Pride or competition reveals the two sides of human nature. Both an uncivilized animal like side and a civilized humane side. In the novel Whale Talk, by Chris Crutcher, many characters have both sides of the human nature that come out.

Pride often causes stubbornness and anger. It also is the cause for the animal side of a humans character to be released. Rick Marshall is a proud man. He has his wife and their twins. He also got burdened with his wife's first child, whom he strongly dislikes. However, despite his appalling behavior towards his wife and her first child, Heidi, pride causes him to want what he considers his, so when another man comes into the picture, even though it isn't romantic, he flips. Marshall stalks the family helping his wife and Heidi after they leave the abuse of Rich behind. Rich eventually turns to violence...