Freud rested his final understanding of moral masochism (the masochistic character) upon the concept of the death-instinct. Those analysts who have been unable to accept this concept have continued to define and enrich the understanding of the masochistic character. Out of their work has emerged the picture of a character structured in three discernible layers: an upper one of 'nobility in adversity'; a middle one of hate toward the mother; and the deepest one of primary union with the mother to which a later return is made.

An abbreviated account of an analysis is given to exemplify this structure.