Jack Torrance vs. Norman Bates: How Different Are They, Really?

If you asked me who scares me more, Norman Bates or Jack Torrance, I wouldn’t have an answer. While both are iconic horror figures in cinema with a penchant for killing, they represent two completely different kinds of horror.

In this article, let’s differentiate between the two.

Who Is Jack Torrance?

'The Shining'Source: Warner Bros.

Jack Torrance is the protagonist of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. He is a struggling writer who takes a job as a caretaker at the Overlook Hotel in the winter and moves there with his wife and son, hoping to finish his novel. The job guarantees food, accommodation, and enough time to work.

Jack is fighting with his own demons even before he lands at the Overlook Hotel.

I have a theory why Jack was targeted by the evil spirit in the hotel. It is because of the darkness Jack hides inside of him. He was raised by an alcoholic father who abused him regularly. To our disappointment and even his, he walked in his father’s footsteps.

Jack is already a mess when we meet him (and this is before the family moves to the hotel); however, his desire to improve builds our connection with him. His deep desire and potential to become a good husband, father, writer, and overall good person make us root for him.

However, tragedy strikes when he is possessed by the hotel's malevolent spirits.

Who Is Norman Bates?

'Psycho'Source: Paramount Pictures

Norman Bates is the protagonist of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. He is a simple young man who runs a motel next to the highway and, seemingly, lives with his mother.

Bates is raised by an overbearing, abusive woman who psychologically torments him in his formative years, triggering a full-blown mental illness.

After Norman’s mother’s death (who was brutally murdered by Norman himself, along with her lover, because he hated sharing the attention), his mind creates a personality called “Mother” who begins taking control over his own mind, turning him into a violent killer. Although abused as a child, he never let go of his mother and preserved her in his psyche in a violent form.

Differentiation Between Norman Bates and Jack Torrance in the Horror They Represent

1. Psychological versus Acquired (or Paranormal) Horror

The most obvious and the greatest distinction between the two horror icons is that one represents paranormal horror, while the other focuses on psychological horror.

While Jack’s traumas are very much internal, as those of Norman’s, it is an external force that brings about the changes in Jack: the malevolent spirits of the Overlook Hotel.

On the other hand, Norman represents the horror that resides deep within him and is triggered by emotions. His deep-seated traumatic memories of his mother become the catalyst for his downfall, creating an alter ego inside his psyche that begins dictating his actions.

2. Their Outer Persona (As We See Them)

Norman is a shy and caring person until Mother inadvertently takes him over.

At first glance, he is harmless. From his appearance and demeanor, he definitely doesn’t seem like a guy who would or could kill you if you disliked his complimentary breakfast, haggled with him, or even gave him some life advice, like that he should put his mentally ailing mother in a home.

However, in reality, we never know what might trigger him to kill while you shower.

The same can’t be said for dear Jack Torrance. In The Shining, we are made aware of his prior drinking problems and a habit of losing his temper (he once dislocated Danny’s shoulder). And from the surface, he does look like one who can be easily irritated.

Jack, possessed by a paranormal entity, is as unpredictable in his choices and actions as Norman.

You will always know when you see a Jack, but there’s no way to distinguish a Norman from the crowd.

3. Their Relationships with Their Victims

Jack Torrance’s main victim is his family (along with Hallorann, who shares the same psychic powers as his son, Danny). While his turn could be interpreted as paranormal evil feeding on his thoughts, we could also point to resentment as the cause. He stopped drinking for his family, remember? “To five miserable months.”

Not to mention the shame and guilt he must feel for not being able to provide them a good life. Couple it with isolation—a perfect recipe to go against your own family, isn’t it? Who needs supernatural help?

Norman’s reasoning for killing his victims is fairly twisted. It’s mostly from his mother’s possessive behavior toward Norman. His split identity doesn’t want him to be attracted to another person.

Also, those who threaten (the delusion of) his mother’s existence in any way also become his target.

Jack represents the external horror that feeds on the darkness inside of you, while Norman presents the horrors of a volatile mind.

Who do you think is scarier? Let us know in the comments!