Throughout modern history, there has been
an abundance of interest regarding the concept of the psychopath and
sociopath. Many portrayals of sociopaths seem to be overly
romanticized, and fictional characters such as Hannibal Lector or
Dexter Morgan (Silence of the Lambs and Dexter respectively) are
sources of fascination for an uneducated public. It is difficult
when watching such characterizations to discern what is true and what
is fantastical about their portrayal, and that is why I began
researching psychopaths and sociopaths. While the information I
found was educational, it is clear that there is some confusion as to
how exactly one can define these mental disorders, even among the
scientific community.