Lights, Camera… You?
Somewhere along the way, daily life became a movie.
Or at least, that’s how some people treat it.
Every coffee run is a slow-motion montage. Every breakup is a tragic indie film moment. And every Instagram story? Oh, it’s part of their plot arc.
Welcome to Main Character Syndrome, where the world revolves around you… at least in your own mind.
What Is Main Character Syndrome, Really?
The term started online as a half-joke, half-critique of people who seem to see themselves as the star of the show while everyone else plays supporting cast.
It’s not an official diagnosis; it’s more a mix of self-importance, self-narration, and just enough dramatic flair to turn a trip to the grocery store into a three-act epic.
The Social Media Stage
If you’ve ever noticed that some people’s feeds look like carefully directed films, there’s a reason.
Platforms reward curation, perfect angles, poetic captions, and a carefully chosen soundtrack on TikTok. The audience is always watching, even if it’s just a handful of friends and a few strangers.
Before long, it’s easy to slip into a habit of asking:
How does this moment look? Instead of How does this moment feel?
The Good, the Bad, and the Dramatic
The Good:
- A little main-character energy can build confidence.
- Seeing yourself as worthy of a spotlight can encourage you to take risks and chase goals.
The Bad:
- It can slide into self-absorption, leaving less room for empathy.
- Real connections suffer when others feel like “extras” in your story.
The Dramatic:
- Over time, it can blur reality, turning life into a performance instead of a lived experience.
We All Do It Sometimes
Here’s the truth: we all step into the “main character” role sometimes.
It’s not always a bad thing. Some days, putting on your favorite playlist and strutting down the street like you own the city is the boost you need.
The key? Remember the ensemble cast. Other people have their own arcs, their own struggles, and their own highlight reels.
Signs You Might Have a Case of MCS
- You frame your decisions like plot twists.
- You imagine how a narrator would describe your current mood.
- You get annoyed when life interrupts “your” storyline.
- You post cryptic quotes expecting people to ask what’s wrong.
How to Keep It in Check
- Practice perspective. Step into someone else’s scene for a while.
- Be present. Put the camera down and experience the moment without documenting it.
- Share the spotlight. Be the supporting character in someone else’s story.
Final Curtain
Life isn’t a movie; it’s a messy, unpredictable, shared experience.
Some days, you’ll be the star. Other days, you’ll just be part of the crowd scene. And honestly? That balance is what makes the story worth telling.
So… who’s ready for the sequel?
