Summary
The novel American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis begins with Patrick Bateman and his friend Timothy Price taking a taxi through New York City. Price complains about the city’s problems, and they mock a homeless person together. They arrive at Patrick’s girlfriend, Evelyn Richards’ apartment for a dinner party, joined by a mutual friend, Courtney Lawrence, and some artists. Price’s disdain for the guests is evident, and Patrick suspects an affair between Price and Evelyn. During dinner, Patrick unexpectedly launches into a long rant about various domestic and foreign policy issues, leaving everyone feeling awkward. After the guests leave, Evelyn gets ready for bed, and Price flirts with her while Patrick watches. Eventually, Evelyn asks Price to leave, and Patrick kisses her but fails to have sex with her.
The next morning, Patrick describes his grooming routine and morning rituals in detail, focused on maintaining a faultless appearance. He dresses in designer clothes, watches The Patty Winters Show, and maintains a strict diet. Patrick and Price meet colleagues Craig McDermott and David Van Patten for drinks at a bar. They discuss fashion etiquette and dressing rules, make inappropriate jokes about AIDS and race, and also exchange anti-Semitic comments about a colleague, Paul Owen, who had a successful business deal. Patrick and his colleagues often dine at upscale restaurants.
One evening, Patrick attempts to impress his friends by showing them his business card but becomes jealous when they display even more impressive ones. After dinner, they head to an exclusive club filled with Wall Street bankers. Van Patten mocks a homeless man, and Patrick briefly fantasizes about violence. They try to buy cocaine but are disappointed with the quality and quantity. At the bar, Patrick threatens a bartender and abruptly leaves after bumping into Paul Owen.
The next day, Patrick is in his office as his secretary Jean assists with his schedule. Patrick gives her instructions, critiques her appearance, and shares his preference for women in high heels. He goes to the gym and then returns violent and pornographic movies to a rental store. Patrick goes to a dry cleaner to retrieve clothes stained with blood. He mistreats the Chinese woman who works there and runs into...
