Below is the description of someone or something. Without doing an interweb search, based solely on the description provided, who or what do you think is being described? Note: only four of these characteristics need to be true for an accurate description, but more can apply if they fit. (I’ll eventually reveal the answer, so be patient and don’t cheat or spoil it for others!)

1. Has used physical cruelty or violence for the purpose of establishing dominance in a relationship (not merely to achieve some noninterpersonal goal, such as striking someone in order to rob him/her).
2. Humiliates or demeans people in the presence of others.
3. Has treated or disciplined someone under his/her control unusually harshly.
4. Is amused by, or takes pleasure in, the psychological or physical suffering of others (including animals).
5. Has lied for the purpose of harming or inflicting pain on others (not merely to achieve some other goal).
6. Gets other people to do what he/she wants by frightening them (through intimidation or even terror).
7. Restricts the autonomy of people with whom he or she has a close relationship, e.g., will not let spouse leave the house unaccompanied.
8. Is fascinated by violence, weapons, injury, or torture.