The Enneagram Types of Your Favorite Ted Lasso Characters
12 November 2021 / By Megan Malone Clinically Reviewed by Steven Melendy, PsyD. on November 12, 2021Spoiler alert: This article contains potential spoilers for Ted Lasso seasons 1 & 2.
What makes the Emmy-winning Apple TV comedy Ted Lasso so beloved? For one, it’s hilarious and the characters and storylines somehow perfectly balance being outrageous and totally relatable.
But perhaps what makes Ted Lasso such a standout show are the ways in which we see the characters — each with their own distinct personalities — develop throughout the series (for better or worse). No one character on Ted Lasso is exactly alike, but each has a personal development journey that takes viewers through a roller coaster of emotion.
From Jamie Tartt learning to be part of a team to Ted facing his inner demons, many of the characters on the show exemplify the growth challenges and joys of each of the nine Enneagram personality types. Read on to learn how each character is similar to the Enneagram types. (If you don’t know your Enneagram type, take our free test!)
Enneagram 1, “The Perfectionist”: Rebecca Welton
No Enneagram 1 can be the “bad guy” for too long. Although Rebecca has ulterior motives for hiring Ted at the beginning of season 1 (hoping to see the team fail to get revenge on her ex-husband), ultimately, her sense of morality and compassion for Ted and the rest of the team leads her to admit her wrongdoings. Always polished and proper, Rebecca struggles to let her guard down and truly be herself with others — as we later see in her relationship with Sam Obisanya.
Enneagram 2, “The Giver”: Leslie Higgins
AFC Richmond’s Director of Football Operations and Rebecca’s right-hand man, Leslie Higgins, is, in many ways, a prime example of an Enneagram 2 personality type. Kind and empathetic, it is Higgins who recommends hiring psychologist Dr. Sharon Fieldstone to work with the players and Ted. When Dr. Fieldstone needs a workplace, Higgins gives up his office and happily sets up work in a small closet. On Christmas, Higgins hosts a celebration and invites the players who cannot go home for the holidays.
Enneagram 3, “The Achiever”: Keeley Jones
There is no other character in the series that rises to success as quickly as Keeley Jones. Like a typical Enneagram 3, Keeley is ambitious, motivated and image-conscious. The former model turned PR business owner and Vanity Fair’s “Powerful Woman on the Rise” puts her career first — even if it means potentially impacting her romantic relationship with Roy Kent. At the end of season 2, we see her turn down a six-week vacation with Roy to get to work on her new business pursuit.
Enneagram 4, “The Individualist”: Jamie Tartt
Always the center of attention with a need to feel unique and different from his team members, Jamie Tartt shows many traits similar to those of the Enneagram 4 personality type. In his efforts to stand out from the crowd, we see Jamie go from football star to reality TV reject. Throughout the series, Jamie’s most important lesson is learning how to go from an “individualist” to part of a team — something he eventually embraces and leads his teammates (and viewers) to see a softer, more sensitive side to his personality.
Enneagram 5, “The Investigator”: Coach Beard
From the moment we meet assistant coach Beard, it’s clear that what he lacks in enthusiasm is made up for in his competence and knowledge of the sport. Typical of Enneagram 5s, Beard has quiet confidence — making him the ideal sidekick for the upbeat and energetic Ted Lasso. However, Beard sometimes struggles to understand what others need, as seen in his relationship with Jane (like when he refuses to dance with her at a benefit concert because he wants to play chess).
Enneagram 6, “The Skeptic”: Nathan Shelley
Nate Shelley’s character development leaves us with a less-than-lovable character by the end of season 2. Yet despite the unhealthy traits that show up later in the series, Nate is in many ways a typical Enneagram 6. At the beginning of the series, Nate is meek and immensely dedicated to AFC Richmond. His love of the sport and strong ability to think through plays for multiple scenarios led Ted to promote Nate to assistant coach quickly. As fame and success begin going to his head, Nate’s distrust of others — including Ted — leads him to leave the team and go to work for a competitor.
Enneagram 7, “The Enthusiast”: Ted Lasso
The series protagonist is the quintessential Enneagram 7. Upbeat and fun-loving, Ted Lasso inspires his team to be their best in all aspects of life. His enthusiasm and optimism are unmatched and these traits make him a beloved and respected coach. However, like many Sevens, Ted struggles with managing his difficult emotions. Throughout the series, we see him develop into a stronger and healthier person, especially as he works through his past trauma with Dr. Sharon Fieldstone.
Enneagram 8, “The Challenger”: Roy Kent
Roy Kent intimidates others with his tough-guy persona, but on the inside, he’s a big softy. Roy isn’t afraid to stand up for others — like when he sees Jamie bullying Nate or when he helps his niece Phoebe find a dentist on Christmas after learning that she is being picked on in school for her bad breath. Like most Eights, Roy is always one to stand up for the underdog. He struggles to control his inner rage at times, a challenge he consistently works on throughout the series.
Enneagram 9, “The Peacemaker”: Sam Obisanya
Patient and optimistic, Sam Obisanya possesses many characteristics common to the Enneagram 9. Sam values fairness and isn’t afraid to stand up for what he believes in. For example, when he learns that his sponsor Dubai Air is owned by a company responsible for polluting his home country, he stages a peaceful protest that inspires his fellow teammates. Like most Nines, Sam is accepting and generally goes with the flow, even when it doesn’t always benefit him, as seen in his relationship with Rebecca.