Before we get into why I think William Hill is an Enneagram 4, let’s take a look at Type 4 characteristics. Enneagram 4s are known as “The Individualist,” and they are no strangers to feeling whatever dark feelings may come upon them. They worry that they are somehow defective, and they want to find a way to express themselves and their individuality. Type 4s are also known for being highly creative and artistic. Remember to check out The Enneagram Institute and Truity for more detailed descriptions of Enneagram 4s.*
As with previous posts on this series about This Is Us Enneagram types, there are spoilers ahead. I refer to examples from the show based on topics regardless of episode or chronology.
We meet William Hill in the very first episode of the show. Our introduction is when Randall learns through a private investigator that William is his biological father. It turns out that William is a former drug addict and dying of cancer. This means that there is not a lot of time for the characters to get to know him. However, we end up learning a LOT about him through both the current timeline and flashbacks of him. So how does William Hill show up as an Enneagram 4?
Welcoming Randall’s Anger
Upon learning who his biological father is, Randall makes the drive from New Jersey to Philadelphia to tell William exactly what he thinks about being abandoned at a fire station as a baby. The berating that Randall gives him would probably make most people cower or try to apologize. However, William’s response is to invite Randall in. Randall accepts, and thus begins the development of their relationship (Season 1, Episode 1.)
Even though I’m sure William doesn’t enjoy being yelled at, I do believe that his reaction shows that he accepted his flaws and deficiencies long ago. An Enneagram 4 is likely far more capable at accepting the emotional discomfort of this situation because they don’t try to hide their shortcomings from anyone, including themselves.
Focusing on His Struggles and Loss
The flashbacks in Season 1, Episode 16 provide lots of insight into William’s life. We learn that he was very close to his mother growing up in Memphis. It is very hard on him when she leaves for Pittsburgh to take care of her own ailing mother. Eventually he, too, goes to Pittsburgh when she also falls ill. Her passing is what really sends William spiraling.
Like so many Type 4s, William gets bogged down in his sadness. He finds that turning to drugs is an escape from the feelings he can no longer bear. During his court hearing after being arrested for the drugs, the judge tells William he finds it disappointing since William doesn’t have a record. William tells the judge that he “is the most disappointed man you have met” because of all he has lost (Season 2, Episode 7.)
Creative Outlets
Another trademark of Enneagram 4s is their creativity. William has creativity in spades! He is both a musician and a poet. We see him as part of his family’s band in Memphis (Season 1, Episode 16,) and he uses music to process his heavy emotions about his mother moving away.
In Season 1, Episode 3, Rebecca seeks out William after seeing him when they left the hospital. She learns that people calls him “Shakespeare” because of his poetry. When she meets him, he encourages her to give her adopted son his own name instead of the name of the baby she lost. Randall, it turns out, is named after his father’s favorite poet. At the end of William’s life, he gives Randall a book of poems he wrote for his son when he was still just a baby (Season 1, Episode 16.)
All of this processing of emotion through creative means is very much indicative of an Enneagram 4.
Imagining a Different Life
Enneagram 4s are also quite prone toward living in their own fantasies, especially when they are not doing well. William also demonstrates this trait when he is in the midst of his drug struggles. In Season 2, Episode 10, Rebecca visits William again, and this time he follows her home. He clearly envisions what his life would be like after knocking on the front door. He would be part of Randall’s life, experiencing his milestones with the Pearsons as part of the family. Of course, he doesn’t end up doing this. But the clarity with which he is able to call up this fantasy is indicative of an Enneagram 4.
His True Self
William Hill’s journey throughout This Is Us demonstrates how Enneagram 4s can grow and evolve. As a young man, he’s someone who has experienced tremendous loss and turned to drugs to cope with his emotions. He demonstrates that Enneagram 4s can redeem themselves not by hiding from their feelings or perceived defects, but by accepting them and finding authentic ways to express themselves. Through his music, poetry, and the relationship he builds with Randall, William ultimately embraces his unique identity and story – exactly what an Individualist strives to achieve.
* I also utilize The Wisdom of the Enneagram for analysis
