A wannabe main character's guide to Main Character
A main character is the “central figure in a story” so by definition, within our own little worlds and stories, we are all main characters. But, like so many things, being a main character is so much more than a definition. It’s a feeling, a way of life.
The term, as most of us know it now, first became popular at the start of the pandemic and five years later, it’s still something many of us aspire to. There are countless posts under #MainCharacter on Instagram and I’d argue it’s for good reason. Sometimes, you just have to embody it. So, how does one go about doing that?
While everyone has different ways of achieving main character status, there are six steps one can take to truly achieve it.
1. Sort yourself out Queen
It’s very tempting to rot in bed. Maybe not at the moment when everyone’s bedrooms have been converted into 95°C saunas, but usually it’s tempting. However, good stories don’t come from lying in bed, so get up, have an everything shower, wash your hair and make your bed. If you’ve repurposed your desk chair or floor as a wardrobe, put your clothes away. It never takes as long as you think and you will always feel better.
2. Dress to impress
If you consider some of the most iconic main characters of our generation: Hannah Montana, Blair Waldorf, Emily in Paris, Hannah Stern (niche), they all have one thing in common. They dress to impress. So wear what you really, really want to without worrying about what other people might think, the wilder the better, and layer your accessories so people will hear you coming and think Christmas has come early.
I’m aware most people do this daily, but if, like me, you loathe brushing your hair, please brush it. It’s an almost-miracle cure and you will feel so much silkier and put together. If you’re putting makeup on, top it all off with a bold lip. You can never go wrong with red - it’s a hard and fast way to feel like the main character.
3. Sunglasses are compulsory
While technically an accessory, when channeling main character energy, eyewear deserves a bullet point all to itself, as it adds a fabulous, extra dimension to your outfit.
Sunglasses are preferred and they should be too big and too dark. Wear them indoors and outdoors, come rain or shine.
If you already need glasses to help you see, you’re halfway there, so embrace them as though you’re Sally from When Harry Met Sally, Emma from One Day or Samantha Jones.1
4. Put your headphones on and go for a walk
Do you know what pairs really well with sunglasses? Strutting, so put your headphones in and blast something really loud. Breezeblocks is always good, so is anything by MGMT.
Most recently, I’ve been listening to Running by Fat Dog as there’s a particular satisfaction which comes with listening to something totally different to your usual vibe and as all good main characters are multi-faceted, it’s necessary to change things up. If your phone was to suddenly start playing it out loud, aim to shock.
5. Treat yourself to something tasty
After walking powerfully - or power walking - you deserve a treat. I usually go for something sweet, whether that’s an iced coffee with a pain au chocolat aux amandes or a pot of tea and a slice of cake. Both do wonders.
Eat and drink slowly. Enjoy it, ponder it and make the very most of it.
6. Do something out of the ordinary
Finally, to be fully affiliated as a main character, you need to do something out of your ordinary, even if it’s just to prove to yourself that you can.
So push the boat out! Text that person you shouldn’t. Book a flight to somewhere random. Get that tattoo you’ve been thinking about for two years, jump into cold water or try something new.
All that matters is you’ve slowly but surely rewritten the narrative of your day and you have well and truly cemented yourself as THE main character.2
Wins:
There isn’t anything like summer in the city and London is outdoing itself at the moment. Pizza in the park, walking by the river, cold pints and spice bags, sunbathing at the Heath. It’s what dreams are made of.
I am finally out of my reading rut. After weeks of struggling to turn the page, something clicked on Tuesday and I’ve flown through Emma Jane Unsworth’s latest novel Slags. I gave it three stars in case you’re interested.
Wicks:
Yes, I know it’s so so so hot but you’re in M&S at 2pm on a Saturday afternoon, please, put your T-shirt back on so I can use the self-checkout in peace. Could you imagine if a girl did that?
Samantha wears glasses in season 6, episode 1
I also recommend going to Rome, where most of these photos were taken, as there’s something really main character about that. But if Rome’s not taking your fancy, buy a Good Squish instead.