We have reached our first repeat personality type with Beth Pearson as an Enneagram 8. I talked about Eight characteristics in my post about Jack. While I do see similarities between them, the way Beth Pearson expresses qualities of an Enneagram 8 is also different from Jack’s. Specifically, I think Beth is an Eight with a Nine wing. Enneagram 8w9 is referred to as “The Bear,” and I think this fits Beth perfectly. She demonstrates many of the qualities of an Eight, and she is consistently a calm and steady presence for the people she cares about. For comprehensive information about Enneagram types, explore The Enneagram Institute website or Truity, which offer detailed descriptions and insights.*
Two reminders:
- There are spoilers ahead, so don’t keep reading if you don’t want things spoiled.
- I’m not going in order of how the series develops here, so my examples will be jumping around the seasons.
Beth(any) Clarke meets Randall Pearson on This Is Us in college, and he is smitten right away. Of course, we meet them both long after that. They are married and already have two daughters when the series begins. Even though they are wildly different, there are many aspects of Beth’s personality that remind me of Jack. I think it’s fitting that Randall would end up married to someone with traits that his father possessed. Beth is Randall’s support and his rock in many of the same ways that Jack was while he was alive. So let’s see what I think makes Beth Pearson an Enneagram 8.
Beth Pearson Tells It Like It Is
Eights are known for being clear communicators. They tell it like it is, and they want the same in return. There is never any question where Beth stands, but she is able to be direct and honest with kindness. For example, in Season 1, Episode 3, she manages to let Randall feel his feelings about finding out his biological father is dying right after meeting him. She also manages to be firm with him about taking the time to get to know William because he doesn’t have a lot of time left.
Another example is when she confronts Rebecca after finding out that she knew about William. He lets slip that he met Rebecca when Randall was still a baby, and Beth is not okay with this secret. She knows that Rebecca and Randall have a very special relationship, but she isn’t willing to betray her husband to maintain it. Beth is not willing to keep a secret from her husband, so she is up front with Rebecca about that (Season 1, Episode 8.) She lets Rebecca know that she must tell Randall about it, or Beth will do it to retain the integrity of her own relationship.
When She Feels Out of Control
Like other Enneagram 8s, Beth does not like to feel controlled by others. She demonstrates this trait in Season 2, Episode 1 when there is tension with Randall over adoption. She asks Randall if it even matters what she wants because they only talk about his desires in the situation. Beth clearly feels Randall is trying to control her when he tells her she needs to get on board with what he wants.
We get to see a lot more examples of this in Season 3, Episode 17. The episode is a lot of flashbacks mixed with the present day, and it all boils down to one theme. Beth feels like she has to let go of her own wants and needs to accommodate Randall. She sees herself getting “lost in him.” This feeling of not being in control of her world obviously frightens and frustrates her.
Protecting Her People
Enneagram 8s are well-known for their ability to see potential in others and help nurture that potential. Their strength allows them to stand up for people who may not be able to stand up for themselves. Beth’s “mama bear” tendencies show up when she knows they are needed by the people she loves. Even in times of conflict, she is able to tell her family what they need to hear.
In Season 4, Episode 5, when Tess is struggling with anxiety, and Randall is struggling with Tess having anxiety, Beth does what any loving Eight would do. She sits Tess and Randall down together to address this anxiety that they have in common. While they are beating themselves (and each other) up for their anxiety, Beth reminds them that it’s something they have in common with William, too. But, most importantly, she doesn’t want them to disparage “the 3 people she loves the most” over this trait that they don’t love.
Beth doesn’t JUST protect her family, though. When Beth starts dancing again years after her failed dream of doing it professionally, we see her take young dancers under her wing. She resists taking a job in a “traditional” dance school because of the way she felt chewed up and spit out by one. However, she ultimately decides to take that job. She takes the job and sets a different example. Beth makes sure that she shows up for these young dancers so she knows they have a teacher who is going to protect and support them.
Beth Pearson Captures the Enneagram 8 Wing 9
As you can see, Beth Pearson exhibits the qualities of an Enneagram 8w9 through her direct communication, desire to be in control of herself, and the way she protects people who need it. She is able to express herself as an Enneagram 8 with the kindness and balance represented in a 9 wing. Her approach to her relationship with Randall echoes his relationship with Jack and nicely balances Randall’s Enneagram 1.
While she has her own struggles and flaws, to me, Beth represents the best qualities of an Enneagram 8. She is honest and strong but not harsh. She looks out for others without trying to control them. And I’ll be honest, Beth Pearson may be #goals.
* I also utilize The Wisdom of the Enneagram for analysis
