#atla enneagram

[wannabe-azula]

my fav water tribe girl

[tvandenneagram]

Avatar the Last Airbender: Zuko - Type 6w5

Zuko is complex, emotional and holds a lot of self doubt. Throughout the series Zuko changes a lot as he learns who he is and becomes more sure of himself.

At his best, Zuko gains a sense of calm and a better sense of self (integrating to 9).  By the end of the series, Zuko grew into a benevolent leader ushering in an era of love and peace. He finally realises the love he gets from Iroh and becomes truly happy.  

At his worst, Zuko was bitter and jaded because of his exile. He carried a pompous attitude and had a fixation on regaining his birthright. Zuko would sometimes resort to dishonest means to achieve his goals or to secure his safety (disintegrating to 3). For example, he stole from the family who took him and Iroh in for dinner. 

Even in the first season, Zuko was principled and loyal. There were numerous times when he had to choose between capturing Aang and the safety of his soldiers or Iroh and in every instance Zuko chose to leave Aang behind. Additionally, Zuko was banished because he felt the need to speak up because he felt it was wrong for Fire Nation soldiers to be sacrificed.

Throughout the series, Zuko experiences a lot of internal conflict and often behaves like a walking contradiction. For example, he would always say he was marked as unlucky but at the same time believe he made his own luck. This kind of duality and contradictory nature is something that is often seen in 6s.

Like Sokka, Zuko has shown himself to be quite strategic. For example, he successfully hid his movements from Zhao by using the damage done to his ship as a smokescreen. He was also able to evade an attempt on his life and make Zhao think he had died. Zuko is also able to think quickly and solve problems, such as using his swords to shine light on the sunstone.

Zuko was the typing that I struggled the most with, because he shares a lot of traits with other types. I have seen Zuko typed as a 4 and an 8, however the enneagram is about motivation and I do not think that Zuko fits the motivations of these types. For Zuko I was stuck between a 1 and a 6, because his main motivations were to regain his honour and to become accepted by his family again. Ultimately I settled on type 6 for Zuko over type 1 for a few main reasons. The first reason was that Zuko is very reactive and has trouble controlling his emotions. This is much more in line with type 6 than type 1, as 6s are part of the reactive triad. Furthermore a key characteristic of type 1s is that they repress their anger which is something Zuko is not successful with. Zuko often uses his anger as a sort of fuel for his actions and it is a driving force of his bending for most of the series. Another reason why I think Zuko is a 6 over a 1 is that he will resort to immoral acts if they need to be done more readily than a type 1. That said, Zuko does have an extremely strong moral compass and will always try to do the right and honourable thing. For example, he tries to save Zhao even though they are in the middle of an Agni Kai and Zhao had tried to assassinate him.

Type 6s often have complicated relationships with their father. Obviously this is evident in spades with Zuko (who at one point even called the Fire Lord the Father Lord). He was never treated well by his father but always wanted to earn his respect and approval. This is quite common in type 6s who often seek acceptance and approval from their parental figures. 6s seek stability and want to have a safe home. At the beginning of the series, Zuko has been exiled from the Fire Nation and has been told that the only way he will be welcomed back is if he finds the Avatar. This is essentially a wild goose chase as at the time he was given the mission nobody knew about Aang. Even so, Zuko doggedly pursued the mission as it gave him a false sense of hope of being able to return home. It takes Zuko a long time to learn that he will never get the acceptance he craves from his family and to appreciate Iroh's unconditional love.

Zuko shows his 5 wing as he is more reserved and aloof than a 7 wing. He is also more independent and will often push people away (like Iroh) which is unlikely in a 7 wing as they are more people-oriented. 

Tri-type: 6w5 - 1w2 - 4w3

Some quotes to describe Zuko’s traits and motivations:

"I used to think this scar marked me – the mark of the banished prince, cursed to chase the Avatar forever. But lately, I've realized I'm free to determine my own destiny, even if I'll never be free of my mark."

"I've struggled for so long to do what's right; to even know what's right. [...] But asking you to end me if I went bad; that was like asking you to figure out right and wrong for me. [...] I understand now. The struggle isn't something a Fire Lord can escape."

"After I leave here today, I'm gonna free Uncle Iroh from his prison. And I'm gonna beg for his forgiveness. He's the one who's been a real father to me!"

“I finally have you [Aang]. But I can't get you home because of this blizzard. There's always something. Not that you would understand. You're like my sister. Everything always came easy to her. She's a firebending prodigy and everyone adores her. My father says she was born lucky. He says I was lucky to be born. I don't need luck, though. I don't want it. I've always had to struggle and fight, and that's made me strong. It's made me who I am.” 

"For so long, all I wanted was for you to love me, to accept me. I thought it was my honor that I wanted, but really, I was just trying to please you. You, my father, who banished me just for talking out of turn! My father, who challenged me, a thirteen year-old boy, to an Agni Kai! How can you possibly justify a duel with a child?"

[yelling angrily toward the sky] “You've always thrown everything you could at me! Well, I can take it, and now I can give it back! Come on! STRIKE ME! You've never held back before!”

“I’m angry at myself!

“I don’t need any calming tea! I need to capture the Avatar!”

“Why am I so bad at being good?”

[tvandenneagram]

Avatar the Last Airbender: Azula - Type 3w4

Azula is manipulative, narcissistic and power-hungry. She is duplicitous and willing to take whatever means necessary to achieve her goals.

At her worst, Azula lost control of herself and her emotions. She became manic, paranoid and delusional. Azula became highly dangerous and erratic acting out at any perceived threat.

At her best, Azula was a disciplined and talented prodigy. She was hard-working and displayed a great sense of self-control. Azula was a smart and skilled tactician who was able to remain composed in tense situations.

Ever since she was a child, Azula showed little compassion and empathy for others. She would treat friends, servants and family all with a sadistic aggression and would show little remorse for how she hurt people. Azula would also approach situations from a stance of how it would benefit her (or her father) with little regard for others. For example, when Lu Ten died Azula’s immediate reaction was to think about how Ozai could now become the heir. This made even her mother wonder if something was wrong with her.

Azula is grandiose and exhibits a need for attention and admiration, especially from her father. She would often try to emulate him and his values to gain his respect. Azula would often humiliate people as a show of her power. For example, in one of her first appearances she threatened the captain of the ship she was on and made a show of emphasising that she was in charge.

Azula is able to lie with little to no emotional reaction and is able to (for the most part) keep her emotions in check. This helps Azula to direct lightening, which  requires complete and total control of emotions. Often we see Azula telling lies to get what she wants. For example, she tells Zuko that he will be welcomed home so that he and Iroh can be captured.

Azula is never satisfied with what she has and always wants more. She is power hungry and is constantly trying to increase her power (be it politically or with her bending abilities. Azula has had an inflated sense of ego and believes she was born to rule. She craves the power of the Fire Nation throne and wants people to fear her. 

Despite all this, Azula seems deeply wounded by the fact that her mother thinks she is a monster. Deep down, Azula regrets what she has done but tries to control it. By the end of the show, these regrets manifest themselves as delusions of her mother showing her the love and empathy she craved. Azula is pushed further down the brink, by the betrayal of her lifelong friends Ty Lee and Mai. Type 3s often want total and complete loyalty from those they care for and when this is broken they often lash out, which we see in Azula. 

Similarly, Azula is also shown to have a great deal of insecurities behind her calm and cool facade. For example in the Beach, she is shown to want to have a relationship with Chan, but does not know how to socially present herself. While she tries to flirt with him, she cannot hide her domineering personality leaving Chan uninterested. Azula is visibly hurt by this, but tries to pretend that she does not care about it, which is very typical of type 3s. 

Azula shows her 4 wing as she is more aloof than a wing 2. Additionally, 3w4s are also more controlled and restrained which we see in Azula. Lastly, 3w4s are more concerned with achieving their own personal goals, whereas wing 2s have a greater need to be liked by their peers.

Tri-Type: 3w4 - 8w7 - 6w7

Some quotes to describe Azula’s traits and motivations:

"Well what choice do I have? Trust is for fools! Fear is the only reliable way. Even you fear me."

[after a game of volleyball] “Yes! We defeated you for all time! You will never rise from the ashes of your shame and humiliation!... Ah! that was fun.”

“Well, yes, I guess you're right. I don't have sob stories like all of you. I could sit here and complain how our mom liked Zuko more than me, but I don't really care. My own mother... thought I was a monster... She was right, of course, but it still hurt.”

“Are you sure? I'm a pretty good liar. I am a 400 foot tall purple platypus bear with pink horns and silver wings.”

“Please Zuko. What ulterior motive could I have? What could I possibly gain by letting you get all the glory for defeating the Avatar. Unless somehow the Avatar was actually alive. All that glory would suddenly turn to shame and foolishness. But you said yourself, that was impossible. Sleep well, Zu-Zu.”

Zuko: “Azula always lies. Azula always lies. Azula always lies”

Azula: “You said "the tides would not allow us to bring the ship in." Do the tides command this ship?” Captain: “No, Princess.” Azula: “And if I were to have you thrown overboard, would the tides think twice about having you smashed against the rocky shore?” Captain: “No, Princess.” Azula: “Well, then, maybe you should worry less about the tides, who've already made up their mind about killing you, and worry more about me, who's still mulling it over...”

Mai: “You miscalculated; I love Zuko more than I fear you” Azula: “No you miscalculated; you should have feared me more”

[tvandenneagram]

typings for avatar: the last airbender??

I love ATLA. I am currently doing a rewatch because of your ask and I will be posting full typings soon.

Here’s some quick typings but I will start trying to post some full typings next week.

Aang - 9w1

Katara - 2w1

Sokka - 6w7

Toph - 8w7 (I’m still deciding on her wing though as I’m not up to season 2 yet)

Zuko -  6w5 

Iroh - 9w8

Azula - 3w4

I might change some of these typings (especially some of the wings) as I rewatch the show. 

[tvandenneagram]

Avatar the Last Airbender: Toph - Type 8w7

Toph is strong, confident and assertive. She is protective of her friends, independent and unafraid of confrontation.  

At her best, Toph uses her strength to improve others lives by teaching Aang how to master earthbending and by helping fight in the war. With age, Toph retains her no-nonsense and upfront personality, but is more likely to show people a softer side. For example, while she openly criticises and enjoys beating Korra in combat, she also lets Korra hug her once she earned her respect.

At her worst, Toph is abrasive and aggressive. She is unconcerned with other people’s feelings and does not care if what she does or says hurts the people around her. For example, she intentionally steals Aang’s staff to try and agitate him. 

Toph wants to be strong, free and independent. Before she met the gaang, Toph’s parents treated her like she was fragile because she was blind. She was very sheltered and most of the residents in Gaoling did not know she even existed. Toph wanted to act out against her restrictive parents and take on additional adult responsibilities. She also wanted to gain more freedom, as she felt trapped by her parents. When she was trapped in a metal cage, Toph overcame the preconceived notions that earthbenders could not manipulate metal because she was so unwilling to return home to them. As a parent, Toph treated her children the opposite as she was treated, giving them a lot of freedom. 

Toph was determined to prove that her blindness didn’t make her weak. Despite what her parents wanted, Toph loved fighting and wanted to become the greatest earthbender. When she first joined the gaang, Toph was fixated on ‘carrying her own weight’ and would sometimes misconstrue helpful actions as pity. Toph did not want people to see her as a vulnerable child, however underneath everything that is what she was. When Toph is insulted, she will pretend not to care, however her feelings are usually hurt. For example, when her appearance was mocked by the girls from the Earth Kingdom, she brushed it off and said she didn’t care about appearances because she was blind. However, it is clear that Toph’s feelings were hurt and her demeanour improves drastically when Katara calls her pretty.

Toph is straightforward and direct. She does not like when people avoid issues and are not upfront with their feelings. This is something that she and Aang have conflict over. For example, when Aang has a block against learning earthbending, much of this stems from Aang having trouble ‘thinking like an earthbender’ and facing things head on. Toph grew increasingly frustrated with Aang over this and vented her frustrations quite openly. When Katara suggested to try using a more positive approach with Aang, she was obstinate and remained teaching him aggressively for most of the episode. 

On a similar note, Toph is logical and if she has an idea she will bluntly share it. For example, when they are being chased by Azula and they can’t figure how she keeps tracking them, Toph exclaims bluntly that it is all Appa’s fault as he is shedding his fur. To Toph, she was just stating a logical fact but Aang gets upset at what she said. Toph gets annoyed about this and storms off because she thinks no one in the team wants her and she was just stating a logical argument. 

Toph has a wing 7, as she greatly craves freedom. Additionally, wing 7s are more vocal and opinionated than wing 9s. Wing 7s are also more independent than wing 9s and are more likely to push boundaries.

Tri-type: 8w7 - 3w4 - 6w7

Some quotes to describe Toph’s traits and motivations:

"I love fighting. I love being an earthbender, and I'm really, really good at it."

“No. That's the problem. You've got to stop thinking like an airbender. There's no different angle, no clever solution, no trickety-trick that's going to move that rock. You've got to face it head on. And when I say head on, I mean like this ... [Jumps up and destroys the rock with her head.]”

“Yeah, you are sorry! If you're not tough enough to stop the rock, then you can at least give it the pleasure of smashing you instead of jumping out of the way like a jelly-boned wimp! Now, do you have what it takes to face that rock like an earthbender?”

“Earthbend, Twinkle Toes. You just stood your ground against a crazy beast. And even more impressive, you stood your ground against me. You've got stuff.” “Look! I didn't ask you to help unload my stuff! I'm carrying my own weight.”

“Somebody's a little light on his feet. What's your fighting name, the Fancy Dancer?”

[tvandenneagram]

Avatar the Last Airbender: Aang - Type 9w1

Aang is kind, friendly and optimistic. He is a true pacifist and wants to bring peace back to the four kingdoms. Aang is conflict averse and believes that problems can be solved peacefully. He is skilled at viewing things form others perspective and often brings a sense of balance to his relationships. 

At his best, Aang is balanced, disciplined and selfless. He is able to defeat the Firelord without compromising his beliefs, despite everyone telling him that Ozai must be killed. Aang ultimately brings peace and harmony back to the four kingdoms.

At his worst, Aang is fearful, avoidant and disengaged. For example, nearing Sozin’s comet Aang begins to have nightmares and avoids sleeping so that he doesn’t have to experience them. This leads to him becoming paranoid and scared of the conflict that is to come.

I have seen Aang typed as a 7 by a few people and while he has many traits of a type 7 (e.g. carefree, seeks new experiences, fun-loving, etc.) at his core, Aang’s motivations and behaviours fit a type 9 more closely. Aang has established a pattern of running away from his problems and avoiding conflict. A specific example of this is why he ran away from the Air Temple at the start of the series. Aang ran away when he heard that he would be separated from Monk Gyatso and because he felt like the monks were trying to take away everything he knows and loves. The reason Aang ran away was not because he wanted to avoid the responsibilities of being the Avatar (which would be more of a type 7 response) but because he was afraid of the normalcy of his life being disrupted and he would be separated from the people he was close to (9s have a basic fear of separation).

Aang has a tendency to slack off with his bending studies and avoid work. Despite this, he has a natural aptitude towards bending and is able to master the four elements within the year. 9s can tend to be lazy and disinterested in learning/work. 

He is also very spiritual and is able to connect easily to the Spirit World and to his past lives. This is something that is actually very characteristic of a type 9, as they have a yearning for connection to their spirituality and to others. This is something that he has in common with Iroh (another 9) and something that directly contrasts with Korra, who has a lot of trouble connecting with her spirituality.

Aang shows his 1 wing with his strong moral code. As explained earlier, Aang refuses to compromise his beliefs about killing despite everyone telling him it was the only way. Furthermore, Aang shows a great deal of guilt over running away from the Air Temple and blames himself for the death of his people. He believes that he did the wrong thing and that he should be punished for it.

Tri-Type: 9w1 - 2w1 - 7w6

Some quotes to describe Aang’s traits and motivations:

“I bet that’s enough, and I’m not just saying that to be lazy.”

“It’s easy to do nothing, it’s hard to forgive.”

“If you want to be a bender, you have to let go of fear.”

"Anyone’s capable of great good and great evil. Everyone, even the Firelord and the Fire Nation, have to be treated like their worth giving a chance."

Zuko: “I suppose you were right. She didn't need revenge. Violence wasn't the answer.” Aang: “It never is.” 

[tvandenneagram]

Avatar the Last Airbender: Sokka - Type 6w7

Sokka, is suspicious, loyal and sarcastic. He is fiercely protective of the people he loves and wants them to be safe from danger. 

At his best, Sokka is smart, loyal and reliable. He is courageous in the face of danger and fights to protect what’s important. Sokka takes his responsibilities seriously and puts the needs of the greater good above his own. For example, he realises that it is more important to go to the Northern Air Temple than to go see his father. Across the series, Sokka also grows more calm, flexible and optimistic (integrating to 9). 

At his worst, Sokka is sarcastic, belligerent and rude. He holds onto old beliefs and stereotypes about people outside his culture. For example, when he first met Suki, he did not believe that women could be strong warriors and was condescending towards her. However, he was able to open his mind and sincerely apologise to her. 

In direct contrast to Katara, Sokka does not trust easily. For example, when they first find Aang he is convinced he is a Fire Nation spy and should not be trusted. Even upon realising Aang is an airbender he still takes a strong stance against Aang as he views him as an outsider. 

Sokka is emotionally reactive and will lash out when the people he cares about are in danger. For example, when Aang burns Katara by accident he tackles Aang to the ground and yelled at him. Sokka will also lash out angrily when he feels he has been betrayed or lied to. For example, when he finds out that Aang has hidden the map leading to his father’s location he yells at Aang and leaves him to go find his father.

As Sokka was the oldest remaining male in his village, he quickly became very responsible. He really looked up to his father and wanted to be a great warrior like him. As he was not able to bend, Sokka worked hard on mastering science and swordfighting so that he could protect his friends. At times, he was resentful of not having bending abilities and could be jealous of his friends. Additionally, Sokka also preferred to use human skills and wit to solve problems rather than the mysticism of bending. 

Sokka is a keen strategist and is often planning for every situation. He is very cautious and will always try to make sure the team takes the safest course of action. For example, early in the series Sokka wanted to avoid flying on Appa as he felt it was too noticeable, which would lead to them getting attacked. Often Sokka will rely on his ‘instincts’ when making these decisions. 

Sokka has quite balanced wings, but I settled on a wing 7 for him as he is more energetic than a wing 5. Additionally, while he will often rely on his smarts he more often relies on gut instinct and his impulses. Wing 7s are also more people oriented than wing 5s and I believe this fits Sokka well, as he is very connected and protective of the people in his life. He also wants to be liked more than a wing 5 would.

Tri-type: 6w7 - 1w2 - 3w2

Some quotes to describe Sokka’s traits and motivations:

"That's all I got. It's pretty much my whole identity. Sokka, the meat and sarcasm guy."  

“I'm just a guy... with a boomerang. I didn't ask... for all this flying, and magic...” 

“Stop! Stop it right now! What's wrong with you? We don't have time for fun and games with the war going on.”

“I know you all wanna fly, but my instincts tell me we should play it safe this time and walk.”

“I'm too young to die!”

Katara: “Look, the inner wall. I can't believe we finally made it to Ba Sing Se in one piece.” Sokka: “Hey don't jinx it! We could still be attacked by some giant, exploding Fire Nation spoon. Or find out the city's been submerged in an ocean full of killer shrimp.”

Iroh: “Believe me when I say there is good inside him [Zuko]!” Sokka: “Good inside him isn't enough! Why don't you come back when it's outside him as well!”

[tvandenneagram]

Avatar the Last Airbender: Katara - Type 2w1

Katara is kind, compassionate and caring. She is warm and emotional, often putting others before herself. Katara is brave and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. 

At her best, Katara is self-sacrificing, kind and genuinely altruistic. She has a strong sense of beliefs and always holds on to hope.  Despite her village’s views that women cannot learn offensive waterbending, Katara stands up for her right to learn and teaches herself to waterbend when she cannot find a teacher. Through her determination, she is able to become the greatest waterbender alive and uses her abilities to help those in need (such as healing the sick).

At her worst, Katara begins to seek revenge against her mother’s killer. She becomes aggressive and violent. Katara shows a lot of rage during this period of the show and takes down a whole Fire Nation ship by herself and uses bloodbending against her mother’s killer (disintegrating to 8). Katara also holds grudges and can be hostile to those who she feels have betrayed or wronged her. For example, when Zuko first joins the team she keeps him at an arm’s length and threatens to kill him if he returns to his old ways. This is in part because of her trusting nature. Katara was the first to trust Zuko and believe there was good in him before he officially joined the team and he betrayed that trust. This is why she is so skeptical of his motives when he does join Team Avatar for real, as she is afraid of being betrayed again.

Katara wants to be needed and often expresses a desire for this. She has a strong desire to help others and will do so even at the expense of her own needs. There are many examples of this across the series as it is one of her most defining traits. A specific example is when she disguises herself as the Painted Lady to heal sick villagers and deliver them food, despite Sokka protesting that the overall mission is more important than helping the people in the town. 

Katara has a motherly quality about her, developed because she had to assume adult responsibilities because of the war. Sometimes this causes conflict with others in the group (mostly Sokka and Toph). For example, when the team is irritable because of a lack of sleep, Toph lashes out at Katara for being overbearing and motherly, which directly opposes the way Toph conducts herself. 

Katara shows her 1 wing, as she holds very strong beliefs and stands up for what she believes is right. She is staunchly moral and does not want to compromise her beliefs, so much so that everyone is absolutely shocked when she suggests running a scam. 

Tri-Type: 2w1 - 6w7 - 1w2

Some quotes to describe Katara’s traits and motivations:

"No, I will never, ever turn my back on people who need me! I'm going down to that village, and I am gonna do whatever I can."

“Aang, I know you’re upset, and I know how hard it is to lose the people you love. I went through the same thing when I lost my mom. Monk Gyatso and the other airbenders may be gone, but you still have a family – Sokka and I, we’re your family now.”

“It is the strength of your hearts that make you who you are, hearts that will remain unbroken when all rock and stone has eroded away. The time to fight back is now! I can tell you the Avatar has returned! So remember your courage, earthbenders, let us fight for our freedom!”

Sokka (about Katara):  "She had so much strength. She stepped up and took on so much responsibility. She helped fill the void that was left by our mom."

Aang (about not killing the man who killed her mother): “Zuko told me what you did. Or, what you didn't do, I guess. I'm proud of you. Katara: “I wanted to do it. I wanted to take out all my anger at him, but I couldn't. I don't know if it's because I'm too weak to do it, or if it's because I'm strong enough not to.”