Enneagram Types in the Gripped Book Series

Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” series delves into the lives of high school and young adult characters grappling with issues like substance abuse, identity, and personal redemption, set against the backdrop of a small town in Massachusetts. One intriguing way to understand these characters’ motivations, fears, and growth is through the lens of the Enneagram, a system of personality typology that describes nine distinct types, each with its own core fears, desires, and paths to development. This article will explore the Enneagram types of the central figures in the series: Cathy Kagelli, Taylor Dunkin, Jordan Dunkin, Marc Dunkin, Chris Dunkin, and Jason Davids, providing insights into how their personalities shape their narratives.

Cathy Kagelli: The Individualist (Type 4)

Cathy Kagelli’s journey in the “Gripped” series can be closely aligned with the Enneagram Type 4, known as “The Individualist.” Type 4s are characterized by their deep sense of identity, often feeling unique or misunderstood, with a profound fear of being flawed or insignificant. Cathy’s struggle with crippling anxiety, stemming from keeping secrets from her twin sister Chantal, and her subsequent depression when Chantal misunderstands her, reflects the Type 4’s internal conflict and fear of being disconnected from those they love. Her attempt to save Jason from his drug use is not just about helping a friend but also about finding meaning through her emotional depth and unique perspective on life, common to Fours. Cathy’s self-medication with drugs to cope with her multifaceted roles and her feelings of inadequacy showcases a Four’s tendency to retreat into their emotional world, sometimes through unhealthy means, to deal with the pain of not fitting in or feeling misunderstood.

Taylor Dunkin: The Achiever (Type 3)

Taylor Dunkin embodies many qualities of the Enneagram Type 3, “The Achiever.” Threes are driven by a desire to succeed, to be admired, and to avoid failure at all costs. Taylor’s initial life trajectory as a star athlete with aspirations of playing in the NFL is a classic Type 3 pursuit of excellence and recognition. His fall into addiction following a career-ending injury illustrates the Type 3’s vulnerability when their identity as a success is threatened. Taylor’s efforts to protect his brothers and his involvement in the drug dealing ring out of desperation to maintain some semblance of his former life reflect the Three’s adaptability and image consciousness. His journey towards redemption and helping his family is a testament to a healthy Three’s ability to redefine success in terms of personal integrity and relationships rather than external accolades.

Jordan Dunkin: The Enthusiast (Type 7)

Jordan Dunkin’s character traits align well with the Enneagram Type 7, “The Enthusiast.” Sevens are known for their desire to avoid pain and seek pleasure, often through a variety of experiences and adventures. Jordan’s initial involvement in introducing his cousin Chris to substances like alcohol and marijuana underlines his pursuit of fun and his avoidance of deeper, more painful emotions, typical of an unhealthy Seven. His commitment to Notre Dame and his musical interests show a healthier side, where he seeks to explore his identity beyond the family legacy, a journey of self-discovery common to Sevens when they begin to confront their fears of missing out on life. Jordan’s reconnection with his Christian faith at Notre Dame adds depth to his character, showing a Seven’s potential for spiritual growth when they seek fulfillment beyond the superficial.

Marc Dunkin: The Reformer (Type 1)

Marc Dunkin can be seen through the lens of the Enneagram Type 1, “The Reformer.” Ones are driven by a need to be right, to improve themselves and the world around them, often struggling with perfectionism and resentment when reality doesn’t align with their ideals. Marc’s understanding of the dangers of drugs and his refusal to partake, despite peer pressure, highlights his commitment to moral integrity, a core One trait. His protective stance towards his brother Taylor and his involvement in deciphering Taylor’s clues reflect the One’s sense of responsibility and desire to correct wrongs. Marc’s journey in the series involves balancing his high standards with the imperfections of life, a critical growth area for Type Ones, learning to accept that change and improvement are processes, not immediate solutions.

Chris Dunkin: The Helper (Type 2)

Chris Dunkin’s personality aligns with the Enneagram Type 2, “The Helper.” Twos are motivated by the need to be loved and needed, often helping others to feel valuable. Chris’s role as the life of the party and his initial enabling of Jason’s drug use can be seen as a misguided attempt to secure his place in the social fabric, typical of a Two’s need for affirmation. His struggle with addiction and subsequent recovery, inspired by his faith and desire to reunite with Lisa, showcase the Two’s journey towards self-care, realizing that to help others effectively, one must first help oneself. Chris’s concern for Jason and Taylor, even after achieving sobriety, reflects the Two’s enduring compassion, wanting to share the freedom he found with those he cares about.

Jason Davids: The Achiever (Type 3)

Jason Davids’ narrative in the “Gripped” series resonates with the Enneagram Type 3, “The Achiever.” Jason’s high IQ of 140, his status as a straight-A student, and his perfectionism align with the Three’s drive for success and recognition. His aspirations to attend Duke University and being academically ahead of his classmates underscore his ambition and competitive nature, key attributes of a Type 3. However, Jason’s fall into addiction after his falling out with Chris highlights the pressure Threes feel to maintain their image of success. His journey towards recovery is not just about overcoming addiction but also about redefining what success means to him, moving from external validation to internal fulfillment. Jason’s ability to lead by example in his recovery process reflects the healthy Three’s capacity to inspire others through their achievements, now including personal growth and overcoming adversity.

Conclusion

The “Gripped” series by Stacy Padula offers a rich exploration of character development through the lens of the Enneagram. By understanding Cathy as a Type 4, we see her depth of emotion and struggle with identity; Taylor as a Type 3, his pursuit of achievement and redemption; Jordan as a Type 7, his quest for joy and self-discovery; Marc as a Type 1, his commitment to integrity and justice; Chris as a Type 2, his journey from enabling to true help; and Jason, also a Type 3, his transition from academic perfectionism to personal growth. Each character’s Enneagram type provides a framework for understanding their motivations, fears, and paths to development, enriching the narrative and offering readers a deeper connection to the characters’ journeys. This exploration not only enhances the storytelling but also serves as a reflection on how personality influences one’s response to life’s challenges, making the series resonate on a more profound level.