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McKee's 4 levels seem perfect to grab ahold and use to define dimensions.

Jungs shadow concept is often negatively understood.yes, "shadow" means hidden, but good qualities and potentials may be hidden as well. Ie, a private self may be aware only of themselves as a 'bad' soul -an addict, for example.the shadow would then show itself in fantasies/dreams as potential and hope.

The clear outline of these four levels of self are an excellent framework to use as I develop my stories  main characters. The information is presented in a very linear way to teach the concept which is great but for me to get my head around it I think I am going to use a mind mapping technique. I put the character in the middle of the page then have each self surround him or her. This way I can start to see how each self will interact and intertwine with each other. It will make it much easier to see the deep complexities and contradictions of the character as I creativity work through the process.

I will give it try to see what happens.

Thanks for the the thinking framework Robert it rocks!

Birddog

Terrific. I'm writing a co-protagonist love story at the moment and my female is - I feel - underwritten. My re-writes will include something to give her more complexity. I've always found Cleopatra to be a real harpy, but will re-read the play in the light of McKee's insights.