Obbl wrote:As a note, I'm not trying to be dismissive. Just, for reals, Pete isn't a sociopath. People like to simplify characters, and that biases their reading of the characters' actions. Because Rick writes characters with a lot of nuance, this happens a lot to any character that shows even occasional antisocial tendencies. If people don't like a character, that's their prerogative, but I'm going to correct inaccurate or biased readings of a character's actions because it's sad to see such misinformation coloring a person's attitude toward these characters.
Inaccurate or biased readings of a character's actions? Are you kidding? How is kidnapping, psychological torture, and imprisonment an inaccurate reading? All for, and he admits it, for the purpose of him winning the game. The trail in heaven alone demonstrates several key traits of a sociopath. I was going to be nice and drop it but now I think I'm going to go all out.
Sorry D-Rock. He did it again..
Glibness and Superficial Charm
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... questions/ &
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... 3/so-cool/
Manipulative and Conning-
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... somewhere/ &
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... e-woe-woe/ &
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... reful-now/
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used.
They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
Grandiose Sense of Self
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... -you-know/
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."
Pathological Lying -
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... -da-judge/ &
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... he-scroll/
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt -
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... ite-space/ &
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... o-details/
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
Shallow Emotions -
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... christmas/ &
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... ing-blows/
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine,
neither are their promises.
Callousness/Lack of Empathy -
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... -loves-me/ &
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... ligations/
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... -free-you/
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
Irresponsibility/Unreliability -
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... he-scroll/ &
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... hese-days/
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle -
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... sundering/ &
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... -glitters/
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility -
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... -lifetime/
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.
Antisocial Behavior-
https://www.housepetscomic.com/comic/20 ... e-is-over/
You do realize I intensely studied King's psychology and behavior and at the same time Pete's since he was such a major part of King's storyline. This isn't like Joel's mom. There is more than enough evidence in the comics to prove this and it's not all nuance. I'm sorry if you choose not to believe that or if you have some bias. Next time someone brings it up, just leave it alone. It's not worth it.
Now we can either end this argument now and NO ONE comments again about Pete BEING or NOT BEING a sociopath or I can write an entire essay on why Pete is a sociopath and post it. Are we good? (Don't answer it's retorical.)