While Psychoanalytic theory is still focused on the words on the page, it is also focused on what the text is saying subvertly, or unconsciously. In terms of symbols, metaphors, and figurative language, why are they being used in the context that they are being used in?  It becomes very important to look more deeply into the characters. There may be very obvious problems going on with the characters, but psychoanalytic theory is working more towards what are the characters doing subconsciously and why are they doing it? Additionally, the background characters often also reveal psychological issues that add to the storyline that may not be completely obvious. It is important to look at the personalities off all of the characters and consider their background when looking at their current actions. If a character was abandoned as a child, is that affecting their current relationships? If a character had a very successful older sibling, has that made them more anxious about their school/work life? If a character had parents that were divorced, has that given them a pessimistic view on love? Aside from the characters, it is also necessary to examine the psychological state of the author. Does the author have any subconscious desires, thoughts, or wishes? And if they do, it is entirely possible that these thoughts bleed directly into their writing.

Sigmund Freud and Jacques Lacan are the two main theorists associated with Psychoanalysis. While Freud is a very well name, his association to literature has became less important as time has progressed. Considering his theories were tied heavily to misogyny, as the culture became less misogynistic, his ideas became less well liked and less relevant. He was strongly tied to penis envy and male fixation on the mother, both of which are not as often talked about. With Lacan, he was struggled to be understood due to his nature of changing the definitions on his key terms. However, he was focused on the idea that language changes and definitions should as well.