Thomas Harris may have been inspired by the study of serial killers in general. The lack of remorse and the cold - blooded nature of many real - life serial killers could have influenced the creation of Hannibal Lecter. Additionally, the way some killers manipulate and outsmart the police, similar to how Lecter does in the stories, could be another source of inspiration. For example, there are cases where killers left false clues or were able to carry out their crimes in plain sight due to their cunning.
Real - life cases of serial killers who had a certain charm or charisma might have inspired Hannibal Lecter. Some killers are able to blend into society and even be liked by those around them, despite their heinous deeds. This duality of being charming on the outside but a monster on the inside is a characteristic of Lecter. Harris might have also looked at the forensic aspects of real - life cases, how the police investigate and try to understand the mind of a killer, and incorporated some of those elements into the creation of Hannibal Lecter.