Which Character From The OC Are You, Based On Your Enneagram Type?
The OC remains a pop culture phenomenon nearly 20 years after its original release, for a number of reasons. First off, cast members Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke launched a podcast last year rewatching and recapping the series in its entirety. And secondly, it crafted a cast and story so representative of the early 2000s, making it timeless.
Each character on The OC was unique in their own special way. Despite being best friends, Marissa and Summer had widely different personalities, as did Ryan and Seth. No two characters were exactly alike, even if they had things in common. Because of this, each character is able to represent a different type on the Enneagram chart.
Kirsten Cohen was always extremely image conscious. She wanted to uphold her family name, and be a good provider and source of income for her family. She wasn't so sure about letting Ryan move into her home, mostly because of what the town would think of her and how it would affect her father's reputation.
Kirsten's personality was that of an Enneagram one. Type 1's are perfectionists. They are ethical in their thinking, having a strong moral compass of right and wrong. Despite the voice in her head telling her not to house Ryan, she knew in her heart it was the morally right thing to do. Kirsten was a great mom and leader, even if she fixated on unimportant details and issues from time to time.
Marissa Cooper was The OC's signature sweetheart. She got into a lot of trouble, but that was because she always wore her heart on her sleeve and wanted to make the lives better of those around her.
Marissa was a textbook type two. Labeled as "the helpers", twos want to make sure the people in their lives feel safe and loved. They also are experts in self-sacrifice, something Marissa knew all too well. From trying to make friends with Oliver to shooting Trey to protect Ryan, Marissa was all about giving herself to others, and she deserved a better ending for that.
Not many people on television have the character growth that Julie Cooper had, getting better and wiser with each passing season. One thing remained engrained in her personality throughout the entire run of the show though, and that was her ambition and go-getter mentality.
Julie was a type three, aka an achiever. When she and Jimmy divorced because of his money laundering, she sought after a new goal; becoming the heir to Caleb Nichol's money and company. While she sometimes seemed villainous, at her core she wanted to provide good lives for her children so they wouldn't have to struggle like she did.
Jimmy Cooper was a crafty individualist, just maybe not in a good way. He often found himself in trouble with the law, failing to follow the rules and pursuing creative, possibly illegal avenues instead.
Jimmy was a type four, and like any good type four he knew his strengths and weaknesses. He was self-aware, but resistant to change, and when he thought he was doing the right thing he actually caused more harm than good. In his heart of hearts, Jimmy wanted to be a good guy, he just needed to stop thinking about himself and start taking the advice of others instead.
Anna Stern's run on The OC was short-lived, mostly because she stood in the way of the great Seth and Summer love story. Being a type five, also known as "The Observer", Anna knew she didn't stand a chance when it came to vying for Seth's love, because Summer had had it for years.
From the moment she first came to town, Anna was independent and observant. She took notice of the world around her, which is how she knew Ryan was into Marissa and that Seth was pining after Summer. She was also highly intelligent, performing well in her classes and being almost as witty (and nerdy) as Seth.
Ryan Atwood should be listed as the definition of an Enneagram type six. 6's are known for being fiercely loyal and protective, and also having major trust issues.
Ryan was initially hesitant to move in with the Cohen family, feeling uncomfortable with their kindness and like it might come back to bite him. However, he warmed up to them rather quickly, and became secure and happy in their presence. Even when people let him down like Trey and Marissa, he still stood by their sides and defended them until he couldn't anymore.
Seth Cohen was a bit selfish and ignorant, but he was supposed to represent a typical teenager. He often put himself above others, insisting her needs were met before the ones of those around him.
Seth was an innovator and an enthusiast, a type seven on the Enneagram chart. He wanted maximum fun at all times, hence the invention of "Christmukkah', a holiday that celebrated Christmas and Hanukkah all in one.
Summer Roberts initially seemed like a valley girl cliche until her character gained more intelligence and depth. Once she was fully fleshed out, she became a fan-favorite for her quippy remarks and hidden smarts.
Type 8's are challengers, and they love to prove others wrong. Summer was not the girl everyone thought she was and she made that clear with her stellar SAT scores and admittance to Brown. She was also assertive and knew what she wanted, like when she broke things off with Seth until he put her first. Sometimes this challenger persona got the best of her, namely whenever she had her signature "rage blackouts".
Enneagram type nine's are advocates for peace, and Sandy Cohen embodied all of that as a public defender. He wanted the best for his clients, especially Ryan, and was willing to work for nothing in order to bring people justice.
Type 9's dislike conflict, which is why Sandy tended to avoid Caleb Nichol or any argument with his wife, Kirsten. When he did engage in conflict, it was because the cause was near and dear to his heart and he felt like something priceless was on the line. In addition to being one of the greatest TV dads, Sandy was an expert lawyer and a dotting husband, wanting peace and happiness in his home and workplace.