Psychology of Individual Exemplar A 1

Psychology of the Individual:
Media Character Analysis

The Psychodynamic theory was first posited by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)1, who believed that early
childhood was the most formative period of personality development2. During this time, Freud
theorised that children progress through five psychosexual stages of development: oral, anal, phallic,
latency and genital stages, in which they become fixated on a particular erogenous zone3. According
to Freud, over or under stimulation in stages causes fixated personality traits4. Freud also theorised
that the mind consists of three dominant forces5. As first to develop6, Freud theorised that the Id
force demands pleasure without considering the ethicality or consequences of its actions7. The
Super-ego is the antithesis of the Id, as its primary concern is to consider the needs of others and
maintain discipline8. The mediator is the Ego, which cooperates with the Super-ego and Id to fulfill
needs in a patient and socially acceptable manner9. Freud believed that being Id or Super-ego
dominant was unhealthy, causing too much or too little restraint and leading to the development of
mental illness10.
In contrast to Psychodynamic, the Trait theory is the most recent to be developed. It implements
testing through subjective quantitative scales, the data from which is collated through factor analysis
and used to measure personality11. It was first proposed by Hans Eysenck (1916-1997), who
1
Encyclopedia Britannica. 2022. Sigmund Freud | Biography, Theories, Psychology, Books, Works, & Facts |
Britannica. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sigmund-Freud. [Accessed 03
March 2022].
2
Pressbooks. 2022. Freud and the Psychodynamic Perspective – Psychology. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://opentextbc.ca/psychologyopenstax/chapter/freud-and-the-psychodynamic-perspective/. [Accessed 05
March 2022].
3
Gebert, K. and Green, D., 2021. SACE Stage 2 Psychology Workbook. 1st ed. North Adelaide: Adelaide Tuition
Centre.
4
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5
University of Notre Dame, Moral & Adolescent Psychology Lab. 2011. Id, Ego and Superego. [ONLINE]
Available at: https://maplab.nd.edu/assets/224926/id_ego_superego_encyclopedia_of_human_behavior.pdf.
[Accessed 6 March 2022].
6
https://opentextbc.ca/psychologyopenstax/chapter/freud-and-the-psychodynamic-perspective/. [Accessed 05
March 2022].
7
Saul Mcleod. 2022. Freud's 5 Stages of Psychosexual Development | Simply Psychology. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://www.simplypsychology.org/psychosexual.html#phal. [Accessed 06 March 2022].
8
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9
10
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11
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theorised that biological factors were the main determinant in trait development12. Eysenck
therefore referred to temperament as the foundation of personality13. To accurately assess
temperament, he developed Eysenck’s personality dimensions, which consist of three scales:
extraversion to introversion, neuroticism to stability, and psychoticism to impulse control14. The
individual, as well as their peers, family and colleagues, rank the person from low to high on these
scales, which provides a ‘score’ as a quantitative personality measure15.
Anatole Kuragin’s personality displays strong Id-dominance, promoting pleasure-seeking behaviours.

His focus on pleasure is evident after meeting Natasha, when he becomes obsessed with eloping
with her16. This suggests Id-dominance, as Anatole refuses to court Natasha in a socially acceptable
manner, which would please the Super-ego. He is also uncompromising and impatient, which
discounts the involvement of the Ego. Anatole summarises his motives in The Duel, stating, “All I
care for is getting women and there’s no dishonour in that17.” This suggests that Anatole solely
prioritises pleasure fulfillment, which is the focus of the Id. Further evidence of Anatole’s Id-
dominance is apparent when Anatole and Dolokhov attend a night club. They repeat the phrase,
“Drink, drink, gonna drink tonight…18” This suggests that Anatole is willing to disregard concerns of
the Super-ego, such as the effects of alcohol on one’s health, or the compromises of the Ego,
regarding drinking slowly and responsibly. Instead, his insistence on pleasure-seeking behaviours
such as drinking shows dominance of the Id.
Furthermore, Anatole’s personality indicates an over-fixation in the phallic psychosexual stage,

which allegedly causes a person to have narcissistic and sexually impulsive personality traits19.
Anatole is frequently referred to as vain, evident when Helena says in The Opera, “He moved with a
swagger which would’ve been ridiculous, had he not been so good-looking20.” Narcissism is a trait of
phallic over-fixation21, suggesting that Anatole is likely fixated in this stage. Further evidence of
fixation can be found in Anatole’s impulsive sexual behaviour. Dolokhov hints at a history of affairs in
12
New World Encyclopedia. 2022. Hans Eysenck - New World Encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Hans_Eysenck. [Accessed 08 March 2022].
13
14
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15
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16
2016. Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. [Musical soundtrack]: Broadway Records. Available at:
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STzIIYf3iS0&list=PL8SjdpmZomAqWqlYj-JTTPxuyyyET8FdM> [Accessed 5
March 2022].
17
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The Duel, stating “A Polish landowner of some small means, had forced him to marry his daughter22.”
This demonstrates Anatole’s sexual impulsivity and therefore indicates a phallic over-fixation.
The extremity of Anatole’s personality is also observable through his ranking on Eysenck’s
personality dimensions. He shows high levels of extraversion, particularly evident in The Abduction
when he adopts a melodramatic tone and addresses a crowd as his “gypsy lovers”23. This displays the
importance of social interaction in Anatole’s life, thus demonstrating his high levels of extraversion.
Additionally, Anatole is frequently described as having a magnetic, charming and charismatic
personality, evident when Natasha describes him as, “…bold and natural, so strange and agreeable,
there’s nothing formidable24.” This demonstrates sociable personality traits commonly associated
with strong extraversion.
Furthermore, Anatole’s personality ranks highly in neuroticism due to his predisposition for
irrationality and nervous behaviours. In Preparations, Anatole references a paranoia surrounding
demonic forces twice, despite there being no evidence to suggest this. For example, when flustered
by Dolokhov’s fierce criticism, he says “It’s the very devil here, feel how it breathes25.” It is evident
that Anatole shows irrationally fearful cognition, which is often synonymous with high levels of
neuroticism. Furthermore, Anatole demonstrates strained, anxious behaviour, frequently raising his
voice and pacing nervously26. This is evident when Dolokhov states, “Anatole was walking with his
uniform unbuttoned, walking to and fro, to and fro, to and fro…27” These tense behaviours imply
anxiety, suggesting a highly neurotic personality.
Additionally, Anatole demonstrates selfishness and contempt for others, indicating a high level of
psychoticism. He is frequently verbally aggressive towards others, particularly evident in
Preparations as Anatole berates Dolokhov for “dawdling” and patronisingly repeats his argument
“for the hundredth time”28. This frustration and verbal aggression towards others indicates high
levels of psychoticism. Furthermore, Anatole is manipulative of others without concern for their
needs or wellbeing. At the beginning of Preparations, this detachment is evident when Pierre asks
Anatole where he’s going. Anatole uses highly possessive language towards Natasha, and
emphasises the importance of the elopement to him when stating, “I’ve found a new pleasure, and
22
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I’m taking her away… I will not deprive myself of this one. Tonight, I take her29!” Anatole lacks
concern for reputational damage or the consequences of his actions, focusing only on his needs.
Therefore, high levels of psychoticism, demonstrated through aggressive, selfish and detached
behaviours, are apparent in Anatole’s personality.
As a comparatively new science, psychology proposes limited explanation for the fluid and
ambiguous attributes of personality30. The Psychodynamic and Trait theories have made exponential
contribution to psychological understanding of personality; however both are limited theories.
For the time of its conception, the Psychodynamic theory was innovative, and practices which Freud
pioneered, such as free association and psychotherapy, were unheard of in scientific and social
circles31. These practices provided a foundation for proceeding psychological theories and reduced
stigma surrounding psychological therapy as a socially acceptable treatment32. However, the
Psychodynamic theory is often criticised on a scientific basis, as Freud’s theories were formulated
through work with case studies33. These individual case studies cannot be applied to the general
population34, and therefore lack representativeness. Because of this, it is also difficult to apply the
Psychodynamic theory cross-culturally35.
The Trait theory is generally highly valid and reliable, as tests often ask an individual the same
questions or involve other perspectives to reduce bias36. Furthermore, this theory focuses on widely
understood experiences and emotions, making the tests representative and cross-culturally
applicable37. However, the theory’s focus on the biological factors of personality38 excludes
examination of the psychological or social factors39. Furthermore, many psychologists argue that
Eysenck’s personality dimensions are not broad enough to encompass all personality traits such as
honesty or courage, which aren’t applicable to any of the scales40.
29
March 2022].
30
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31
[Accessed 6 March 2022]. (p.2)
32
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33
Liz, G., 2003. Sigmund Freud; The Founder of Psychoanalysis. 1st ed. London: Franklin Watts.
34
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35
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36
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37
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39
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40
Netflix, 2021. The Mind Explained - Personality. [video] Available at:
<https://www.netflix.com/search?q=the%20mind%20explained&jbv=81098586> [Accessed 17 March 2022].
Appendix: Anatole Kuragin
Anatole Kuragin, as shown in Figures 141 and 242, is an attractive, charming, yet morally questionable
socialite whose focus is on pleasure and entertainment43. He first appears in Leo Tolstoy’s War &
Peace (1869)44, and has since been featured throughout various
adaptations of the Russian tragedy. One notable adaptation is
Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, a 2016 musical
adaptation in which Anatole is played by Lucas Steele45.
As the son of a prince, Anatole was raised in a wealthy, upper-

class family46, and was subsequently taught French and the
violin47. His primary objective throughout the musical is to seduce,
abduct and elope with a naïve protagonist called Natasha
Rostova. Natasha is already engaged, damaging the reputation of
both families and causing a scandal48. His closest friend is
Dolokhov, who although similar to Anatole in his arrogance and
hedonism, often reminds Anatole of his practical and realistic
limits49. Anatole’s brother-in-law is Pierre, an eccentric and
somewhat unpredictable individual who also opposes Anatole’s
Figure 1: Anatole Kuragin
plans to abduct Natasha50.
41
BroadwayBox.com. 2022. Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 Tickets. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://www.broadwaybox.com/shows/natasha-pierre-the-great-comet-of-1812-old/. [Accessed 22 March
2022].
42
LaurenceSamuelSmith. (2017). Natasha Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812. [Online Video]. 6 May 2022.
Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtgG30d-y4Q. [Accessed: 22 March 2022].
43
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44
Leo, T., 1869. War and Peace. London: Everyman's Library.
45
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46
47
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48
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49
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50
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When Anatole is introduced in Natasha, Pierre and
the Great Comet of 1812, he describes himself by
saying “Anatole is hot; he spends his money on
women and wine51…”, which concisely summarises
his central personality traits. He is consistently
described as attractive and charming by his
contemporaries, however is revealed to be an aloof,
detached and at times manipulative character whose
focus is on his own needs and desires52. He is
Figure 2: Anatole Kuragin playing the violin referred to as having a number of affairs, including
one known elopement with a Polish woman53. He is
also described as spontaneous and impulsive, often “living in the moment”54, and his actions are not
well-measured or patiently executed. Anatole’s plans to elope with Natasha ultimately fail, and he is
sent away to Saint Petersburg to avoid general knowledge of the elopement spreading55.
51
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52
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53
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54
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55
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Bibliography
2016. Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. [Musical soundtrack]: Broadway Records.
Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STzIIYf3iS0&list=PL8SjdpmZomAqWqlYj-
JTTPxuyyyET8FdM> [Accessed 5 March 2022].
BroadwayBox.com. 2022. Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 Tickets. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://www.broadwaybox.com/shows/natasha-pierre-the-great-comet-of-1812-old/. [Accessed 22
March 2022].
Circular Diagram: Eysenck's Personality Types Theory - Edraw. 2022. Circular Diagram: Eysenck's
Personality Types Theory - Edraw. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.edrawsoft.com/eysencks-
personality-types.html. [Accessed 09 March 2022].
Encyclopedia Britannica. 2022. Sigmund Freud | Biography, Theories, Psychology, Books, Works, &
Facts | Britannica. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sigmund-Freud.
Gebert, K. and Green, D., 2021. SACE Stage 2 Psychology Workbook. 1st ed. North Adelaide: Adelaide
Tuition Centre.
LaurenceSamuelSmith. (2017). Natasha Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812. [Online Video]. 6 May
2022. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtgG30d-y4Q. [Accessed: 22 March
2022].
Liz, G., 2003. Sigmund Freud; The Founder of Psychoanalysis. 1st ed. London: Franklin Watts.
Netflix, 2021. The Mind Explained - Personality. [video] Available at:

<https://www.netflix.com/search?q=the%20mind%20explained&jbv=81098586> [Accessed 17
March 2022].
New World Encyclopedia, 2022. Hans Eysenck - New World Encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://opentextbc.ca/psychologyopenstax/chapter/freud-and-the-psychodynamic-perspective/.
Saul Mcleod. 2022. Freud's 5 Stages of Psychosexual Development | Simply Psychology. [ONLINE]
Available at: https://www.simplypsychology.org/psychosexual.html#phal. [Accessed 06 March
2022].
University of Notre Dame, Moral & Adolescent Psychology Lab. 2011. Id, Ego and Superego.
[ONLINE] Available at:
https://maplab.nd.edu/assets/224926/id_ego_superego_encyclopedia_of_human_behavior.pdf.
YouTube. 2022. Freud's psychosexual development | Individuals and Society | MCAT | Khan Academy
- YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG7yosFQHP4. [Accessed 05
March 2022].

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Psychology of Individual Exemplar A 1

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Psychology of the Individual:

Media Character Analysis

Anatole Kuragin’s personality displays strong Id-dominance, promoting pleasure-seeking behaviours.

Furthermore, Anatole’s personality indicates an over-fixation in the phallic psychosexual stage,

As the son of a prince, Anatole was raised in a wealthy, upper-

Leo, T., 1869. War and Peace. London: Everyman's Library.

Netflix, 2021. The Mind Explained - Personality. [video] Available at:

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