Characters

The main character of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel American Psycho is Patrick Bateman, a 27-year-old Harvard graduate working on Wall Street as an investment banker. He is particular about his appearance, obsessed with material possessions, and deeply troubled by violent impulses. Patrick is a complex character who struggles to reconcile his outwardly successful life with his inner darkness.

Some of Patrick’s work colleagues also play important parts in the narrative. Paul Owen’s mysterious disappearance or murder becomes a central point of intrigue in the novel, highlighting the blurred lines between reality and illusion in Patrick’s world. Luis Carruthers, a closeted gay man who expresses his attraction to Patrick, deeply unsettles him. Lastly, Timothy Price appears in the very first chapter of the novel before going away and returning right at the end of the novel to join Patrick and his colleagues again. 

The women in Patrick’s life also play an important role and they are all linked romantically to him in some way. Evelyn Richards is Patrick’s fiancée and despite their infidelity and lack of genuine connection, they maintain a relationship for most of the novel because of their social status. Throughout this time, Patrick also has an affair with Courtney Laurence, Evelyn’s best friend and Luis’ girlfriend. Meanwhile, Jean, Patrick’s secretary, is also seemingly in love with Patrick.

Patrick Bateman

The main character of the novel American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis is Patrick Bateman. Patrick is a young, wealthy, and handsome investment banker living in Manhattan during the late 1980s. At the start of the book he is twenty-six years old. He is part of the upper class of society, largely because the family he was born into is very wealthy. He is well-educated and cultured, having studied at Harvard. He is always spotlessly groomed and dressed.

Patrick is deeply materialistic and obsessed with appearances

One of Patrick Bateman’s defining features is his obsession with material possessions and appearance. He methodically describes his designer wardrobe, obsessing over every detail of his clothing, fr...