The shoulder angel is the personification of a character's conscience, typically the good and moral side. The angel serves as the voice of good intent, morality and right choice in situations where a character faces moral integrity.

The shoulder angel generally resembles its host, and is depicted as the representation of the angel: with a halo above its head (or something else like a laurel wreath), sometimes with wings, wearing a white robe and carrying a small harp.

It embodies the obedience, purity and conscience of its host, and tries to fend off its alter ego: The shoulder devil, with whom they are often depicted arguing and fighting about their host, their actions and consequences.

...However, it is also possible in some cases for the shoulder angel to feel lust or temptation (literally the complete opposite of its role), making it corrupted like its opposite counterpart.

See also

• shoulder devil – The exact opposite counterpart