Matthew Cunliffe is a central figure in the Cormoran Strike series, a collection of crime novels penned by Robert Galbraith—the well-known pseudonym for J.K. Rowling. As one of the most prominent characters throughout the books, Matthew Cunliffe plays a crucial emotional role, particularly in the life of Robin Ellacott, the story’s female lead. He first appears in The Cuckoo’s Calling, the debut novel in the series, and continues to influence the narrative across multiple installments.

Right from the start, Matthew Cunliffe comes across as someone who has had a relatively comfortable upbringing and enjoys the privileges that come with it. While he’s financially stable and outwardly confident, there’s an underlying sense of insecurity that shapes much of his behavior. In fact, Matthew Cunliffe often acts immaturely, especially when it comes to handling relationship stress or professional jealousy. Yet, despite these flaws, he genuinely loves Robin and consistently shows up for her—even when her career path pulls her in a direction he doesn’t fully understand or support.

One of the defining aspects of Matthew Cunliffe’s character arc is his evolving relationship with Robin. Their engagement status fluctuates over time, mirroring the ups and downs they face as a couple. A major point of tension arises from Robin’s growing passion for detective work alongside Cormoran Strike. Matthew Cunliffe struggles to accept her independence, feeling threatened by the amount of time she spends with Strike and the risks she takes on the job. Still, even during moments of doubt or conflict, Matthew Cunliffe proves himself to be loyal and supportive in his own way.

It’s clear that Matthew Cunliffe values stability, tradition, and social harmony—traits that make many readers view him through the lens of an ESFJ personality type. Known as “The Consul,” ESFJs are typically warm, responsible, and deeply attuned to the needs of others. Matthew Cunliffe fits this mold quite well: he’s sociable, attentive to appearances, and highly sensitive to how others perceive him and his relationship with Robin. His introverted sensing (Si) function also explains his preference for routine and discomfort with change—especially when Robin begins stepping outside the life they’d planned together.

Moreover, Matthew Cunliffe exhibits strong signs of being an Enneagram Type 3, commonly referred to as “The Achiever.” This personality type thrives on success, recognition, and external validation—all of which resonate with Matthew Cunliffe’s actions throughout the series. He frequently brags about his job, income, and future plans, clearly wanting to project an image of prosperity and competence. His competitive streak becomes especially apparent when he compares himself to Strike, often trying to assert dominance or undermine Strike’s credibility, not necessarily out of malice, but because he feels overshadowed.

Interestingly, while we can’t know Matthew Cunliffe’s actual zodiac sign for certain, his behaviors suggest a strong affinity with Libra traits. Libras are known for seeking balance, avoiding confrontation, and placing importance on fairness—all characteristics evident in Matthew Cunliffe’s interactions. For instance, he often tries to smooth things over rather than address deeper issues head-on, which sometimes leads to unresolved tensions. He also demonstrates a moral compass, showing disdain for unethical behavior, such as the treatment of employees at Robin’s former workplace.

At the same time, some of Matthew Cunliffe’s less admirable qualities align with typical Libra weaknesses—particularly indecisiveness and a tendency to prioritize image over substance. His hesitation to move forward with marriage, despite years of engagement, reflects this inner conflict. Likewise, his judgment of Strike based on class differences hints at a superficiality that occasionally undermines his otherwise caring nature.

In summary, Matthew Cunliffe is far more than just a romantic interest in the background. Over the course of the series, Matthew Cunliffe evolves into a layered, emotionally complex character whose presence adds depth to the central relationships and themes. Whether you see him as an ESFJ, an Enneagram 3, or a Libra, one thing remains consistent: Matthew Cunliffe embodies the struggle between comfort and growth, love and insecurity, tradition and change. And while he may not always make the right choices, his journey makes him a memorable part of the world of Cormoran Strike.