Identity Ambiguity in Harry Potter and Sirius Black: A Freudian Psychoanalytic Analysis of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v14i2.11945Keywords:
Identity ambiguity, Freud’s tripartite theory, Harry Potter, Sirius Black, psychoanalytic criticismAbstract
This study explored the identity ambiguity experienced by Harry Potter and Sirius Black in *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* using Sigmund Freud’s tripartite theory of the psyche, comprising the id, ego, and superego. In this study, **identity ambiguity** refers to the psychological condition in which a character negotiates multiple and sometimes conflicting identities resulting from the interaction of the id, ego, and superego, as reflected in the tension between personal motivations and social perceptions. The objective of this study was to examine how the interaction among these three psychic structures contributes to the representation of identity ambiguity in the two characters. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study conducted a textual analysis of fourteen selected scenes, consisting of seven scenes featuring Harry Potter and seven featuring Sirius Black. These scenes were purposively selected because they explicitly portray psychological conflicts that demonstrate the interaction of the id, ego, and superego and are central to the representation of identity ambiguity. The findings indicate that the dynamic interaction among these psychic structures contributes to the portrayal of identity ambiguity in both characters. Harry Potter’s identity ambiguity is reflected in his internal conflict between his instinctive desire for revenge and his growing commitment to truth and moral responsibility. Meanwhile, Sirius Black’s identity ambiguity is represented through the contrast between his private identity as a victim, protector, and parental figure and his public identity as a dangerous murderer. This study contributes to psychoanalytic literary and film criticism by demonstrating how Freud’s tripartite theory provides a useful analytical framework for interpreting the psychological complexity and identity construction of literary and cinematic characters.
References
Abduh, N. K., & Masruddin, M. (2023). Structural Studies of Robert Stanton in The Folklore of Luwu (Worongporong dan Pariama). IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, 11(1), 117-126.
Arafah, B., Thayyib, M., Kaharuddin, K., & Sahib, H. (2020). An anthropological linguistic study on Maccera’Bulung ritual. Opción: Revista de Ciencias Humanas y Sociales, (27), 94.
Anayati, W. (2023). Emotional Management of Defoe's Robinson Crusoe's Main Character. Journal of Language Teaching and Research.
Albin, A. R. (2026). Fantasy Literature Adaptation in the Harry Potter Film Series. 10(3), 41–44. https://doi.org/10.64938/bijsi.v10si3.26.Mar012
Bauer, J. E. (2015). Freud, Sigmund (1856-1939). 1–8.
Burke, P. J. (2016). Identity Theory and Social Identity Theory Author ( s ): Jan E . Stets and Peter J . Burke Published by : American Sociological Association Stable URL : http://www.jstor.org/stable/2695870 Accessed : 17-05-2016 11 : 36 UTC Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use , available at Identity Theory and Social Identity Theory *. 63(3), 224–237.
Choudhary, S., & Rao, A. S. (2025). Magical Minds and Mythical Hearts : Impact of Trauma and Healing in - . 5RZOLQJ · V Harry Potter Series and $ PLVK 7ULSDWKL · V Shiva Trilogy. 3, 19–35. https://doi.org/10.22161/ijllc
Marcia, J. E. (1966). Development and Validation of Ego- Identity Status l. 3(5), 551–558.
Masruddin, M., Amelia, A., & Thayyib, M. (2026). Linguistic landscape of culinary businesses in Palopo. Linguistics Initiative, 6(1), 146-154.
Pramana, D. A., & Haryanti, R. P. (2024). Journal of Literature , Linguistics and Human Identity Rediscovery in Jojo Moyes ’ Me Before You : Psychoanalysis Theory. 13(2), 86–95.
Sami, A. S. A. (2023). A PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACH TO INTERNAL CONFLICT IN J . K . ROWLING ’ S HARRY POTTER SERIES. 12(3).
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Jusmita Sitepu, Safnidar Siahaan, Eka Wilany
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See the Effect of Open Access)
