How Dissociative Identity Disorder Is Shown in the Movie “Split”

The movie titled “Split” by M. Night Shyamalan tells the story of a person suffering from dissociative identity disorder: the protagonist is known to have at least 23 identified and the 24th has reveled as the antagonist. While this number of identities is extraordinary and is quite rare, one might stipulate that the plot was inspired by the case of Billy Milligan. There are several ways in which dissociative identity disorder is shown in the movie.

First of all, the story presents 24 distinct identities each of which has its own characteristic features (Sachs and Galton 24). For example, “Dennis” has an obsessive-compulsive disorder and wants everything to be clean, “Barry” is an extrovert who is fascinated with fashion, Hedwig is a nine-year-old boy who lisps.

Secondly, no two personalities can claim the body at the same time. It is suggested that they have to be “in the light” (Ringrose 123). “Barry” is believed to be in control of the turns, but “Dennis” and “Patricia” are known to have a conspiracy to seize the control. Moreover, all the personality are horrified by the mysterious “Beast” who takes the control in the latter part of the movie.

Finally, the movie shows that the true personality of the protagonist is deeply suppressed by other personalities (Krakauer 68). Dr. Fletcher, the therapist, and Casey, one of the victims, are able to bring the original personality back by saying its name, but in the end “Dennis” and “Patricia” put it to sleep, claiming the control over the body.

So, as one can easily see, there are several ways in which the movie “Split” depicts dissociative identity disorder. First of all, it presents a set of distinct personalities, each of whom has their unique features. Secondly, it shows that only one personality can claim the body when being “in the light” while others have to wait. Finally, the movie points out that true personality of is suppressed.

Works Cited

Krakauer, Sarah Y. Treating dissociative identity disorder: the power of the collective heart. London: Routledge, 2014. Print.

Ringrose, Jo L. Understanding and Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder (or Multiple Personality Disorder). Boston, MA: Karnac , 2012. Print.

Sachs, Adah, and Graeme Galton. Forensic aspects of dissociative identity disorder. London: Karnac , 2008. Print.

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

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"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

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freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
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"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]
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