Disclaimer: I am not a psychologist, and do not claim to be. All statements are the result of independent and in-class research.

If you’re writing a villain or antagonist, there’s a good chance you’ve considered them to be a “psychopath,” but what is a psychopath? Oftentimes, people don’t use the term correctly, so first things first, let’s define psychopathy and sociopathy.

The clinical definition for psychopathy and sociopathy is Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) which is defined by antisocial behaviour. No, that does not mean they’re introverts—antisocial behavior is characterized by the actions of the individual, including refusal to conform to societal norms and disregard for other individuals. Symptoms of ASPD include: lack of empathy/remorse, disregard for others, manipulation, lying for personal gain, and acting impulsively. Like many mental health disorders, there’s a wide spectrum, and that’s where we find the distinction between psychopathy and sociopathy. Here are four tips to writing characters with psychopathy and sociopathy: 

1. Know the Difference Between the Two (And Pick the Right One)

Though sociopathy and psychopathy have many similar symptoms, there’s also an important distinction to make between the two. One of the most important is that psychopaths are considered to be born the way they are, whereas sociopathy can be a learned trait. So, if you have a villain with a tragic past that “made them that way,” then chances are they’re not a psychopath. There’s a few other distinctions between the two, like psychopaths tend to demonstrate more self-control. And, while still showing impulsiveness, they can more commonly control it. Sociopaths tend to show anger and rage in outbursts, whereas psychopaths are usually able to control their emotions enough to pretend they have remorse, empathy, etc. 

2. No, They Can’t Be “Saved”

A common thing I see in writing (and media) is a character who is troubled and then suddenly, the girl/boy/other of their dreams arrives and saves them. Then, boom! This character is a loving, empathetic person, all because this other person showed them what “true love” really is. If psycho/sociopaths have trouble feeling love, then how is love supposed to cure them? There is no cure for the disorder, only treatments—and those treatments certainly aren’t a significant other.

3. They Have Trouble Understanding Emotions

People with this disorder can be extremely manipulative to get what they want, so if you’re writing a character with ASPD, there’s a good chance they’re manipulating somebody at some point in the story. But another common trait is the inability to understand others emotions. Yes, maybe your characters can figure out that their boss would like a coffee, and therefore, this might get them on good terms for the new promotion. But did their boss’ son pass away? Does your character with ASPD have trouble understanding his grief, and therefore, slip up and ask them for a promotion right then? This is an extreme scenario, and there’s a good chance they would know not to do that. But just remember, your character has “learned” other’s emotions, not internally related to them.

4. They’re Strategic, But Also Reward Driven

You already know psycho/sociopaths can be manipulative. But what is also true is that they are very reward driven. This means there could be room for a slip up if they act on an impulsion. Your character with ASPD can be smart, strategic, and charming, but don’t forget they’re also looking for a reward of some kind, and if their manipulating or strategy doesn’t turn out right, they could get frustrated.

In conclusion, ASPD is complicated, and it can be hard translating that into your writing without it coming off as stereotypical. Take all of your research with a grain of salt, because, like all disorders, it can be hard to understand it when you don’t have it. And especially hard to write a character with it.