Are you bringing out Main Character Syndrome (MCS) in your child?
Your child is important, but not the most important person in every room
Main Character Syndrome (MCS) is a fantastic term which has recently entered the lexicon. It describes a person who thinks they are the protagonist of any situation they are in. People who have this might think that they’re always the most important person in the space. They might be very self-centred, and mainly think about their own needs when talking to others.
So, for example, two friends, Sam and Jo might be talking. Sam recounts that she has just had her house broken into and jewellery stolen. Jo’s reply, “But you live near me!” suggests that Jo is only thinking of herself. She is not thinking about the terrible thing that has happened to her friend or offering support as her first impulse. That would be classic MCS behaviour.
Now of course, ideas like Main Character Syndrome are pop-psychology terms and just used in popular culture. A mental health professional might describe the trait more in terms of narcissism or entitlement characteristics.
But as a psychologist, I like the MCS term, because it describes traits most people can pick quite easily. In recent parenting talks, I have noticed it cuts through with audiences because…
