Alter ego

An alter ego (other I in Latin) means another self – a second personality within a person. It is also referred to as a double life.

Naming

The word alter ego was first used in the 19th century. It was invented by psychologists when discussing dissociative identity disorder. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde has an example of alter ego. Mr. Hyde is Dr. Jekyll's evil alter ego, the same person with different personalities.

In literature

The term has seen common use in popular fiction, such as comic books, for the secret identity of a superhero, vigilante or crimefighter. The character would do this without others knowing that he or she is fighting crimes. Examples of characters with alter egos include:

 Superman: His alter ego is Clark Kent
 Bruce Wayne: His alter ego is Batman
 Peter Parker: His alter ego is Spider-Man

In music

In songs, an artist may use an alter ego. For instance:

 Slim Shady is the alter ego of rapper Eminem
 Ziggy Stardust was an alter ego of David Bowie
 Marilyn Manson is the stage name of Brian Warner

Related pages

 Psychoanalysis
 Id, ego, and super-ego

Category:Psychiatry
Category:Psychology
Category:Human behavior
Category:Latin words used in English