Testing the boundary model of the Dark Triad

According to theory, the Dark Triad traits have some characteristics (e.g., manipulation, callousness) that may overlap. But other characteristics cannot, they are mutually exclusive. For example, a trait cannot be defined by both cautiousness and recklessness, that would not make sense. The former is more characteristic of Machiavellianism, whereas the latter more characteristic of psychopathy. Similarly, someone cannot be both a slave to their ego and focus on "whatever it takes" or the "ends justify the means" because to get an external goal accomplished, a choice often has to be made between ego and expedience. Here the argument is that Machs will focus on long term outcome forsaking all else. Psychopathic individuals will focus on short-term outcome, forsaking all else, and those high in narcissism will push their ego, even when it is counterproductive to their goals to do so.