From what I know of Cheney (a little first hand experience, and from what I have gathered from others) he is not necessarily paranoid, but he definitely sees the world as either "enemies" or "friends". The world to him is full of threats. His first choice when confronted with enemies is to call out the troops. He is very pro-military. I also think he has been used. He thinks he is the "shit" but in reality he is just another tool, though a very powerful one. I found it fascinating that he is Pence's advisor. Pence himself is similar to Cheney... see's many threats. As for Cheney selling his soul? I think, rather, he fell for the great ego trip and the rewards of power all the time thinking he was doing the right thing.