Protagonist Syndrome
A tendency to treat oneself as the central character in every situation while viewing other people as supporting roles.
“Interrupting everyone to redirect the story back to himself was protagonist syndrome.”
The phrase is generally critical, unlike main character energy, which can be playful or empowering.
It adapts narrative language from fiction to criticize self-centered behavior in social-media culture.
main-character syndrome
A more common equivalent.
protagonist complex
A variation emphasizing self-importance.
Is protagonist syndrome a diagnosis?
No. It is informal internet language.
How is it different from main character energy?
Protagonist syndrome is more negative and implies disregard for others.