Being The Main Character

With the rise of social media, especially amongst “influencers” we’ve seen the rise of what’s known as “main character syndrome.” This has typically been seen as having a negative connotation, but what if there are some positive aspects to this so-called “syndrome”? This week in Deeper Thoughts we’re going to take a look and see if you’re the main character!

For those reading who don’t know, the name main character syndrome derives from what it sounds like. Thinking you’re the main character. Like you’re the main character in a book, movie, or game. That the outcome of life and how it affects you is all that matters. But there’s an issue here. In stories, the main character’s actions, and sometimes lack thereof, more often than not affect other people. Put a pin in that because we’re going to come back to it later.

So first and foremost it should be noted that this main character syndrome isn’t actually a mental illness, although many people want to think it is. It does have tendencies resembling, if not related to, narcissism and attention seeking tendencies. It stems from the ego and how it tries to protect the person in question. This is what gives it negative connotations.

And it’s easy to see why this is. There’s countless videos on social media with influencers or podcast hosts who mock, harass, or even assault other people because they think they’re so important that nothing can happen to them.  We can watch hours upon hours of “Karens” who are in their own little bubble acting like a fool because they feel justified in how they act or what they say.

There are many reasons people can lean into this main character syndrome. For some it’s straight up narcissism. For others it can be watching influencers online acting in this manner and deciding consciously or subconsciously to behave that way as well. This is common in children, but can even apply to adults.  For others it can manifest as a victim mentality where everything is happening against them and they don’t truly care for the issues other people may be having. Some people might have trauma where, as children, they were conditioned to make themselves small, unseen and/or felt invalidated. They either rebel against this conditioning or in an attempt to heal, overcorrect and lean into main character tendencies so that they are seen and try to be validated.

These behaviors can be classified as shadow aspects of ourselves. But even our shadows can be turned into positive tools. How can main character syndrome be used as a good thing? Well I’m glad you asked!

The main character in the most iconic books and movies are deep and complex. They grow as the story continues, just like we should be striving to do. They don’t just think of themselves, but of others. They might have different motives for doing what they do, but they’re aware that their actions have consequences. Superman is a near demi-god, yet he tries to make the world a better place, right? Spiderman has saved the world, but he is always willing to help out the average Joe. He thinks deeply about his actions and how they’ve affected others, such as when he tries to save Gwen Stacy and accidently kills her.

Being the main character in your life, is in fact who you are. You are the one living your life. You can see the world from the perspective of another person, but ultimately you can only fully see the world through the lens of your view. You can consciously choose what you do, thinking about what the consequences of those actions will be. Being the main character in your life gives you agency to build yourself up and those around you that you care for most. It allows you to take ownership of your life. It lets you be the hero in your life.

Main character syndrome has a bad reputation due to how negativity spreads like wildfire on the internet. But if you are viewing the world as the main character in your life, you can use this mindset to improve your life. Be the main character, the hero, you want in your life. Use this mindset to take the lead of yourself!

Thank you for reading and have an enlightening day.