Characteristics of a Serial Killer

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In the sick minds of those who murder, pain and death are twisted into a passion to kill. Unlike a “normal” individual, serial killers rely on murdering to fulfill their craving of their gruesome thrills and addiction. Most of society incorrectly views serial killers because of how they are portrayed on television. For example, Dexter is a handsome serial killer who does lead a normal life but, he takes it upon himself to rid all of the “bad guys” in the world in order to accomplish his need to kill. Then there’s Freddy Krueger, he gets revenge and kills people in their dreams, causing their death in the real world as well. Michael Meyers and Dr. Hannibal Lecter are more examples of infamous serial killers. All of these exaggerated serial killers created are not only feared in movies and television shows, but in real life too. Many of these movies and television shows try to make our minds believe that these fictional killers and scenarios are real. Contrary to popular belief and fictional movies, there’s no way to “tell” a serial killer by their appearance. So, what are real life serial killers like? A real-life serial killer can be distinguished through their conscientious patterns and behavior."Serial killers/psychopaths are diagnosed by their purposeless and irrational antisocial behavior, lack of conscience, and emotional vacuity. They are thrill seekers, literally fearless.” (Scott). Similarly, for all serial killers, murder is either a natural or passion-filled choice that they make. Although, the types of serial killers and skill level vary immensely. Serial killers are typically classified by their social and organizational skills, or lack of it. Oddly enough, a serial killer has a regular mental behavior as well, whe... ... middle of paper ... ...anently struck fear in innocent people all around the world, and while it may never be possible to prove why these certain people felt driven to kill, defining the characteristics of a serial killer makes it easier to better recognize their motives, methods and marks apart from other types of criminals. Works Cited Brogaard, Berit, and Kristian Marlow. "The Making of a Serial Killer."Psychology Today. 7 Dec. 2012. Web. 17 Feb. 2014. Clark, Josh. "How The Jack Ripper Worked." HowStuffWorks.16 Jan. 2008. Web. 17 Feb. 2014. Galante, Meredith. "Types of Serial Killers." Business Insider. 12 Apr. 2012. Web. 17 Feb. 2014 "Jeffrey Dahmer." Crime Museum . National Museum of Crime & Punishment, 11 Apr. 2013. Web. 17 Feb. 2014 Scott, Shirley L. "What Makes Serial Killers Tick?" Crime Library – Crime News and Stories. Web. 17 Feb. 2014.

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