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[[Lacan ]] also formulated the [[concepts ]] of [[the Real]], [[the Imaginary]], and [[the Symbolic]], which he used to describe the elements of the [[psychic structure]]. Lacan's [[notion ]] of the [[Real ]] is a very difficult [[concept ]] which he, in his later years, worked to [[present ]] in a [[structured]], set-[[theory ]] fashion, as [[matheme]]s. The [[Imaginary]], or non-[[linguistic ]] aspect of the [[psyche]], formulates [[human ]] primitive [[self-knowledge]] while the [[Symbolic]], his term for linguistic collaboration, generates a [[community]]-wide [[reflection ]] of [[primitive]] [[self]]-[[knowledge ]] and creates the very first set of rules that govern [[behavior]]. The Real is the unspeakable [[reality]], always present but continually mediated through [[the imaginary ]] and [[the symbolic]].

The Imaginary is the realm of spatial [[identification ]] that begins with the [[mirror ]] [[stage ]] (see above), and is instrumental in the [[development ]] of [[psychic ]] [[agency]]. As discussed, it is here that the emerging [[subject ]] is able to ''[[identify]]'' his or her mirror [[image ]] as 'self', as distinguished from '[[other]]'. However, this [[process ]] entails a certain [[structural ]] [[alienation ]] in that what is designated as 'self' is ''formed through'' what is Other – namely, the [[mirror image]]. What becomes [[the Subject ]] proper is made through inception into the Symbolic [[order]], which is when the [[infant ]] acquires the ability to use [[language ]] – that is, to realise his or her [[desire ]] through [[speech]].