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Personality Disorders
What TV’s Most Twisted Characters Reveal About Real-Life Personality Disorders
From the ruthless boardrooms of Succession to the chilling confessionals of You, our favorite characters may be brilliant storytellers — but their psyches show distinct patterns of disordered thinking
I’ve always cringed, laughed, or even rooted for morally questionable characters on TV. Their behavior is dramatic, often absurd. But beneath their manipulative tactics and adrenaline-fueled deception lie glimpses into real-life personality disorders.
Joe Goldberg (You) — Narcissistic and Antisocial Personality Disorder Traits
Joe is charming, articulate, and obsessed with love. But underneath the romantic monologues lies a deeply disturbed man who rationalizes stalking, manipulation, and murder. His blend of traits mirrors those found in both Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). He lacks empathy, shows a grandiose sense of self-importance, and has a consistent pattern of violating others’ rights without remorse. Joe’s justification for his behavior (“I did it for love”) is a…
