“The Host” (post 2) by Stephenie Meyer (post 3): Story starts with descriptions suggesting knowledge of, or experience with, multiple personality.

“Then Kevin started to complain that he was blacking out for periods of time. They…noted marked differences in his behavior and personality. When we questioned him about this, he claimed to have no memory of certain statements and actions. We…eventually discovered that the host was periodically taking control of Kevin’s body [away from the control of the alternate personality]” (1, p. 26).

“ ‘Did they find Sharon?’ A chill of horror raised goose bumps on my arms. The question was not mine. The question wasn’t mine, but it flowed naturally through my lips as if it were. The [person I was talking to] did not notice anything amiss” (1, p. 29).

The first quote describes the two cardinal features of multiple personality: personality changes and memory gaps.

The second quote describes an alternate personality’s effect on behavior, in this case speech, from behind the scenes. This illustrates that personalities, even when they are not “out,” may be conscious, monitoring the situation, and able to pull strings.

1. Stephenie Meyer. The Host. New York, Little Brown, 2008.