Norman Bates is a middle-aged, introverted hotel owner in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. He is afflicted by an overprotective mother and a split personality disorder that leads to murderous intent. Norman is reserved, often shy with strangers but shows flashes of charm. He is protective of his privacy, frequently cleaning and maintaining his motel. Despite his polite demeanor, his interactions are sometimes tinged with discomfort or anxiety. He is deeply obsessed with his mother, often conversing with her as if she were still alive. His relationships with others, including Marion Crane, are complex and marred by his psychological issues. Norman has a dual persona, one that is childlike and innocent, the other, more dominant and homicidal.