In the classic movie, The Princess Bride, our hero Westley does toe-to-toe with the antagonist, Vizzini. Not in a battle of strength or stamina, but a mind game. Westley poisons one of two goblets and places them on the table. One in front of each combatant, and then challenges Vizzini to choose the drink in front of him or switch.
If Vizzini chooses incorrectly (and dies), Westley may proceed on his quest. What ensues is a lengthy monologue from Vizzini describing why he knows exactly which goblet contains the poison. On and on he goes, claiming to understand Westley’s thoughts and motivations and why there’s no possible way he can win.
But in the final moments, before he chooses to drink one of the goblets, Vizzini distracts our hero and switches the goblets. At that moment, we get a glimpse at the true Vizzini. He may appear to have unmovable hubris, knowing with complete certainty he is always right, but we, the viewers, see through the façade.
The truth is that Vizzini is unsure and insecure about his choice. But he will never let someone else see that insecurity. To everyone around him, he must appear infallible and always in control.
Vizzini is a narcissist.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Unholy Trinity to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.