According to this Psychology Today article: yes, they are aware of their narcissist traits.

From the article:

This may explain why narcissists behave in arrogant ways. Instead of compensating for some deep-seated insecurity, bragging may be their way of demanding the recognition they truly believe they deserve. Narcissists score at the top of the scale on measures of entitlement. As the researchers note, this idea is consistent with self-verification theory:

"Narcissists believe that they are exceptional people and may behave in arrogant ways because they are attempting to bridge the gap between their self-perceptions and their meta-perceptions."

The researchers also suggest it's possible that narcissists maintain their self-image by misconstruing the meaning of narcissism. When told they are arrogant, instead of thinking they are "someone who is confident without merit," they may take it as a compliment, thinking to themselves: Sure I'm arrogant, if by that you mean "deservedly confident." As the researchers note, "Narcissists seem to choose honest arrogance when describing themselves and their reputation.

The results of this study as well as prior studies suggest that narcissists do care more about being perceived as superior on agentic traits (industriousness, assertiveness, dominance) than on communal traits (agreeableness and honesty). Narcissists don't seem to care whether they are perceived as good people; they'd rather be admired than liked. So perhaps the narcissists in this study construed supposedly negative aspects of narcissism (e.g., arrogance) as desirable.

Of course, it's also possible that narcissists are fully aware of the meaning of narcissism and the negative impact they have on others, but just don't care as long as it doesn't get in the way of their goals."

So, so, sorry Strongforgood that you were molested by your Narcissist brother. I agree with you that Narcissists shine a bright light to the public, so much so, that everyone is charmed by the false facade they put on. It's disgusting and horrifying at the same time, because as their victims, we know who they are behind the mask. Yet, no one believes us so we are victim-shamed which is so unbelievable. It is a scary situation. I hope you are able to stay away from your family and your brother.

My cousin groomed me when we were teenagers while on a month-long family vacation at the ocean. He would flirt with me, touch me, and then tried to have sex with me and of course all my cousins found out about it. Then years later, our cousin's wedding, he accused her of being a lesbian when he asked her to dance at her wedding reception.

Well, her new husband punched my cousin in the face and gut a few times, and had to be pried off of him. I haven't spoken to or seen my cousin and his wife and kids ever. He's tried to send me holiday cards through the mail, and even tried to email me, but I have rejected all of his attempts to communicate, because he is a slime ball.

Narcissists always wear a mask and they are well aware of the masks they wear. Otherwise, they wouldn't hide behind the facades that they do. My sister and brother wear masks and whenever I confront them about their masks, of course they lash out at me, and try to victim blame me, and deflect their guilt on to me as though it's somehow MY fault they turned out to be real ********es. It's not, course. They chose their path. But my family system is toxic, starting with my parents; my two siblings coped by developing Narc traits, and I coped by developing Codependent traits.

Narcs wear masks. There are ways to spot these masks too. I did an internet search and came across this article about how to spot them.

Calla, I cut ties with my brother who is a physically abusive Narc. He threw me down a flight of stairs in our family home, and also left me stranded by the side of the road for a long time, while driving with him, his wife, and their son to our uncle's funeral. He is so toxic to my wellbeing that I will never allow him or his wife or children back into my life. I only tolerate my sister b/c I love her children and want to maintain a relationship with them.

Sorry to hear that Fuzzybear.