Narcissists present with a theme of instability that tends to run through their life. These patterns usually revolve around those closest to them; children, parents, spouses, or exes. They will always present themselves as the victim of life and the at the hands of other people. 

 They also make their past seem more traumatic than what it actually was so as to gain sympathy from their victims. It is best if you notice this sort of theme or pattern to pay more attention; especially to the relationships and people who are closest to the narcissist.