Show Your Character’s Change

Not all protagonists undergo a change in novels, but many of the most memorable stories feature a transformation. Getting it right is hard. Use the Enneagram to strike the right balance of before and after your character’s change.

By: Grant P. Ferguson

Last Updated: November 18, 2025

Move the slider right to see the BEFORE and left to see the AFTER

Use Enneagram to Show Your Character’s Change

It’s a simple process:

Step 1: Identify Character Type (click here for an infographic of 1-9).
Step 2: Review Character Type Description (click here for an example).
Step 3: Select Character Development Level (click here for an example).
Step 4: Complete Character Snapshot.
Step 5: Complete Character Profile Details.

You’ve Got This!

The Enneagram is a time-tested process for understanding how people respond to stress and change. Use the type descriptions and development levels to create realistic characters.

Amaze readers with characters who leap from the pages of your novel.

Dynamic Characters Examples and Guide

Develop Characters Using Enneagram Personality Types (Part 1)

Character Development Questions for Writers

16 responses to “Show Your Character’s Change”

K.M. Allan

Excellent advice, Grant. Thank you 😊.

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1. Grant at Tame Your Book
  
  I appreciate your feedback, Kate! Have a great weekend.
  
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  1. K.M. Allan
    
    You too, Grant!
    
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lyndhurstlaura

You know by now that these methods don’t work for a pantser like me, Grant but it’s fascinating nevertheless to observe them. Thanks for sharing them. 😊

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1. Grant at Tame Your Book
  
  True, Laura, and writers’ preferences select their path. No matter the choice, the readers’ expectations serve as guideposts. Some writers know the steps intuitively from their years of reading and practice (e.g., Stephen King). For the rest of us, a time-tested writing system serves as our compass, not only guiding us to the desired destination, but helping us deliver what the audience craves.
  
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Jacqui Murray

This is helpful. I’m struggling with my next book. Maybe it should be character-driven…

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1. Grant at Tame Your Book
  
  Character and plot are inseparable, like wet and water. Actually, it’s a triad that includes themes. From my point of view, the characters toss the jump ball. Then, plot events serve as the catalyst for characters to react emotionally, which is what readers crave. However, the key takeaway that often resonates long after all else fades is the story’s theme—the essence of what can change a reader’s life.
  
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  1. wordsfromanneli
    
    I agree with you, Grant. The things that happen to people in life are often what brings about change in their character.
    
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    1. Grant at Tame Your Book
      
      Fiction brings these events into focus for readers, helping many to become aware of personal paths that can lead to change.
      
      Reply
      1. wordsfromanneli
        
        I like reading books that show the change in a person’s character, either for the better or worse.
        
        Reply
Priscilla Bettis

Kyle’s character transformation interactive chart is so helpful (and really cool with the slide bar).

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1. Grant at Tame Your Book
  
  Ah, technology. I appreciate the feedback on the slide bar, Priscilla. Too bad the WordPress ‘Reader’ doesn’t show the way it works on the web. Applying it to your site is quite simple and relies on one of the WordPress blocks to make it flow seamlessly.
  
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John Buckner

Stumbling across the Enneagram was like finding buried treasure for my character development, and thanks Grant for the focused summary to easily apply that information.

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1. Grant at Tame Your Book
  
  Thanks, John. My love of the Enneagram mirrors yours. It’s really not as complex as some think, making it easy to show a character’s physical and emotional reactions to plot events.
  
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Peter

Thanks Grant. When I first thought about writing a novel, I was fortunate to discover The Trellis Method which contains a wealth of information about character development especially on using Enneagram to frame up character journeys.

As you know for me the wealth of information in your Method was overwhelming at first. As my story has matured I am forever grateful for such information and your assistance on my journey.

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1. Grant at Tame Your Book
  
  Thanks, Peter! People often say that writing a full-length novel is akin to drinking from a fire hose. Others are quick to add that wrestling with all the details is like the birth of a butterfly. Without the struggle of emerging from the cocoon, the creature would not build the strength for flight. Glad you’ve found the Trellis Method useful.
  
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