WHY NARCISSISTS OFTEN PLAY THE VICTIM CARD: UNDERSTANDING THE HIDDEN TACTICS

By: Khalif Barkhadle,
Digital Journalist

Published On: 13th February 2025

Narcissists.
They seem to have an endless supply of charm, confidence, and charisma. But behind that polished exterior lies a complex personality driven by selfishness, insecurity, and a need for control. One of the most manipulative tactics in their arsenal? Playing the victim.

If you’ve ever wondered why a narcissist in your life constantly acts like they’re the victim, you’re not alone. It can be baffling to see someone shift blame and manipulate situations in such a dramatic way. Let’s explore why narcissists often resort to this behavior, how they use it to control others, and how you can protect yourself from falling into their emotional traps.

1. Avoiding Accountability
One of the hallmarks of narcissism is an inability (or unwillingness) to take responsibility. Narcissists rarely, if ever, admit when they’re wrong. In fact, they’re often so convinced that they’re never wrong because that would mean admitting to being flawed—something they can’t do. To them, admitting a mistake is tantamount to admitting that they are not perfect, a notion that threatens their fragile self-esteem

When confronted with a mistake or negative situation they have created, narcissists quickly use the victim card as a defense. Instead of facing up to their actions and accepting accountability…