A psychoanalysis reading of David Martinez’s character in the Netflix animated series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Abstract

This research aims to analyse the internal conflict experienced by David Martinez through the lens of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. This study is based on the issue that many modern animated series, including Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, present complex character psychology that is often overlooked, particularly regarding internal conflict and personality structure. In this context, David’s character reflects a dynamic psychological struggle involving the id, ego, and superego that warrants deeper analysis. The urgency of this study lies in its contribution to literary and film studies, especially in highlighting the importance of psychoanalytic approaches to better understand character development, moral transformation, and human behaviour as represented in contemporary media. The study focuses on identifying the dynamics of the id, ego, and superego within David Martinez's character. Using a qualitative descriptive method, the research explores how David's personality evolves throughout the narrative. The findings reveal that while David initially displays strong impulses driven by the id, his psychological development later shifts toward superego dominance. His actions transition from impulsive self-gratification to morally driven decisions rooted in guilt, responsibility, and a desire to protect others. Finally, David's character reflects a deep internal struggle among primal desires, realistic constraints, and moral obligations, with the superego emerging as the most dominant force influencing his behaviour and decisions. It can be concluded that David experiences inner development from impulsive drives (id) to moral dominance (superego), where his transformation is a form of redemption and achievement of the highest moral values.