It seems to me the compensatory narcissist exhibits more of the overt signs of their low self esteem and insecurity, ie. self deprecation, depression, anxiety, self-consciousness, etc... But I would venture to say they are quite adept at hiding this side of themselves from acquaintances and the general public. Having read some more on it, I feel my ex girlfriend probably fit this category. The one thing I always thought was missing from her profile was the grandiosity. Maybe this is more common in female narcissists. It is also said that the narcissist will soften at the edges a bit as the effects of middle age set in.