

They could also be legitimately delusional and truly believe they're "above" everyone else. Pretty much Always Male due to Most Writers Are Male.Ī lot of the time, in some way or another, the Insufferable Genius' inflated ego is merely a facade that compensates for any insecurities or shortcomings, perceived or otherwise. Not often, but they certainly can be an Awesome Ego if their antics are rather entertaining or amusing.

This character is often given a foil by pairing them with a less intelligent sidekick in a Smart Jerk and Nice Moron pairing. Contrast with characters that do get their Aesop, who may fall quickly or be slowly broken. Often leads to the grudging conclusion that Jerkass Has a Point. Compare Gentleman Snarker, Tall, Dark, and Snarky, Know-Nothing Know-It-All, Too Clever by Half, Bunny-Ears Lawyer, The Proud Elite. May join in a Battle of Wits, if anyone is in the right league. Depending on their overall skill and/or hamminess, they may be an Awesome Ego. In particular, every Insufferable Genius constantly runs the risk of humiliation if they ever make a mistake - which they are more or less bound to do eventually, by simple probability theory. Not that he can't ever be hit with An Aesop of some kind. So you have to concede that at least a little of his arrogance is justified - not enough to make you forget that he's got the social skills of a chainsaw, but enough that you can tolerate his ego if that's what it takes to keep him around. But the difference between him and your standard-issue loudmouth is that he really IS that good, and when you need someone with his skills to save the day, he always comes through. At first glance, Adam the Insufferable Genius appears to be exactly the type who's doomed to learn An Aesop about humility: he's very talented, he knows he's very talented, and he doesn't mind telling you repeatedly what a talented person he is.
