People who manipulate others are among the most self-centered people out there. They serve their own interests, and often at the expense of an innocent victim. Methods employed by manipulators can be characterized as abusive, deceptive, devious, and exploitative.
Though their actions are most certainly malicious, manipulators are often both crafty and intelligent. The act of manipulation involves deliberate and complex thought processes; something that can only be achieved by a person that leverages human psychology to their advantage.