Five Faces of Narcissism: Which One’s in Your Life?

Last updated on October 25th, 2024

Are you dealing with a narcissist? Whether it’s in your personal life or in the workplace, learning more about the five types of narcissist can help you understand their behaviour and manage your interactions with them.

Let’s look at the five types of narcissist and explore what makes each one unique.

1. The Overt Narcissist

We have all come across narcissists in our lives.

You know the type—self-absorbed, always needing to be the centre of attention, excessively confident, and never wrong. They can be difficult to deal with, to say the least.

These types of narcissist are called overt narcissists.

Overt narcissists are the type of people who are always bragging and showboating. They love to be the centre of attention and will go to great lengths to make sure they are.

There are several key signs to look for if you suspect you are dealing with an overt narcissist.

First and foremost, they will always need to be right—even if they’re not.

If you attempt to correct them or point out that they’re wrong about something, they will become defensive and may even become insulted or angry.

Second, they will often attempt to one-up you or make themselves look better than you in any way possible.

This could manifest itself in bragging or making cutting comments about you or others.

Third, overt narcissists tend to be very controlling and may try to micromanage those around them.

Fourth, they tend to have a very short fuse and may lash out angrily over minor things or for no reason at all.

Finally, they will often try to gaslight those around them—that is, make them question their own reality or memory in order to better control them

2. The Covert Narcissist

Covert narcissists are more introverted than overt narcissists and are usually passive aggressive. They put down other people in order to make themselves feel better and are experts at manipulation.

A covert narcissist will often fish for compliments about their appearance or accomplishments.

They may also try to make you feel guilty if you don’t give them the attention they feel entitled to.

In addition they will often inflate their own accomplishments or talents, while downplaying your achievements.

One of the most insidious things about dealing with a covert narcissist is their tendency to gaslight their victims.

This is a form of emotional abuse where the abuser intentionally causes their victim to doubt their own perceptions, memories, or judgment.

They also have a totally unrealistic and disproportionate sense of entitlement – believing that they deserve more than others without any justification for it, and that the rules that apply to others do not apply to them.

3. The Antagonistic Narcissist

An antagonistic narcissist is someone who not only displays the usual signs of narcissism – entitlement, grandiosity, self-absorption, and lack of empathy – but also has an extremely hostile and unforgiving nature.

They are quick to anger and quick to take offense. Holding grudges and enjoying making other people suffer, they become the bane of every relationship they are in.

Such individuals are highly critical of others, finding nothing ever good enough.

They love being right and will go to great lengths to prove it, even if it means stepping on others in the process.

They are quick to find fault in others while never acknowledging their own mistakes.

Despite often being charming and charismatic on the surface, they can be quite callous and cruel behind closed doors.

In their worldview, they are always right and you are always wrong. Apologies are unheard of; they never apologize and it’s always your fault.

Everything is a competition to them, and they must always come out on top – even if it means sacrificing your happiness in the process.

4. The Communal Narcissist

The communal narcissist is an individual who seeks validation and admiration through their outward displays of altruism and community-oriented behavior.

While they engage in acts of charity and service, their motivation is primarily to gain recognition and praise rather than a genuine desire to help.

They often portray themselves as morally superior, believing their values and ethical standards are higher than those of others.

This sense of moral superiority allows them to justify looking down on those who do not meet their standards.

Despite their seemingly selfless actions, communal narcissists are hypocritical, expecting others to adhere to high moral standards while excusing their own lapses.

Their kindness usually comes with strings attached, manipulating others into feeling indebted or guilty.

They crave attention and admiration, making sure their good deeds are visible through social media posts, public announcements, or exaggerated stories to ensure they are celebrated.

This attention-seeking behavior aligns with their sense of entitlement, as they believe their contributions make them deserving of special treatment and recognition.

5. The Malignant Narcissist

Of all the types of narcissist, this is the worst. Malignant narcissism is the most extreme form of narcissism.

This type of narcissism is incredibly dangerous because the individual suffering from it also exhibits characteristics like manipulation, aggression, and even sadism.

A malignant narcissist will try to control everyone around them in order to feel powerful. This may manifest as controlling behaviour, such as telling others what to do or micromanaging them.

A hallmark sign of any narcissist is a lack of empathy, but this is especially true for those with malignant narcissistic personality disorder.

These individuals are unable or unwilling to understand how others are feeling, which can make them seem uncaring or even callous.

One of the main signs of malignant narcissism is aggression. This often manifests as verbal aggression, like yelling or name-calling, or physical aggression, like hitting or shoving.

Individuals with malignant narcissistic personality disorder enjoy making others suffer. They take pleasure in causing emotional pain or humiliating those around them.

If someone exhibits any of these signs, it’s best to take caution and keep your distance.

Conclusion

Hopefully by now you will have a good idea of the different types of narcissist that are out there, and how to deal with them.

Remember, each type of narcissist is different, so it’s important to tailor your approach accordingly. And if you ever find yourself in a situation that feels dangerous or out of control, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from a professional.

Carla Corelli

Carla Corelli, a writer, advocate, and survivor of narcissistic abuse, draws from her own upbringing with a narcissistic father to shed light on psychological trauma. Fueled by her personal journey, she pursued a degree in psychology and has dedicated herself to shedding light on the complexities of narcissistic abuse.
With over fifteen years of experience in writing and advocating for survivors, Carla is deeply committed to providing support, education, and empowerment to those who have endured similar trauma. Through her articles, Carla aims to offer a compassionate space for healing and growth, while advocating for greater awareness and understanding of narcissistic abuse.
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