SUMMARY NOTE:

Recap & Intro:

Quick recap of the series so far: character development isthe "cooking phase" that brings complexity and depth together. We explored realism and relatability as the two hallmarks of authentic characters as shown in Princess Carolyn's final convesation with Bojack at the final episode

Today marks a major shift from character design to charactercategorization. We're exploring four classification systems:

• by hierarchy,
• by development,
• by role, and
• by archetype.

This episode focuses on hierarchy—the order of character importance—and we're using the infamous 2020 "Main Character Energy" trend to understand what truly makes someone the center of a story.

PART A: The Main Character Energy Discuss & Characterisation in Storytelling

The viral TikTok trend that exploded during COVID lockdownencouraged people to "romanticize their lives" and see themselves as the main character. By 2025, the trend morphed from empowerment to narcissism. But here's the twist: while it became toxic, it reveals something profound about storytelling. The core message was actually valid—we ARE the main characters in our own life stories, experiencing reality from our limited perspective.

PART B: Characterization by Hierarchy

Betty breaks down the five-level hierarchy system:

1. main character,
2. main supporting character,
3. side supporting character,
4. tertiary characters, and
5. background extras.

In BoJack Horseman, the hierarchy is clear—the show literally starts and ends with BoJack.

The Philosophy: We each live in our own miniature world where we're the constant centerpiece. Even ants are main characters in their own stories—humans are just background elements to them. Timothy Kurek's quote resonates:

"Sometimes you can find healing by playing a supportingrole in someone else's experience."

PART C: Considering The Main Character

K.M. Weiland's principle: Character wins over plot because without character, there is no plot.

Two crucial definitions emerge:

Traditional: The character with most screen time, present at conflict's beginning, central at climax, key to resolution.

Dan Brown's revelation: The main character could be the hero, narrator, best friend, or even the villain—but they must be unforgettable and intertwined with the storyline.

Mind-bending examples:

Bridgertion: not the Bridgertons but Lady Whistledown

Akame ga Kill: not Tatsumi, the first protagonist but Akame

Game of Thrones: Multiple protagonists but not the house of Starks are the MCs.

CONCLUSION:

The ultimate test: When a main character dies, the story ends. If they die and the narrative continues, you've identified the wrong MC.

This is why BoJack survived his drowning in "The View from Halfway Down"—death would be an easy escape. His story required him to live with consequences.

OUTRO:

Next episode: Supporting characters and those moments when even main characters play second fiddle in someone else's story.

For detailed show note, check out the link:https://www.pagespodcasthq.com/e/part-a-characterisation-by-hierarchy-12-%e2%80%93-why-the-main-character-is-probably-a-scam/