INTJ 1w9 Characters

Maximus is always thinking in symbolic terms, and opens the film by encouraging his men to think about how what they do in life echoes in eternity. His mind is forever leaping ahead in anticipation of what will come next, even when that is thinking with longing of joining his lost family in the afterlife. He thinks strategically by using his insight into the mind of his enemies to predict what they will do next, and knows instantly without any proof other than his recent conversation with the emperor that Commodus has “slain” the emperor. He foresees certain of his decisions and the dreadful impact they will have on Rome. He thinks in futuristic terms both in making battle decisions in the heat of conflict and in envisioning a more perfect Rome. When asked to describe Rome, he describes an idealistic image of it in his head – what Rome represents to him as a symbol and absolute truth (“Rome is the light”). He works with single minded determination to kill his enemy and avenge his family, before his death and has a rich spiritual life. Maximus is a trusted and successful general, who leads his battalions to victory. He makes quick, strategic decisions both on the battlefield and in the arena, calculated to end conflict quickly but also accomplish his goals. When the others are uncertain what to do, he takes command of them as their gladiator general (“If we stick together, we’ll survive”). He is decisive and likes to have a clear plan of action rather than make spur of the moment decisions. Nor does he waste time thinking about unnecessary elements not tied directly to his goals. He has no real desire for power beyond handing it back to the Senate and carrying out the wishes of his emperor, but instead longs for a quiet life with his family. The only reason he fights to save his life is that he can be presented a wooden sword by the emperor and given the chance to kill him, both in retaliation for his slain family and for the greater good of Rome. Far from responding positively to the enthusiasm of the crowd, Maximus despises it and at first, shows his contempt for their enjoyment of barbarity. But once he understands that winning them over and “giving them a show” will assist him in reaching his ultimate desire (to save Rome and kill Commodus), Maximus becomes more interested in fame. He experiences intense grief at his losses, but refuses to talk about them with anyone, instead dealing with them on his own terms. He is unswayed by anything he believes to be morally wrong.He pays attention to his surroundings and sees potential for action in them, which keeps him alive in the arena. He is a skilled and natural fighter, able to respond to and adapt to his situation with ease. Maximus admits to wanting to go home, to the rich pleasures to be found in his vineyards, his horses, and his wife’s hair. He describes his home in rich, sensory terms – its sights, its smells, its textures. He is bold, assertive, and unafraid of conflict in close combat.

Enneagram: 1w9

Maximus believes in doing what is right, rather than what is easy; when his emperor asks him to take power and return it to the senate after his death, Maximus feels torn between his devotion and duty and his desire to return to his family. He confidently faces down Commodus, and in return to the young man’s taunts, tells him that he thinks Commodus has been “afraid all your life.” Lucilla tries to lure him into treason numerous times, but he remains disinterested. He is also such a moral man, the emperor trusted him not to keep power for himself; and after he regains it, he only uses it to fulfill the dead man’s wishes and restore it to the people. Maximus comes across as stoic and reserved, but also dips into 9 for a while. He doesn’t care whether he lives or dies, he refuses to participate in gladiator training, he allows the German to beat him up without protest, and he does not speak to or take any interest in the other prisoners. Rather than show fear, he just zones out and quietly participates. Maximus also shows a 9 wing disinterest in being involved in various circumstances, including refusing to be part of Lucilla’s plan to kill her brother at first. He doesn’t see how any of it is his responsibility, but of course, given the chance to do the right thing, he always takes it. He even refrains from killing Commodus when he has the chance, because he feels it would be the wrong thing to do right in front of his nephew.