House characters and their Enneagram Types
We have seen things in our beloved characters these last two weeks that have some people claiming the characters aren't what they used to be. My contention is that we are seeing them with their stress levels ratcheted up, and I decided to look into Enneagram profiles for each character. What I found are possible explanations not just for the behaviors we've seen in "Meaning" and "Cane and Able," but also possible explanations for other behaviors we saw through the first two seasons.
I do invite you to join me in what I would like to see as an interactive exercise. I'm making my best guesses based on what I've learned about Enneagrams and the main characters on House, M.D., but of course, I could get something wrong here.
I arbitrarily chose four types of information to share about each character (besides their numbered types): Needs for personal growth, a type summary, characteristic behavior changes under stress or in growth, and a link to a page where you can get more information if you want to know a LOT more about a particular type/character.
House Five with a Six-Wing.
The Five's intense thinking process takes him out of the immediacy of experience, which can trap him in isolation from others or even himself. He finds relaxation difficult without drugs or alcohol. He can see so many possibilities that he might have difficulty chosing a course of action, resulting in a loss of perspective. Needs objective, trusted advisors. May get so involved in a project that everything else falls to the side. Has difficulty trusting people or opening up. Too aware right at the start of potential problems in a relationship, creating a self-fulfilling prophesy.
I couldn't help but choose the six-wing for House because the Enneagram Institute calls the Five with a Six-Wing "The Problem-Solver." I'm sure that the key ingredient that the six-wing lends to House is commitment. In House, we see this as single-minded determination to solve the medical issues presented in his patient.
The Five is an Intense, Cerebral Type. Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated. His basic fear is being useless, helpless, or incapable, and his basic desire is to be capable and competent.
Under stress, the Five may become hyperactive and scattered. In growth, an avaricious, detached Five may become more self-confident and decisive.
(For more details, check here and look for "Profile Summary for Enneagram Type Five", about a third of the way down the page.)
Wilson is the first one that got me thinking about Enneagrams. I'm sure he would test as a Two with a Three Wing. (I am a Two with a One Wing.) Twos are often seen as caring, generous, people-pleasing, and intrusive. They dislike solitude and impersonal dealings, and are attracted to service and making personal connections.
The Two is characterized as: The Caring, Interpersonal Type. Generous, Demonstrative, People-Pleasing, and Possessive. His Basic Fear is Of being unwanted, unworthy of being loved, and his Basic Desire is To feel loved. Twos have to be careful not to ignore their own needs, or else they will wind up filled with frustration and resentment. Twos have to be careful not to help others just because they expect something in return (love, appreciation, respect), or their life will be filled with disappointment. Twos must be careful not to help where their help isn't wanted, or they will feel rejected when their offer to help is rejected. Twos must be careful not to call attention to their own helpfulness, because doing so only creates awkwardness. And finally, twos must be careful not to withdraw into themselves when their help isn't appreciated the way they want.
We have seen Wilson exhibit some of the best of the Two's healthy traits: Empathetic, compassionate, feeling for others. Caring and concerned about their needs. Thoughtful, warm-hearted, forgiving and sincere. Encouraging and appreciative, able to see the good in others. Service is important, but takes care of self too: he is nurturing, generous, and giving--a truly loving person.
When a Two is stressed and needy, he may suddenly become aggressive and dominating. However, when moving in a direction of growth, prideful, self-deceptive Twos become more self-nurturing and emotionally aware.
The Three-wing shows that Wilson's helpfulness is chanelled into seeking personal success and achievement. (For more detailed information, look here for "Profile Summary for Enneagram Type Two" about a third of the way down the page.)
Cuddy Three. I can't decide if she even has a wing, but I think she may not. The Enneagram Three with a Two-Wing is called "The Charmer", and the Enneagram Three with a Four-Wing is "The Professional". Maybe she has a Four-Wing. ladyrishikesh may agree with the Four Wing, but agrees that Cuddy is difficult to type.
A Three might be susceptible to self-desception where her true feelings and actual importance are concerned. She might allow herself to become too busy and self-important to truly connect with the people she cares about, but when she does, lasting connections are made. She might drive herself to exhaustion with relentless pursuit of goals. Her sense of value and identity may suffer if she fails to attend to issues that are not directly related to personal success, but attending to those things that will round out her personality can be deeply gratifying. Highly adaptable, she could lose track of herself by doing what others expect of her.
The Three is the Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type. Adaptable, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious. Her basic fear is of being worthless, and her basic desire is to feel valuable and worthwhile.
When she is stressed, she may become become disengaged and apathetic. When experiencing growth, however, vain, deceitful Threes may become more cooperative and committed to others.
(For more details, look here for "Profile Summary for Enneagram Type Three", about a third of the way down the page.)
Foreman Eight. I do not believe he has a wing, but if someone is familiar with the Eight's wings and wants to suggest a liklihood, go for it.
The Eight is a natural leader, but has a tendency to be too aggressive. The Eight has difficulty yielding to another's authority. May experience paranoia if fixated on authority issues. May fear that affection will make them weak. Self-reliant, but depends on others to do what the Eight wants them to do. May overvalue power.
The Eight is the Powerful, Dominating Type. Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational. His basic fear is of being harmed or controlled by others, and his basic desire is to protect himself (to be in control of his own life and destiny).
Under stress, an Eight may become secretive and fearful. However, lustful, controlling Eights may become more open-hearted and caring as they experience personal growth.
(For more details, look here for "Profile Summary for Enneagram Type Eight", about a third of the way down the page.)
Cameron One with a Nine-Wing. (The Idealist) Cameron might have a Two-Wing instead of the Nine-Wing, but since women tend to over-exemplify the qualities of a two (it is the ultimate American-woman stereotype), I tried hard to see if she might actually exhibit Nine-Wing qualities. I believe she does much of the time. Plus, the One with a Nine Wing is named by the Enneagram Institute, "The Idealist." From what we saw of her in "Spin" and "Sleeping Dogs Lie," I think this is more accurate than the One with a Two Wing, "The Advocate."
The one tends to take too much responsibility for tasks and getting things done right. She may expect people to change (conform) too quickly to her view of what is right. She may get upset too easily at the failings of others. She may not want to accept her own instinctive, 'messy,' human qualities. Her anger may alienate her from others.
The One (THE REFORMER) is characterized as a Rational, Idealistic Type. She is Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled, and Perfectionistic, and she expects the same from others.
When stressed, the One may become busy, distractible, and scattered. When experiencing personal growth, she may, like the Four, become more artistic, seeking creative expression, and sensitive.
(For a more detailed summary, go here and look for "Profile Summary for Enneagram Type One" about a third of the way down the page.)
Chase Six with a Five-Wing, because we have seen him seeking out security-guaranteeing alliances with Vogler and with House, as well as being "appealing, endearing, lovable" when he feels good about everything. His Five-Wing helps boost his attraction to the very scientific field of diagnostics as well as his attraction to theology as a field of study.
ladyrishikesh believes Chase is actually a Six with a Seven-Wing (see comments). She says, "Since the beginning of the third season I've seen Chase's 7 wing come out more in his attempt to make the workplace more fun with his jokes. He is much more lighthearted and people oriented than a 5 would be. 5s are much more introverted typically and tend to rely mainly on their own thoughts. 7s are very motivated by the outside world and are somewhat insecure with their own thoughts. From what I can tell, Chase is more the latter - he seems to interact with the outside world much more than his inner mind." This makes a lot of sense to me.
Sixes might think they're the only ones afraid for their future and could become their own worst enemy when they're angry or upset. They may overreact and become excessively pessimistic. Trust is difficult.
The Six is the Committed, Security-Oriented Type. Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious. His Basic Fear is of being without support and guidance, and his basic desire is to have security and support.
When stressed, dutiful Sixes may suddenly become competitive and arrogant. However, in growth, the fearful, pessimistic Six may become more relaxed and optimistic.
(For a more detailed summary, go here and look for "Profile Summary for Enneagram Type Six" about a third of the way down the page.)
I do invite you to join me in what I would like to see as an interactive exercise. I'm making my best guesses based on what I've learned about Enneagrams and the main characters on House, M.D., but of course, I could get something wrong here.
I arbitrarily chose four types of information to share about each character (besides their numbered types): Needs for personal growth, a type summary, characteristic behavior changes under stress or in growth, and a link to a page where you can get more information if you want to know a LOT more about a particular type/character.
House Five with a Six-Wing.
The Five's intense thinking process takes him out of the immediacy of experience, which can trap him in isolation from others or even himself. He finds relaxation difficult without drugs or alcohol. He can see so many possibilities that he might have difficulty chosing a course of action, resulting in a loss of perspective. Needs objective, trusted advisors. May get so involved in a project that everything else falls to the side. Has difficulty trusting people or opening up. Too aware right at the start of potential problems in a relationship, creating a self-fulfilling prophesy.
I couldn't help but choose the six-wing for House because the Enneagram Institute calls the Five with a Six-Wing "The Problem-Solver." I'm sure that the key ingredient that the six-wing lends to House is commitment. In House, we see this as single-minded determination to solve the medical issues presented in his patient.
The Five is an Intense, Cerebral Type. Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated. His basic fear is being useless, helpless, or incapable, and his basic desire is to be capable and competent.
Under stress, the Five may become hyperactive and scattered. In growth, an avaricious, detached Five may become more self-confident and decisive.
(For more details, check here and look for "Profile Summary for Enneagram Type Five", about a third of the way down the page.)
Wilson is the first one that got me thinking about Enneagrams. I'm sure he would test as a Two with a Three Wing. (I am a Two with a One Wing.) Twos are often seen as caring, generous, people-pleasing, and intrusive. They dislike solitude and impersonal dealings, and are attracted to service and making personal connections.
The Two is characterized as: The Caring, Interpersonal Type. Generous, Demonstrative, People-Pleasing, and Possessive. His Basic Fear is Of being unwanted, unworthy of being loved, and his Basic Desire is To feel loved. Twos have to be careful not to ignore their own needs, or else they will wind up filled with frustration and resentment. Twos have to be careful not to help others just because they expect something in return (love, appreciation, respect), or their life will be filled with disappointment. Twos must be careful not to help where their help isn't wanted, or they will feel rejected when their offer to help is rejected. Twos must be careful not to call attention to their own helpfulness, because doing so only creates awkwardness. And finally, twos must be careful not to withdraw into themselves when their help isn't appreciated the way they want.
We have seen Wilson exhibit some of the best of the Two's healthy traits: Empathetic, compassionate, feeling for others. Caring and concerned about their needs. Thoughtful, warm-hearted, forgiving and sincere. Encouraging and appreciative, able to see the good in others. Service is important, but takes care of self too: he is nurturing, generous, and giving--a truly loving person.
When a Two is stressed and needy, he may suddenly become aggressive and dominating. However, when moving in a direction of growth, prideful, self-deceptive Twos become more self-nurturing and emotionally aware.
The Three-wing shows that Wilson's helpfulness is chanelled into seeking personal success and achievement. (For more detailed information, look here for "Profile Summary for Enneagram Type Two" about a third of the way down the page.)
Cuddy Three. I can't decide if she even has a wing, but I think she may not. The Enneagram Three with a Two-Wing is called "The Charmer", and the Enneagram Three with a Four-Wing is "The Professional". Maybe she has a Four-Wing. ladyrishikesh may agree with the Four Wing, but agrees that Cuddy is difficult to type.
A Three might be susceptible to self-desception where her true feelings and actual importance are concerned. She might allow herself to become too busy and self-important to truly connect with the people she cares about, but when she does, lasting connections are made. She might drive herself to exhaustion with relentless pursuit of goals. Her sense of value and identity may suffer if she fails to attend to issues that are not directly related to personal success, but attending to those things that will round out her personality can be deeply gratifying. Highly adaptable, she could lose track of herself by doing what others expect of her.
The Three is the Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type. Adaptable, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious. Her basic fear is of being worthless, and her basic desire is to feel valuable and worthwhile.
When she is stressed, she may become become disengaged and apathetic. When experiencing growth, however, vain, deceitful Threes may become more cooperative and committed to others.
(For more details, look here for "Profile Summary for Enneagram Type Three", about a third of the way down the page.)
Foreman Eight. I do not believe he has a wing, but if someone is familiar with the Eight's wings and wants to suggest a liklihood, go for it.
The Eight is a natural leader, but has a tendency to be too aggressive. The Eight has difficulty yielding to another's authority. May experience paranoia if fixated on authority issues. May fear that affection will make them weak. Self-reliant, but depends on others to do what the Eight wants them to do. May overvalue power.
The Eight is the Powerful, Dominating Type. Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational. His basic fear is of being harmed or controlled by others, and his basic desire is to protect himself (to be in control of his own life and destiny).
Under stress, an Eight may become secretive and fearful. However, lustful, controlling Eights may become more open-hearted and caring as they experience personal growth.
(For more details, look here for "Profile Summary for Enneagram Type Eight", about a third of the way down the page.)
Cameron One with a Nine-Wing. (The Idealist) Cameron might have a Two-Wing instead of the Nine-Wing, but since women tend to over-exemplify the qualities of a two (it is the ultimate American-woman stereotype), I tried hard to see if she might actually exhibit Nine-Wing qualities. I believe she does much of the time. Plus, the One with a Nine Wing is named by the Enneagram Institute, "The Idealist." From what we saw of her in "Spin" and "Sleeping Dogs Lie," I think this is more accurate than the One with a Two Wing, "The Advocate."
The one tends to take too much responsibility for tasks and getting things done right. She may expect people to change (conform) too quickly to her view of what is right. She may get upset too easily at the failings of others. She may not want to accept her own instinctive, 'messy,' human qualities. Her anger may alienate her from others.
The One (THE REFORMER) is characterized as a Rational, Idealistic Type. She is Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled, and Perfectionistic, and she expects the same from others.
When stressed, the One may become busy, distractible, and scattered. When experiencing personal growth, she may, like the Four, become more artistic, seeking creative expression, and sensitive.
(For a more detailed summary, go here and look for "Profile Summary for Enneagram Type One" about a third of the way down the page.)
Chase Six with a Five-Wing, because we have seen him seeking out security-guaranteeing alliances with Vogler and with House, as well as being "appealing, endearing, lovable" when he feels good about everything. His Five-Wing helps boost his attraction to the very scientific field of diagnostics as well as his attraction to theology as a field of study.
ladyrishikesh believes Chase is actually a Six with a Seven-Wing (see comments). She says, "Since the beginning of the third season I've seen Chase's 7 wing come out more in his attempt to make the workplace more fun with his jokes. He is much more lighthearted and people oriented than a 5 would be. 5s are much more introverted typically and tend to rely mainly on their own thoughts. 7s are very motivated by the outside world and are somewhat insecure with their own thoughts. From what I can tell, Chase is more the latter - he seems to interact with the outside world much more than his inner mind." This makes a lot of sense to me.
Sixes might think they're the only ones afraid for their future and could become their own worst enemy when they're angry or upset. They may overreact and become excessively pessimistic. Trust is difficult.
The Six is the Committed, Security-Oriented Type. Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious. His Basic Fear is of being without support and guidance, and his basic desire is to have security and support.
When stressed, dutiful Sixes may suddenly become competitive and arrogant. However, in growth, the fearful, pessimistic Six may become more relaxed and optimistic.
(For a more detailed summary, go here and look for "Profile Summary for Enneagram Type Six" about a third of the way down the page.)