How `Complex' is the Dirac Equation?

A representation of the Lorentz group is given in terms of 4 X 4 matrices defined over a simple non-division algebra. The transformation properties of the corresponding four component spinor are studied, and shown to be equivalent to the transformation properties of the usual complex Dirac spinor. As an application, we show that there exists an algebra of automorphisms of the complex Dirac spinor that leave the transformation properties of its eight real components invariant under any given Lorentz transformation. Interestingly, the representation of the Lorentz group presented here has a natural embedding in SO(3,3) instead of the conformal symmetry SO(2,4).