Enneagram Tritype Explained: Your Three-Type Pattern

If you have spent time exploring the Enneagram, you may have noticed that your core type does not tell the whole story. You might be a Type 5 who also deeply relates to certain qualities of Type 1 and Type 2. The Tritype framework, developed by Katherine Fauvre, offers an explanation: you do not just have one Enneagram type. You have a dominant type in each of the three centers of intelligence, and together, these three types create a pattern that further individualizes your personality.

What Is the Tritype?

The Tritype is the combination of your primary type from each of the Enneagram's three centers:

Head Center (Types 5, 6, 7): How you process fear, seek security, and make sense of the world through analysis and planning.
Heart Center (Types 2, 3, 4): How you process shame, seek identity, and navigate feelings and relationships.
Body Center (Types 8, 9, 1): How you process anger, maintain boundaries, and take action in the world through instinct and gut knowing.

Everyone has a dominant type in one center, but you also have a preferred type in each of the other two centers. Your Tritype is the combination of all three.

For example, if your core type is Type 5 (Head Center), you might also be a Type 4 in the Heart Center and a Type 1 in the Body Center. Your Tritype would be 5-4-1.

How the Tritype Works

Your core type remains dominant. It is your primary lens on the world and the source of your deepest motivations.
Your second and third types are secondary strategies. When your core type's approach is not working, you cycle through your other two types, using their strategies in order.
The sequence matters. A 5-4-1 (who leads with analytical detachment) will navigate the world differently from a 4-5-1 (who leads with emotional identity) or a 1-5-4 (who leads with principled action), even though all three share the same types.

The Three Centers of Intelligence

Understanding the centers is essential to understanding Tritype. For a complete exploration, see Enneagram Centers of Intelligence: Head, Heart, and Body.

Head Center (Types 5, 6, 7)

The head center processes the world through thinking, planning, and analysis. The core emotion is fear, and each head type manages fear differently:

Type 5: Manages fear by withdrawing and accumulating knowledge
Type 6: Manages fear by seeking security, testing loyalties, and preparing for worst cases
Type 7: Manages fear by reframing it as excitement and seeking positive experiences

Heart Center (Types 2, 3, 4)

The heart center processes the world through feelings, identity, and relationships. The core emotion is shame, and each heart type manages shame differently:

Type 2: Manages shame by being needed and indispensable to others
Type 3: Manages shame by becoming successful and admired
Type 4: Manages shame by creating a unique identity and exploring emotional depth

Body Center (Types 8, 9, 1)

The body center processes the world through instinct, action, and gut feelings. The core emotion is anger, and each body type manages anger differently:

Type 8: Expresses anger directly and uses it as fuel for action
Type 9: Suppresses anger to maintain peace and avoid conflict
Type 1: Channels anger into a controlled inner critic and drive for improvement

The 27 Tritypes

There are 27 possible Tritype combinations (one type from each center). Below is an overview of each, grouped by the core type's center. Each Tritype carries an archetype name that captures its essential character.

Head Center Core Types

Type 5 Tritypes:

5-2-8 - The Scholar Who Protects: Combines analytical depth with caring and assertive action. Seeks to understand in order to help and protect.
5-2-9 - The Gentle Observer: Combines knowledge-seeking with warmth and a desire for peace. The most accommodating Five Tritype.
5-2-1 - The Principled Advisor: Combines investigation with service and ethical standards. Seeks to know the right way to help.
5-3-8 - The Strategic Commander: Combines analytical skill with ambition and power. The most action-oriented Five Tritype.
5-3-9 - The Competent Peacekeeper: Combines expertise with adaptability and ease. Achieves while maintaining inner calm.
5-3-1 - The Technical Expert: Combines knowledge with achievement and precision. Values competence and correct methodology.
5-4-8 - The Intense Iconoclast: Combines intellectual depth with emotional richness and raw power. The most intense Five Tritype.
5-4-9 - The Contemplative Philosopher: Combines analysis with emotional depth and receptivity. The most internally focused Five Tritype.
5-4-1 - The Principled Bohemian: Combines investigation with emotional authenticity and high standards. Values truth in all its forms.

Type 6 Tritypes:

6-2-8 - The Loyal Guardian: Combines vigilance with care and protective strength. Fiercely loyal to those they love.
6-2-9 - The Supportive Ally: Combines security-seeking with warmth and peacemaking. The most nurturing Six Tritype.
6-2-1 - The Dutiful Helper: Combines responsibility with service and moral standards. Devoted to doing the right thing for others.
6-3-8 - The Assertive Troubleshooter: Combines caution with ambition and assertiveness. The most outwardly confident Six Tritype.
6-3-9 - The Diplomatic Achiever: Combines security-seeking with adaptability and harmony. Achieves while maintaining alliances.
6-3-1 - The Responsible Professional: Combines loyalty with achievement and high standards. Values reliability and competence.
6-4-8 - The Emotional Warrior: Combines vigilance with emotional intensity and strength. The most emotionally expressive Six Tritype.
6-4-9 - The Sensitive Mediator: Combines anxiety awareness with emotional depth and peacemaking. Deeply empathic and cautious.
6-4-1 - The Idealistic Loyalist: Combines security-seeking with identity-seeking and principled action. Wants to be true to their values.

Type 7 Tritypes:

7-2-8 - The Generous Adventurer: Combines enthusiasm with warmth and boldness. The most people-oriented and assertive Seven Tritype.
7-2-9 - The Easygoing Optimist: Combines positivity with care and acceptance. The most gentle and accommodating Seven Tritype.
7-2-1 - The Enthusiastic Reformer: Combines joy-seeking with service and principles. Wants to improve the world through positive energy.
7-3-8 - The Power Player: Combines possibility with ambition and force. The most driven and assertive Seven Tritype.
7-3-9 - The Charismatic Diplomat: Combines enthusiasm with achievement and harmony. Naturally magnetic and socially skilled.
7-3-1 - The Focused Visionary: Combines big-picture thinking with achievement and standards. Pursues goals with optimism and discipline.
7-4-8 - The Intense Free Spirit: Combines adventure-seeking with emotional depth and assertiveness. The most emotionally intense Seven Tritype.
7-4-9 - The Creative Dreamer: Combines imagination with emotional richness and receptivity. The most introspective Seven Tritype.
7-4-1 - The Principled Explorer: Combines enthusiasm with authenticity and idealism. Seeks experiences that are both exciting and meaningful.

Heart Center Core Types

Type 2 Tritypes:

2-5-8 - The Protective Mentor: Combines care with analytical depth and strength. Helps through knowledge and direct action.
2-5-9 - The Quiet Helper: Combines generosity with observation and peacemaking. Helps in understated, thoughtful ways.
2-5-1 - The Principled Counselor: Combines care with insight and ethics. Offers help that is both wise and morally grounded.
2-6-8 - The Loyal Protector: Combines warmth with vigilance and strength. The most fiercely protective Two Tritype.
2-6-9 - The Supportive Peacemaker: Combines care with caution and harmony. Creates safe, warm environments for others.
2-6-1 - The Dutiful Caretaker: Combines helping with responsibility and standards. Serves with consistent reliability.
2-7-8 - The Energetic Champion: Combines warmth with enthusiasm and assertiveness. The most outgoing and high-energy Two Tritype.
2-7-9 - The Cheerful Comforter: Combines generosity with optimism and acceptance. Uplifts others through warmth and positivity.
2-7-1 - The Idealistic Giver: Combines care with joy and principles. Wants to help in ways that are both fun and right.

Type 3 Tritypes:

3-5-8 - The Strategic Achiever: Combines ambition with analysis and power. The most formidable and results-oriented Three Tritype.
3-5-9 - The Efficient Peacekeeper: Combines achievement with insight and calm. Accomplishes goals without unnecessary drama.
3-5-1 - The Precise Professional: Combines success-orientation with investigation and standards. Values excellence backed by expertise.
3-6-8 - The Commanding Leader: Combines drive with loyalty and authority. Leads through both charisma and dependability.
3-6-9 - The Adaptable Team Player: Combines achievement with group awareness and harmony. Succeeds through collaboration.
3-6-1 - The Responsible Performer: Combines ambition with caution and ethics. Achieves within established structures and rules.
3-7-8 - The Dynamic Entrepreneur: Combines drive with vision and assertiveness. The most energetic and risk-taking Three Tritype.
3-7-9 - The Optimistic Achiever: Combines success with positivity and acceptance. Achieves with ease and charm.
3-7-1 - The Principled Innovator: Combines achievement with vision and standards. Pursues success that is both exciting and principled.

Type 4 Tritypes:

4-5-8 - The Intense Individualist: Combines emotional depth with analytical power and assertiveness. The most intense and self-possessed Four Tritype.
4-5-9 - The Withdrawn Philosopher: Combines identity-seeking with observation and inner peace. The most introspective Four Tritype.
4-5-1 - The Principled Artist: Combines emotional authenticity with investigation and high standards. Creates with both heart and precision.
4-6-8 - The Passionate Defender: Combines emotional intensity with vigilance and strength. Fiercely loyal to their identity and values.
4-6-9 - The Sensitive Seeker: Combines depth with caution and receptivity. Seeks belonging while maintaining uniqueness.
4-6-1 - The Idealistic Individualist: Combines authenticity with responsibility and principles. Holds themselves to high emotional and ethical standards.
4-7-8 - The Free-Spirited Rebel: Combines emotional depth with enthusiasm and power. The most extroverted and dynamic Four Tritype.
4-7-9 - The Romantic Dreamer: Combines depth with optimism and acceptance. Seeks beauty and meaning in everything.
4-7-1 - The Inspired Idealist: Combines authenticity with vision and standards. Pursues meaningful experiences with passion and principle.

Body Center Core Types

Type 8 Tritypes:

8-2-5 - The Strategic Protector: Combines power with care and analysis. Protects through both strength and intelligence.
8-2-6 - The Loyal Champion: Combines assertiveness with warmth and commitment. The most relationally devoted Eight Tritype.
8-2-7 - The Generous Powerhouse: Combines strength with caring and enthusiasm. The most charismatic and generous Eight Tritype.
8-3-5 - The Commanding Strategist: Combines power with achievement and analysis. The most calculating and results-focused Eight Tritype.
8-3-6 - The Driven Loyalist: Combines assertiveness with ambition and group commitment. Leads with both force and reliability.
8-3-7 - The Dynamic Achiever: Combines power with drive and possibility. The most energetic and action-oriented Eight Tritype.
8-4-5 - The Intense Analyst: Combines strength with emotional depth and investigation. The most internally complex Eight Tritype.
8-4-6 - The Passionate Protector: Combines power with emotional intensity and vigilance. Deeply loyal and emotionally fierce.
8-4-7 - The Bold Individualist: Combines assertiveness with emotional depth and vision. Lives large with both heart and force.

Type 9 Tritypes:

9-2-5 - The Gentle Sage: Combines peacemaking with care and observation. Helps others through quiet wisdom and warmth.
9-2-6 - The Supportive Companion: Combines acceptance with generosity and loyalty. The most relationally consistent Nine Tritype.
9-2-7 - The Easygoing Optimist: Combines harmony with warmth and enthusiasm. The most outgoing and cheerful Nine Tritype.
9-3-5 - The Competent Mediator: Combines peacemaking with achievement and analysis. Accomplishes quietly and effectively.
9-3-6 - The Reliable Achiever: Combines acceptance with drive and responsibility. Achieves within harmonious structures.
9-3-7 - The Positive Performer: Combines ease with ambition and positivity. Achieves while maintaining inner and outer peace.
9-4-5 - The Withdrawn Dreamer: Combines receptivity with emotional depth and observation. The most introspective Nine Tritype.
9-4-6 - The Sensitive Loyalist: Combines peacemaking with depth and commitment. Deeply empathic and quietly devoted.
9-4-7 - The Creative Peacemaker: Combines harmony with emotional richness and vision. Seeks peace through creative expression and optimism.

Type 1 Tritypes:

1-2-5 - The Wise Reformer: Combines standards with care and knowledge. Improves the world through informed compassion.
1-2-6 - The Devoted Advocate: Combines principles with service and loyalty. The most community-oriented One Tritype.
1-2-7 - The Enthusiastic Reformer: Combines standards with warmth and optimism. Pursues improvement with energy and heart.
1-3-5 - The Efficient Expert: Combines principles with achievement and analysis. The most results-oriented and competent One Tritype.
1-3-6 - The Responsible Achiever: Combines standards with ambition and duty. Succeeds through discipline and reliability.
1-3-7 - The Principled Optimist: Combines ethics with drive and vision. Pursues excellence with enthusiasm.
1-4-5 - The Introspective Perfectionist: Combines standards with emotional depth and investigation. The most internally focused One Tritype.
1-4-6 - The Idealistic Loyalist: Combines principles with authenticity and commitment. Holds deep, emotionally felt convictions.
1-4-7 - The Inspired Reformer: Combines standards with emotional depth and optimism. Pursues meaningful improvement with passion and vision.

How to Identify Your Tritype

Finding your Tritype requires identifying which type resonates most from each center:

Determine your core type. If you have not yet identified your core Enneagram type, start there. See How to Find Your Enneagram Type.
Identify your core type's center. Is it Head (5, 6, 7), Heart (2, 3, 4), or Body (8, 9, 1)?
Look at the remaining two centers. For each, read the three type descriptions and determine which one you relate to most in terms of core motivation and fear.
Assemble your Tritype. List your core type first, then the type from the second most influential center, then the third.

Tips for Accurate Identification

Focus on motivations, not behaviors. A person who works hard could be a 1 (correction), a 3 (success), or an 8 (control) in the body and heart centers respectively.
Consider which center you access second when your primary strategy is not working. This helps identify the order.
Notice where you feel most defensive. Your least developed center may be the hardest to type accurately.

Tritype vs. Other Enneagram Concepts

The Tritype is one of several layers that add depth to your core type:

Wings modify your core type through adjacent types on the circle.
Subtypes channel your core type through instinctual drives.
Arrows show how you shift under stress and growth.
Levels of development describe where you fall on the health spectrum.
Tritype reveals your three-center pattern and your secondary strategies.

Together, these create a highly individualized map that goes far beyond a single number.

Tritype in Coaching and Professional Practice

For coaches and practitioners, Tritype adds another dimension to client work:

It explains resistance patterns. A client's secondary and tertiary types reveal their backup strategies when their core approach fails.
It deepens type identification. Two clients with the same core type but different Tritypes will have meaningfully different experiences and challenges.
It expands growth work. You can target development in the client's weaker centers, not just their core type.
It improves relationship coaching. Understanding both partners' Tritypes reveals more points of connection and friction.

Develop Your Tritype Expertise

The Tritype system is one of the Enneagram's more advanced frameworks, and applying it well requires solid foundational knowledge of the nine types, the three centers, and the full Enneagram system. A structured certification program provides this foundation and teaches you how to use advanced concepts like Tritype in professional practice. Explore accredited Enneagram coaching certification programs at The Enneagram University and expand your capacity to serve clients at every level of depth.