Alter ego facts for kids

An alter ego is like having a "second self" or an "other I." The words come from Latin. It means a different side of a human or a secret identity someone uses. Sometimes, people call it leading a double life. The idea of an alter ego became popular in the 1800s. It was used to describe when someone shows a very different personality.

For example, in the famous story The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Mr. Hyde is Dr. Jekyll's evil alter ego. They are the same person, but they show very different personalities.

Alter Egos in Stories and Comics

The term "alter ego" is often used in popular fiction. This includes comic books and movies. It describes the secret identity of a superhero, a vigilante, or a crimefighter. Characters use an alter ego to keep their real lives separate. This way, people do not know they are fighting crime.

Here are some famous examples of characters with alter egos:

• Superman's alter ego is Clark Kent.
• Bruce Wayne’s alter ego is Batman.
• Peter Parker’s alter ego is Spider-Man.

Alter Egos in Music

Sometimes, artists in music also use an alter ego. This can be a stage name or a different character they play. It helps them explore new ideas or show a different side of their art.

Here are some examples:

• Ziggy Stardust was an alter ego created by David Bowie.
• Marilyn Manson is the stage name of Brian Warner.

Images for kids

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  Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

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  Fred Terry as the Scarlet Pimpernel (alter ego of Sir Percy Blakeney) in the 1905 West End production of The Scarlet Pimpernel

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  David Bowie as his alter-ego Ziggy Stardust, an androgynous alien rock star who arrives on Earth

See also

In Spanish: Alter ego para niños