The Enneagram is a nine-pointed system that can describe what kind of personality someone has and the connection this personality may have to another. Many movies, television shows, and comics represent these personalities and how they may or may not connect to one another.
Looking at the recent MCU Spider-Man movies, it’s clear that there are plenty of characters who fit within the model given by the Enneagram, each exhibiting their own unique personal characteristics. Furthermore, some of these characters, with their bold personalities, share a strong bond that has created many iconic scenes throughout the franchise.
Achiever – Spiderman / Peter Parker
While the young and intelligent Peter Parker could represent more than one personality on the list, his ability to adapt and drive to succeed makes him a perfect Achiever. They aim to become successful and as demonstrated across the three movies, he certainly fits the billing. And he also shares this enneagram type with another beloved MCU character, his mentor, Tony Stark.
His connection to Stark’s beloved bodyguard Happy (a Loyalist) also represents the lines that connect the two. Especially in Spider-Man: Far From Home, Happy assists the young achiever to take down Mysterio in London.
Helper – Aunt May
No matter which version of the character you have seen, Aunt May has always been caring and helpful towards anyone around her. This is especially true of Marissa Tomei’s portrayal of the beloved aunt, protecting and looking after her nephew, Peter, whether it’s from high school drama or the superhero antics.
Especially in the more recent Spider-Man: No Way Home, she gives Peter the idea to help the villains from the multiverse to change their outcome rather than sending them back to their damnation. Despite the dangers that come her way, she always does her best to become a people-pleaser and help the needy.
Investigator – MJ
While not quite the MJ that fans may have initially expected, this take on the character has become one of the highlights among the cast of characters. An intense and isolated individual, she is a great example of an Investigator.
Introduced as an introvert in Spider-Man: Homecoming, she has slowly grown out of her shell across the web-slinger’s adventures. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t retained the same perspective abilities to solve secrets and hide her emotions from others.
Enthusiast – Ned
Peter’s loveable and hilarious best friend, Ned’s enthusiasm and chemistry with his classmates alone make him an ideal Enthusiast. They are also known to be versatile too and Ned has used his intelligence to get Peter out of a sticky situation now and again.
No matter which MCU movie features this spontaneous, loveable teen, there are plenty of examples of him being a brilliant Enthusiast. Even in his brief appearance in Avengers: Infinity War, he is able to distract everyone around him with just a few enthusiastic words and quick wit while Peter swings away to take on Thanos and his approaching warriors.
Challenger – Mysterio
Introduced in Spider-Man: Far From Home, Jake Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio was one of the most intimidating and intelligent foes in the MCU. Being able to use advanced technology, next-gen holograms, and a dedicated team, he is a fine example of the Challenger.
They are known to be confident in themselves, doing their best to dominate and confront obstacles and people in their own way to achieve their plans and goals. Whether it’s towards his own teammates or Peter, he challenges anyone for the spotlight and becomes the star of his own staged attacks. He is for sure a phase three villain with a clever plan.
Reformer – J. Jonah Jameson
Fans were shocked when J.Jonah Jameson finally made his debut in the MCU, especially since character actor J.K. Simmons returned to play this modern take from one of Simmons’ most memorable roles. And much like his previous incarnation in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, he has a crusading sense of what is right and what is wrong.
As a Reformer, he has an idealistic and critical sense of the world around him, especially towards Spider-Man himself. Filled with purpose and seeing themselves as advocates, Jameson certainly ticks the boxes in this regard.
Peacemaker – Happy
Happy Hogan has been around since the very beginning of the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe alongside Tony Stark with Iron Man back in 2008. As Stark’s loyal and hilarious bodyguard, he has been there for his boss and would eventually help his young protege too.
Complacent and reassuring to all those he helps, Happy is certainly the Peacemaker across the Spider-Man movies and the MCU in general. Peacemakers have a strong connection with Achievers and from letting Peter live with him in his apartment to picking him up in a private jet halfway across the world, Happy is always there for him to bring peace and are just some of Happy Hogan’s best moments in the MCU.
Individualist – Flash Thompson
A different and more comedic take on Peter’s iconic high school bully from the comics, Flash Thompson is self-absorbed and expressive in these movies. This rich kid is certainly an Individualist as he dramatizes and acts out towards others around him.
While Flash may have unintentionally helped Peter at times, his spoilt behavior and attitude make him stand out from among his peers. Add to that and his ability to confidently express his thoughts without hesitation and there is no other person like him.
Loyalist – Vulture
Michael Keaton’s return to the superhero genre with his take as the villainous Vulture certainly got cinemagoers excited. And while he didn’t return (yet) to face Spider-Man again, his portrayal and complexities added to the character have made him one of the best bad guys.
His committed and responsible actions to support his employees and his family make him an understandable Loyalist from the entire cast of characters. The Loyalists also have a connection with the Achievers and as her daughter’s old boyfriend and foe, they definitely have plenty of that.
