William Moulton Marston was born on May 9, 1893, in the Cliftondale section of Saugus, Massachusetts. He showed an early interest in psychology and went on to graduate Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard University. In 1921, he earned his degree in psychology from Harvard, setting the stage for his future career.
Marston is best known for inventing an early prototype of the lie detector with his wife, Elizabeth Holloway. This invention would go on to have a significant impact on the field of psychology and criminal justice. Alongside his work in psychology, Marston was also a self-help author, sharing his knowledge with a wider audience.
One of Marston's most iconic creations is the character Wonder Woman. Inspired by the strong and intelligent women in his life, including his wife and their polygamous partner Olive Byrne, Marston brought Wonder Woman to life as a powerful female superhero. The character was groundbreaking in its portrayal of women and quickly became a beloved figure in popular culture.
After completing his studies at Harvard, Marston taught at American University in Washington, D.C., and Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. He then made the move to Universal Studios in California, where he worked as director of public services and taught at the University of Southern California. Throughout his academic career, Marston's work and beliefs about women's honesty and capabilities influenced his creation of Wonder Woman.
Marston had a complex family life, with two children each with his wife Elizabeth Holloway Marston and partner Olive Byrne. Byrne played a significant role in caring for all four children, while another woman, Marjorie Wilkes Huntley, occasionally lived with the family. It was Elizabeth who first conceived of the idea of a female superhero, which Marston then developed into the character of Wonder Woman.
Marston's legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of Wonder Woman and his contributions to psychology with the lie detector. His work has inspired generations of readers, viewers, and scholars, who continue to appreciate the depth and complexity of his creations and ideas.
Marston's psychological work led him to believe that women were more honest than men in certain situations, as well as faster and more accurate. These beliefs informed his portrayal of Wonder Woman as a strong and virtuous character.
Marston worked closely with his wife Elizabeth and partner Olive Byrne in creating Wonder Woman. He also collaborated with Max Gaines, co-founder of All-American Publications, to bring the character to a wider audience. In the 2017 biographical drama "Professor Marston and the Wonder Women," Marston is portrayed by Luke Evans, highlighting his influence and impact on popular culture.