Writing with the Enneagram

Does your character lead with their mind, their heart, or their gut? Are they motivated by anger, fear, or shame? How does this affect their important relationships? In this session, we’ll take inspiration from the popular personality profile, the enneagram, to help you develop your characters in a new way, with a focus on relationships.

Through discussion of the enneagram’s nine archetypes, we’ll tap into your character’s strengths and weaknesses, their core beliefs, worldview, and motivations. We’ll consider how your characters’ habitual actions, how their choices may change when they’re under stress and their imperfections take the spotlight, and what they may learn when they’re rocking at life.

After a look at the enneagram’s triads, we’ll discover strategies for developing the community that surrounds your protagonist and the obstacles that stand in their way. What sort of antagonist might put pressure on this character? What sort of confidant might help them along their journey? Let this fun, generative tool be a jumping off point for discovering your character's deepest fears—and your own creativity!

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.