Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep-seated need for admiration. Individuals with NPD often respond to criticism with anger and may exploit others to achieve their own goals. They struggle to recognize or care about the feelings and needs of those around them, which can lead to damaging relationships.

Those affected by this disorder frequently find themselves engulfed in fantasies about their success, beauty, power, and intelligence. This preoccupation with their idealized self-image further isolates them from empathy and genuine connections with others. The portrayal of such traits can be observed in characters from literature, like those found in John Sandford's "Silken Prey," where the complexities of narcissism are explored.