Abstract
In her essay “Dreaming a Narcissist,” acclaimed novelist Meg Wolitzer turns her incisive and observant eye toward Joseph Castleman, the narcissistic, charming, and unfaithful husband portrayed in her novel The Wife—a man whose high self-regard, fragile ego, and insatiable need for success ultimately jeopardize the relationships he claims to hold dear. Wolitzer’s portrayal is a testament to her mastery in crafting a character so authentically drawn that we can envision him stepping off the page and into the consulting room.