MBTI Type: ESFJ

Catherine lives a life devoted to service: first to her dying husband, and then as a caregiver for King Henry. She has very passionate views but no desire to inflict them on others; she believes wholeheartedly in Reform, yet is happy to allow Princess Mary to continue in her Catholicism. She sets out to foster an environment that will allow all of Henry’s children to thrive and grow: she encourages Mary’s presence at court, spends a great deal of time mentoring Elizabeth, and acts as a mother to young Edward – even instructing his tutors that he be brought up in the faith of his mother, according to Anne’s wishes. Catherine is very outspoken in her feelings, which sometimes threatens her survival (her passion for her faith is dangerous, and she subdues it once she realizes the king is offended). She is detailed and good with daily needs, so much so that Henry makes her regent in his absence. Catherine attends to the needs of the court as well as her husband. She is practical and prefers to gather as much information as she can before making decisions. Catherine is content to keep up the traditions of court, and strives to learn from the experiences of her predecessors, so that she will not make their mistakes. Her excitement for new ideas leads her to encourage deep conversation and nudge Henry toward fully embracing a new brand of faith. Catherine enjoys the thought of a different England and is eager to explore all its possibilities. She is also very in tune with what is happening around her; people’s genuine motivations and subtle shifts in behavior (she notices and is saddened by Mary’s increasing detachment), which allows her to quickly adapt to avoid trouble. She knows the meaning behind Henry’s attention and gifts, as well as the danger of her position. Though she relies primarily on emotion when making decisions, Catherine is also wise enough to analyze her situation and make rational, tactical decisions to protect herself and others – refusing to participate in controversial arrests, encouraging her ladies to throw out any heretical books, and even accepting the king’s proposal.

Enneagram: 2w1 sp/so

Catherine has a deep emotional connection to others, and actively works to keep them on her side; she is even willing to forgive and accept the Lady Mary, when “something has changed… you no longer care for me as you once did.” Though in truth she hates the king, she can turn on her charm and feign happiness when necessary, or swallow her pride and denounce her own views, becoming what he needs but also calling upon his needs (saying she only brought up evangelical teachings so he could correct her, and pointing out her desire to distract him from his “affliction” of a bad leg) to defend herself (subtle manipulation). She focuses on helping the royal children establish themselves at court, and on being a true “mother” to them all. Her 1 wing gives her a sense of “duty,” to both her husbands, a point she regularly mentions.