Alter Ego Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: RL.11-12.3

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

The Latin phrase "alter ego" means "Other I", which is how this presents in most literary uses of it. Author's will often use it to establish an alternative personality for a character. In fictional works it will often be used to reflect the actual author's personality. When you are evaluating a story and find a character that leads a secret identity or exhibits a completely alternate personality that character possess an alter ego. It is important to note that the character does not need to understand that they exhibit these separate lives or personalities. This technique is often used by authors that wish to have a character exhibit a behavior or pattern that is completely outside the established norms of that character. These worksheets will help students learn how to identify the use of alter ego in literature.

Alter Ego Worksheets:

Other Uses - Can you think of any examples of this technique being used in popular culture (movies, literature, famous people, etc.)?

Famous in Fiction - Match each fictional character to their alter ego.

Examine It - It does not have to be a superhero, but many students will choose to go in that direction.

Superheroes - You may need to look some of these names up. It does give you opportunity to share new interests with students.

Describe in Writing - This person can be real or imagined. Describe their primary and alternate personalities.

My Alter Ego - Students will create one for themselves. The goal here is to make it the opposite of their normal personality.

Some Choices - Explore what you could do with a character that is a scientist, actor, or artist.

Detective - Use this to explore a work in your class.

Examine Yourself - List three words that describe an aspect of you that most people don't know.

Be Creative - How would you find these traits in your world?

Compare and Contrast - Explore the difference and similarities within a person you are familar.

Rebel - What's at stake for the real you in this rebellion?

Explore Yourself - What would you like to be able to do without anyone knowing that it's you who is doing it?

All in a Name - Examine some names and how they explain a persona type.

Draw Me - Give visuals to your thoughts.

What Is Alter Ego in Literature?

Have you ever experienced people behaving differently in public than at home or when they are at ease? There is a term for it in literature, and it is called alter ego. The term "alter ego" has different meanings. It can signify an intense relationship between two people or people with great power.

However, in literature, the term "alter ego" means a person's second identity different from their normal identity. This article will focus on the meaning of alter ego in literature. Let's get started!


What Is Meant by Alter Ego?

Alter ego is a Latin phrase that means “the other I.” It describes the alternative personality or self that is unique or different from its normal personality. The second personality can be secretive or public and exhibited via behavioral changes in different situations.


Sometimes, people, authors, celebrities, etc., use this term to define their unusual or different behaviors than normal because they are not willing to accept those traits or actions as part of their identity.


Origin of Alter Ego

The term alter ego was coined by Cicero, one of the greatest Greek philosophers, politicians, and lawyers of his time. He wrote it in 44BC in his work “Laelius de amicitia,” where he described a philosophical construct as a “second self.”


Seneca, another Roman philosopher, later used the statement and translated it into the form it is known today. There are different translations of the word, but the core meaning remains the same, and so, the alter ego is always cloaked.


In Literature

Alter ego in literature is used for analysis and comparison to describe characters that are physiologically identical to each other in different situations. It can also be used to express a fictional personality or character similar to the author in thoughts and behavior.


One popular example can be found in the novella "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” written by Robert Louis Stevenson, representing the concept of good and evil within one person. The protagonist is constantly at war with itself due to the conflicting personalities. Edward Hyde represents the doctor's alternative personality, a psychopathic being unbound by the rules of the civilized society that shares the body with the doctor.


Another popular example is present in the novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexander Dumas. The protagonist Edmond Dantes escapes from prison and reappears at the Count of Monte Cristo as Lord Wilmore, an Englishman that performs acts of kindness. He also adopted the personality of Sinbad the Sailor and doled out punishments to his enemies; these are all Edmond Dantes's alter egos.


In Fiction

There are many examples of alter egos in fiction, popular culture, and comic books. The most commonly used alter egos are for the vigilante, who illegally punishes criminals and saves people. Alter egos is also a trope that applies to villains; these villains could have a split personality, could be impersonators, or evil avatars.


For example, Bruce Wayne creates the Batman alter ego to fight crime and bring criminals to justice. Similarly, Superman makes a normal personality alter ego of Clark Kent, a news reporter, to hide his true identity.


Alter egos are a great way for authors to explore other sides or personalities and make the storyline intriguing. Alter egos in stories add mystery to the plot. As a result, the audience is hooked from the start, wanting the alter ego to be revealed.