
Have you ever felt this way? Do you have a grandiose sense of self-importance? Are you preoccupied with having fantasies of unlimited success, fame, power? A strong need for admiration accompanied by the lack of empathy towards others? If yes, then you might just be suffering from Narcissistic personality disorder. Here are some distinct symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and we are going to relate them to some famous characters from different forms of media just for the fun of it.
Having a competitive nature
Like the title of this blog suggests, those who are suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder tend to view everyone as competition which is what pushed him to succeed in his field on being an oilman, this ambition was first sought by the viewers after he finds silver while in New Mexico then breaks his leg shortly after, but despite this, he dragged himself through the desert just for a few bucks. He shares this in a conversation with his (spoiler alert) “fake” half-brother. Here is the full line for that conversation.
“Daniel Plainview : I have a competition in me. I want no one else to succeed. I hate most people.
Henry : That part of me is gone. Working and not succeeding- all my, uh... failures has left me, uh... I just don't... care.
Daniel Plainview : Well, if it's in me, it's in you. There are times when I... I look at people and I see nothing worth liking. I want to earn enough money I can get away from everyone.
Henry : What will you do about your boy?
Daniel Plainview : I don't know. Uhhhh, maybe it'll change. Does your sound come back to you? I don't know. Maybe no one knows that. A doctor might not know that.
Henry : Where's his mother?
Daniel Plainview : I don't want to talk about those things. I see the worst in people, Henry. I don't need to look past seeing them to get all I need. I've built up my hatreds over the years, little by little. Having you here gives me a second breath of life. I can't keep doing this on my own... with these, umm... people.”
He has this unexplained hatred towards people that pushes him to become financially stable enough wherein he wouldn’t need to interact with them. This attitude is maintained up until the end of the movie wherein he secluded himself in a mansion filled with his achievements, no family, no children, just him and his worldly wealth. There, he eliminates his final competition, a false pastor named Eli Sunday, in the most literal sense.
Manipulative behavior
Manipulative behavior is one of the most iconic trait of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) because individuals with NPD tend to use manipulation as a means to maintain control, achieve their goals, and maintain their self-image very much like how Chemistry teacher turned drug-lord Walter White does to the people around him, most commonly with Jesse. Here are some episodes and scenarios in the series showcasing how much of a narcissist Walt was:
Season 2, Episode 3 ("Bit by a Dead Bee")
After an incident where Jesse is found with a large amount of meth in his possession, Walter manipulates him into claiming responsibility for a car wash robbery, which is actually a cover for their drug activities. Walter convinces Jesse to go along with this story, framing it as a way to protect their drug operation and avoid legal trouble. Walter uses Jesse’s fear of legal repercussions and his sense of loyalty to manipulate him into taking the fall for the car wash robbery. He creates a false narrative that benefits himself while placing the burden of responsibility on Jesse.
Season 2, Episode 6 ("Peekaboo")
In this episode, Jesse is in a dangerous situation involving a disturbed couple and their young child. Walter manipulates Jesse by downplaying the danger and encouraging him to stay involved in their drug business despite the risks. This manipulation is part of a broader pattern where Walter uses Jesse’s emotional state to his advantage. Walter exploits Jesse’s sense of guilt and responsibility by encouraging him to remain involved in the drug trade, despite the personal risks and emotional toll. He manipulates Jesse’s feelings of obligation and guilt to keep him under his control.
Season 3, Episode 12 ("Half Measures")
Walter becomes increasingly manipulative as he tries to take control of their drug operation from Gustavo Fring. He uses Jesse’s insecurities and his need for validation to manipulate him into participating in a dangerous plan to kill their enemies. Walter manipulates Jesse by appealing to his need for respect and his fear of being sidelined. He uses psychological pressure to convince Jesse to support his risky and morally questionable plans, showcasing his willingness to exploit Jesse’s emotions for his own ends.
Difficulty Accepting Criticism
People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder have difficulty accepting criticism from other people, most notably people they view as “below”, an example I can think of with these tendencies is the late great Tony Soprano, the man who most certainly was shot by the guy in the member’s only jacket (like, it’s all there, if you don’t think he died than you’re just delusional).
Tony had difficulty accepting any sort of criticism from people, here are a few scenes to highlight said statement:
Season 1, Episode 6 ("Pax Soprana")
In this episode, Tony is navigating the complexities of his dual life as a mob boss and a family man. Dr. Melfi, his therapist, challenges Tony’s view of his mother, Livia, and explores how his unresolved issues with her are affecting his behavior. She suggests that Tony’s aggressive tendencies and need for control might be rooted in his early experiences with Livia. Tony reacts defensively, viewing her observations as an attack on his character and his sense of self. He dismisses her insights, insisting that he knows himself better than she does and that her interpretations are off-base.
Season 4, Episode 11 ("The Test Dream")
In a conversation with Tony, Silvio Dante reveals that he has a problem with authority. Silvio’s confession occurs during a scene where he is discussing his feelings about Tony’s leadership and his own struggles with following orders. Instead of listening, Tony attacked him and his lack of experience being the “number 1” guy in the family, with him getting a sense of satisfaction leaving the conversation with the last word.
Season 6, Episode 9 ("The Ride")
Tony’s therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi continue, and she probes deeper into his psychological issues and behavioral patterns. She challenges Tony’s self-image and his justifications for his actions, which leads to Tony reacting with increased defensiveness and anger. He perceives her insights as personal attacks rather than professional evaluations, reflecting his inability to accept criticism that conflicts with his self-perception.
It’s important to recognize that while Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) often stems from complex and challenging experiences, it’s not entirely your fault that you struggle with these patterns. Many aspects of NPD are deeply rooted in early life experiences and emotional needs that were unmet. However, understanding this doesn’t absolve you of accountability for your actions. Taking responsibility for how your behaviors impact others is a crucial step toward personal growth and healing. By working with a therapist and striving to develop empathy and healthier interactions, you can make meaningful changes while acknowledging and addressing the pain and patterns that have shaped your behavior.
That is why, to truly address Narcissistic Personality Disorder, it's crucial to engage in compassionate therapy that works through deep-seated emotional issues, cultivate empathy through understanding others’ perspectives, establish clear and respectful boundaries, and nurture healthier relationships by fostering self-awareness and seeking supportive networks for everyone involved.
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