Narcissism

Value
Very Common, Total: 25 Points
Description
Narcissism is, effectively, the ultimate extreme form of being both Self-Centered and Selfish. While a certain level of Selfishness and Self-Centeredness is considered healthy (there is, after all, nothing wrong with liking ourselves), a character with this Complication concerns himself only with his own needs, wants, and desires. His motivation to do anything is only based on his own individual self-interest. The character will have exaggerated feelings of Self-Importance, and is very likely Obsessed With Maintaining His Appearance. Any failures he suffers will be blamed on others, or on the circumstances the character had to deal with, rather than on any action performed by the character.
A Narcissist is incapable of feeling guilt or shame for anything they do or they say, regardless of how inappropriate or hurtful their comments or actions might be in the eyes of others. This is because they think of themselves as perfect, and as perfect beings, naturally nothing that they do or say can be wrong. A Narcissist who is feeling deflated or scorned will contemptuously dismiss and degrade others around them as a means of retaining their own sense of superiority. They believe that they deserve particularly favorable treatment, and that they are not subject to the rules because they consider themselves special. Any failure on the part of others to comply with this self-view is met with outrage; the "perpetrator" who dared deny the Narcissist that to which they believe they are entitled are considered to be problem, rather than the character's unrealistic expectations. Open defiance to their demands can trigger attacks of anger and rage.
The character is far too wrapped-up in his own Selfishness to ever notice that there might be something more important than his own wants and desires. As such, he will never show much interest in a close interpersonal relationship. Superficial relationships are certainly possible, but anything deeper than that would require more investment in the other person than the Narcissist would ever be willing to expend. The Narcissist exploits others for their own benefit, as they believe such treatment is their due. To the character with this Complication, other people exist to meet the character's needs, or else they might as well not exist at all.
See Also
Arrogant, Conceited, Megalomania, Perfectionist, Self-Centered, Self-Important, Selfish, Vain
Category:Complications
Category:Psychological Complications
Category:Psychological Complications M - N
Category:Personality Traits
Category:Ego-Based Complications