What is Main Character Syndrome?

Main Character Syndrome (MCS) is not a clinical diagnosis or mental health disorder. It is a term in popular culture that describes the tendency to see yourself as the main character in your life in an overly self-absorbed way. In short, you see your life as a performance often to the detriment of others.

Those with MCS may have an inflated sense of importance, lack empathy for others, and tend to overly seek attention and validation from others.

Arguably, you are the main character in your life, and being empowered and taking values-based action that moves you toward important goals and larger values is beneficial. However, MCS implies that you focus on yourself to an extent that disregards the needs of others. MCS may be related to insecurity and trying to exaggerate certain aspects of your personality to compensate for feeling poorly about yourself.

MCS may hinder the genuine expression of thoughts and feelings and genuine connection with others. When spending time with someone with MCS, you may feel as though you are interacting with a character versus an authentic person. This can be due to the person acting like a camera is on them at all times and playing a part rather than being their authentic self.

Signs of MCS

There are various tell-tell signs from which to recognize whether a person has Main Character Syndrome. Here are some typical examples:

• Having an inflated sense of self. For example, thinking you are the most important person in every situation

• Lacking empathy for others/lacking the ability to think about and understand the perspective of others

• Constantly engaging in attention-seeking behaviors/striving to always be the center of attention

• Acting in ways that feel inauthentic

• Your sense of self feels dependent on external validation/the approval of others

• Constantly trying to outdo others

• Consistently thinking about how situations impact you even if you are not directly involved

The examples mentioned focus on the negative traits people with MCS exhibit. There are certain aspects of MCS that are not necessarily problematic if you are considerate of other people’s needs. On the contrary, some might be beneficial to you.

Acting as though you are the main character in your life may facilitate helpful self-care behaviors or the setting of effective interpersonal boundaries. It can help you push yourself out of your comfort zone, try new things, and go after meaningful goals.

Knowing When & How to Share the Spotlight

It is important not to have blinders on and consider those around you. It is helpful to be balanced and flexible and know when it may be effective to turn the spotlight on someone else. You don’t necessarily need to be the main character all the time. Having respect, consideration, and empathy for others can distinguish a helpful self-focus from MCS.

Consider which behaviors feel genuine to you and aim to be authentic, as consistently acting in an inauthentic way can erode a sense of self-identity and self-confidence.

This PsychCentral article provides an overview of MCS.

To learn more about how to cultivate an authentic, values-based, and effective sense of empowerment, move toward meaningful goals, and enhance beneficial interpersonal skills such as empathy and effective communication, please contact us at CBT Denver.