This study aimed to describe the ego defense mechanism of the main character in
Istri Kedua Gus novel. It was a qualitative study. The object of the study was the
ego defense mechanism of the main character in the novel Istri Kedua Gus by
Anisa AE. The data were in the form of quotes, phrases and sentences containing
the ego defense mechanism in Istri Kedua Gus novel. The data source was a novel
entitled Istri Kedua Gus by Anisa AE. At the data collection stage, the researcher
employed reading and note-taking methods. From the results of the study, it was
found that there were seven ego defense mechanisms in the main character in the
novel, which included: (1) repression, an effort to avoid anxiety; (2) projection,
covering up deficiencies or mistakes by delegating them to others; (3)
rationalization, providing a substitute reason when the real reason cannot be
accepted; (4) formation reactions, i.e. behaving in the opposite direction from
what is perceived; (5) regression, behaving like a child or uncultured person to
avoid failure or threats to his ego; (6) aggression, attacking the trouble maker; and
(7) fantasy, looking for a solution to an imaginary world. The ego defense
mechanism of the main character in the Istri Kedua Gus novel by Anisa AE was
described by the author through expository and dramatic techniques.