Patrick Bateman

Patrick Bateman is a fictional character created by novelist Bret Easton Ellis. He is the villain protagonist and unreliable narrator of Ellis's 1991 novel American Psycho and is played by Christian Bale in the 2000 film adaptation of the same name. Bateman is a wealthy and materialistic yuppie and Wall Street investment banker who, supposedly, leads a secret life as a serial killer. He has also appeared in other Ellis novels and their film and theatrical adaptations.

While initially gaining attention upon the novel's release, Bateman's influence expanded among Gen Z. The film's cult following among young viewers propelled Bateman into the realm of a cultural icon. The rise of internet culture and social media platforms has propelled Bateman's character into the realm of memetic culture. Memes featuring Bateman's memorable quotes, facial expressions, and famous scenes have proliferated across various online communities, further cementing his status as a cultural touchstone. Bateman has been cited as an ideal representation of a "sigma male", both through memes and unironic discussion.