Day 8 Section 7
What it is (quick):
Personality tools are maps that describe patterns in people.
- MBTI-style (e.g., 16Personalities) groups preferences (e.g., introvert/extravert).
- Enneagram describes nine motivation patterns (e.g., “the Helper,” “the Reformer”).
- Big Five/HEXACO are research-heavy models that rate traits like Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Emotionality/Neuroticism, Openness, and in HEXACO, Honesty-Humility.
Why it matters for acting singers:
These systems give you fast hypotheses about how a character makes choices, handles stress, and pursues goals. They’re less about “type labels” and more about playable behaviors you can test in rehearsal and on camera.
How to use it onstage:
- Take one quick test from each family (MBTI-style, Enneagram, Big Five/HEXACO) for yourself and then as your character (answer as they would).
- From each result, pull one behavior, not a label. Examples:
- MBTI-style: “recharges alone” → withdraw to plan, then re-enter with a decision.
- Enneagram: “seeks security” → double-checks doors, bargains for guarantees.
- Big Five/HEXACO: “high Conscientiousness” → organizes props, sets rules.
- Pick three behaviors to test in a run. Keep what the audience reads.
MBTI-style (free overview & test):
- 16Personalities — type pages and a free MBTI-style assessment:
https://www.16personalities.com/personality-types
Enneagram (type descriptions + official test info):
- Enneagram Institute — Type Descriptions:
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions/ - (Optional) Enneagram Institute — RHETI (official test, paid):
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/rheti
Use these for brainstorming playable behaviors, not fixed labels. Pull 2–3 behaviors from each source and test what reads on camera.
Common mistakes:
- Treating tests like “truth.” They are idea generators, not handcuffs.
- Playing the label instead of the behavior (e.g., “I’m a 3” vs. charm, compete, polish).
Mini-exercise (6–8 min):
List three behaviors: one that invites (Bond), one that controls (Defend), one that wins (Acquire). Film a short beat using each, then pick the strongest for your staging.
Science Check
- What science says: MBTI/Enneagram are widely used but debated; Big Five/HEXACO have stronger research support. Short inventories can give quick, rough profiles that are good enough for acting choices.
- So what for actors? Use tests to generate playable options and select by what reads.