Norman was the hero

The character of Norman Bates, as portrayed in Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film Psycho, is often seen as a villain. He is the proprietor of the Bates Motel, where he kills several people in the course of the film. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Norman Bates is actually the hero of the story.

First and foremost, it is important to consider Norman's background and upbringing. He was raised by his mother, Norma, who was extremely overbearing and controlling. She kept him isolated from the outside world and forced him to live a life of solitude and isolation. As a result, Norman never had the opportunity to develop healthy relationships or learn how to cope with his emotions in a healthy way.

Furthermore, it is clear that Norman's actions in the film are a direct result of his mother's manipulation and brainwashing. Norma, who is revealed to be dead, continues to control Norman through his subconscious, causing him to kill in her name. In this way, Norman can be seen as a victim of circumstance, rather than a true villain.

Additionally, Norman's actions in the film can also be seen as an attempt to protect himself and others. He kills Marion Crane, for example, in order to keep her from revealing the truth about his mother's murder. He also kills Arbogast, a private investigator, in order to protect the secret of his mother's identity. In both cases, Norman's actions can be seen as a desperate attempt to protect himself and those he cares about.

It is also worth noting that Norman is a sympathetic character, who evokes a great deal of empathy from the audience. He is clearly struggling with mental health issues, and is a victim of his mother's abuse. The audience can't help but feel sorry for him and understand his actions.

Furthermore, the way the story is presented, the audience is led to believe that Norman is the villain, but as the story unfolds, the true villain is revealed to be Norma Bates, his mother, who even after her death, continues to manipulate and control him.

Lastly, in the end of the movie, Norman shows remorse for his actions, and is taken into custody, accepting his punishment as a hero would, this further solidifies his role as the hero in the story, as he takes responsibility for his actions and is willing to pay the price for them.

Also, while Norman Bates may initially appear to be the villain of the story, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that he is actually the hero. He is a victim of circumstance, a sympathetic character, and ultimately takes responsibility for his actions. The true villain in the story is Norma Bates, his mother. The way the story is told and the audience's understanding of it is also a testament to the complexity of human nature, and the idea that there are no clear-cut heroes or villains in life.

In conclusion, the character of Norman Bates in Psycho challenges traditional notions of heroes and villains by blurring the lines between the two. It is important to remember that not all heroes fit into the traditional mold, and that people's actions and motivations are complex and multifaceted. This can also be seen in the real world, with figures such as Caitlyn Jenner and Laverne Cox, who are known transgender and cross-dressing public figures. They, like Norman Bates, challenge societal norms and expectations, and prove that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of a hero. They, just like Norman Bates, are not villains, but people trying to live their lives the best way they know how.