Enneagrams as character personality models

[Kory Johnson]

While browsing for other ideas, I came across the idea of Enneagrams on Wikipedia.  I've thought this might make an interesting basis for helping people flesh out character creation.

I do have some concerns about it though.  Do you think players will feel too limited by the behaviors mentioned in the personality types, and attempt to stray too far from them?  That is, if it says that a One exhibits qualities of the Four under stress, would it be bad to tie a game mechanic to their expected reaction of withdrawing and internalizing?  Would this be constraining?

In this particular game I'm developing, the way characters behave under extreme stress is very relevant to the plot and their own immediate futures, so being able to rely somewhat on a model will help me.  Still, I know that being too rigid with this particular rule might be seen as being too stifling of roleplaying.

[Matt Wilson]

Hey Kory:

I'd say just put some stuff together and try it out. From my own experience, nothing kills creativity like doubtful speculation.

Anyone saying "I don't know if I'd like that" isn't much help to you. If they try and say, "yeah, I didn't like that," then you have something concrete. Until then, assume it's awesome.

So this is me saying, go! Do it!

[Kory Johnson]

Oh, I was going to implement it anyhow :)  But you never know if some astute reader might point out some valid point that could make me alter it a tad first.