The novel’s narrator, New York stockbroker Patrick Bateman, gets in a taxi with his friend, Timothy Price. They head to a dinner party being hosted by Bateman’s fiancée, Evelyn, at her apartment. Controversy occurs there because Evelyn’s “artist friend” (10), called “Stash,” and his girlfriend, Vanden, behave in a misanthropic way, playing with the sushi being served. They are also, unlike the others, not fashionably dressed. Price ridicules Stash for his poor appearance. After the other guests leave, Price continues to flirt with Evelyn, leading Bateman to believe they are having an affair. Once the drunk Price departs, Bateman has passionless sex with Evelyn. He finds it unenjoyable, stops after 15 minutes, and returns to his own apartment to masturbate. While doing so he thinks about a model whom he saw in a Calvin Klein ad.

Bateman describes his apartment in elaborate detail. This involves listing a catalogue of expensive brand name electronic equipment and furniture. He even, as he says, has “crystal ashtrays from Fortunoff” (24), despite not smoking. Bateman then gives an account of his morning routine, which is equally detailed. This in turn involves a staggering array of products he uses on his hair, skin, and teeth.