Starting with alter roles and what they mean. Tw: mention of eating disorders, abuse, and sexual things.
"Oftentimes they [protectors] are the first alters to appear.
Their job is to protect the host from any trauma that they can.
Oftentimes, even taking the place so they experience the trauma instead.
They try to manage feelings of anger and shame.
Out of the types of alters, They focus the most on defense.
It is common for them to also have self-destructive behaviors, including eating disorders.
They can also be very aggressive verbally at times.
Protectors often view themselves as people of strength."
There are 4 types of protectors:
Emotional protectors: may take emotional abuse and/or comfort other alters from the blows of emotional abuse.
Physical protectors: may engage in aggressive behavior to protect or prevent from physical abuse. They also may personally endure physical abuse.
Sexual protectors: may engage in sexual affairs, regardless of consent, to try to feel more in control of the situation.
Verbal protectors: may take verbal abuse or attempt to counter verbal attacks.