Not Everyone is the Main Character

[Auriga Aristo]

Why is it okay to play the supporting role? How can we still lead our own story?​

Photo by Dex Ezekiel on Unsplash

Have you ever asked yourself:

“Why do I keep failing, even though I have given my best?”

We live in a world that preaches success stories. Social media screams, “Work harder! Chase your dreams! You can do anything!” But the truth is more complex. Some people do everything right and still fall short.

It’s frustrating. It’s depressing. And it makes you question your worth.

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A Main Character Illusion​

Anime, drama, and movies make this feeling worse.

The hero fails, yes — but the universe always bends to let them rise again. They discover hidden powers, find loyal friends, and eventually win.

But what about the others?

Think about Naruto. Naruto himself is the destined child, the hero of the world. Yet, Rock Lee — who trained harder than anyone, who put his body through impossible pain — was never chosen as a Hokage. He remained in the shadows of Naruto’s story.

“Not every character in films gets the spotlight.
But every character still matters.”

Life can feel like that, too.

Maybe you studied harder but didn’t get the promotion. Maybe you loved deeply, but the other person’s story wasn’t meant to include you. Maybe your dreams never reached the heights you imagined.

It feels like you’re not the “main character,” just a background extra or a supporting role meant to push others forward.

And honestly — sometimes, that’s true.

But Here’s the Hope​

Not everybody can be the main character. And that’s okay.

Because you become a supporting role, you can change the story. Although you might not be remembered in history books, you might be the reason someone else survives their darkest day. You might inspire someone quietly, without ever knowing it.

And in your life — zoomed in — you are always the lead.

Your small victories, your acts of kindness, your struggles, your joy. These are the plot points of your story.

“Maybe you’re the side character in someone else’s film.
But in the story of you, you are always the hero.”

Take Rock Lee for the perfect example.

In the anime, he had no natural talent for ninjutsu or genjutsu. In a world where bloodlines and special powers meant everything, he was born with nothing. He could have quit early. He could have accepted that he would never reach the same level as Naruto or Sasuke.

However, he chose another path — hard work, discipline, and persistence.

He trained his body until it broke. He picked himself up every time life knocked him down. He kept fighting, not to become the world’s savior, but to prove that he had worth even without destiny on his side.

And in the end, he built a fulfilling life. He became a mentor and role model. Raising the next generation with his spirit. Fans respect him deeply, not because he was the hero, but because he showed that ordinary effort can shine without fame or glory.

“Rock Lee didn’t win the spotlight. But he won his own story.”

Finding Hope in Your Own Story​

When life tells you that you’re just a supporting character, you can feel invisible. But that doesn’t mean you don’t matter.

In fact, most of us live this way. Quietly shaping the world in small, unseen ways.

Think about Shuri from Black Panther. She wasn’t the king. She also wasn’t the one carrying the throne or leading the nation in battle at first. But her brilliance, her inventions, and her spirit became the foundation of Wakanda’s strength. Without her, her brother, T’Challa, would not have stood as Black Panther the way he did.

Or Okoye. She wasn’t the queen or the chosen warrior blessed by the Panther spirit. But her loyalty, leadership, and bravery held the kingdom together in its darkest hours. She lived as a protector, not a star, but her role was just as essential.

Your life works the same way. Many of us are “Shuris” or “Okoyes”. We guide, support, and protect. We might never sit on the throne, but we make it possible for others to rise.

And here’s the truth:

You might not be the hero of the world’s story.
You might not be remembered by millions of people.
You might never have the spotlight.

But one thing that you must know:

You are still the main character of your own journey.

And if you live with kindness, with resilience, and with purpose, your story becomes meaningful.

“Greatness isn’t always about being the main character.
Sometimes, it’s about being the reason someone else’s story continues.”

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Not Everyone is the Main Character was originally published in Long. Sweet. Valuable. on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

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