avatarJF Danskin

Summary

The website content provides insights into crafting narcissistic characters in fiction, emphasizing the importance of balance in portraying self-worth and narcissism.

Abstract

The article titled "Narcissists in Fiction" delves into the concept of narcissism as a psychological trait, which can range from healthy self-esteem to a personality disorder. It outlines the characteristics of narcissists, such as self-obsession, lack of empathy, and exploitative behavior, and notes that these traits can be found in both men and women across various personal relationships. The article suggests that narcissism exists on a spectrum and that while some level of self-worth is healthy, extremes can be detrimental. It provides examples of narcissistic behavior and clarifies that an interest in appearance does not necessarily equate to narcissism. The piece also explores how narcissism manifests in fictional characters, offering instances from well-known stories and movies, and encourages writers to draw from real-life experiences to create compelling, self-absorbed characters. The author concludes by wishing luck to writers in their endeavors and offers a subscription option for direct post delivery.

Opinions

  • The author believes that good novels benefit from well-crafted narcissistic side characters, as they add depth to the narrative.
  • Narcissism is portrayed as a complex trait that, while potentially harmful at high levels, is necessary in moderation for a healthy sense of self-worth.
  • The article implies that readers may recognize narcissistic traits in their personal relationships, suggesting a relatability factor that can enhance the realism of fictional characters.
  • Writers are encouraged to exaggerate real-life narcissistic behaviors when creating characters, as this can lead to compelling character dynamics and opportunities for other characters to demonstrate their virtues.
  • The author expresses a supportive stance towards fellow writers, offering advice and encouragement for character development in their stories.
  • The inclusion of a subscription call-to-action indicates the author's interest in building a readership and potentially supporting themselves through their writing on Medium.

Author tips

Narcissists in Fiction

Crafting compellingly self-obsessed characters

Photo by Elisa Ph. on Unsplash

Good novels need more than a heroic or brilliant main character and a devious villain. They also need side characters that provide depth.

Enter: the narcissist.

Narcissism is a psychological trait that at extreme levels can be considered to be a personality disorder. Its features include:

  • Being self-obsessed.
  • Not caring about other people’s feelings.
  • A sense of moral righteousness or superiority.
  • Exploitative behaviour.

Narcissists could be male or female. You will probably recognise these among your friends, co-workers, and family members. Unfortunately, many people may recognise these traits in current or former romantic relationships, too.

Like many other aspects of human psychology, you can consider narcissism to lie on a scale from high to low. It’s dangerous if too high, but it could also be too low.

After all, it’s definitely healthy to have some sense of self-worth. You just don’t want to be at either extreme.

Examples of narcissism

There are many everyday examples of narcissistic behaviour. There are too many examples to list them all here, but some signs might include:

  • The person always trying to turn the conversation around to them.
  • Talking about their own appearance a lot.
  • Putting other people down.
  • Appearing to need other people to love and admire them.
  • Using other people, and not caring about people’s feelings.

By the way, if someone is very pre-occupied with their appearance, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are a narcissist — they might just be insecure… or happen to love clothes or make-up!

The problem comes when they genuinely believe they are better than other people.

In fiction

You will recognise narcissism in fiction, too. Again, there are too many examples to list them all, but consider some of these:

  • Super-villains who think that they deserve to rule the world.
  • Jealous and controlling boyfriends.
  • Criminals who believe they are smarter than the detectives.
  • Characters who are obsessed with being adored.

Some examples might include Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Loki in the Marvel Universe, and the lead character in The Picture of Dorian Gray,

In your writing

Narcissistic characters can be a lot of fun to write. Most writers can draw on personal experience of people we have met who have been a bit too self-absorbed.

From there, it’s a matter of exaggerating. The character has to really believe that they are beautiful/righteous, a godlike genius, or whatever.

There are great character moments to be had when a narcissistic character unthinkingly hurts someone’s feelings. These characters tend not to notice or particularly care how others are feeling. Such moments are also good opportunities for the main character to show their worth and ‘rise above it’.

I hope that was useful to you. Good luck with your writing!

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Now, a few other reads from my collection:

Writing
Fiction
Narcissism
Storytelling
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