: Re: How to write an actually psychopath character I'm constantly running into problems, this time it's wannabe Pennywise again. So, one of my characters is supposed to be emotionless but still, pretends

What you described is Sociopathy (clinically known as Antisocial Personality Disorder) not Psychopathy (which is nebulous term at best in the clinical world). Your character has no empathy for the people he helps and only helps them because they are of use to him: either they will pay off in the future, or society will demonize him if he does not help them.

Psychopaths on the other hand, are not capable of this level of interaction. Consider the character of Sylar from Heroes and compare to the character of Killgrave from Jessica Jones. The former was able to at least conform to the expectations of others until he got what he needed from them. The latter was never able to pretend that he followed accepted morality standards.

On a more heroic side, Sherlock Holmes (especially of the BBC series) is often said to be a Sociopath (and the BBC one out and out identifies as one). Holmes doesn't much care about the people he is saving, but is aware that what is happening to them is deemed "wrong" and he should thus act accordingly and aid them.

For further help, check out TVTropes.org and look for the articles "The Sociopath" (about the condition and correct portrayal), "Sociopathic Hero" (about Sociopaths who are not evil), and "Moral Sociopath" (which details the phenomena in real life of Sociopaths having a Moral Code which values abstract concepts, but not necessarily on interacting with people. Basically discusses Sociopaths with a personal morality, even if they are still bad people).

All three articles include discussion of the topic and portrayal and extensive lists of it's portrayal in various works of fiction (They may also have real life examples, but some articles are reality free for various issues, including slander concerns and flame wars).

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: Re: How to write an actually psychopath character I'm constantly running into problems, this time it's wannabe Pennywise again. So, one of my characters is supposed to be emotionless but still, pretends

More posts by @LarsenBagley300

: I have another question about adverbs. Can you check my instincts? I like adverbs, and I think they're a great component of language. I see them as a good means to communicate efficiently.

: Accessing different parts of brain for creativity OK. So, here's the thing. Some writers (e.g. Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Parker, others,) used alcohol. I cannot help but notice that I love all

: Effective hero journeys that don't kill the villain? Are there good examples of the hero's journey that don't include any physical deaths within them? My hero has crisis and 'death' of self/ideals/psyche;

: Scientific article: How to say that with our result something could be done but hasn't I am writing something similar to a review article about a scientific insight that connects and streamlines

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