ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN CHARACTER’S PERSONALITY IN "SWEET BEAN PASTE" NOVEL BASED ON FREUD’S THEORY AND ITS IMPLICATION IN SELF-DEVELOPMENT

Za'in, Teemi Asmaul (2026) ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN CHARACTER’S PERSONALITY IN "SWEET BEAN PASTE" NOVEL BASED ON FREUD’S THEORY AND ITS IMPLICATION IN SELF-DEVELOPMENT. Undergraduate (S1) thesis, UIN Syekh Wasil.

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Abstract

This research analyzes the personality structure and defense mechanisms of the main character, Sentaro, in Durian Sukegawa’s novel Sweet Bean Paste using Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalysis theory. The theory is closely connected to how human mind works which breaks the mind down into three main parts: the id, ego, and superego. The study explores how these parts of Sentaro’s personality interact and influence his thoughts, behaviors, and emotional reactions throughout the story. By examining these aspects, the research reveals how Sentaro’s inner conflicts, unresolved trauma, and psychological struggles shape his decisions and reflect his growth over time. Furthermore, the study investigates how these psychological aspects influence self-development of the main character. This research is a qualitative descriptive that applies literary critism as the method which describing, analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating the literary work. Data is collected from the novel’s narratives, character dialogues, and monologues, then analyzed using Freud’s theory. The findings show that in the early part of the story, Sentaro’s actions are heavily influenced by the id, making him act impulsively. However, as the story progresses, his ego and superego become more active, helping him make decisions based on reality and moral awareness. The research identifies six defense mechanisms used by Sentaro such as identification, displecement, repression, fixation, regression, and projection. These reflect his psychological responses to trauma and emotional stress. These psychological aspects influence his personal and social development throughout the story. His transformation, from someone controlled by impulse and avoidance into someone more emotionally aware and socially conscious, shows that inner conflict can lead to personal change. This development not only supports the psychological depth of the character but also reflects the real-life value of emotional resilience. The study also highlights the usefulness of psychoanalysis in literature, showing how literary characters can be analyzed as complex individuals. Lastly, the findings offer a pedagogical value: the novel can be used as a teaching tool to explore human psychology, promote empathy, and develop a deeper understanding of self and others.

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