Psychology In Seattle Podcast

The Psychology of Columbine (Ch 4 - Dylan Personality)

Mar 9, 2026
A deep dive into Dylan Klebold’s background, schooling, and social life. Conversations about bullying, public versus private selves, and online behavior. Close looks at his violent writings, creative pieces, and the teacher and parental responses. Reflections on detection, motives, and how social status and interpersonal complexity complicate simple narratives.
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INSIGHT

Public Helper With Hidden Resentment

  • Dylan Klebold presented a public helpful persona while privately harboring violent fantasies.
  • He volunteered in theater, saved a play's audio, and still resented and later targeted peers like Rachel Scott.
ANECDOTE

Trenchcoat Mafia Videos Public And Private

  • Dylan and Eric made two types of videos: group class projects and private 'basement tapes' that discussed their plot.
  • The public videos included a class assignment Trenchcoat Mafia for Hire; the private tapes detailed victims and kill counts.
ANECDOTE

School Paper Named Killing Preps Turned In

  • Dylan turned in a graded creative writing assignment called Killing Preps that graphically described shooting preppy kids.
  • The story included trench coats, spikes, three shots to the head, and vivid blood splatter details submitted to a teacher.
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