Fantasy Vs. Reality: What Is Main Character Syndrome?

Main character syndrome is not an actual mental health diagnosis. Instead, it is a term used to describe someone who often sees themselves as the main character in their life story. 

It may be common to imagine yourself as the protagonist of a hypothetical book or movie of your life story. Main character syndrome, however, goes beyond the occasional fantasy. To understand main character syndrome in greater detail, it may be helpful to know the signs to look for, how it can affect relationships, and what to do if you suspect you may be experiencing it. 

How to identify main character syndrome

The term main character syndrome is not a scientific identifier but more of a media term used to describe a new phenomenon. It can encompass various thoughts and behaviors, but generally, it refers to someone who creates a fictional version of themselves and presents it to the world through social media and in their day-to-day interactions.

Some signs you may be experiencing main character syndrome include:

• A lack of empathy for others around you, even your friends and family (they are seen only as supporting players in your own life)
• Entitlement and an over-inflated sense of self-importance
• Difficulty seeing yourself as anything but the main character in life
• Excessive fantasizing about your real, imagined, or embellished heroic exploits
• An excessive and continual need for external validation to believe you are living up to expectations

You might notice main character syndrome in the actions of specific social media influencers. For example, you may see individuals who simulate acts of kindness or altruism for likes on their page while not addressing real issues. An influencer might take photos and videos of them cleaning up a beach, then leave all the trash behind. 

Main character syndrome may be mistaken for a similar term: main character energy. However, the term “main character energy” has more positive connotations and depicts someone who has taken control of the narrative of their own life story.

Possible risk factors for main character syndrome

While main character syndrome is a relatively new term, it describes personality traits that may have existed for centuries. For example, you may hear individuals reinventing themselves and fictionalizing certain parts of their lives. However, with the advent of social media platforms, it may be easier to present a fictionalized version of one’s life to the world. In addition, social media usage can reinforce this behavior.

Some other risk factors for developing main character syndrome may include the following:

• Low self-esteem or self-worth, potentially leading to an excessive desire for external validation
• Narcissistic tendencies, which may be caused by many factors, including genetics, childhood trauma, or a chaotic home environment
• Overuse of social media, with a tendency to compare your life to others

Low self-worth and self-esteem often ultimately contribute to main character syndrome. Without treatment, this syndrome can lead to the development of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. In some cases, it may be a warning sign for a condition like narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). However, speak to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an actual mental health diagnosis if you think you may be living with a mental health condition. 

Treatment for main character syndrome

As with those who exhibit narcissistic traits, it can be challenging for someone experiencing main character syndrome to realize they are struggling and reach out for help. For this reason, these tendencies may be discovered after a person seeks help for another mental health condition like depression.

While main character syndrome is not a diagnosis, the thoughts, behaviors, and feelings contributing to this disorder may be treated with psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be helpful in treating main character syndrome, as this form of talk therapy focuses on identifying and changing thoughts and beliefs to improve mental health outcomes. Group therapy may also be helpful for learning the stories of others and sharing experiences with other people who have experienced main character syndrome.

Some people may find it challenging to attend in-person therapy. Taking time off work, finding childcare, and traveling present potential hurdles for someone seeking support. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can remove barriers, allowing you to receive support in any quiet location with an internet connection. You can also choose appointments outside of standard business hours. 

Outside of its benefits, online therapy has been proven effective by studies. Research shows that online therapy can be as effective as traditional in-person therapy and is often more cost-effective.