What TV’s Most Twisted Characters Reveal About Real-Life Personality Disorders

From the ruthless boardrooms of Succession to the chilling confessionals of You, our favorite characters may be brilliant storytellers — but their psyches show distinct patterns of disordered thinking

Natalie C. Frank, Ph.D June 29, 2025

DIDR [CC BY 2.0]

I’ve always cringed, laughed, or even rooted for morally questionable characters on TV. Their behavior is dramatic, often absurd. But beneath their manipulative tactics and adrenaline-fueled deception lie glimpses into real-life personality disorders.

Joe Goldberg (You) — Narcissistic and Antisocial Personality Disorder Traits

Joe is charming, articulate, and obsessed with love. But underneath the romantic monologues lies a deeply disturbed man who rationalizes stalking, manipulation, and murder. His blend of traits mirrors those found in both Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). He lacks empathy, shows a grandiose sense of self-importance, and has a consistent pattern of violating others’ rights without remorse.

Joe’s justification for his behavior (“I did it for love”) is a classic example of distorted narcissistic reasoning. His ability to camouflage his darkness behind a mask of concern makes him particularly insidious and illustrative of how these disorders may manifest in high-functioning individuals.

Logan Roy (Succession) — Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Logan Roy is a master manipulator, a cold strategist, and a titan of media. But his emotional brutality, need for control, and repeated humiliation of his children suggest something far more psychological. His actions align with traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder: a relentless need for admiration, a lack of empathy, and a pattern of exploitative relationships.

Logan doesn’t just demand loyalty; he expects worship. He plays his children against each other not just for business leverage, but to maintain his image as the unshakable patriarch. His emotional detachment and domineering behavior are not just the traits of a tough CEO, they’re the hallmarks of someone who fears vulnerability more than failure.

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