This thesis investigates the relationship between E. T. A. Hoffman and Robert Schumann's alter egos and the latter's composition, Kreisleriana , Op. 16. The work is influenced by E. T. A. Hoffman's character, Johannes Kreisler, and also littered with Schumann's literary pen names, thus causing the piece to seem fragmented. Along with this, a number of technical difficulties arise and choices of musical interpretation become vague. Although there are a number of studies on the relationship of Schumann's alter egos with his musical works, there are a lack of existing sources regarding possible methods of tackling the difficulties that arise from interpreting the various personalities into his music. Therefore, the motivations of this thesis are: to analyze the alter egos of Robert Schumann's and E. T. A. Hoffman's alter egos, identify the sections in Kreisleriana that convey these personalities, investigate musical interpretations, and present possible remedies to technical demands.