11+ Most Inspiring Enneagram 1 Fictional Characters
28 March 2024
The archetype of Enneagram Type One, also known as the Perfectionist, can be recognized in many fictional characters. The selfless, brave, and honorable nature of Ones provides a great framework for creating a heroic character.
But do Enneagram 1 fictional characters often wear a cape and fight for justice, or do they have more of a fairy-like presence? In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular ones and hopefully inspire you to see the Perfectionist from a new angle.
Enneagram Type 1 Overview
Enneagram Type One is known for their strong sense of integrity, responsibility, and desire for improvement. Principal, ethical, and self-disciplined, Ones are deeply committed to upholding their values and principles.
Guided by their strict moral compass and idealistic altruism, they are inspired to stand up for justice and protect order and morale in their community.
Ones have very high standards for themselves and strive for perfection in everything they do. For this reason, they may be extremely self-critical and demanding. Moreover, they can be very judgmental when other people fail to meet their expectations.
For a humorous perspective on these traits, be sure to check out the Enneagram 1 Memes page.
Enneagram Type 1 Fictional Movie Characters
Without further ado, let’s dive into the exploration of Enneagram 1 fictional characters from some of the most popular movies!
#1. Captain America (Captain America)
Credit: Looper
Captain America embodies all the core strengths of Enneagram Type One: a strong sense of justice, high moral standards, self-control, discipline, and a sense of duty. He is selfless in his commitment to fighting for justice and defending the innocent.
Moreover, throughout the Marvel movie series, he consistently upholds a strict code of ethics and morality and never fails to stand up for what he believes in, regardless of how difficult the challenge is. Never hesitating to protect the innocent, he readily puts himself in harm’s way, following his commitment to serving the community.
#2. Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins)
Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection
Mary Poppins is also a great impersonation of the Enneagram One character. Moreover, she perfectly matches the 1w2 nature of being both strict and deeply caring as a nanny. Thanks to her strong organizational skills and sense of structure paired with empathy, she manages to change the lives of the Banks family profoundly.
Moreover, she teaches the Banks children valuable lessons about integrity, kindness, and honesty, providing them with a strong sense of direction and reliable leadership. Nevertheless, she allows for some whimsy and, as a true idealist, encourages the children to embrace their creativity and actively participate in life.
#3. Miranda Priestly (Devil Wears Prada)
Credit: Today Online
Miranda Priestly is an excellent illustration of what happens when Type One’s perfectionism is taken to an extreme. Nobody can live up to her impossible expectations of perfection because she is the greatest at what she does and wants everyone else to conform to her standards.
Her character also allows us to understand the difference between positive and negative perfectionism. Moreover, she believes that her way of doing things is not only the best but the only right way for everything. She doesn’t give anyone a second chance and is very cruel when pointing to other people’s shortcomings.
Additionally, she sacrifices her personal life for her career, which is what unhealthy Ones often do, believing that upholding their ideals is more important than living their life.
Enneagram Type 1 Fictional Book Characters
Let’s find out which fictional characters from books have Enneagram Type One personality traits!
#1. Hermione Granger (Harry Potter)
Credit: CharacTour
The character of Hermione Granger embodies all the most admirable qualities of Enneagram Type One. She is diligent, dutiful, responsible, and orderly, dedicating herself to protecting the principles of good at all times.
Moreover, she is not only a perfect “A” student but also a great friend, always willing to stand up for those she cares about.
While portraying resolution and moral purity, Hermione is also very sensitive and deeply emotional. Nevertheless, she shares her tender side only with those close to her, just like a typical One.
#2. Bernard Marx (Brave New World)
Credit: Steve Schofield/Peacock
At the beginning of Brave New World, we meet Bernard Marx, who seems to be doing well in the perfectly organized and rigidly structured society described in the novel. As one of the key decision-makers in the community, he is in charge of ensuring that the rules are respected.
However, after some time, his strong sense of personal integrity and idealism set him apart from his peers as he started questioning the superficiality and conformity of the society he was in.
Just like a typical One, he starts examining his moral compass and the morals of the community, ultimately seeking a path that aligns with his own principles and values.
#3. Winston Smith (1984)
Though Ones aren’t the most rebellious Enneagram type, they aren’t likely to tolerate oppression either. Winston Smith, a character from Orvel’s 1984, perfectly illustrates this, harboring a deep sense of moral outrage at society's injustices.
Seeking to assert his own autonomy and integrity, his rebellion reflects his strong sense of personal ethics and his desire for truth and freedom. Winston deeply struggles with feelings of guilt and self-criticism as he grapples with his own moral dilemmas and the contradictions of the society he lives in.
Enneagram Type 1 Fictional TV Show Characters
Enneagram Type One has also been portrayed through many characters in some of the most popular TV shows. Let’s explore some of them!
#1. Amy Santiago (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)
Credit: Everett Collection
Amy Santiago, one of the leading characters in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine TV show, exemplifies Type One’s hallmark traits in many ways. She is ambitious, hardworking, and totally devoted to her work as a police detective, which is a great profession for someone with Type One.
Moreover, Amy is a strict rule-follower who firmly believes that adhering to protocols and procedures by the book is the best way to do her job. She is a fair player, often frustrated by colleagues who tend to bend or break the rules.
Finally, just like a typical One, Amy is quite hard on herself when things don’t go according to plan. If you're interested in exploring more Enneagram types in TV show characters, check out our article on the Enneagram Types of Friends Characters.
#2. Rory Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)
Credit: Everett Collection
Rory Gilmore is one of the leading characters in the Gilmore Girls show, and she is a perfect example of a Type One’s strong intellectual side. She is an exceptional student, daughter, and granddaughter, loved by the whole town, who embodies all the admirable qualities she believes a person should have.
Throughout the show, we see how she prioritizes education and altruism above everything else, selflessly standing up for justice even when that compromises her position. We also see her as a loyal friend who, despite her outgoing personality, is content to keep to herself and her small circle of close friends rather than trying to be everyone's friend.
#3. Miranda Bailey (Grey’s Anatomy)
Credit: Jennifer Clasen/ABC
Miranda Bailey, also known by the nickname “The Nazi” in earlier seasons of Grey’s Anatomy, is another great embodiment of Enneagram Type One. From her relentless devotion to order and rules to strict ethical and moral code, expertise as a surgeon, and altruistic empathy, Miranda has all the key traits of the Type One.
Throughout the series, she is portrayed as an authoritative professional, a leader, and a mentor who demands excellence from her interns and residents. Moreover, despite her strict demeanor, we see that all her efforts are ultimately directed at serving other people through medicine.
Other Enneagram Type 1 Fictional Characters
As we’re coming close to the end of the list, let’s round off with some more inspiring Enneagram Type One fictional characters who don’t fall into any of the previous categories.
#1. Isabela Madrigal (Encanto)
Credit: Pxfuel
Isabel Madrigal from Encanto portrays not only all the key Enneagram Type One personality traits but also tells their childhood story, allowing us to understand how Ones become perfectionists.
As the first daughter of the Madrigal family, she’s expected to be perfect in every sense. Mistakes aren’t tolerated in her life, and she has to conduct herself in a very specific way if she wants to be accepted by her family.
As the plot unfolds, we see Isabela overcome her perfectionism and unleash her creativity to find more joy in life, which is one of the major life lessons for Type One.
#2. Elsa (Frozen)
Credit: AP Photo/Disney
Type One is also often referred to as the Reformer, and the reason for that can be explained through the character of Elsa from Disney’s Frozen. As the first daughter and a princess, she is depicted as a purpose-driven perfectionist who has followed very strict rules of conduct.
Principled, responsible, and strong, Elsa is eventually forced to question the rules and create new, more reasonable ones. Thus, she courageously stands for her truth and finds and practices tremendous self-discipline to readily take over the crown.
#3. Moana (Moana)
Credit: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Moana is a fiercely independent and courageous young girl determined to fulfill her destiny. She perfectly portrays the One’s relentless and deep devotion to their mission as she fiercely overcomes all the obstacles on her way.
Despite her young age, she displays admirable leadership qualities and inspires her family and others with her determination and bravery. Refusing to follow the destiny that has been assigned to her, she courageously carves her own path.
Key Takeaways
When you look at all the characters listed in this article, you’ll probably notice how greatly different they are. From Elsa to Miranda Priestly, Mary Poppins, and Amy Santiago, we see how multifaceted Ones are and how their core traits can manifest in a variety of ways.
That is the beauty of the Enneagram test and theory—it provides a framework for understanding the fundamental motivations and life strategies of different personality types while also leaving room for a wide range of interpretations of character traits!
Check out the following articles if you're interested in exploring fictional characters representing other Enneagram types:
You may also like
Enneagram Motivations: Discover What Moves You
26 June 2024
Enneagram 8 Memes: Challenging You Not to Laugh
28 February 2024