Aka: A character study of Tony Stark. Aka. Why Tony Stark is not a textbook Narcissist. You need to have 5/9 of these symptoms to be diagnosed.
(1) has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate (Proportionate) achievements)
Look at him bragging about all these things he doesn’t really do, oh wait, no. He does pay for everything right down to the Avengers housing, and groceries. And he does design all of their gear, including their outfits, which does make them look cooler. (See here for details on that.)
(2) is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
I don’t even know what picture to put here, there is nothing in canon to support this idea that Tony is preoccupied with perfection. He’s preoccupied with keeping the people around him safe.
(3) believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
Except that Tony does not only hang out with Bruce, in fact he spends a lot of time with Pepper who is not a genius, and Happy a normal guy who works security. Rhodey’s smart, but not on the same level Tony is, and none of the aforementioned people are in Tony’s socioeconmic group. He doesn’t view himself as above these people.
(4) requires excessive admiration
Ah yes because he reacts horribly to judgement from other people, and never changes his mind or adapts when his methods or ideas are questioned. He obviously can’t handle criticism and requires excessive phrase my bad.
(5) has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
Ah yes Tony is the one who expects to be permitted to break international law because he’s a superhero. Sorry, my bad. (Sarcasm)
(6) is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
Obviously Tony is the one who takes advantage of others. (Sarcasm)
(7) lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
Tony’s response when confronted by a grieving parent was empathy, and guilt. He recognized her feelings, and sought to change the situation to prevent another similar situation in the future.
(8) is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
He’s not envious of his friends achievements. He’s so proud of Pepper.
(9) shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Yeah Tony can show Arrogant and haughty behaviors, when put on the defensive, or when in front of a camera. That’s his job.
I am a Psych Major and I am sick and tired of Tony being called Narcissistic.
