#eli cardashyan
It’s a question that many people have been asking themselves lately. Am I special? Does the world revolve around me? If you’re like me, then you’re thinking the answer is no. Maybe a few tiktok “put a finger down: main character edition” videos have you feeling like you’re not. Or you’ve realized your best friend is really the one with the spotlight. Some people just don’t fit the description of what we call being the main character.
Well first, we can argue that we’re each the main character in our own story. And that’s perfectly true. Every person is living, growing, and experiencing life in a way that no one else is. Everyone has their own story to tell, starring themselves.
But an equally valid way of thinking of it, is this:
Maybe you just aren’t the main character.
And really, that’s fine. Because there’s so many equally important characters in a story, who can bring even more to the table than the main character. AND, main character does NOT equal favorite character. In fact, of all the shows, movies, and books you fan over, in how many of those stories is the main character your favorite? I’m guessing not many. In many cases, the front-and-center character is not the one everyone is in love with. Elena Gilbert from TVD is hardly an audience favorite compared to the others. How many people watching Avatar say Aang is their favorite? Even Harry Potter is overlooked in favor of his friends.
The point is, the fan-favorite character is usually NOT the main character, for whatever reason. So who is?
Most of our favorites are actually secondary characters, who are not in the titular role but offer even more to the story by way of intelligence, humor, wit, friendship, interesting story-lines, relatability, etc…
Ok, still not sure? Let’s look at some non main characters who have become highly integral parts to the story, maybe even moreso than the main characters themselves simply by possessing the traits I’ve mentioned:
Fred&George&Draco&Castiel&SpencerReid&JJ&PenelopeGarcia&Jaskier&Katara&Sokka&Toph&Zuko&Azula&Hermione&SteveHarrington&BuckyBarnes&Loki&EliCardashyan&HarleyQuinn&PhilCoulson&Shuri&DustinHenderson&RonWeasley&Enzo&Bonnie&Yennifer&WandaMaximoff&SamWilson&&&
so much more but I’m really tired so that’s all I will type out right now. But do you think any less of these characters because they’re not the “main character?” Does it make them any less significant? Don’t think so.
Just because you don’t relate to the Harry Potters or the Bella Swans, doesn’t mean your story is any less important.
The important part is that you’re the character you would want to see yourself as. Be that person.
And if anyone with main character syndrome picks on you, kindly remind them that Ebony Darkness Dementia Raven Way was also a main character :)
Netflix is seriously killing it with the tv shows lately. I mean, come on. Most of them are diverse with many people of different races, beliefs, and sexualities. They have super compelling plots and character arcs and awesome soundtracks. I didn’t expect for all my favorite shows/movies to be Netflix originals but here we are. Here are some of my favorites, along with some thoughts: (absolutely feel free to scroll past this - I dont know why I was so possessed to make this)
- Stranger Things -
The absolute BEST thing about Stranger Things is Steve Harrington, but there are a lot of other great aspects to the show. It’s one of those great shows that really keeps you on your toes, but still has quiet moments and LOTS of character development, which I am a total sucker for.
- A Series of Unfortunate Events -
This is also a really good show, but I think the reason I like it the most is because of the dark academia vibes that is present through a lot of it. The tone is more aimed towards kids, but I still enjoy it.
- Free Rein -
I’m a sucker for this show. Yeah, it’s not the BEST show on the list, or in general. But I the part of me that’s an equestrian loves it even if some of the horsemanship is bleh. I also have a crush on Gabby? If you want something slightly cringey but light-hearted with a healthy dose of horses, then I recommend this show.
- Greenhouse Academy -
Full honesty: I hate this show. I hate these characters, and the plots, and all the weirdness. It is very cringy. Everyone pictured above is an idiot. But still I binge watch every. season. I don’t know what this sorcery is, but it makes the list simply because despite my hatred, I can’t get enough. 10/10 for the black magic used.
- Chilling Adventures of Sabrina -
It is a bit Riverdale-y, which can be good or bad depending on who you’re talking to. But the storylines are much better and the spoopy vibes are fantastic.
- THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY -
This is my all-time favorite show. I could watch it over and over and over (and I have). It is a cinematic masterpiece. All of the 7 members are relatable and beautiful and really awesome with their respective superpowers (yes, Luther too - he just has a different way of dealing with his trauma. Klaus has drugs, and Luther has being a whiny dipshit with some anger issues). But anyways, this is a FANTASTIC show and I’m going to call in sick when season 2 comes out so I can BINGE.
- The Society -
Want to see a bunch of gen z’s try to form their own society? Yes, you do. There is feelings! There is democracy! There is ~murder~! What more could you want from a show? I have so many cinnamon rolls from this show.
- The Witcher -
The range of this show, I swear. You have a lovable bard singing catchy tunes and cracking jokes, you have a grumpy/smelly/dirty man who just wants to do his job in peace, you have a badass mage obsessed with power, you have a horse who might just have the most braincells of any of them… It’s fantastic.
- Spinning Out -
It was a great show! Very dark. Super dark. But great! I’m sad that it got cancelled :( But the first season is definitely worth a watch. This show is seriously underrated.
- OUTER BANKS -
This show absolutely deserves all of the hype it’s getting! I’m so happy that people are loving it, because I love it and I NEED more seasons!!! It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, and I really felt for each of the characters (with some exceptions, of course).
- One Day At A Time -
Probably my favorite sitcom! It’s really funny and also dealt with many important issues that a lot of other sitcoms are too nervous to cover. I wish there were more seasons!
- Daybreak -
It’s certainly a strange show. But there are some good characters, especially including my trash baby, Eli Cardashyan. The plot is also cool. You really have to watch past the first episode to get into it, and then it’s a wild ride.
- I Am Not Okay With This
This is a goood show. Sophia Lillis and Wyatt Olef? A fantastic duo. I can’t wait to see more of all of these characters!
- 6 Underground
This is very much an action movie. Don’t believe me? The car chase is 16 MINUTES LONG. Yes, I timed it. But somehow, in the midst of all the action, they spared time for lots of feels and character development and a beautiful found family dynamic. This isn’t the type of movie that I usually like, but I watched this one several times.
- Anne With An E
There are literal BILLBOARDS for the renewal of this show. That should tell you enough. Ryan Reynolds himself wants this show renewed.
Your takeaway from this list should be two things: Netflix originals are great and I watch too much tv.
