The main character in The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, Tom Ripley, could be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder if her were a real person. Tom Ripley displays all the classic signs of this psychological disorder and his actions can be explained (but not excused) by the affliction. The disorder is defined by features that include conflict with others, irritable and aggressive qualities, impulsive, reckless, and irresponsible. The definition is also based on a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, beginning in childhood. We will begin to understand Tom Ripley's behavior by understanding antisocial personality disorder and how it affects people.
             According to Oltmanns and Emery, the definition of antisocial personality disorder requires three out of seven criteria be met by the diagnosed person. Tom Ripley easily fits all seven but the three main points that he meets are 1) failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behavior as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest. 2) Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure and 3) lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated or stolen from another.
             Tom Ripley demonstrates that he meets the first criteria over the courses of the novel. It begins with him impersonating a government official in order to attain money from unsuspecting individuals. His behavior continues with the murder of Dickie Greenleaf and forging checks in order to receive Dickie's money. He also murders Freddie Miles when he suspects Freddie knows what happened to Dickie. Ripley fits into the next category by impersonating the IRS agent to con others into giving him money and by assuming Dickie Greenleaf's identity for a period of time. The only reason Ripley was forced to stop using Dickie...