By Charis Torrance
Ever walked down the street with your headphones in, dramatically staring into the distance, pretending you’re in the opening scene of a coming-of-age indie film? Congrats! You might have Main Character Syndrome. But don’t worry – it’s not fatal. In fact, it’s highly entertaining (for you, at least).
What is main character syndrome?
Main Character Syndrome (MCS) isn’t a medical condition – though it probably should be, considering how many people have it. It’s a term that popped up on the internet, particularly TikTok and Twitter, to describe those who believe the world revolves around them. While no single person officially “coined” it, the phrase started gaining traction in 2020 as people embraced the idea of treating their lives like a well-scripted movie.
To be clear, MCS isn’t all bad. We should romanticise our lives a little! Who wouldn’t want to feel like the star of their own show rather than a background extra? But when you start thinking of your friends as mere side characters or assuming everyone is watching your every move… well, we need to have a chat.
Why you should be more of a main character
Look, life’s short. So why wouldn’t you want to inject a little main character energy into your existence? Think of Ted Lasso – he’s charming, self-aware, and somehow manages to make even a bad day feel like an inspiring sports montage. That’s the kind of MCS we can all get behind.
Being the main character can mean stepping into your power, dressing like you’re about to meet the love of your life (even if you’re just going to Woolies), and saying yes to new experiences. It’s about confidence, storytelling and finding magic in the mundane.
When it goes too far
Of course, there’s a fine line between main character energy and delusional narcissism. When you start treating real people like NPCs in your personal RPG, it’s time to take a step back. Exhibit A: Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. A woman who wrote one column a week yet somehow afforded designer shoes while emotionally tormenting everyone in her orbit. If your life philosophy is “How does this affect me?” – you might be doing MCS wrong.
Even worse is Emily in Paris! Who stomps into a new country, disregards the culture, and expects to be adored simply for existing? If your main character arc involves alienating everyone around you while refusing to learn a single word of French, you’re not the hero. You’re the villain.
Striking the right balance
So how do you embrace main character vibes without becoming a nightmare? A good rule of thumb: channel David Rose from Schitt’s Creek. He has flair, he’s self-assured, but he also grows as a person and – shockingly – cares about other people. The best main characters aren’t just about themselves; they lift others up too.
So go forth! Romanticise your coffee order, take yourself on a solo cinema date, but maybe – just maybe – remember that other people have storylines too.
Image credit: Pexels.com
