Electra Complex (in literature)

The Electra complex is a psychological concept from psychoanalytic theory, describing a girl’s unconscious desire for her father and rivalry with her mother. It suggests that during development, a girl may feel a sense of competition or jealousy towards her mother, while simultaneously feeling affection and attraction towards her father. This inner conflict reflects early family dynamics and influences later personality development. The term stems from Greek mythology, where Electra plotted against her mother, and is used in literature and psychology to explore themes of familial relationships, identity, and emotional growth.