Christian Grey (personality)

Christian Grey’s character goes with Freudian concept of the Id, the ego and the superego. The Id is about the human pleasure in the world such as desire, love, sex,…etc. Christian’s Id is about the “pleasure principle” and BDSM is the kind of Christian’s desire. It is clear that every person has the id which is present from the birth and develops through the life experiences. Christian’s id works from the rules which he has mentioned in the contract. He tells very clearly to Ana that he will reward her if she behaves well and he also says that he will punish her in the playroom if she tries to defy him.

“I have rules, and I want you to comply with them. They are for your benefit and for my pleasure. If you follow these rules to my satisfaction, I shall reward you. If you don’t, I shall punish you, and you will learn,” he whispers. (FSG-100).

Christian’s id is mainly about his sexual orientation. He always tells Ana that he doesn’t do romances and all he wants is BDSM alone. He feels more pleasure only by being a dominant.

“This is the only sort of relationship I’m interested in.”

“why?”

He shrugs. “It’s the way I am.” (FSG 103)

The id knows no laws and it is not tolerated with amoral principles, so Christian’s sexual orientation about BDSM doesn’t deviate. He is not ready to change his character for anybody. Christian’s id works along with the ego persuasively and it finds all the possible means to drag Ana into the relationship. The desires of the id can be achieved only with the help of ego as the ego represents reality. Therefore, Christian convinces Ana by pouring lot of money and gifts on her that she has no other option other than ‘yes’. Ana comes to know that Christian’s sexual orientation is sadism but still she accepts to sign the bond only because she is in love with Christian but he did not know about it.

Christian’s playroom is equipped with various sexual tools even though he wanted to try out all these things on Ana, he restricts himself because Ana is very immature. Christian’s usage of only few tools on Ana shows that his ego prevents him from using it in order to keep himself safe from legal issues and criminality. So, Christian’s id is supressed by his ego whenever required.

The superego of Christian can be seen in the case of his playroom. Christian does not want anyone to know about his dark past life and his involvement in BDSM. He never allows anyone of his family members or his friends inside his playroom. His Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is one of the best examples to show how his superego works. Christian doesn’t want Ana to discuss anything about their relationship with anyone, even to Kate. THIS is because his superego knows very well that all his activities are against social norms and morals. It is his superego that controls his id remain hidden in front of others by posing himself as a successful social figure to the society. Because if his id is revealed then it will destroy his whole personality.  

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