<![CDATA[This study aims to describe the representation of trauma, loss, and self-defense mechanisms of the main character in the novel 23:59 by Brian Khrisna. The research was carried out from May to June 2026 through a document study using the novel 23:59 by Brian Khrisna as the main data source. The research data is in the form of words, phrases, sentences, dialogues, and narratives that represent the trauma of loss as well as the main character's self-defense mechanism. The research instrument is the researcher himself with the help of a data card as a supporting instrument. Data analysis was carried out using qualitative descriptive methods through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The validity of the data was tested using theoretical triangulation with reference to literary psychology theory, trauma loss theory, and self-defense mechanism theory. The results of the study show that the representation of the trauma of losing the main character includes six forms, namely physical and psychological disorders, self-blame, trust problems, self-harm, personality changes, and reactivation of trauma due to triggers. In addition, six forms of self-defense mechanisms were found, namely repression, diversion, formation reaction, regression, aggression, and fantasy. The findings of the study show that the trauma of loss is closely related to the emergence of self-defense mechanisms in response to psychological distress until the main character finally reaches the stage of acceptance of the traumatic experience he has experienced.]]>
