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Certain TV characters are so in their own little bubble that they are unaware of an entire world beyond their wants, needs, and desires. Whether romance, career, power, or personal issues are the focus of their attention, these characters tend to act as if the world spins around them and quite frankly, they could not have it any other way. Whereas some are comically oblivious, others emotionally destroy all those around them, simply to feed their ego or to assert dominance. Their narcissism isn't simply a flaw in their personality it's the motivation behind every move they make, often resulting in comically cataclysmic or agonizingly tragic consequences.
What makes these narcissistic characters so compelling is that they're frequently relatable on tiny, awkward levels. We’ve all had moments when tunnel vision kicks in, but these nine take it to another level. They’re so focused on their own narrative that the bigger picture be it friendship, love, or even the fate of an entire kingdom becomes invisible to them. Yet, ironically, it's this very trait that keeps viewers hooked. We love to detest them, or detest to adore them, but cannot help watching them twirl into their own selfish whirlwinds.
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Disclaimer: The article reflects the writer's opinion. Do let us know who else should have made it to this list.
Characters from TV Shows so self centered that the bigger picture is almost always invisible to them
1) Jeremy Gilbert – The Vampire Diaries
Jeremy Gilbert tends to exist in a world that is ruled by his own agony and the supernatural mayhem surrounding him. His self-centered nature is evident as he tends to ignore the emotional pain of the people around him, especially his sister, Elena. In battling his inner demons, Jeremy's selfish choices, such as ignoring his role as a protector, tend to harm his loved ones. This is particularly clear in his interactions with Bonnie, where his behavior repeatedly demonstrates a failure to appreciate the sacrifices she's making. Jeremy's journey repeatedly points out to a man too self-absorbed in his own sorrow.
2) Rachel Green – Friends
Rachel Green might have begun life as the stereotypical spoiled rich girl, but her development into a narcissistic character is undeniable, particularly in the earlier seasons. Although she does become more independent, Rachel's path in Friends is full of times in which her emotional and romantic crises overshadow her friends' needs. Whether it's her career fixation or her on-again, off-again relationship with Ross, Rachel consistently appears to be unaware of how her choices impact the people around her, leaving her in the dark about the bigger picture her friendships' play in her life.
3) George Costanza – Seinfeld
George Costanza is self-centered with a twist of humor, usually doing his own thing without caring about anyone else's feelings. Whether he is lying, plotting, or undermining his own relationships, George is always a character who puts himself first. His perpetual fear of failure and rejection makes him so preoccupied with his own fears that he never seems to notice the value of his friends. Through his irresponsible acts and lack of empathy, George best represents the "me first" attitude and frequently creates trouble in his business and social lives while remaining oblivious to the impact.
4) Don Draper – Mad Men
Don Draper personifies egocentricity under the cover of professional achievement and emotional detachment. In Mad Men, Don's single-minded pursuit of self-gratification either with an affair or a power move in the advertising industry, indicates his failure to comprehend other people's emotional needs. As successful as he is professionally his failure to empathize wrecks his relationships, particularly with his wives and children. Draper's intense desire to shield his well-nurtured image blinds him to the harm caused by his selfishness to the people around him, especially his colleagues and family members.
5) Hannah Horvath – Girls
Hannah Horvath from Girls is a quintessential character who is so obsessed with her own development and self-expression that she never stops to think about how her actions influence other people. Her tireless efforts to make it in her writing career and her demand for validation consistently keep her blind to the difficulties of her friends, such as Marnie or Jessa, who struggle as well. Hannah's self-centeredness tends to cause irresponsible choices, like her relationships which are always centered around her feelings and needs at the expense of others who genuinely care for her. Her process is a tug-of-war between self-actualization and narcissism.
6) Joffrey Baratheon – Game of Thrones
Joffrey Baratheon is the epitome of a self-absorbed tyrant. Through his behavior as king, including his cruelty and arrogance, he is one of the most despised characters on Game of Thrones. Joffrey's conduct arises from his perception that royal blood makes him superior to others, and he's frequently oblivious to the repercussions of his behavior. His selfishness is also seen in his sadistic actions particularly against Sansa Stark whom he humiliates without hesitation. Joffrey's lack of maturity and empathy shows a character whose self-absorption and arrogance are his downfall, making him a memorable villain.
7) Lucille Bluth – Arrested Development
Lucille Bluth redefined narcissism in the most wickedly comedic form. As the frosty, cold-as-ice matriarch of the screwed-up Bluth clan, she never stops playing games with her children, particularly Buster, in order to have her way and retain position. Her wasteful life, complete disregard for responsibility, and endless wisecracks regarding the impoverished ("It's one banana, Michael. What could it cost, ten dollars?") emphasize her total disconnect from reality. Even when her family is on the verge of collapse, Lucille cares more about appearances than fixes. In the 2023 reunion commentary, Jessica Walter's legacy as Lucille was characterized as "TV's most glamorously selfish mom." Lucille's ignorance of the larger picture is what makes her forever iconic.
8) Sheldon Cooper – The Big Bang Theory
Sheldon Cooper's superior intellect most of the time causes him to disregard the emotional nuances of those around him. Although he is brilliant, his ego and lack of ability to understand other people, particularly his friends and girlfriend Amy, create tension around the clock. Sheldon's fixation on routines and requirement for things to proceed as he expects render him insensitive to others' sacrifices for him. His lack of respect for personal space, even when dating, is another defining characteristic of his personality. Even in instances of development, Sheldon's egocentric perspective renders him insensitive to the broader emotional dynamics at play.
9) Carrie Bradshaw – Sex and the City
Carrie Bradshaw's life throughout Sex and the City is undermined by her egoistic attitude to love, friendships, and business. Even surrounded by loving friends, she regularly puts her connection with Mr. Big first over all else and ignores the cost to her friends, particularly Charlotte and Miranda. Carrie's fixation on discovering "the one" and her dedication to her career too often blind her to the concessions others make for her, causing her friends to feel neglected. As a person, she is the embodiment of the contradictions of a woman ruled by self-regard, all too often at the expense of those who are concerned about her.
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