Sherlock Holmes' Enneagram + Other Personality Types From the Show

By uncovering the core desires, values, and characteristics of fictional characters, Sherlock Holmes’ Enneagram analysis can give you deeper insight into the personality of this iconic detective, and the same stands true for other BBC Sherlock characters. Plus, it is an excellent way to develop a better understanding of how this personality framework works.

In this article, we’ll discuss the Enneagram types of 30 Sherlock characters, from Sherlock Holmes himself to John Watson, Jim Moriarty, Molly Hooper, and more!

What Enneagram Types Are Characters from “Sherlock”?

Below is an in-depth analysis of Sherlock characters and their personality types, starting with Sherlock Holmes' Enneagram type:

#1. Sherlock Holmes - Type 5

Credit: Robert Viglasky/Hartswood Films/BBC

Sherlock Holmes’ Enneagram type is Five, also known as the Investigator, which alone describes him to a T.

Fives are analytical, logical individuals who strive for competence, and Sherlock is no exception. He’s highly intellectual and inquisitive, and he prides himself on his talent for deductive reasoning. He also doesn’t hesitate to ridicule officers’ incompetence.

Furthermore, this personality type can be reclusive and emotionally detached, so Sherlock, too, is far from social. He prioritizes his career over relationships, showing little consideration for others unless it can assist him in his investigations. Like most Fives, he isn’t particularly interested in developing close friendships with most people, so Watson is his only true friend.

#2. John Watson - Type 6

Credit: BBC/Hartswood Films

John Watson from Sherlock belongs to Enneagram Type 6.

Sixes are reliable, practical, and loyal individuals with a desire for safety and security, just like John, who is highly protective of Sherlock.

Although he seems to struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of being an ex-army doctor, John also has a thrill-seeking side. His courage to look fear right in the eye aligns well with the sexual Enneagram 6 subtype. Additionally, because he also embraces new experiences, he likely belongs to the 6w7 type.

#3. Jim Moriarty - Type 7

Credit: BBC/Hartswood Films

Jim Moriarty is a fictional Enneagram 7 character. This personality type wants to live an exciting life, which makes them prone to boredom. Jim takes this to the next level by distracting himself with destructive and sadistic behaviors, showing zero consideration for others.

His disregard for people also extends to himself, as he’s so utterly bored with life that he has no interest in staying alive. As such, he’s a severely unhealthy Seven.

Moreover, he doesn’t want to be vulnerable or outshone by others to the point where he’d rather end his life than accept a loss. Such a powerful desire to stay in control points to an Enneagram Type 8 wing, making him a 7w8.

#4. Mrs. Hudson - Type 2

Credit: BBC/Hartswood Films

Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock’s landlady (not his housekeeper!), embodies the Enneagram Type 2. Twos are warm-hearted, considerate individuals who yearn to be valued and genuinely enjoy making other people’s lives better.

This character, too, is exceptionally kind and service-oriented; she extends kindness and generosity to everyone she meets, including John and Sherlock. Although she can be eccentric and loves gossiping, she’s very forgiving and motherly, just like most female Twos.

#5. Mycroft Holmes - Type 1

Credit: BBC/Hartswood Films

Mycroft Holmes, the older brother of Sherlock Holmes, is an Enneagram Type 1 fictional character. These individuals are highly conscientious people who strive for perfection, which can also be said about Mycroft: he’s self-controlled and often perceives himself as morally superior to others, including Sherlock.

Although Mycroft can seem cold and detached, ultimately, he cares about other people and wants to be highly respected in his community. He’s also very protective of his family and strives to do what’s best for them, even if his methods are extreme.

#6. Greg Lestrade - Type 1

Credit: BBC/Hartswood Films

Greg Lestrade is another example of the Enneagram 1 in Sherlock. More specifically, Lestrade embodies the 1w9 personality, which is why he isn’t as rigid as most Ones.

While he has a strong sense of duty and strives to act right, he’s also humble and extremely patient, as evident from his ability to put up with Sherlock’s attitude. However, like most people who relate to the Enneagram Type 9, he often resists change and can be too passive.

#7. Mary Watson - Type 3

Credit: BBC/Hartswood Films

Despite her complex personality, Mary Watson most closely resembles an Enneagram Type 3. Threes are adaptable, charismatic, and goal-oriented individuals, which can certainly be said about Mary, who appears sweet and kind at first sight but keeps her past as an assassin a secret.

Mary has a high level of emotional intelligence that allows her to quickly read others and connect with them, suggesting that she may belong to the 3w2 personality type. However, she can also be cunning, as she occasionally uses her charm to manipulate others and get her way.

#8. Molly Hooper - Type 2

Credit: BBC/Hartswood Films

Sweet, thoughtful, and caring, Molly Hooper is another excellent example of a fictional Enneagram 2 character.

Such individuals are unconditionally supportive of those they care about, and Molly is no different; she’s there for Sherlock, even when he hurts her. Twos are also very sensitive and afraid of rejection, so it’s no surprise that she keeps her feelings to herself.

Sherlock Enneagram Types: Honorable Mentions

Here’s a list of the nine Enneagram types and Sherlock characters belonging to each of them that we haven’t mentioned yet:

• Enneagram 1. Ones, such as Elizabeth Smallwood and Louisa Carmichael, always aim for improvement and fear being seen as evil, corrupt, or immoral.
• Enneagram 2. Twos crave acceptance and fear being unwanted or unworthy of love.Sarah Sawyer, Ella Thompson, and Mike Stamford are some examples of Enneagram 2 in Sherlock.
• Enneagram 3. Jeff Hope, Bob Frankland, and Sebastian Wilkes belong to the Enneagram Type 3, which is characterized by a desire for success and the fear of being worthless.
• Enneagram 4. Fours desire to express their individuality and are afraid of being ordinary. Henry Knight is one of the rare examples of Enneagram 4 in Sherlock.
• Enneagram 5. Fives want to be capable and fear being incompetent. Besides Sherlock Holmes, Enneagram Fives in the series includeEurus Holmes, Charles Augustus Magnussen, and Philip Anderson.
• Enneagram 6. Mr. Holmes and Sally Donovan exemplify the Enneagram Type 6, which yearns for safety and fears being unable to defend themselves from danger.
• Enneagram 7. Sevens, such asIrene Adler, Culverton Smith, and Janine Hawkins, are afraid of suffering and wish to experience only positive emotions.
• Enneagram 8. Eights want to stay in control of their lives and fear appearing vulnerable. Some examples of the Enneagram 8 in Sherlock includeLord Moran, General Shan, and Emelia Ricoletti.
• Enneagram 9. Soo Lin Yao and Mrs. Holmes embody the Enneagram Type 9, which longs for peace and fears loss and disharmony.

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Final Thoughts

Now that you know not only Sherlock Holmes’ Enneagram type but also that of other characters, we hope that you can see how deeply their personalities influence their actions.

This is precisely what makes the Enneagram framework so insightful; unlike other models, it reveals the core fears and desires of each personality type, allowing you to understand the hidden motivations behind people’s behavior.