Analysis of Susanna Kaysen

A psychological and narrative exploration of Susanna Kaysen’s fragmented identity, quiet rebellion, and ambiguous diagnosis.

June 25, 2025

status: Notes

certainty: certain

importance: 9/10

Introduction to Susanna Kaysen

Susanna Kaysen

Portrayed by Winona Ryder

Film: Girl, Interrupted

Year: 1999

Susanna Kaysen, is the 18-year-old protagonist of girl, interrupted. In 1967 susanna was admitted to McLean Hospital after overdosing on aspirin, then chasing it with a bottle of vodka. Once released she has a meeting with her psychiatrist Dr. Melvin Potts. Who recommends she spend some time at Claymoore Pschiatric Hospital.

Background & History

Personality Traits & Characteristics

Relationships with Other Characters

Impact on the Narrative

Citation

Cited as:

Yotam, Kris. (Jun 2025). Analysis of Susanna Kaysen. krisyotam.com. https://krisyotam.com/essays/character-analysis/analysis-of-susanna-kaysen

@article{yotam2025analysis-of-susanna-kaysen,
  title   = "Analysis of Susanna Kaysen",
  author  = "Yotam, Kris",
  journal = "krisyotam.com",
  year    = "2025",
  month   = "Jun",
  url     = "https://krisyotam.com/essays/character-analysis/analysis-of-susanna-kaysen"
}