The psychodynamic struggle is apparent in the cartoon Hey Arnold! Helga, a stubborn, rough girl, loves Arnold but she refuses to let that idea come to the surface and admit it to herself. Her unconcious mind lets us know her true feelings for Arnold in one episode where she sleepwalks to her journal and writes love poems. In addition, Helga has many freudian slips while talking to Arnold that reveal her love for him. Helga’s ego represses these feelings, because she believes Arnold wont feel the same way. So in that respect, Helga’s ego is protecting her.
