Rusty is an intense character with a depressing past. He is shown to be a misanthrope, highly self-aware, truthful, responsible, messed up, cruel, obsessive, perceptive, intelligent – all rolled in one. But why are his defenses designed to keep him from experiencing happiness?

Paul Spector is a grief counsellor by day and a serial killer by night. Why does Paul kill young women, what is going on in his psyche during the murders and how do his defenses help him survive and cope?

Dr. House seems to be this bitter, grumpy, cynical middle- aged man full of pride and lacking empathy. However, we can surmise that this image is but a defense. In what ways does Dr. House manage to maintain an emotional distance when relating to others and why does he need to do it?

The very perceptive CIA Agent, Carrie, often digs out solutions that others may miss. She seems driven by her principles to catch the bad guys, and to uphold justice. In dealing with people who embody terrorism, she is objective and often ruthless. However, there are times when her objectivity can be questioned.