The Main Character

Will Wood and The Tapeworms' song 'The Main Character' delves into the psyche of someone who perceives themselves as the protagonist of their own story, to the point of narcissism. The lyrics are a satirical take on the 'main character syndrome,' where the individual believes that everything revolves around them. This is evident from the opening lines, 'I'm that first person they talk about in all the books,' which sets the tone for the self-centered narrative that follows.

The song cleverly uses literary and pop culture references to highlight the absurdity of this mindset. For instance, the mention of 'Sun Tzu' and 'punching down' at 'snakes in grass' juxtaposes ancient wisdom with modern-day pettiness. The protagonist's exaggerated sense of self-importance is further emphasized with lines like 'I'm the gap between a tragedy and comedy,' suggesting that they see themselves as a pivotal figure in any scenario. The use of terms like 'plot armor' and 'NPCs' (non-playable characters) from video games adds another layer, portraying others as mere background characters in their grand narrative.

The song also touches on the dangers of this mindset. The protagonist's refusal to be seen as 'just an average human being' and their insistence that 'you have to like me' reflect a deep-seated insecurity masked by arrogance. The lyrics 'Judge me by what my cover shows' and 'Author becomes beyond reproach' critique the superficial judgments and the lack of accountability that often accompany such self-centered perspectives. The references to historical and fictional villains like 'Snidely Whiplash' and 'Daleks' serve to underline the protagonist's delusional hero complex, where they see themselves as the underdog fighting against ubiquitous evil.

In essence, 'The Main Character' is a satirical exploration of narcissism and the delusions of grandeur that come with it. It serves as a critique of the modern tendency to view oneself as the center of the universe, often at the expense of genuine human connection and self-awareness.