logo

38 pages 1 hour read

Bret Easton Ellis

American Psycho

Bret Easton EllisFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1991

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Character Analysis

Patrick Bateman

Patrick Bateman is the narrator and protagonist of the novel. He is part of the upper class and works as a stockbroker in New York City.

After his first date with his secretary Jean, Bateman observes her observing him. As he says, “she is searching for a rational analysis of who I am, which is, of course, an impossibility: there… is… no… key” (253). Bateman observes: “there is no real me […] myself is fabricated […] my personality is sketchy and unformed” (362). He realizes that his character is opaque. He is not only mysterious to the other characters in the novel, none of whom come close to understanding him, but to the reader. Ironically, for a character whose narrative is so narcissistic and self-obsessed, the reader learns relatively little about who Patrick Bateman is or why he commits murder. Indeed, toward the novel’s end the reader is encouraged to doubt whether many of the events he describes even happened.

Bateman’s romantic relationships are defined either by superficiality or abuse. His family relations and past are only obtusely hinted at. For example, he recalls “how my brother and I once rode horses together, played tennis” (348).

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 38 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,450+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools