How to write narcissistic characters
Because story writing is about conflict, and many compelling stories are about love, a lot of dramatic tension can be created using a narcissist as a character. Often attractive and charming, the narcissist, like the psychopath, has the ability to attract people and use them for his own purposes. This article examines the qualities that make up a narcissist and how they can be used to write a compelling story.
What is a narcissist?
Narcissus was a character in Greek myth. A beautiful young man, he rejected all potential lovers and was finally captivated by his own reflection in a pool. The modern use of the term ‘narcissistic’ refers to a person who is in love with himself, especially his own physical appearance. The narcissist expresses this self-love through uncontrolled selfishness, self-importance, vanity, and vanity. Like the psychopath, narcissists tend to lack empathy for others, viewing them as tools to further their own ambitions.
How does a narcissist think?
To understand the narcissist, you must understand that they are the center of their own little universe. The world and the things in it are a playground that exists to provide the narcissist with pleasure. The central irony in narcissistic thinking is that although the narcissist has little regard for the opinions and feelings of others, he desperately longs for validation from other people. This makes them vulnerable to flattery and other forms of deception. Narcissists are also known for their inability to accept blame, which is a function of their predilection for stepping on anyone to climb to the top.
Ways to write about a narcissistic character.
The selfishness of the narcissist creates a lot of scope for dramatic conflict. Characters who get to know them may come to hate them for their selfishness and selfishness, especially if they consider that they have been misled by the narcissist’s charm. A narcissistic character may have exploited or disrespected someone in the past, and that person may now be seeking revenge. The theme of a great character who returns to earth as a consequence of his past arrogance makes for a good story. Because narcissists have massive egos, they can be vicious when threatened. A tit-for-tat revenge story can be made more plausible by having such a character in a central role.
If you write a story in the first person, you could write about a person manipulating and deceiving the narcissist, either out of flattery or out of direct conflict. A character with a strong sense of justice could take it upon himself to destroy a narcissist who they consider evil. If a story is written in the first person with a narcissist as the narcissist, you could write a tragedy in which the protagonist’s vanity and ego turn out to be their downfall in ways they didn’t anticipate (but in ways that might be obvious to the audience). reader).
The narcissist works well in romantic tales too – a character may be drawn to them because of their self-confidence, only to find that they have been manipulated.
In general, narcissistic characters generate many dramatic conflicts due to their blind selfishness. Whether you are writing a story of revenge, romance, or redemption, a narcissist is a good option to elicit strong reactions from the reader.
