Four with a Three-Wing
“The Aristocrat”

The combination of the Four and the Three produce a subtype which is both emotionally volatile and contradictory. While the two types may on the surface appear opposite, they have a lot in common, and if properly used can do much to offset their individual weaknesses. Fours are often introverted, withdrawn, and self absorbed, but Threes tend to be extroverted, interpersonal, and goal oriented. The Four’s fear of success is the opposite of the Three’s competitive desire for success. The Four’s introverted self-consciousness is opposite of the Three’s charm and extroverted social skills. As different as these two types are, both are concerned with self image and self-esteem issues. Fours tend to develop a self image which is private: they try to become an idealized image through their imagination and feelings. Threes develop a more public self-image and try to get others to validate its reality through their achievements. These opposing personality traits can coexist in the same person, although not easily.

Because of the Three-wing, healthy people of this subtype can be sociable, ambitious, and accomplished, particularly in the arts. They have both creativity and the drive to make their mark in the world. They are in touch with who they are and who they are becoming, but with a more extroverted dimension to them. In general, Fours tend to be private and not particularly action-oriented, but with a healthy Three-wing, this impulse is tempered by their desire to improve themselves and accomplish. To do this they know they must work hard, and they must be involved with people. The Three-wing also makes them more goal-oriented, sociable, and aware of interpersonal “politics” then the Five-wing. They want to be successful, but distinctive, and are willing to put in the necessary work to actualize their dreams. While both the subtypes of the Four are highly creative, the Four with the Three-wing is more aware of creating with an audience in mind. They are adaptable, sensitive to others, and have a good sense of humor.

When average, people of this subtype may be helped out of their self absorption by concern for what others think of them. They have the ability to project a favorable image, and they are able to conceal their real emotional condition more effectively than the other subtype. Others may not realize how vulnerable or emotionally troubled they may be. They are competitive and interested in making something of themselves in the world, but they may fear success, and possible humiliation. Depending on how much of the Three-wing is operative, this subtype also has a strong need for attention and admiration which may serve to motivate their behavior. There is a strong sense of the romantic in them and that tends to heighten their sense of drama. If their needs are unfulfilled in reality, their desires for success can play a part in their fantasy life and become a focal point for disappointments. They like to surround themselves with objects and settings which provide them with a sense of refinement and culture. Having “good taste” becomes highly important and they see themselves as more sophisticated and high class than the people around them-especially their families. The Three-wing adds a strong desire to please others and they tend to be more responsive to others suggestions and help, but can also resent it.

Since unhealthy persons of this subtype are still fundamentally Fours, they take out their aggressions mainly on themselves. They are self-inhibited and feel alienated from others. There may be moments when they act like an unhealthy Three, being hostile and malicious. The desire to ruin others which we find in Threes is frequently thought about, but usually not acted on.