Type Distinctions from Various Authors
Excerpts from Character and Neurosis
Though alike in regard to self-control and formality they differ in that E I is restrained and serious while E III is expansive and cheerful. Also, E I is more tradition directed; E III, other-directed.
Though both are controlled and perfectionistic they differ in that they identify more with the dignified or the guilty sub-self, respectively, and E I is assertive and straightforward while E V shy and Inhibited in expression.
The predominantly dutiful variety of E VI may be difficult to discriminate from E I; one difference lies in the greater assertiveness of the latter; another, the greater difficulty of the fearful in coming to decisions. Also, E I is more active.
Though both share the concern for personal appearance and the thirst for attention, E II is comparatively free and spontaneous, while E III controlled, fearful of letting-go. Also E II tends to be invasive, E III more mindful of limits.
Though both are seductive and hedonistic, E II is a truly emotional type, while in E VII a warm amiability exists in the context of a greater independence and in a background of cool non-involvement.
Though the proud can be impulsive, arrogant and disdainful, E II is definitely emotional while E VIII is active. E II is predominantly seductive, E VIII more oriented to power and explicit dominance.
While sometimes I have seen E IX and E II confused in view of their generous disposition, no character could be called less histrionic and less egocentric than E IX, while E II is minimally resigned or routine-oriented, and E IX is consciously disinterested while E II is manipulative and self-centered in his giving. Also, E IX is patient; E II, impatient. E IX "matter-of-fact;" E II, romantic.
As in the case of the distinction between II and III, that of III and IV involves the contract between over-control and emotional expressiveness. If the stereotype of E III is Barbie Doll, that of E IV is a ballerina. Most distinctively, there is the contrast between the E III elated disposition and a greater contact with sadness in E IV-which echoes good and bad feelings about themselves, respectively. Though both can display an interference with spontaneity, this takes in E III the form of formality and in E IV that of affectation. Also, comparatively speaking, E III is more intellectual and E IV more emotional.
These are difficult to confuse since E III is efficient and V, in its otherworldliness, inefficient and impractical. Both can be called narcissistic in that sometimes E V, just as E III, seeks being and love through performance, but their style is different in that E III is more social and confrontive than the schizoid, while the latter avoids confrontation and social contact.
These may be difficult to distinguish in some instances since E VI can display much vanity and E III may be prone to anxiety. The content of this anxiety is usually different, however-more in connection to self-disclosure and separation in E III; more in relation to making mistakes or not knowing what course of action to follow in E VI. Even though E III can be highly intellectual, his intellectual orientation is that of needing rational support for practical action, whereas E VI generally is more interested in theoretical and metaphysical issues, beyond the practical. Perhaps more striking than the introversion-extroversion contrast between the types is the inner-directedness of E VI vis-a-vis the other-directedness of E III.
These may be confused in that E VII usually regard themselves vain and extroverted. Frequently the motivation to achieve is stronger in E III, while in E VII it is tempered by a self-indulgent aversion to effort. Also while E III may regard him or herself as an enjoyer, E VII is more exactly a hedonist in that the desire for pleasure exists in the context of true permissiveness and little concern for social conventions. More decisive still is the contrast between them in terms of discipline vs. control and in that of permissiveness vs. control vis-a-vis others.
These can occasionally be confused in that the E III individual may be aware of having developed self-assertive competitiveness in a vindictive manner, and may be both dominant as well as competitive. The main difference, as in the distinction between III and VII, is the impulsiveness and rebelliousness of E VIII in contrast to the typical self-control and conformity of E III.
While the contrast between these may be striking in terms of perceived achievement motive, both can be workaholics and both live on the surface of their being. Also, E IX can be as unemotional as E III seems to be, and E III as affectionate as E IX typically is. One difference between them is that E IX is the most tradition-directed of characters, while E III the most other- directed; also E IX character exists in the context of viscerotonia while E III in that of a somatotonic background. While both are practical, the former is relaxed, and the latter energetic and direct-not only in physical but psychological posture.
E IV and E V, sharing the bottom of the enneagram, share the under-dog identification that implies feelings of inferiority and guilt as well as a submissive tendency. While E IV hangs on to relationships in face of frustration, however, E V gives up, and while the depression typical of E IV is-in line with its emotional background-one of grief, weeping and self-accusation, the depression of E V is a dryness and hollowness, a forlornness in which grief seem to have been buried under a layer of resignation. On the whole, we may say that E IV is intense, E V the least intense of personalities after E IX.
Perhaps the most striking difference between these types is the emotionality and expressiveness of E IV, in contrast to the intellectual centeredness and inhibition of E VI. They are not easy to confuse.
The contrast here is between depression and elation, and also between guilt and the feeling of "being OK". E IV also has more of a super-ego characteristic than E VII. In most cases E IV expresses more anger than E VII, who is compulsively gentle.
Though these types have much in common, there is a more emotional intensity in the former, and an intensity of the active life in the latter. Also anger in the former lasts longer, while in E VIII it is dissipated through its explosive expression. More important yet is the contrast between the impulsiveness of VIII, that goes after what it wants, and the inhibition of E IV, whose strong desiring goes hand-in-hand with self-prohibition and an inward condemnation of over-desiring. As a consequence E VIII invades, E IV complains or manipulates through suffering.
The one feature in common between these characters is that they can constitute the background for depressive states. Even in these cases, however, E IV goes together with a "claiming type" of depression, while in E IX there is a depression of pure grief and passivity, in which we do not sense the dramatic element and the attention need of the former. Though both have received the label "masochistic", E IV is emotional and hypersensitive, E IX practical and long-suffering, E IV histrionic and E IX phlegmatic.
May be confused in virtue of the schizoid features of E V as well as the sad moods of the more avoidant subtype. Also E V can be, as E VI, distrustful, yet the distrust is more avoidant than even in the avoidant or phobic E VI who is more dependent, more affectionate and generous, both in terms of availability and in the quality of being good hosts. Also E VI is comparatively more disciplined, and takes external authority more into account, both in terms of submissiveness to conventional or actual authority, and dominance towards those lower in the authority hierarchy.
It is possible to confuse these characters, for, in spite of the contrast between the hypersensitive introvert and the "under-sensitive" extrovert, in both we may speak of resignation and self-forgetting. The difference is that between a resignation away from people (isolation) and a resignation with participation (contactfulness) which implies the contrast between a non-generous and an abnegated characteristic, respectively. Most characteristic, however, is the contrast between generosity of E IX and the limited availability, cooperation and support volunteered by E V.
E VII is much more likely to be charming than E VI and considerably more adaptable. The experience of anger, in the other hand, is more prominent in E VI. Most striking is the difference in regard to guilt as characteristic in the latter by its presence as it is in the former by its absence. Whereas E VI has a hierarchical view of relations E VII approaches people as equals and is little intimidated by authority. While E VII is, in a broad sense of the word, a fear type, he is not prompt to anxiety as E VI, and fear is only a psychodynamic aspect behind compulsive gentleness.
The distinction here is quite clear in terms of unassertiveness vs. over-assertiveness, and manifest fear vs. manifest fearlessness--except in the case of one of the subtypes of cowardliness, the counter-phobic character, in which the pursuit of strength and pugnacity may simulate the phallic-narcissistic character. One difference between them is the greater intellectual orientation of E VI-which contrasts with the anti-intellectual orientation that is more frequent in E VIII-and also the greater presence of guilt and concern for intellectual authority, as well as a measure of introversion of the former, and the greater impulsiveness and indiscipline of the latter.
One difference here is that of introversive-extraversive characteristic. Another related to the above, the predominance of an intellectual and sensory-motor orientation, respectively. While E VI orients itself to hierarchy, E IX rejects a hierarchical perspective. Also, while E VI, together with E V, is the most inner-directed, E IX is the most pure expression of tradition-directedness.
The difference between these two characters may be conveyed in terms of the contrast between tender-mindedness and tough-mindedness. Though both are impulsive, the former is intellectual, the latter active. Also, while E VII tends to be submissive, E VIII is dominant.
These may be confused, because the passive and lazy characteristics, sometimes present in E VII, are interpreted as an expression of the E IX ruling passion. One difference is that the intense fantasy life of E VII contrasts with the lack of interiority of E IX. Another, the foxy astuteness and subtlety of E VII which contrast to the lack of subtlety and the naivete of the "Sancho Panza" syndrome. Furthermore the self-indulgence of E VII contrasts markedly with the capacity of E IX to postpone his desires and to over-adjust to the milieu. Furthermore, while gluttony leads to psychological complexification, however, psychological laziness leads to over-simplification.
Excerpts from The Spiritual Dimension of the Enneagram
The tendency to fade into the background, not drawing attention to oneself, and being reticent in groups is shared by both Nines and Fives. One of the main ways of discriminating a Nine from a Five is looking at their eyes: Nines tend to have a deadened or sleepy quality to their eyes, while Fives have a brightness and sharpness to their gaze, relying as they do on observation for safety. Body type also usually differs, with Nines tending - toward largeness, heaviness, and roundness, while Fives are typically lean and sinewy. Nines feel that they do not deserve attention, while Fives usually don’t want it. Nines incline toward clutter and collections of things, while Fives lean toward simplicity and sparsity.
The common thread here is self-abnegating behavior, giving to and taking care of others—a mothering tendency. The main difference is that Twos give to get, so if you do not reciprocate or acknowledge what they do for you and how generous they are, you will incite their wrath; and Twos usually feel unappreciated or underappreciated by others. Nines, on the other hand, tend to become flustered and embarrassed when given acknowledgment. Nines also lack the feeling of specialness and pride that Twos have. If a Nine is ignored or overlooked, this is what they expect, while a Two will quietly or loudly kick up a fuss about it.
Both of these types share a tendency toward criticality and judgmentalness, as well as controlling behaviors and often a striving to be good. One of the key distinguishing factors is that Ones are identified with their superego, while Fours are at the mercy of theirs. In other words, Ones feel righteous and justified in pointing out the imperfections of others and deflect their own being pointed out, while Fours experience a great deal of shame and self-hatred when seen as bad and not measuring up to their own perfectionistic standards. Fours are typically more emotionally dramatic, in touch with their pain, aesthetically inclined, and more desirous of contact than Ones.
The shared focus here is authoritarian tendencies as well as anxiety. Ones are very clear about what is right and what is wrong, and set themselves up as authorities who try to make others conform to their standards. Sixes are devotedly loyal to their chosen doctrine or authority figure and can be fanatically evangelical. Both Ones and Sixes may be anxious and doubtful, but what distinguishes them is the motivation: Ones are afraid of being wrong or of not doing something well enough, while Sixes are not driven by these perfectionistic concerns. They are simply doubtful and frightened, lacking faith in their internal discernment and abilities.
The shared tendencies here are emotive intensity, drama, envy, competitiveness, and a preoccupation with relationship. One of the main differences is that Fours tend to isolate themselves when they are in pain, since they are ashamed of their feelings, while Twos usually move toward those they are close to at such times. Fours long from afar for contact and intimacy, while Twos actively pursue getting it. Most Twos are more spontaneous and shameless than Fours, although there are some pretty reserved Twos and some very expressive Fours. Fours as a rule derive a sense of depth and beauty from their suffering, while Twos mostly do not. Twos focus on what they can do for others and how they will be loved in return, while Fours are not primarily oriented toward giving.
Threes and Sevens are sometimes confused with each other, since both are active, energized, cheerful, buoyant, and positive. The difference is that Sevens tend to have a wide variety of interests and areas of expertise, not liking to be pinned down or defined by one pursuit. Threes, on the other hand, easily stick to one thing, wanting to take it to the greatest level of success possible. To Sevens, their plans for what they will do are far more interesting than the actual doing, and they accomplish a fraction of the things they imagine and fantasize about. Threes derive their sense of value from what they actually produce and achieve, and their plans are secondary to the finished product. Threes are pragmatic and practical; Sevens are idealistic and visionary.
Sometimes it is difficult to tell whether someone is a Four or a Five, since both tend to be retiring and self-enclosing. One of the main differences is that Fours long for contact from their isolation, while Fives are grateful for the lack of impingement, interruption, and demands. Another is the emotive wetness of Fours, in contrast to the dry emptiness of Fives. Fives lack the sense of tragedy, suffering, and melancholy of Fours, although both may feel impoverished and deprived. Fives become indifferent, while Fours become envious and spiteful in difficult situations with others.
It is sometimes difficult to discern whether someone is a counterphobic Six or an Eight, since both share a tough style and an emphasis on proving how strong they are. Both can be aggressive and combative, on the offensive rather than the defensive. One of the main differences is that the machismo of Sixes is driven by fear, which you can frequently see in their eyes, while that of Eights is based on a compulsion to be dominant. Sixes are trying to overcome their fear, while Eights are trying to overcome their weakness. Eights are controlling and domineering in their relationships, while Sixes are not.