The world of literature is filled with captivating characters who come alive on the pages, each with their own unique traits and personalities. One tool that can help us delve deeper into their psyche is the Enneagram personality system. In this article, we will explore the fascinating realm of The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare through the lens of the Enneagram. By understanding the Enneagram types of the characters, we gain valuable insights into their motivations, fears, desires, and the intricate web of relationships that shape their journeys.
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Understanding the Enneagram Personality System
Let's take a moment to understand the Enneagram personality system. The Enneagram is a powerful tool that categorizes individuals into nine distinct personality types, each characterized by specific patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. These types offer a deep understanding of the core fears, desires, and motivations that drive individuals in their actions and relationships.
The Nine
Type 1 - The Perfectionist
Type 2 - The Helper
Type 3 - The Achiever
Type 4 - The Individualist
Type 5 - The Investigator
Type 6 - The Loyalist
Type 7 - The Enthusiast
Type 8 - The Challenger
Type 9 - The Peacemaker
What Are The Mortal Instruments?
The Mortal Instruments series, penned by the talented Cassandra Clare, is a captivating urban fantasy saga set in a world where humans and supernatural creatures coexist. The story follows Clary Fray, a young girl who discovers her connection to a secret world of Shadowhunters, beings tasked with protecting humanity from the forces of darkness. As Clary unravels her own identity, she becomes entangled in a dangerous battle against powerful adversaries, forging relationships, uncovering secrets, and undergoing personal transformation along the way.
Slipcase illustration by @eshpur; Cover art by @carloseqo; Lettering by @rigualberto.art
The Mortal Instruments Characters and Their Enneagram Types
Clary Fray/Fairchild/Morgenstern: The Protagonist with Hidden Depths (Type 4)
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Clary is a passionate and creative individual who longs for a sense of identity and purpose. She possesses a vivid imagination and a profound desire to find her place in the world.
Clary is motivated by the pursuit of self-discovery, authenticity, and artistic expression. Her fear revolves around feeling inadequate or lacking a distinct identity. Clary desires to make a meaningful impact on the world and forge deep connections with others.
Clary's Enneagram type 4 influences her relationships by fueling her desire for unique and intense connections. It drives her to explore her creativity and embrace her individuality, shaping her growth and transformation throughout the series.
Jace Herondale/Lightwood/Wayland/Morgenstern: The Complex Hero with a Troubled Past (Type 8)
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Jace is a strong and assertive character with a fearless nature. He possesses a natural ability to take charge and protect those he cares about, though his past experiences have left him emotionally guarded.
Jace is driven by a need for control, protection, and avoiding vulnerability. His fear lies in being manipulated or controlled by others. He desires strength, independence, and loyalty.
Jace's Enneagram type 8 influences his actions and relationships by instilling in him a desire for power and dominance. It shapes his interactions with others and plays a significant role in his journey of self-discovery and emotional vulnerability.
Isabelle Lightwood: The Fierce and Independent Warrior (Type 3)
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Isabelle "Izzy" is a determined and ambitious character who strives for success and recognition. She is highly skilled in combat and possesses a strong sense of self-assurance.
Izzy is motivated by the pursuit of personal achievement, admiration, and maintaining a positive image. Her fear revolves around being seen as incompetent or insignificant. She desires validation, success, and the respect of others.
Izzy's Enneagram type 3 influences her personality traits and relationships by driving her to excel and seek external validation. It plays a significant role in her growth as she learns to balance her achievements with genuine self-worth and authentic connections.
Alec Lightwood: The Loyal Protector with Inner Struggles (Type 6)
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Alec is a fiercely loyal and responsible character who values security and stability. He is often cautious and attentive to potential dangers.
Alec is motivated by the need for safety, loyalty, and trust. His fear revolves around being abandoned or betrayed by those he cares about. He desires security, guidance, and stability.
Alec's Enneagram type 6 shapes his character growth and relationships by fueling his need for stability and trust. It influences his decisions, actions, and the challenges he faces in overcoming his fears and finding his own voice.
Simon Lewis: The Lighthearted Friend on a Transformative Journey (Type 9)
artwork by @gonzalom.art
Simon is a laid-back and easygoing character who values harmony and peace. He often finds himself caught between conflicting desires and loyalties.
Simon is motivated by the desire for inner peace, unity, and avoiding conflict. His fear revolves around losing his sense of self and being overlooked or forgotten. He desires acceptance, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Simon's Enneagram type 9 affects his character arc and relationships by influencing his tendency to avoid conflict and seek harmony. It plays a crucial role in his journey of self-discovery and finding his place in the supernatural world.
Magnus Bane: The Charismatic Warlock with a Mysterious Past (Type 7)
artwork by @carloseqo
Magnus is a vivacious and adventurous character who embraces life's pleasures and possesses an insatiable curiosity. He is known for his wit, charm, and extraordinary powers as a warlock.
Magnus is motivated by the pursuit of excitement, joy, and freedom. His fear revolves around being trapped or missing out on new experiences. He desires adventure, spontaneity, and a life filled with wonder.
Magnus's Enneagram type 7 influences his personality and relationships by driving him to seek new experiences and avoid boredom. It adds depth to his character, shaping his outlook on life and his interactions with others.
Luke Garroway/Lucian Graymark: The Wise Mentor with a Haunting Past (Type 5)
Luke is an intellectual and observant character who values knowledge and understanding. He serves as a mentor figure, guiding others with his wisdom and experience.
Luke is motivated by the pursuit of knowledge, self-sufficiency, and understanding. His fear revolves around being invaded or overwhelmed by others. He desires autonomy, expertise, and a sense of inner security.
Luke's Enneagram type 5 influences his character traits and relationships by fueling his thirst for knowledge and self-reliance. It adds depth to his character as he navigates his past traumas and fulfills his role as a mentor and protector.
artwork by @carloseqo
Maia Roberts: The Resilient Survivor Seeking Healing (Type 2)
Maia is a compassionate and empathetic character who deeply cares for others. She has endured significant hardships and strives to find healing and strength within herself.
Maia is motivated by the desire to be loved, appreciated, and needed. Her fear revolves around rejection or being taken advantage of. She desires connection, acceptance, and the ability to heal from past wounds.
Maia's Enneagram type 2 influences her relationships and character development by driving her to be there for others and offer support. It plays a significant role in her journey of self-discovery, healing, and learning to set boundaries.
Raphael Santiago: The Complex Vampire with Inner Turmoil (Type 1)
artwork by @carloseqo
Raphael is a disciplined and principled character who values order, responsibility, and justice. He holds himself and others to high standards.
Raphael is motivated by the pursuit of perfection, integrity, and righteousness. His fear revolves around being corrupt or making mistakes. He desires excellence, structure, and a sense of moral integrity.
Raphael's Enneagram type 1 shapes his actions and relationships by driving him to seek perfection and uphold his ideals. It adds complexity to his character as he grapples with his own internal struggles and battles with his sense of righteousness.
Valentine Morgenstern: The Manipulative Mastermind (Type 8)
artwork by @sophia_volovik
Valentine is a dominant and manipulative character who seeks power and control. He possesses a charismatic personality and a ruthless determination to reshape the world in his image.
Valentine is motivated by the pursuit of dominance, authority, and the desire to reshape the world according to his beliefs. His fear revolves around being powerless or losing control. He desires influence, superiority, and a legacy that matches his vision.
Valentine's Enneagram type 8 drives his actions and relationships, fueling his hunger for power and his ability to manipulate others. It shapes his motivations and the conflicts that arise within the series.
Jocelyn Fray: The Protective Mother with a Complicated Past (Type 6)
Jocelyn is a cautious and loyal character who prioritizes the safety and well-being of her loved ones. She carries the weight of a complicated history and seeks to protect those she cares about.
Jocelyn is motivated by the need for security, stability, and the preservation of her family. Her fear revolves around the loss of loved ones or betrayal. She desires safety, trust, and a sense of belonging.
Jocelyn's Enneagram type 6 influences her actions, relationships, and character development by driving her to be vigilant and protective. It shapes her decisions and the challenges she faces in reconciling her past and securing a future for her family.
Sebastian Verlac: The Enigmatic Villain Driven by Darkness (Type 4)
artwork by @sophia_volovik
Sebastian is a complex and enigmatic character who embodies both charm and darkness. He is driven by his inner turmoil and seeks to exert control and inflict pain on others.
Sebastian is motivated by a desire for uniqueness, intensity, and power. His fear revolves around being ordinary or insignificant. He desires control, recognition, and the ability to leave his mark on the world.
Sebastian's Enneagram type 4 drives his actions and relationships, shaping his manipulative nature and his capacity for cruelty. It adds layers of complexity to his character as he navigates the darkness within him.
Conclusion
The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare is a captivating world filled with multidimensional characters whose Enneagram types provide valuable insights into their motivations, fears, desires, and relationships. The Enneagram adds a layer of depth to the series, enhancing the readers' connection with the characters and the world they inhabit.
If you love The Mortal Instruments series as much as we do, check out LitJoy's Cassandra Clare Collection .
For more enneagram character analysis, we invite you to read "Enchanting Insights: Unveiling ACOTAR Character Enneagrams."
