Joffrey was strong-willed as a child and had an uncontrollable temper like his mother's and an unchecked sadistic streak. He had little sense of right or wrong, which often leads him to trouble, especially when he loses his temper, and when things go wrong, he always blames the problems on others.

Was Joffrey a psychopath?

Joffrey is hurting people, killing people, and delighting in it. He's also an extreme case, because he's not very charming and doesn't cover it up at all. In that way he's a completely over-the-top sadistic sociopath.

Is Joffrey Lannister evil?

He is a ruthless tyrant who loves to torture and kill innocent people, having been compared to the Mad King Aerys Targaryen on more than one occasion. Although he was the King on the Iron Throne, Joffrey actually ruled in name only, being only a pawn of the small council and the powerful nobles of King's Landing.