Types of Narcissists
Are you interested in what are the various types of narcissists? Then this guide is for you!
Narcissism falls on a continuum, making it extremely difficult to pinpoint a narcissist.
While there are many types of narcissists, not everyone will fit neatly into a category.
Most narcissists will have traits of more than one of these types, making it hard to put a single label on an individual.
However, based on the combination of traits that each of these individuals portrays most of the time, you should be able to determine the type of narcissist you’re dealing with.
1. Malignant Narcissist
Also referred to as the toxic narcissist, the malignant narcissist is very dramatic and malicious.
Highly manipulative, this narcissist thrives on creating chaos and discomfort for others.
Not only does this person need to be seen as superior, but he or she must also make others feel inferior in order to achieve that goal.
2. Sadistic Narcissist
More like a subtype of the malignant narcissist, the sadistic narcissist is also called the psychopathic narcissist.
This person gets extreme pleasure from hurting and humiliating others.
Always needing control, this type of narcissist will set you up just to see you fall.
Unstable and aggressive, this individual can become violent at the drop of a hat and will never express any remorse.
3. Bullying Narcissist
This type of narcissist is just like the name implies.
This person gets a kick out of bullying or threatening others to get his or her way.
How the bullying narcissist feels joy is by making others feel unworthy.
Unlike the traditional bully who mocks others for some sort of alleged social gain, this narcissist’s motivation is his or her pleasure.
4. Exhibitionist Narcissist
Also known as the classic or grandiose narcissist, the exhibitionist narcissist is your standard, stereotypical narcissist.
With an unapologetic need to be in the spotlight, this person will make it known to all that he or she is a narcissist without coming straight out and saying so.
Arrogant and self-centered, this person has a sense of entitlement that may be seen through exploitation when things don’t go his or her way.
5. Seducer Narcissist
The seducer narcissist lives for the thrill of the hunt.
Once this person has conquered you as a sexual or love partner, he or she will use you up just to toss you away when the excitement has faded.
Extremely charming, this individual will do or say anything to win you over, making you feel so good about yourself that you’ll be unlikely to resist.
6. Covert Narcissist
Sometimes called a closet or vulnerable narcissist, the covert narcissist is more introverted than your typical variety.
While this individual may not outwardly show grandiose behavior, he or she still feels superior and entitled while expecting to be given the attention that this person feels that he or she deserves.
Remaining self-preoccupied, this person might put himself or herself down just to receive affirmation from others.
Like other narcissists, this type cannot handle criticism and may become defensive or outright nasty in the face of such.
7. Communal Narcissist
An often overlooked type of narcissist, the communal narcissist loves to help others.
Whether by giving a listening ear when you have a problem or by donating or volunteering for a cause, you may simply see this person as kind and generous.
However, if you pay attention, you may notice that this individual is always talking about his or her allegedly “selfless” deeds, wanting recognition for what he or she is doing.
8. Inverted Narcissist
An inverted narcissist holds onto a victim mindset.
Often seen in covert narcissists, the person with inverted traits often has abandonment issues from childhood that dramatically impact this individual’s ability to maintain relationships.
Codependency is common, and this type often connects himself or herself with another type of narcissist.
These next four types of narcissists might be better labeled as subtypes because they can be ways that the other types of narcissists focus on how they manipulate and exploit others.
However, even though these focus areas typically occur with other forms of narcissism, these subtypes may be so prominent that you can pick up on them quicker than you would another co-occuring type of narcissism.
Any of the already-mentioned narcissists can focus their efforts through sexual, somatic, cerebral, or spiritual tactics.
9. Sexual Narcissist
This type of narcissist has an unswerving belief that he or she is outstanding regarding sexual prowess and performance.
This person has an almost palpable need for everyone else to want him or her for this reason.
Fetishes and violence during sex can occur with this type, and the individual may use sex as a manipulation tool.
A sexual narcissist is likely to cheat on you repeatedly with no remorse for his or her actions.
10. Somatic Narcissist
The somatic narcissist is all about physical appearance.
This person will put his or her needs above others and focus on physical beauty or attraction.
Frequently obsessed with weight, body mass, or health, this individual may choose a partner based solely on attractiveness to show others how great this person must be to have landed such a catch.
11. Cerebral Narcissist
Like the somatic narcissist focuses on the body, the cerebral narcissist focuses on the mind.
This person believes he or she is smarter than everyone else and will go out of his or her way to prove it.
This type will engage in conversations about his or her accomplishments to try to make others feel less intelligent than he or she is, and this individual will often come across as a know-it-all.
12. Spiritual Narcissist
Using religion or spirituality to manipulate and intimidate others, the spiritual narcissist portrays himself or herself as being justified by his or her righteousness.
Like many known cult leaders, this person can be captivating and dynamic, leading others to their downfalls.
If bad or harmful behaviors are noted, this individual will use scripture or other forms of spiritual content to defend these actions.
