Psychopathic characters and themes have been popular in literature and storytelling for many years. Here are a few short stories featuring psychopathic characters:
"The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe: This classic short story revolves around an unnamed narrator who insists on their sanity while describing their meticulous murder of an old man with a "vulture eye."
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: Although not explicitly about a psychopath, this chilling story explores the cruelty and brutality that can arise within a seemingly normal community during a ritualistic event.
"The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe: In this tale, the protagonist, Montresor, seeks revenge against Fortunato, whom he lures into his family's catacombs to carry out his sinister plan.
"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell: This thrilling story follows a big-game hunter named General Zaroff, who finds a new, twisted form of hunting humans on his secluded island.
"Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" by Joyce Carol Oates: While the main character, Connie, isn't a psychopath, she encounters a manipulative and sinister man named Arnold Friend, whose intentions are disturbing and malevolent.
"A Good Man is Hard to Find" by Flannery O'Connor: This story features a character named The Misfit, a cold and ruthless criminal who causes terror and violence for a family on a road trip.
"The Destructors" by Graham Greene: Set in post-World War II London, this story depicts a group of boys who embark on a path of destruction led by a charismatic and malevolent member named Trevor (T.).
"The Hitch-Hiker" by Roald Dahl: In this suspenseful tale, a driver realizes he is being haunted by a mysterious hitchhiker, who appears to know more about him than should be possible.
Remember that while these stories feature psychopathic characters, they are works of fiction and serve as a way to explore darker aspects of human nature and society. They can be intriguing and thought-provoking, but they should not be taken as accurate representations of real-life psychopathy.