Der Doppelganger

The Doppelganger embodies shadow unconscious contents (desires, etc.) repressed by the subject due to incompatibility with the conscious self-image (for example, under the influence of morality or society), with its “pleasant and decent” self-images. Quite often the Doppelganger "feeds" at the expense of the protagonist, as he withers, becomes more and more self-confident and, as it were, takes his place in the world.