What Is 'Main Character Energy' and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
Main Character Energy (MCE) is the empowering mindset of viewing yourself as the protagonist in your life story. It’s about romanticising your daily routines, choosing self-worth, and embracing confidence unapologetically. Popularised by TikTok in 2020, the trend has since exploded across social media, influencing everything from self-care to brand marketing. In a world increasingly focused on productivity and comparison, this concept has become a rallying cry—especially for Gen Z and Millennials—to reclaim their narrative.
Where Did 'Main Character Energy' Come From?
The phrase gained traction during the early pandemic days when TikToker Ashley Ward uploaded a video captioned, “You have to start romanticising your life. You have to start thinking of yourself as the main character.” The sentiment resonated deeply with a generation stuck indoors, longing for agency. The #maincharacter hashtag now boasts over 5.6 billion views on TikTok alone, proving its cultural ubiquity.
Why It Resonates With Gen Z and Millennials
Gen Z and Millennials are rejecting toxic hustle culture in favour of wellness, mental health, and authenticity. According to ContentGrip, 91% of Gen Zers report physical or emotional stress. For many, embodying “main character energy” offers a way to prioritise joy, set boundaries, and find meaning in small moments. It’s not about narcissism—it’s about self-empowerment in a noisy, demanding world.
Psychological Benefits of Main Character Energy
- Boosts Confidence: By visualising themselves as leads, people feel more in control and assertive.
- Encourages Boundaries: MCE helps individuals advocate for their own needs instead of people-pleasing.
- Promotes Motivation: Everyday activities become intentional, making life feel more purposeful.
- Builds Self-Worth: It allows people to step away from constant comparison and focus on self-validation.
The Risks: When MCE Becomes Main Character Syndrome
While the mindset can be empowering, experts caution against its darker cousin: main character syndrome. When taken too far, this mindset can turn performative, isolating, or even narcissistic. According to Verywell Mind, it may reduce empathy and lead to an inflated sense of self if used as a mask or a means to curate a perfect online persona.
Warning Signs of Unhealthy MCE
- Feeling frustrated when you're not the centre of attention
- Creating conflict or drama to maintain interest in your narrative
- Prioritising social media validation over real-life connections
- Disregarding others' needs to protect your storyline
How to Channel MCE in a Healthy Way
- Be Present: Engage with real moments, not just content creation.
- Romanticise Reality, Not Fiction: It’s about finding beauty in the ordinary, not faking perfection.
- Lift Others Up: Every good story has co-stars—celebrate theirs too.
- Use It to Set Goals: Envision your dream life and make choices that lead you there, authentically.
Brands & Marketing: The Business of MCE
Marketers are quickly catching on. Brands that enable people to be the “main character” in their own story—through tools, experiences, or aesthetics—are resonating deeply with Gen Z. From personal finance apps to skincare companies, the idea is to offer products that enhance a person’s self-narrative. However, the key is authenticity; anything overly curated tends to fall flat.
Case Study: Living the MCE Life
TikTok creator Britta Grace Thorpe went viral for embracing the “main character” vibe—quitting her job, moving back home, and posting dreamy lifestyle videos. While her platform grew rapidly, she later spoke about the burnout and pressure to constantly perform her life online. Her story is a reminder: MCE should empower you, not exhaust you.
Pop Culture Examples
Think of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, Fleabag in Fleabag, or even Barbie in the 2023 film. These characters make mistakes, grow, cry, and laugh—all while being flawed, real, and deeply themselves. That’s the essence of true Main Character Energy.
Final Thoughts: Romanticise, But Stay Real
Embracing Main Character Energy doesn’t mean ignoring others or staging your life. It means loving yourself enough to lead your own narrative—while also being kind, empathetic, and connected. So wear that outfit you love, take yourself on a solo coffee date, dance in your kitchen—but remember, the best stories include a generous heart and open mind.
For more tips on mental health and awareness, or explore why self-love matters in modern dating.
Also read: Steps to social media detox and how to improve self-esteem effortlessly.