just support you. Harry really wants the best for his friends, and for the world. He isn’t too concerned with his own desires, or pursuing lofty dreams.

Furthermore, One of the great things about the series taking place over so many years, is that we get to see Harry really grow up as a character. In the beginning, he is really fighting, as all nines do, the idea that his presence matters. He doesn’t connect with being “the chosen one… the boy who lived.” And he never likes the idea of being famous. As the series progresses, we see him blossom into the kind of leader others want to follow.

Harry begins to see that he has a lot offer others, and becomes a great teacher to those who want to learn true defense against the dark arts. He faces many conflicts that previously he may have tried to avoid. Most importantly he connects with himself authentically, and faces the ultimate fear, death.

Enneagram Type 9: Professor Dumbledore

Dumbledore is a patient, level-headed leader, and seeks world peace for all. His mediation skills are a big part of what makes him a great type nine leader. He handles many problems with wisdom, calm, and sometimes a little humor that reflect his deep type nine ways.

He is a withdrawn type, which makes him feel somewhat distant at times. Dumbledore uses his reflections about the past (where he is anchored due to his stance) to inform him about present decisions. You can literally see the weight lifted, when he releases a memory into the pensieve. Allowing a heavy thought to be taken away, gives energy back.

As a body/ gut type, Dumbledore is very intuitive. He knows things going on all around him just by instinct. In a single room, he can detect the most minute feelings and actions. This triad also means, his anger is just under the surface. We rarely see it, and when we do, he didn’t even know it was coming. And he’d probably tell you that he doesn’t get angry.

Thanks for reading!

It was such fun taking a closer look at these Harry Potter characters to discover their enneagram types!

Who is your favorite Harry Potter character?

What enneagram type are they?

Severus Snape: Type 5

I see Professor Snape as a classic Enneagram Type 5. He is one of the most skilled and educated wizards of his time. His extensive research and knowledge/love of knowing, “how to bottle death,” etc. show his dedication and five-like qualities. There isn’t a potion too challenging for him, or an herb he doesn’t know. Snape is more than “book smart.” Remember, he’s the half-blood prince?

Type five falls into the withdrawn stance on the enneagram. This means that Snape and all fives, are looking back in the past, dwelling on things gone. We definitely see this with Snape. His whole life is about the past. Promises he made to those long gone, wrongs done to him, and memories both good and torturous are what occupy his present.

He doesn’t allow himself to get close to anyone, keeping his heart guarded and his emotions locked away. His dedication is to the cause, the only thing he has left of the one he loves.

Neville Longbottom: Type 5

Neville Longbottom, a favorite if mine, becomes obsessed with Herbology. Fives often choose a topic at a time and go deep until they know everything there is to know about it. Neville is found in the library among the plant books, and has received high praise from Professor Sprout, the Herbology teacher. He excels in this class because it becomes a passion and curiosity for him which he must learn to the best of his ability.

Fives are also known to be rule followers. Neville abides by the rules, and expects others to also. When he discovers Ron, Hermione,and Harry sneaking out after curfew, he demands that they stop breaking rules. He’s also concerned about them as a whole, Gryfindor House, losing house points due to the rule breaking.

Lastly, fives tend to be observers rather than joiners. they have a keen understanding for things going on around them, but prefer remaining in the outside. This distance from others is a way to keep themselves safe, as well as preserve energy.

Remus Lupin: Type 6

In general, Remus Lupin is just a “likable” guy. He’s authentic, doesn’t try too hard, and actually cares about teaching the students. He is well prepared, practical, and responsible. These are all typical six qualities, and make him a great teacher.

The Fear Triad (head triad)

Professor Lupin lives out of a unique type on fear. He is hiding the fact that he is a Werewolf, and he fears above all else, losing control and hurting others. He can’t trust himself, because he actually becomes something dangerous. This feels very six-ish. But don’t let the Werewolf identity muddy the waters too much.

Being in the fear/head triad, Lupin is hyper-vigilant at times, defensive, and at his worst, self-defeating and rigid. He has good intentions, but is wary of things he can’t trust or control.

Loyalty

The type six is well known for this trait of loyalty. Lupin has this in spades. In every inner circle he is a part of, he shows nothing but loyalty to the group. From James Potter’s group of friends growing up together, to The Order of the Phoenix, to Hogwarts, and to Harry and his family, Lupin is a constant grounded pillar of dependency and trustworthiness. He obviously holds this standard as the highest of values.

In addition to his loyalty, Lupin is also compassionate, witty, and supportive. It makes sense why he was relied upon as a friend, leader, and teacher. He gives Harry hope and direction when he needs it; he is the friend and leader that stands up with preparation when others are not ready.

Ron Weasley: Type 6

Similarly to Professor Lupin, Ron Weasley showcases loyalty as his best quality. He becomes fast friends with Harry, and instantly is dependable and thoughtful. Throughout the series, Ron is reliable, steadfast, and stands up for his friends.

As a head type, we see him use his critical thinking skills many times to get the trio out of a tough spot. In the first book, we see it in the “best game of wizards chess ever played!” He sees what needs to be done and takes action.

Other times, his doubts, anxieties and fears get the best of him. The forbidden forest with the spiders, the devil’s snare that he just can’t relax into, are both perfect examples. Sixes are known for “over-thinking.” Being smack in the middle of the head triad, makes Ron especially prone to taking in information with thinking and getting stuck there.

Sirius Black: Type 7

Sirius seeks the most out of every situation. He hates being alone, as most sevens do, and has the advantage of turning into a dog whenever he wants. I think all sevens would love this idea! Dogs represent much of what a seven is all about: joy, companionship, and adventures!

FOMO (fear of missing out) is the real deal for type sevens. Sirius risks being seen in dog form in order to say goodbye to Harry. Did I mention sevens are huge risk takers? They are fearless, future oriented thinkers. At their best, they are wise confidants. Harry seeks advice from Sirius numerous times.

The big disconnect for type sevens are emotions. They don’t mind the positive emotions, but anything painful or perceived as harmful to them, sevens avoid at all costs. Sirius went in an opposite direction from his family, but he rarely speaks of it. It’s as if he wants to pretend those hurtful things are not a part of him. Instead, he plunges forward into dangerous heroism in hopes of defeating Voldemort.

Ginny Weasley: Type 7w6

When we first meet Ginny, she presents as an introverted type seven. It is fascinating to see her character grow and blossom throughout the series. As she gains more confidence in herself, she becomes a girl who knows who she is, what she wants, and what she stands for.

She becomes bold, and a striking person that others love to be around. Her quick wit and cleverness make her a type seven (with a type six wing). Though she’s not quite “the life of the party” like some sevens, her six wing makes her a bit more cautious. Her core desire is for contentment. She adds balance to “Dumbledore’s Army,” and is charming, productive, and enthusiastic.

I hope you enjoyed my take on these Harry Potter characters! Thanks for reading! I would love to hear your thoughts. Who are your favorite characters? What type do you think they are?

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Harry Potter and The Enneagram (Types 8 & 9)