Psychoanalysing Villanelle

Villanelle, born Oksana Astankova, is a central figure in the television series Killing Eve. As a skilled assassin employed by the clandestine organization known as The Twelve, Villanelle's psychological profile offers a rich tapestry for analysis through various psychological lenses, including psychopathy, attachment theory, and object relations theory.

Psychopathy and Villanelle’s Behavioral Traits

Villanelle exhibits hallmark characteristics of psychopathy, such as superficial charm, a grandiose sense of self-worth, and a pronounced lack of empathy. Her interactions are often manipulative, and she displays a blatant disregard for societal norms and the well-being of others, as explored in psychopathy. These traits align with the clinical definitions of psychopathy, where individuals are noted for their callousness and manipulative behaviors.

Attachment Theory and Early Developmental Influences

Attachment theory, developed by Bowlby (1969), posits that early relationships with caregivers significantly shape an individual's relational patterns. Villanelle's background is marred by trauma and abandonment, leading to a disorganized attachment style. This manifests in her oscillation between seeking intimacy and displaying extreme independence, a hallmark of disorganized attachment. Her relationships are characterized by superficiality, and she often struggles with genuine emotional connections, indicative of an avoidant attachment pattern.

Object Relations Theory and Interpersonal Dynamics

Object relations theory, formulated by Klein (1946), emphasizes the internalization of early relational experiences and their impact on one's interactions. Villanelle's relationships are often transactional, viewing others as objects to fulfill her desires. She exhibits splitting, perceiving individuals as either idealized or devalued, with little room for nuanced understanding, a concept rooted in object relations theory. This black-and-white thinking is a defense mechanism to protect her fragile self-concept.

Defense Mechanisms in Villanelle’s Behavior

Villanelle employs various defense mechanisms to navigate her psychological landscape:

Denial – She often refuses to acknowledge the moral implications of her actions, distancing herself from guilt.
Projection – Villanelle attributes her own unacceptable feelings onto others, accusing them of the very emotions she harbors.
Rationalization – She justifies her violent behaviors with seemingly logical reasons, masking the true irrational nature of her actions.
Humor as a Defense – She frequently uses dark humor to deflect from serious situations, a tactic that serves to mask her vulnerabilities, as Freud (1927) discussed.

The Interplay of Id, Ego, and Superego

Applying Freud’s structural model of the psyche (1923), Villanelle’s actions can be understood as follows:

Id (Instincts and Impulses) – Her primal desires and aggression drive her hedonistic pursuits and violent tendencies.
Ego (Rational Thought) – Villanelle's strategic planning and adaptability in various situations demonstrate her ego's role in mediating between her desires and reality.
Superego (Moral Code) – There is a noticeable deficiency in her superego, evident in her lack of remorse and moral considerations, allowing her id to dominate her actions, as Freud (1923) explained.

Conclusion: The Multifaceted Psyche of Villanelle

Villanelle's psychological profile is a complex interplay of innate predispositions and environmental influences. Through the lenses of psychopathy, attachment theory, and object relations theory, we gain insight into her emotional detachment, interpersonal relationships, and moral ambiguity. Her character serves as a compelling study of how early trauma and inherent personality traits converge to shape a profoundly intricate individual.