When a narcissist's smear campaign against a previous victim doesn't work, they are likely to experience a range of emotions and reactions, but these can vary depending on the individual narcissist. Here are some possible reactions and feelings they might have:
Anger and frustration: Narcissists can become angry and frustrated when their attempts to tarnish someone's reputation fail. They might feel a loss of control and power over the situation.
Heightened narcissistic injury: A failed smear campaign can lead to narcissistic injury, which is the emotional response when a narcissist feels their self-esteem is threatened or challenged. They might feel rejected or humiliated by their failure.
Increased efforts to smear: Some narcissists may intensify their smear campaign if they believe their initial efforts were not sufficient. They may escalate their tactics to try to gain an advantage.
Disbelief and denial: Narcissists may have difficulty accepting that their smear campaign didn't work. They might deny the reality of the situation and continue to believe their false narrative.
Projecting blame: Instead of acknowledging the failure of their smear campaign, narcissists may blame the target or others for its lack of success. They might believe that the victim was somehow able to manipulate the situation in their favor.
Seeking new targets: Frustrated by their inability to successfully smear their previous victim, narcissists might turn their attention to new targets to try to regain a sense of power and control.
Withdrawal and sulking: Some narcissists may withdraw emotionally or engage in sulking behavior as a response to their failure. They might avoid facing the reality of their actions.
Reinventing the narrative: If the narcissist encounters resistance to their smear campaign, they may modify their narrative or create new lies to maintain their version of events.
It's important to note that narcissists are individuals, and their responses can be influenced by various factors, such as the severity of their narcissistic personality traits, their level of emotional maturity, and their coping mechanisms. Additionally, the reactions of a narcissist may not be limited to just one of the above but could involve a combination of these responses.
If you are dealing with a narcissist or have been the target of a smear campaign, it's crucial to protect yourself emotionally and seek support from friends, family, or professionals who can help you navigate the situation.