My approach in this thesis is to examine dissociative identity disorder via two protagonists, Aaron Stampler in Primal Fear (1996) and Danny Sullivan in The Crowded Room (2023). I argue that they can be interpreted as individuals who use their distressed condition of DID for survival, either as a coping mechanism or defence tool for handling their lives and themselves, which an act of ruthless mistreatment/violation has ruined for life. Apart from the adverse stereotypical, mainstream and popular cultural renderings, these two portrayals connote a more humanising perspective and understanding of this disease by acknowledging and paying attention to the nature of its simple existence. Chapter 1 introduces basic information about dissociative identity disorder, its relevant defining terms, diagnosis, its psychopathology, medical and judicial aspects, and misrepresentative examples. Then, Chapter 2’s first part is a comparison between Aaron’s suppressed and Danny’s repressed and unacknowledged sexual abuse, dissociation differences and their own type of self-protective methods. Chapter 3’s first main section concerns “the crowded room essence” of Danny’s mind, memory and cognitive functioning, alter variations and personal trials. Lastly, Chapter 3’s sub-section analyses alters’ assignations as “saviour” figures and “guardian angels”, defences and agency claiming.