1. Manipulation: Erik skillfully manipulates those around him, especially Christine Daaé, to achieve his goals. He employs flattery, emotional appeals, and threats to control her actions.
2. Grandiosity: Erik has an inflated sense of self-importance and displays a need for admiration and recognition. He believes that his musical genius sets him above others, and he takes pride in the fear he instills in the opera house.
3. Lack of Empathy: Erik demonstrates a profound lack of empathy towards others. He is indifferent to the suffering he causes, views people as objects or tools to serve his purposes, and shows no remorse for his actions.
4. Callousness: Erik speaks in a cold, detached manner, often referring to human life with indifference or even contempt. He casually mentions the deaths of others, such as the disappearance of Joseph Buquet, without any emotional reaction.
5. Threats and Intimidation: Erik frequently resorts to threats and intimidation to control those around him. He threatens to harm or kill those who oppose him or get in his way, including Christine and Raoul de Chagny.
6. Self-Justification: Erik attempts to justify his actions and portray himself as a victim of circumstances. He blames his physical deformities and society's rejection for his behavior and seeks to elicit sympathy from others.
7. Lack of Social Awareness: Erik displays a lack of social awareness and understanding of societal norms. He is oblivious to the fear and distress he causes in others and believes that his actions are justified by his love for Christine.
It's important to note that sociopathy is a complex personality disorder, and individuals with sociopathic traits may exhibit varying degrees of these characteristics. Erik's sociopathic speech patterns add depth and complexity to his character, making him a compelling and morally ambiguous figure in the story.