What strikes me about applying any personality system to characters is that the deepest fictional logic isn't just motivation but constitution, the raw material a character is working with before any wound or strategy forms. Two characters with identical wounds and identical coping strategies can still behave completely differently because their underlying nature processes the same experience differently.
BaZi Astrology (Omnigram) maps that constitutional layer from birth data, no self-report, no wound narrative required. For a character like Donnán, it would produce something interesting: not why he questions authority, but what elemental structure makes that particular response feel inevitable for someone built the way he's built. The motivation becomes less chosen and more fated, which is probably closer to how the best fictional characters actually feel.
Johny, that’s an interesting observation. My essay focused on motivation and coping strategies because those are the tools I tend to use when developing characters. But I agree that characters often feel believable because of something deeper in their nature as well—what might be called temperament or constitution. Two people can experience the same wound and respond very differently depending on how they are wired. I tend to explore that through psychological development rather than systems like BaZi, but the idea that character arises from both nature and experience is certainly a fascinating one. I really appreciate your participation in this conversation. ~jennifer
There are many character layers, from genetics, surroundings, birth timing, and soul incarnation; it's difficult to grasp it all, but it's fun trying :-)
Nancy, thank you for your vote of confidence. I just happen to be one of those struggling new writers. I like sharing my journey in the off-chance that someone else might benefit ... or be amused. LOL
Great essay! I've looked at the enneagram once or twice but never used it extensively. I love the idea of using it as a check for consistency (since I tend to run with ideas rather than stick to a rigid outline).
Thanks, Josh! I love outlines. I seldom follow them, but love them nonetheless. Even more than consistency, I like using the Enneagram to measure how all my significant characters align or respond as expected. BTW, I think ideas are made to run with!! (But not scissors.) :)
This is a great resource. I’ll be sending more writers here. I’m an enneagram enthusiast and appreciate your discussion of bringing these layers into character writing.
Ryan, thank you so much for your vote of confidence. The Enneagram just resonates most with me for now as far as a 'getting into' my characters. I think the general message is that psychological foundations, such as wounds and motivations, bring a genuine realness to fiction.
What strikes me about applying any personality system to characters is that the deepest fictional logic isn't just motivation but constitution, the raw material a character is working with before any wound or strategy forms. Two characters with identical wounds and identical coping strategies can still behave completely differently because their underlying nature processes the same experience differently.
BaZi Astrology (Omnigram) maps that constitutional layer from birth data, no self-report, no wound narrative required. For a character like Donnán, it would produce something interesting: not why he questions authority, but what elemental structure makes that particular response feel inevitable for someone built the way he's built. The motivation becomes less chosen and more fated, which is probably closer to how the best fictional characters actually feel.
Johny, that’s an interesting observation. My essay focused on motivation and coping strategies because those are the tools I tend to use when developing characters. But I agree that characters often feel believable because of something deeper in their nature as well—what might be called temperament or constitution. Two people can experience the same wound and respond very differently depending on how they are wired. I tend to explore that through psychological development rather than systems like BaZi, but the idea that character arises from both nature and experience is certainly a fascinating one. I really appreciate your participation in this conversation. ~jennifer
There are many character layers, from genetics, surroundings, birth timing, and soul incarnation; it's difficult to grasp it all, but it's fun trying :-)
Your prior essay on character and this one make a great resource for struggling new writers to have in their tool box.
Nancy, thank you for your vote of confidence. I just happen to be one of those struggling new writers. I like sharing my journey in the off-chance that someone else might benefit ... or be amused. LOL
Great essay! I've looked at the enneagram once or twice but never used it extensively. I love the idea of using it as a check for consistency (since I tend to run with ideas rather than stick to a rigid outline).
Thanks, Josh! I love outlines. I seldom follow them, but love them nonetheless. Even more than consistency, I like using the Enneagram to measure how all my significant characters align or respond as expected. BTW, I think ideas are made to run with!! (But not scissors.) :)
This is a great resource. I’ll be sending more writers here. I’m an enneagram enthusiast and appreciate your discussion of bringing these layers into character writing.
Ryan, thank you so much for your vote of confidence. The Enneagram just resonates most with me for now as far as a 'getting into' my characters. I think the general message is that psychological foundations, such as wounds and motivations, bring a genuine realness to fiction.