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Psychoanalysis and Character Development. Jacob A. Arlow. Pp. 1-10.
The psychoanalytic theory of character development has constantly changed, adding new knowledge and perspectives, but no consistent theory has emerged. Arlow concisely reviews the changes in theory, including concepts of the vicissitudes of libido, the defensive aspects, and identifications. He states that character develops out of compromise formation and emphasizes the role of unconscious fantasy. Character traits reflect "the totality of the individual's history."