Big Brother is soon to wrap up another terrific season filled with houseguests from all different walks of life and with wildly different personalities. What makes the venerable reality TV competition fascinating summer after summer is observing how different types of people interact, and which playing styles get houseguests far — or leave them in the dust.
One way of organizing and observing different human personalities is with the Enneagram model. The Enneagram describes nine personality types, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. For Big Brother fans who like to dive into deep discussions about the houseguests' psyches, the Enneagram may reveal crucial information about how different types of people would play the game.
The Reformer
The Reformer personality is listed as Enneagram Personality Type One. They are "conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong" according to the Enneagram website.
The Reformer would have a tough time playing Big Brother. Since they have a solid moral compass, they would not be comfortable lying and backstabbing people like others. It is rare nowadays to see a player go through a whole season without betraying one person. The houseguest who the Reformer would play similarly is Howard from Big Brother 15. Howard had a strong head on his shoulder and, even though he did not make it far, had a good understanding of right and wrong.
The Helper
Type Two is known as the Helper. According to the Enneagram website, this personality is "friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing"
The Helper would be a houseguest who is easily able to make friends and allies. Perhaps they lack the strategic mindset one needs to truly excel at Big Brother, but their social game would be incredible. The Helper also loves to be loved, so they could possibly enter a showmance. The Helper houseguest would play a similar game to Natalie from Big Brother 18. She was a social butterfly that was in a showmance with James. She was able to make it far as she came in sixth.
The Achiever
The Achiever is Type Three. The Enneagram definition says they are, "self-assured, attractive, and charming...but can also be overly concerned with their image."
This personality would have a chance to go far as their confidence makes for a great player. Sometimes the conventionally attractive houseguests make it far solely for their looks. Their one vice is that they may be too self-obsessed. A houseguest comparison would be Jeff from seasons 11 and 13. Jeff was an attractive guy who loved to win. His competitiveness showed when he knew he was going home in Big Brother 11 when he lost the veto and would not hug Michelle.
The Individualist
Type Four is called the Individualist. Enneagram says this personality is "self-aware, sensitive, and reserved...but can also be moody and self-conscious."
The Individualist would have a tough time inside the Big Brother House. Their social game would be relatively weak, and it would be tough to find true allegiances. With no one to have their back, they would not find a ton of success. The best Big Brother comparison would be Cody from Big Brother 19. Cody was extremely independent, but he did have his famous Big Brother showmance with Jessica. He was never afraid to say how he felt and since he did not mindlessly follow Paul, he was the first member of the jury.
The Investigator
The Investigator is Enneagram Personality Type Five. Enneagram describes this personality as "alert, insightful, and curious ... independent, innovative, and inventive"
Investigators would find lots of success inside the Big Brother House. These houseguests would always be looking two steps ahead, so they are never blindsided. Their ability to be innovative could save them if they are in trouble. Dan from seasons 10 and 14 is similar to this personality. He was always cautious of his position in the house and thought about every possibility. He also innovated some creative ways to escape the block with his iconic moments like Dan's Funeral and Replacement Nominee Roulette.
The Loyalist
The Loyalist is Personality Type Six. Loyalists are "reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy...they foresee problems and foster cooperation," according to Enneagram.
Loyalists would be a great houseguest. They could create super tight bonds that get players far in the game. They would also handle problems with a sense of maturity and attempt to spin any situation to their benefit. Derrick from season 16 is a good example of a Loyalist. He was very loyal to Cody in their final two deal. He also handled everything that came his way with dignity. In a situation where he was caught in a possible lie, he gathered everyone to prove his innocence in a calm manner.
The Enthusiast
Enthusiasts are Type Seven in the Enneagram of Personality. They are, "extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous" but "can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined," says Enneagram.
These houseguests are great for entertainment purposes, but not so much for gameplay. This player would be funny, animated, and provide quality television for the viewer. Their gameplay would struggle as no one would know who they are exactly loyal to and be looked at as a wildcard. Kaitlyn from Big Brother 20 falls into this category. She was an extroverted individual who seemed to have a passion for the game but did not play well. This was evident when she spontaneously went against her own alliance twice when she voted out Steve and nominated Swaggy.
The Challenger
The Challenger personality is Type Eight. Enneagram says Type Eights are "self-confident, strong, and assertive...but can also be egocentric and domineering."
The Challenger type is very common in Big Brother. They almost never make it far as their ego gets in the way. They sometimes have a strong start, but burn out rather quickly. One player that matches this type that succeeded the most is Jessie, who is known as one of the unluckiest houseguests in Big Brother history. Jessie was a big personality who was confrontational at times. He was in a lot of fights throughout his time in the house. With a change in luck, however, he could have made it far.
The Peacemaker
The Peacemaker, Type Nine, is the final Enneagram Personality Type. They are "accepting, trusting, and stable...but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace."
Peacemakers have the ability to play a solid game. Peacemakers would gain substantial trust, not only from one person but from multiple people. Their vice would sometimes get in the way of their game, but if they broke free of that, they could go far. Andy, the winner of Big Brother 15, fits this description. He was a good player who everyone in the house trusted. He was closely aligned with Amanda and Aaryn and, at times, did not want to play the game with them, but he kept his word. His big, game-winning move, was when he voted off Amanda.