Many beloved TV characters are larger-than-life, but some narcissists are additional-Extra when grabbing the spotlight and not letting it go.
Every TV show genre has at least one completely complacent character who is insufferable in real life but delightful on screen.
They may not commandeer the mirror like their namesake Narcissus, but they completely dominate our attention whenever the camera is trained on them.
The whole world is their stage, and they firmly believe that the world will be a better place because of it.
The TV Fanatic team has rounded up their favorite examples of these incredibly selfish characters who think they’re awesome—and we agree!
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Ava Coleman, Narcissist—Abbott Elementary School
It’s fitting that Ava serves as the principal of Abbott Elementary School, as she is also the central authority figure in every room she enters.
Ava might think her long-suffering employees are just supporting characters in her wild and precious life, but really, why wouldn’t she?
No matter where she is, she brings a high level of glamor to her surroundings and can charm anyone from city officials to club bouncers.
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She’s hilarious, even if her humor can be depressing at times.
However, she also has the ability to reflect on herself and is willing to correct her mistakes – as long as it is her idea!
Ava’s big vision for herself shapes her vast life, and we can’t help but root for her (even if we wish she wouldn’t make snarky comments).
Beth Dutton, Narcissist—Yellowstone
Beth is the apex narcissist and reigning queen of the Dutton Family Ranch in Yellowstone, a nearly uncontrollable vortex of rage, manipulation, and unpredictability.
When she’s not plotting her brother Jamie’s well-deserved downfall or meeting on-again, off-again lover Rip Wheeler, her lavish cowgirl-inspired outfits and appreciation for a glass (or six) of bourbon are A luxurious indulgence.
Beth is a confusing mixture of femme fatale, damaged damsel, and ruthless business tycoon. She follows her own schedule and has a moral manual written in disappearing ink.
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Her performance is electrifying, and people will rush to watch her completely justified revenge in creative ways as her twisted code of honor aligns with traditional notions of right and wrong.
But then she quickly commits an act of random cruelty that’s hard to watch.
Through it all, Beth believed she was right about everything. When it comes to business, she’s usually right.
If anyone can keep this ranch going it’s her; one day we’ll all realize this and let her keep it going!
Tony Soprano, the Narcissist—The Sopranos
Tony embodies the lack of self-awareness common among narcissists.
He said he admired the “strong, silent” Gary Cooper type, but he was the kind of guy who annoyed everyone when he was in a bad mood. He despises his mother and younger uncle, without realizing that he possesses many of their worst traits.
“The Sopranos” is filled with great comedic moments, but Tony’s story is ultimately tragic.
By failing to recognize the need for fundamental change in his life—even after countless sessions with a talented therapist—he transferred his pain onto others. He allowed his pain to turn into a curse on his family.
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We may not know what exactly happened to Tony after he finished that basket of onion rings in the show finale.
But we know what happens to people like him, not to mention their loved ones.
It’s enough to leave us feeling as empty as the infamous black screen at the end of the series.
Tanya McQuoid, Narcissist — White Lotus
Tanya, the ultra-rich and highly medical connoisseur of high-end hotel chain The White Lotus, unintentionally wreaks havoc on every location she visits.
Describing her as a bottomless pit of needs is…accurate.
Tanya completely ignores the emotions and even the existence of the people around her, which is a typical example of narcissism.
She also forgets the promises she made to them at the time, as she did in Season 1 when she gave up on her business plan to fund Belinda, the spa manager.
There’s a sweet, childlike vulnerability in Tanya’s demeanor that’s charming and makes one trust her too much.
She’s too selfish to be truly evil, but regardless, she’s kept docile by her heavy drug use.
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Despite her traumatic past, Tanya lives in the present, which allows her to hyperfocus and make those around her feel like they are the only people in her world.
But that person is always just Tanya herself.
Despite this, she is still very interesting, always dressed in extremely exaggerated clothes, and has a flash of: almost Redeem her.
Owen Strand, Narcissist — 9-1-1: Lone Star
Owen Strand is so selfish that it’s irritating. He gave new meaning to the word narcissist.
You can say a lot of unflattering things about the Austin, Texas, fire station captain, but he won’t agree with you about any of them.
First, he considers himself a male version of Malibu Barbie.
He can’t deviate from his job description because he thinks he should be able to do it all and is too presumptuous.
he really Skin care regimen is too complicated.
But come on: look at him!
If anyone on this list could be forgiven for enjoying the mirror too much, it’s the heroic and proportioned Captain Strand.
Dexter Morgan, Narcissist-Dexter
One of television’s original narcissists, Dexter Morgan was smart enough to realize that his superiority complex might be off-putting to those around him.
Since most of these men were also law enforcement officers, he knew their suspicion would only slow down the death toll on his serial killing spree.
“Dexter” is a jumble of reasons, all of which sound good in voiceover but tend to change as different situations demand.
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He does have a track record to back up his high opinion of himself, always escaping detection at the last minute.
Dexter’s ability to imitate appropriate human emotions and facial expressions is first and foremost a self-preservation skill.
But there’s also a desire behind it that inspires empathy, even if it’s fake.
Jenna Maroney, Narcissist — 30 Rock
As the protagonist in her life and yours, Jenna has never encountered a promotional opportunity too small to book or a friend’s back too big to stab.
This narcissist is obsessed with fame and can’t understand why the world hasn’t recognized her incredible talents as a singer and actress.
Jenna views her colleagues and friends as rehearsal audiences rather than real people.
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Her relationships were transactional and superficial, but she was too busy working on her next big break to notice.
Despite this, Jenna has a sharp, razor-sharp wit that sometimes surprises her. Even though she completely believed in her talent, she still worked hard to hone her skills.
Jenner is extremely confident and showbiz savvy, almost giving narcissists a good name!
What happens to narcissists on the small screen? you Already selected? Let us know in the comments!
