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Alter ego

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For other uses, see Alter ego (disambiguation).

An alter ego (Latin, "the other I") is a second self, a second personality or persona within a person.[1] The term is commonly used in literature analysis and comparison to describe characters who are psychologically identical. The term and concept also frequently appear in popular fiction, such as in comic books, for the secret identity of a superhero, vigilante, or crimefighter. Related concepts include avatar, doppelgänger, impersonator, and split personality. It was created in the early 1800's when people first discovered schizophrenia.

An example of an alter ego would be that of the infamous Joe Fisher. No-one really knows who he is the alter ego of, but more than once, the cries of "I am not Joe Fisher" can be heard emanating forth from him. Joe Fisher: "I'm not Joe Fisher, or Joe Facer"

References

  1. ^ Irving B. Weiner, Donald K. (EDT) Freedheim (2003). Handbook of Psychology. John Wiley and Sons. p. 262. ISBN 0471176699.
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