Over the next few weeks, (okay, more than a few) I’m going to take a deep dive into the This Is Us Enneagram types of many of the characters. If you haven’t finished watching This Is Us yet, consider this your spoiler warning. This series of posts will discuss character developments and plot points from all six seasons of the show, so proceed only if you’re comfortable with that.
Why This Is Us?
There are certain shows that are more than just entertainment. They are explorations of human nature, family dynamics, and the intricate ways our past shapes our present. This Is Us is a masterclass in character development. It weaves together multiple timelines to create a fascinating look at the human experience. It reveals how our personalities both emerge from and influence our family systems.
What makes This Is Us particularly interesting is its execution of interconnected storytelling. The show doesn’t just move between time periods – it creates meaningful parallels between generations. It shows how patterns of behavior, trauma responses, and emotional strengths ripple through the Pearson family tree. The casting brings this multi-generational story to life with remarkable authenticity. I never feel removed from the character, regardless of which age is being portrayed. Beth is Beth. Kevin is Kevin. And that makes it even more interesting to track their personalities.
Exploring This Is Us Enneagram Types
As I began analyzing these characters through the lens of the Enneagram, I discovered that their personality patterns offer insights into why certain relationships within the show create both harmony and friction. The Enneagram, with its deep understanding of core motivations and growth patterns, provides a fascinating framework for understanding why Jack’s parenting style affects each of his children differently, or how Rebecca’s approach to motherhood evolves with each child’s unique needs.
About My Approach
Before we dive into individual character analyses, I want to clarify my approach to character selection. While This Is Us has a strong ensemble cast, I’ve chosen to focus on characters whose arcs allow us to see them as complete individuals. This is why you’ll see dedicated posts about Toby and Beth – characters who develop thorough, independent narratives. But I chose not to include Sophie or Madison, whose stories primarily unfold through their connections to Kevin.
I’ve also decided to explore Nicky and William in a combined post. Both characters impact the Pearson family dynamics, their stories share interesting parallels. The themes of their stories make for a compelling joint analysis. As for the next generation – while characters like Tess, Annie, and Jack Jr. offer unique glimpses into how family patterns continue, there isn’t enough sustained character development to do their Enneagram types justice.
In the weeks ahead, we’ll explore how each character’s Enneagram type influences their decisions, relationships, and growth throughout the series. We’ll examine how their core motivations drive the story forward and create the beautiful, messy, authentic family dynamics that make This Is Us so compelling.
Through this analysis, I hope to offer a new perspective on these amazing characters while demonstrating how the Enneagram can deepen our understanding of human nature and the complex ways we relate to one another. After all, isn’t that what This Is Us is all about – understanding how our individual stories weave together to create something greater than ourselves?
Join me next week as we begin our character-by-character exploration of the Pearson family saga through the lens of the Enneagram.
