Main Character Energy: Acting Like You’re the Star of the Story

Every now and then, I’ll be sitting on my porch, watching the world go by, and a particular phrase will float through the air from a conversation down the street. It’s usually something new, something that makes me tilt my head and wonder, "What story is this one telling?"

A few years ago, I began hearing a phrase that felt like it was born from a movie script itself: “main character energy.” It was a little dramatic, a little playful, but it carried a special kind of magic.

It reminded me of a young woman I knew who used to walk down a bustling city street with her headphones on, her eyes closed, completely lost in a song. The world around her seemed to fade away. The honking cars, the hurried footsteps, the chatter, all of it became a blurry backdrop to her private musical. She wasn’t just walking; she was floating. She wasn’t just listening to music; she was the star of her own film, and this was her montage.

Another time, a young man I know was preparing for a job interview that felt larger than life. He was nervous, of course, but he stood a little taller that day. He walked out of his front door with a look of quiet determination, like a hero on the precipice of a grand adventure. When he returned, he told me, "I just had to pretend I was the hero of my own story." He had tapped into that very same energy.

What does it truly mean to have “main character energy”?

It’s an idea that bubbled up from the vibrant world of TikTok around 2020. People began to realize that the ordinary moments of life making a simple meal, driving down a scenic road, or even just sitting alone in a park could feel profound and cinematic. They started to share these moments, not as mundane slices of life, but as movie scenes, tagging them with phrases like “giving main character energy.”

But this isn’t about arrogance or demanding the world’s attention. No, it’s about something far more honest and beautiful. It's about recognizing that you are the central figure in your own narrative.

Think of it this way:

• When you finally stand up for yourself or chase a dream you’ve been putting off, you’re not just making a choice; you’re writing a powerful new chapter. That’s main character energy.

• When you put on an outfit that makes you feel unstoppable, or you find a moment of peace on a quiet evening, you’re not just existing; you’re adding a beautiful scene to your story. That’s main character energy.

The world can often feel like a stage where everyone is trying to live someone else’s story, comparing themselves to the highlight reels of others. But main character energy is a gentle, yet firm, reminder that you are the only one who can write yours. It’s an encouragement to embrace your individuality, to find a spark of confidence even on a difficult day, and to see the humor in life’s little stumbles.

Of course, with a "main character," there must also be a "side character," a role someone might jokingly take on when they feel a bit quiet or in the background. But as any good storyteller knows, a side character can often surprise you and steal the show with a single line or a perfectly timed moment.

Ultimately, main character energy isn’t just a phrase; it’s a mindset. It’s a way of looking at your life with a little more awe and appreciation. It’s a call to action.

So, the next time you put on your favorite song, or walk into a room, or face a big challenge, don't just go through the motions. Take a deep breath, stand up straight, and remember that you are the author, the director, and the star of your own magnificent story. As you continue to read up on new phrases and vocabulary, you will have the tools to speak up with confidence. And at the end of the day, that's what will help you rise up as an effective communicator.