Enneagram Type 1 (The Reformer) Character Arc Worksheet

Write compelling idealist characters with the Enneagram Type 1 Cheat Sheet, a focused guide to crafting authentic arcs for the Reformer personality. Enneagram Type 1s are principled, perfectionistic individuals with a drive to make things right. This printable reference (developed by veteran writing coach K.M. Weiland) shows you exactly how those traits can shape a character’s journey for better or worse.

• Core Type 1 Profile: At a glance, understand your Type 1 character’s psychology. This set of two cheat sheets outlines Type 1’s basic fear (of being corrupt, bad, or defective) and basic desire (to be good, virtuous, and in integrity). These traits set the stage: your character likely has a strong inner critic and a desire for order or morality.

• Positive Arc Path – From Resentment to Integrity: This guide describes a Positive Change Arc for a Type 1 character. The arc might start with the character being overly critical, rigid, or hard on self/others in pursuit of perfection. Key beats could include: Recognizing the personal Lie (e.g., “I must be perfect to be worthy” or “Everything is either right or wrong, no middle ground”), catalyst for change (perhaps seeing the harm of their rigidity on someone they love, or encountering a morally gray situation that challenges their black-and-white view), Midpoint growth (learning to balance principles with compassion – maybe they make a mistake and realize the world didn’t end), embracing the Truth (e.g., “Imperfection is human; I can strive for good without condemning myself or others for flaws”), and final transformation (the character becomes a true Reformer – using their high standards to inspire and lead by example, with humility and understanding). The cheat sheet streamlines this progression so you can easily plot your character’s evolution from a judgmental perfectionist into a wise, accepting, and genuinely virtuous figure.

• Negative Arc Path – From Resentment to Tyranny: See how a Type 1 can tragically go wrong in the Negative Arc outline. This might show a character starting with good intentions but descending into self-righteousness or obsessive perfectionism. Beats to expect: fixation on the Lie (e.g., believing “I alone know what’s right; I can’t allow any error”), deteriorating relations (alienating allies by becoming overbearing or punitive), Midpoint escalation (maybe a significant failure or temptation causes them to double down on control), Point of No Return (perhaps the character commits an unethical act “for the greater good” or refuses to admit a mistake, causing harm), and final downfall (they might end up isolated, disgraced, or become the very corruption they feared, due to their inability to accept imperfection). The cheat sheet succinctly lists these steps, giving you a blueprint for a Type 1 villain or tragic figure whose downfall feels true to their inner demons.

• Quick Reference Format: The Type 1 Cheat Sheet is formatted as two separate easy-to-read PDFs (one for each arc). You can pin it up or keep it on your screen while writing to quickly recall, “What would my Type 1 do in this situation?” It’s a fillable form with all the info is distilled for you.

• Bonuses Included: You also get a handy reference sheet showing the main points and differences of all of the nine Enneagram types, as well as a detailed Resources PDF with links to dozens of helpful tools for both the Enneagram and character arcs, and a Quick Tips sheet with more insight into Type 1's personality.

• Immediate Digital Download: This cheat sheet is available as an instant download PDF. No physical product will be mailed. Access it within minutes of purchasing, so you can start refining your Type 1 character’s arc right away. Print it out if you like tangible copies, or keep it in a research folder on your device for quick consulting.

By using the Enneagram Type 1 Cheat Sheet, you’ll ensure your principled characters are written with depth and authenticity. Whether your story’s “Reformer” finds redemption and balance or goes down a dark path of fanaticism, you’ll have a clear guide to make it psychologically plausible and compelling. This guide takes the guesswork out of “how would a perfectionist change (or not change) over the course of a story?” – giving you a solid foundation to build a memorable character arc.

(Need guidance for other character personalities? Check out our shop for cheat sheets on all 9 Enneagram types, or grab the bundle of all nine for comprehensive coverage.)