
Enneagram Type 4 – The Individualist
In the Enneagram system, Type 4 is known as “The Individualist” or “The Romantic,” and is recognized for its deep need for self-identity and uniqueness. Type 4s feel different from the others and their quest for who they are and their place in the world drives them. They have rich inner lives, with creative highs and longing too. These people often gravitate toward creative activities of some sort, one where they can give voice to the life that is within them as a type of catharsis for those feelings. On the high side, Type 4s are unique and that uniqueness can be beautiful in its oneness. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at the whole Enneagram Type 4 personality.
What is Enneagram Type 4?
The Individualist needs individuality, self-expression, and emotional depth. They often feel like they’re different from everyone else, leading to feelings of being inadequate or yearning. It is not a desire for things, it is a desire to know where they fit and in the flow of the Universe. Type 4s are so intuitively creative that they easily gravitate toward the art. Their emotions can also be deep and cyclical, bringing phases of sorrow or ruminating. At their best, Type 4s embrace their individuality and use their artistry to infuse the world with beauty and meaning.
Enneagram Type 4 Meaning
Enneagram Type 4 otherwise known as “The Individualist” has a strong sense of identity and desire for self-expression. They immediately feel set apart and want all things in life to be authentic and honest. They are pensive, passionate, and inventive, constantly contemplative and searching for answers within themselves in a quest for self-discovery and self-identity. Type 4s do not like the status quo, and they are attracted to creative or meaningful pursuits that allow them to communicate their truths. Yet their passions too easily veer into insecurity or jealousy, mistaking what others attain for better than themselves overwhelmed by opportunity, or misunderstanding their desire to be noticed for being different and one of a kind for selfish or entitled.
Enneagram Type 4 Wings
4w3 – “The Aristocrat”:
The Enneagram 4w3 is the introverted and individualistic 4 winged with the ambitious and driven 3. People who have this profile or description tend to care more about building an eclectic personal style and longing for individuality and acknowledgment. They are more status and image-oriented than the 4w5, with creativity paired with drive.
4w5 – “The Bohemian”:
The 4w5 type is more introspective and reserved and therefore seeks to cover up the emotional superlative of Type 4 with a Type 5 analytical intellectual disposition. They tend to be more reserved, more solemn, and more cerebral, more concerned with theory and ideals than with the specifics of life. They desire more for knowledge and self-fulfillment than they do external recognition like the 4w3.
The Cognitive Stack of Enneagram Type 4
Dominant Function (Fi) — Introverted Feeling
The primary mode of Enneagram Type 4s is to go inward to process emotions and seek to be true to themselves and live true to their values. Overly in tune with their feelings, they work very hard to unearth the personal truth behind those feelings, and they tend to feel intensely in everything that they do.
Auxiliary Function (Ne) — Extraverted Intuition
It helps Type 4’s view their world beyond them, as futuristic in terms of what may come to be, to express that energy and their views of that energy to others. But I think these people, sort of using their instincts a lot more to dig, you know, head poles in new ideas or new concepts that feel part of their emotional and artistic picture.
Third Function — Introverted Sensing (Si)
Type 4s use their past experiences to help them get to the here and now, often looking back at pivotal moments that shaped who they are. It’s a way for them to connect with nostalgia and memories that hold meaning in relation to what they are currently experiencing emotionally.
Inferior Function (Fe) — Extraverted Feeling
Type 4s, in underdeveloped or stressed states, tend to forestall outgoing feelings in an over-emphasis on their own feelings that can come at the expense of practical decision-making, or organized thought. They may also resist or subvert systemic pressures in favor of their own creative or emotional processes, refusing to conform to ordered structures.
Personality Traits of Enneagram Type 4

- They are creative and artistic.
- They are insanely introspective or self-aware.
- They are genuine and true to themselves.
- They are tuned in to emotion, and attuned to empathy.
- They are independent and unique.
- They are liable to insecurity or envy.
- They are too emotional or moody.
- They can feel alienated or misunderstood.
- They have trouble feeling “different” or out of place.
Core Fears and Desires
Core Fear:
Enneagram Type 4s greatest fear is to be mundane, invisible or unimportant. They worry they will lose their individuality and will no longer be able to be themselves.
Core Desire:
Type 4s long to understand themselves and to be their real selves. These individuals look for significance, depth, and emotional resonance with others who mirror their precise stories.
Enneagram Type 4 Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:
- They are highly creative and artistic.
- They are heavily in tune with feelings and self-reflectiveness.
- They are genuine in relationships and endeavors.
- They provide empathy and emotional depth to others.
- They are self-assured and introspective.
Weaknesses:
- They stem from feeling not good enough or out of place.
- They can be too caught up in their feelings.
- They are prone to jealousy or comparison.
- They find it hard to be pragmatic or to keep their feet on the ground.
- They may retreat with emotional lows or isolation.
How Type 4s are shaped into Who They Are
Enneagram Type 4s may feel different or misunderstood growing up. Is usually very sensitive to the emotional environment even the surroundings and sometimes has the desire to connect with someone, and understand. As children, they long to discover who they truly are, carving out a version of themselves, creative talents through which they express all of themselves. This early self-awareness instills an introspective nature in them, causing a need for personal meaning and self-expression.
Healthy Vs. Unhealthy States
In a healthy state, Type 4s are emotionally balanced, comfortable in their singularity, and can articulate themselves in creative and meaningful ways. They accept their uniqueness without separating themselves from others, so they can have meaningful, genuine relationships.
In a low unhealthy state, Type 4s can get fixated on their feelings, seeing themselves as separate or misunderstood or not good enough. They might tumble into self-pity, or envy, seeing themselves about others and feeling that they’re missing something essential. All of this can create withdrawal, instability of mood, and feelings of not belonging in the world.
You can read more about the Enneagram Type 4, Here.
Enneagram Type 4 Relationships and Compatibility
Compatibility:
Type 4s are generally compatible with Type 5s as they have a fondness for depth and individuality, and with Type 9s, who will provide the emotional stability that Type 4s need and help bring balance to the intensity of Type 4s. Type 6s, who offer loyalty and support, are also great companions for a Type 4.
Enneagram Type 4 in Love:
In relationships, Type 4s are passionate, expressive, and committed. They look for partners who get their emotional core, and who can connect with them in a meaningful way. They can sometimes feel misunderstood or disconnected and are more likely to experience feelings of insecurity or withdrawal in their relationships.
Enneagram Type 4 Female

Women who identify as Type 4 tend to be highly attuned to their emotional and creative sides. They struggle with the challenge of reconciling their artistic and expressive essence with traditional expectations, therefore, they might sometimes feel societal pressure. Yet their uniqueness and willingness to be vulnerable with their feelings in a direct way set them apart and add great depth to their connections.
Enneagram Type 4 Childhood
Type 4s tend to grow up feeling different or like a misfit. Ironically, their emotional sensitivity and need for self-expression are sometimes cultivated in an environment that prioritizes individualism. They long for meaning in life (sometimes through creative or self-discovery processes), as they have tasted a lot in their early life.
Relation with Specific MBTI PersonalityTypes
Type 4 is Intuitive and feeling types tend to relate to INFPs, whom they admire for similar introspective, idealistic nature, and ISFPs, whom they admire for the shared appreciation of beauty and emotional expression. They can also vibe with the ENFP, whose creativity and interest in new ideas align with Type 4’s desire for authenticity and individuality. They are the most compatible with:
INFJ (The Advocate)
INFJs and Type 4s often find a deep connection in their shared love for authenticity, emotional depth, and meaningful connections. Both value individuality in one another, so they make for a complementary and reflective pair.
INFP (The Mediator)
Creativity, self-expression, and emotional depth are the areas where both INFPs and Type 4s connect. Both are explorative of their inner worlds and have an innate understanding of their mutual need for personal authenticity.
ISFP (The Adventurer)
Both ISFPs and Type 4s have a natural appreciation for individualism and artistic expression. Although living life a little more free-spiritedly than their Type 4 partners, ISFPs help to balance out their emotional intricacies, creating an artistic bond.
Here are some facts about Type 4.
Career Paths For Enneagram Type 4
- Artist (Painter, Musician, Writer)
- Therapist or Counselor
- Creative Director or Designer
- Performer (Actor, Dancer)
- Social Worker or Humanitarian
Common Misconceptions About Enneagram Type 4
- Type 4s are simply overly emotional or dramatic.
- They are forever emo or broody.
- Type 4s Are Self-Centred, Focusing Only On Their Own Feelings
- They are always artsy or creative.
- They don’t think about practical things.
Enneagram Type 4 Celebrities and Characters
Celebrities:
- Johnny Depp
- Kurt Cobain
- Lady Gaga
- Virginia Woolf
- Tilda Swinton
Anime and Fictional Characters
- Amélie Poulain from Amélie
- Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter
- Belle from Beauty and the Beast
- Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto
- Armin Arlert from Attack on Titan
Summary

Enneagram Type 4s are sensitive, emotive, and creative, needing to express their individuality. They bring great depth and creativity, but can sometimes feel inadequate or disconnected. Embracing their uniqueness, Type 4s can build better relationships and become emotionally grounded, helping the world in responsible ways that can transcend themselves.
To know more about your Enneagram type take the ENNEAGRAM PERSONALITY TEST given below.