A woman in Japan physically pushed people aside while attempting to photograph herself with Mount Fuji, then demanded an elderly man pose with her to make the image “authentic,” according to a recent account shared online. The incident, recounted by a Reddit user and reported by BuzzFeed, exemplifies a growing trend of individuals exhibiting what has grow known as “main character syndrome.”
The phenomenon, characterized by a belief that one is the focal point of every situation, has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit, with users sharing stories of encounters with individuals displaying an inflated sense of self-importance. BuzzFeed has published multiple collections of these anecdotes, highlighting instances ranging from minor social faux pas to more disruptive and even aggressive behavior.
Another reported incident involved a drunk man at a house party throwing a potted plant and declaring, “You can’t fuck with me! I’m a man. I’ll do what I want!” before being forcibly removed from the premises and assaulted, as detailed in a BuzzFeed compilation of Reddit stories. A high school speech and debate competitor consistently referenced her father’s position as the city’s mayor during competitions, to the point of irritation for her opponents, according to one account. When challenged about her father’s identity, she reportedly reacted with disbelief that he wasn’t widely known.
BuzzFeed’s reporting suggests a connection between “main character syndrome” and narcissistic tendencies. One user shared a story about a coworker who posted photos of herself unconscious in an intensive care unit after a double organ transplant, framing the situation as a plea for sympathy and receiving hundreds of supportive comments. When asked to remove the post due to privacy concerns, the coworker reportedly responded with anger, accusing the requestor of being selfish and ungrateful.
The reported behaviors aren’t limited to public displays. One individual allegedly insisted her parents prioritize her needs over attending a memorial celebration for her mother-in-law, claiming illness only to be seen window shopping later that day. Another account detailed a singer attempting to stage an impromptu performance in a high school chorus room, only to be abruptly dismissed by the teacher.
BuzzFeed’s coverage indicates the stories are accumulating, prompting discussion about the underlying causes and social implications of this perceived increase in self-centered behavior. The original Reddit thread asking for examples of “main character syndrome” generated a substantial number of responses, suggesting a widespread recognition of the phenomenon.
As of February 20, 2026, no official psychological or sociological studies have been released quantifying the prevalence or impact of “main character syndrome,” and the term remains largely confined to online discourse. The BuzzFeed articles continue to solicit and publish user-submitted stories, with the latest compilation appearing this week.
