Norman BATES is a fictional character created by American author Robert Bloch in his 1959 novel Psycho. He is the main antagonist of the 1960 film adaptation of the same name directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and its sequels. Norman is a troubled young man who suffers from severe psychological issues, which lead him to commit heinous acts of violence. He is best known for his murderous rampage at the BATES Motel, where he killed several people.