Why characters you meet in your dreams can speak volumes about your waking life

‘There we were, dancing together, when suddenly the music stopped, and we were naked!’ How often have you found yourself recounting a vivid dream like this that featured another person? They might have been a friend, family member, colleague or even a famous actor you’ve never met. You might reasonably assume that this person – let’s call them a dream character – did, in fact, represent the real-life friend, colleague or celebrity from the external world. But perhaps there could be more to it than you imagine? Could this dream character represent someone closer to home, maybe even a part of you?

Some people would answer in the affirmative. For them, dream characters represent part of the dreamer’s personality or psyche, be that their assertiveness, creativity or sense of adventure. However, it’s a popular misconception to assume that all dream characters are part of your psyche, just as it is to believe that they represent the external only.

Have you ever considered, for example, that a dream about an actor or artist you admire might relate to an aspect of your personality? This could be an underused talent, such as a way with words, an ability to put people at ease or a personal style.

Different perspectives

The idea that dream characters are symbols or metaphors that represent a part of the dreamer was developed by the renowned psychiatrist Carl Jung. His theory, also known as subjective interpretation, is considered by many to be one of the more reliable approaches to unravelling dreams. From this perspective, paying attention to dream characters is important, as they might offer powerful messages to the waking self. Viewing dreams through a subjective lens invites personal interpretation. This concept, based on the principle that all elements of a dream are aspects of the psyche, is also held by Gestalt therapists.