History Main / ItsAllAboutME

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** Adam Taurus Adam wants to wipe out humanity, not because he believes peace between them and the Faunus is impossible, but because he blames them for the personal injustices he's faced. He also makes it a priority to hunt Blake down and [[RevengeByProxy hurt everyone she cares about]] because she left his abusive butt in the dust when she deserted the White Fang, displaying a WhyDidYouMakeMeHitYou attitude towards doing so. In "Haven's Fate", the thing that seems to tick him off the most is Blake saying that she's "got bigger things to deal with". Even in his past, as shown during the Volume 6 Character Short, he starts off by telling the Faunus that they will claim "what we deserve"; by the time he's taken full control of the White Fang and is assaulting Haven Academy, he's instead talking about "what I deserve" and has no problem killing the Faunus who serve him to achieve his goals. His song "Lionize" reveals that he has a savior complex about his role in the White Fang, and suggests that at least partly, he was a glory-hound.

It's hard or impossible for them to imagine that other people have their own lives outside of interacting with them. Not only must their friends, family, and adoring public be thinking about them all the time, but their rivals or enemies are surely out there obsessing about how to bring them down, no doubt because they’re jealous of the egoist's style and success. An egoist who’s an AttentionWhore or a CardCarryingVillain might go so far as to think there’s NoSuchThingAsBadPublicity, since the only thing worse than being talked about negatively is not being talked about ''at all''. An egotist with delusions of grandeur may have a one-sided rivalry or hatred for a different character who hardly even notices them. If normal criticisms fail to work on an egoist because they lack any sense of morality or shame, the most effective tactics for getting a rise out of them are [[IShallTauntYou mocking]] how pathetic and ridiculous they are, calling them "[[BoringInsult boring]]", or giving them a TheReasonYouSuck speech about how they're delusional to think they’re so important.

It's hard or impossible for them to imagine that other people have their own lives outside of interacting with them. Not only must their friends, family, and adoring public be thinking about them all the time, but their rivals or enemies are surely out there obsessing about how to bring them down, no doubt because they’re jealous of the egoist's style and success. An egoist who’s an AttentionWhore or a CardCarryingVillain might go so far as to think there’s NoSuchThingAsBadPublicity, since the only thing worse than being talked about negatively is not being talked about ''at all''. An egotist with delusions of grandeur may have a one-sided rivalry or hatred for a different character who hardly even notices them. If normal criticisms fail to work on an egoist because they lack any sense of morality or shame, the most effective tactics for getting a rise out of them are [[IShallTauntYou mocking]] how pathetic and ridiculous they are, calling them "[[BoringInsult boring]]", or giving a ReasonYouSuck speech about how they're delusional to think they’re so important.

Selfishness is a big part of the definition, but even beyond that an egotist thinks of themself as being the focus of everything that anyone else does. They often have SmallNameBigEgo, imagining that everyone knows who they are, and when people fail to recognize them or treat them like royalty they feel intentionally snubbed or ignored. This is despite their own tendency to forget the names and faces of "little people" who they consider beneath them. It's hard or impossible for them to imagine that other people have their own lives outside of interacting with them. Not only must their friends, family, and adoring public be thinking about them all the time, but so too must their rivals or enemies. If they end up as collateral damage of someone else's actions or even an honest mistake, they interpret it as a conspiracy to harm or humiliate them specifically. If they're actually much less famous than they think, they may have a one-sided rivalry or hatred for a different character who hardly even notices them. They're likely to say ButForMeItWasTuesday if confronted by someone they carelessly harmed, but if someone says the same thing to them you can bet they'll fly into a rage.

[[quoteright:300:[[Disney/TheEmperorsNewGroove https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kuzco_me.jpg]]]]

The egotist seems to think that the world ought to revolve around them and their every little whim, and is ready to walk all over other people in order to get what they want. They expect others to wait upon them hand and foot, make way for them on the sidewalk or let them cut ahead in line, help them first even if there are other people in greater need, and sacrifice their own best interests for whatever the egotist demands. They don't care about how their actions might harm other people, yet display MoralMyopia when someone else does something to harm or inconvenience them. Exactly why they think they're important and everyone else isn't will vary from case to case. For some it could be the belief that they're superior to normal people because they are more beautiful, talented, favored by a deity, etc.--which may or may not be true--while others are simply so lacking in empathy that they can't imagine anyone else's pain or feelings being as real as theirs.

A [[AwesomeEgo healthy ego]] exults the strengths of an individual in an overt way, which--on balance--can benefit everyone. An unchecked ego, however, is mainly preoccupied with blocking out [[IRejectYourReality "unacceptable"]] thoughts that are hurtful or belittling to itself, even tuning out the entire world if necessary. Toddlers have this attitude by default, as their brains are not developed enough to understand that other people have different viewpoints. We're less forgiving of (non-disabled) adults who behave this way, also termed [[{{Jerkass}} assholes]].

[-[[caption-width-right:300:[[Music/TomJones And this perfect world will spin, about]] [[TheEmperor his every little whim, [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic because this perfect world begins and ends with]]... '''[[IncomingHam ME! BOOM, BABY!]]]]'''-]

[-[[caption-width-right:300:[[Music/TomJones And this perfect world will spin, about]] [[TheEmperor his]] [[EarWorm every little whim,]] [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic because this perfect world begins and ends with]]... '''[[IncomingHam ME! BOOM, BABY!]]]]'''-]

The part of the psyche that defines you as an individual, and considers itself (read: you) a separate entity from the rest of nature and even the entire cosmos, the ego encourages people to value themselves as well as their personal wants and needs instead of just being an ExtremeDoormat. While necessary in moderation, allowing one's ego to become overinflated leads to self-centered and downright embarrassing behavior.

The character who fits this trope seems to think that the world ought to revolve around them and their every little whim, and is ready to walk all over other people in order to get what they want. This character expects others to wait upon them hand and foot, make way for them on the sidewalk or let them cut ahead in line, help them first even if there are other people in greater need, and sacrifice their own best interests for whatever he or she demands. They don't care about how their actions might harm other people, yet display MoralMyopia when someone else does something to harm or inconvenience them.

''Warning: The limits to which the human ego can expand have not yet been reached.''

When the cause of the attitude is being raised in a family of great power and wealth, you have a case of the subtrope RoyalBrat. For religious cases, see EgocentricallyReligious. Overlaps with MoralMyopia when debating the rights of others versus the rights of oneself. When combined with a massive sense of self-preservation, we get the DirtyCoward. MuseAbuse is often caused by an artist believing that they're a genius whose talent puts them above conventional morality, and thus they have a right to torment people close to them for inspiration as long as it makes their work better.

The part of the psyche that defines you as an individual, and considers itself (read: you) a separate entity from the rest of nature and even the entire cosmos, the ego is what encourages people to care about their personal wants and needs instead of just being an ExtremeDoormat. While necessary in moderation, allowing one's ego to become overinflated leads to self-centered and downright embarrassing behavior.

When the cause of the attitude is being raised in a family of great power and wealth, you have a case of the subtrope RoyalBrat. For religious cases, see EgocentricallyReligious. Overlaps with MoralMyopia when debating the rights of others versus the rights of oneself. When combined with a massive sense of self-preservation, we get the DirtyCoward.

See {{Narcissist}}ic Personality Disorder and [[TheSociopath Anti-Social Personality Disorder]] for when it veers into villainous territory. Also commonly related, both in-universe and otherwise, to MuseAbuse.

[[quoteright:350:[[Disney/TheEmperorsNewGroove https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kuzco_me.jpg]]]]
[-[[caption-width-right:350:[[Music/TomJones And this perfect world will spin, about]] [[TheEmperor his]] [[EarWorm every little whim,]] [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic because this perfect world begins and ends with]]... '''[[IncomingHam ME! BOOM, BABY!]]]]'''-]

[[quoteright:240:[[Disney/TheEmperorsNewGroove https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Kuzco_catch_phrase_7953.jpg]]]]
[-[[caption-width-right:240:[[Music/TomJones And this perfect world will spin, about]] [[TheEmperor his]] [[EarWorm every little whim,]] [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic because this perfect world begins and ends with]]... '''[[IncomingHam ME! BOOM, BABY!]]]]'''-]

The part of the psyche that defines you as an individual, and considers itself (read: you) a separate entity from the rest of nature and even the entire cosmos. Perhaps advantageous now and then, and even necessary for survival in some evolutionary bygone, in modern times it leads to downright embarrassing behavior.

The character who fits this trope seems to think that the world ought to revolve around them and their every little whim, and is ready to walk all over other people in order to get what they want. This character expects others to wait upon them hand and foot, make way for them on the sidewalk or let them cut ahead in line, help them first even if there are other people in greater need, and sacrifice their own best interests for whatever he or she demands. Simply put, this person misidentifies what they want as being what they ''need'', and puts their own wants over other peoples needs.

Having a big ego is not the same thing as an overinflated one. The Greeks examined this false dichotomy in their stories dealing with honour and hubris, and Bill Shakespeare wrote a play about it called ''Theatre/TitusAndronicus'' (in which the major players all suffer from this condition). Freud termed them the [[UsefulNotes/IdSuperegoAndEgo Ego and Superego.]]

[[Film/BruceAlmighty Ah, the Ego.]]

When the cause of the attitude is being raised in a family of great power and wealth, you have a case of the subtrope RoyalBrat. For religious cases, see EgocentricallyReligious. Overlaps with MoralMyopia when debating the rights of others versus the rights of oneself.

A [[AwesomeEgo healthy ego]] exults the strengths of an individual in an overt way, which--on balance--can benefit everyone. An unchecked ego, however, is mainly preoccupied with blocking out [[IRejectYourReality "unacceptable"]] thoughts that are hurtful or belittling to itself, even tuning out the entire world if necessary. Toddlers have this attitude by default, as their brains are not developed enough to understand that other people have different viewpoints. We're less forgiving of (non-disabled) adults who behave this way, also termed [[ManChild man-children]] and [[{{Jerkass}} assholes]].

-->-- ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'', "Jurassic Bark"

A [[AwesomeEgo healthy ego]] exults the strengths of an individual in an overt way, which--on balance--can benefit everyone. An unchecked ego, however, is mainly preoccupied with blocking out [[IRejectYourReality "unacceptable"]] thoughts that are hurtful or belittling to itself, even tuning out the entire world if necessary. Toddlers have this attitude by default, as their brains are not developed enough to understand that other people have different viewpoints. We're less forgiving of (non-disabled) adults who behave this way, also termed [[ManChild man-children]] and [[{{Jerkass}} arseholes]].

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->What about ''me''?
--> [[Series/{{Lost}} What]] ''about'' you?

EvilCannotComprehendGood? Hardly! '''[[ClassicVillain I]]''' understand the value of what good deeds '''I''' do, and [[{{Pride}} how much]] '''[[{{Pride}} I]]''' [[{{Pride}} deserve]] in return for the most trifling sacrifice '''I''' give. People should be ''grateful'' to '''me'''. No, offsetting '''[[GoneHorriblyRight my]]''' [[GoneHorriblyWrong mistakes]] by the good '''I''''ve done is not sufficient; it's just ingratitude not to give '''me''' more, which is an injury.

And injury is terrible -- when it's done to me. I know how evil it is that people ComeToGawk, and that they're lying when they say they didn't realize the character was there. [[EntitledBastard I know how entitled I am to rescue]] -- certainly before those InnocentBystanders. I even understand the evil of breaking bargains that the other person hadn't agreed to, but [[VillainProtagonist unfortunately, I]] had assumed they would; little equals the rage of those proud few of us whose offer that WeCanRuleTogether is turned down -- or a FemmeFatale turned WomanScorned. And ''of course'' I know what [[DisproportionateRetribution punishment]] should be meted out for it.

Not even my TrueCompanions are safe; [[WeHaveReserves they exist to be loyal to me]], not vice versa. Indeed, I may [[VillainousDemotivator sacrifice them for my own amusement.]] That's what they're ''there'' for. I may, of course, be angry at their harm or death at the hands of others, but that is because it removes a useful resource from our plans, or infringes on my authority. (As a consequence, a frequent source of inexplicable MistreatmentInducedBetrayal or TheDogBitesBack. Why would they ever want to leave me?!) Similarly, if I reveal [[TheStarscream my intentions of betraying my superiors]], and my subordinates revolt against me, I'll be shocked by the RebelliousRebel's treachery -- don't they know how good things will be when I succeed? The hero's coterie, on the other hand, merely provides a good source of RevengeByProxy. Romantic relationships are much the same, those from whom I [[LoveHungry crave affection]] must [[AllTakeAndNoGive give all their love while we just take.]]

Conversely, doing me a good turn may result in a wide degree of gratitude and "reward" for my helper. It can range from [[UngratefulBastard understandably none at all]] to [[YouWillBeSpared generous offers of a quick and painless death]]. More benevolent overlords, as of course I am, may offer a ShinyNewAustralia for a good manicure, or [[DisproportionateReward a lifetime of friendship.]] Of course, I ''might'' just be an EntitledBastard and expect the world to always forgive and oblige me whenever I do wrong... but how often is that? Then there's times where I, regretfully, [[TheFarmerAndTheViper simply kill our benefactor]]; [[DontYouDarePityMe how dare they see me as weak?!]]

Nothing shocks me more than ShutUpHannibal, TalkToTheFist, or KirkSummation; still more when someone says GetItOverWith or BoringInsult. What could be more interesting than what ''I'' have to say?

[[DownplayedTrope Milder forms]] may have an [[MindScrew elaborate]] [[JustifiedTrope justification]] for why [[MinorInjuryOverreaction injuries to me are so serious]] and my good deeds are more generous than anyone else. Or I may attempt to BuyThemOff... if it's worth it. On the other hand, the very wise and powerful [[BlueAndOrangeMorality don't even comprehend]] that someone might judge my actions by the same standards as those with less potential for greatness. [[AntiVillain But]] [[NobleDemon me]] on the other hand, I may show my lack of evil by admitting that my behavior and my enemies' can be judged by the same standard.

Can be either totally [[GreenEyedMonster selfish]], [[{{Pride}} arrogant]], and [[{{Greed}} greedy]] or, for a WellIntentionedExtremist, [[TautologicalTemplar totally oblivious to the idea that others can grant the same importance to their cause that they do]].

I may express the view that what I do is DirtyBusiness, but my sympathy is exclusively for myself and I ''deserve'' this sympathy. "[[IDidWhatIHadToDo Having to do such horrible things]], {{God}} rest my soul. [[LackOfEmpathy The sufferings of my victims never disturb me - and why should I care about such bugs?]]"

I might declare myself to be AboveGoodAndEvil, with my affairs being more important than petty morality. The declaration [[MoralMyopia never applies when I have suffered an injury.]] [[ExaggeratedTrope When things are really rolling]], I may even declare myself above humanity [[AGodAmI and as (or above) gods]].

This does not cover characters who have a case: the GentlemanThief for example only robs from those who can afford it, has saved several lives, and can reasonably argue that on the balance, he's done more good than evil. Of course, in those cases, the character is aware of what evil he has done, and is merely looking for clemency.

Contrast EvilCannotComprehendGood, where the character does not understand why the hero does not behave as selfishly as he does, but does expect him to act in his own interest. When the trope is EvilCannotComprehendGood, the villain can't understand why the hero saved him from falling; in ItsAllAboutMe, the villain can't understand why the hero [[BewilderingPunishment insists on arresting him after]]. I ''said'' I was grateful, didn't I?! The ''least'' he could do is let me go!

Compare WorryingForTheWrongReason, where one character expresses some concern about a situation and another corrects them with a new concern.

Compare ProtagonistCenteredMorality, where the author has a similar bias in favor of the protagonist. When a usually-good character is morally self-centered and it goes unnoticed, MoralDissonance is present. Also compare DramaQueen.

Also see MoralMyopia, still more distilled. The [[MoralMyopia Morally Myopic]] character at least acknowledges the rights of other characters in his own group. I suffer from moral blindness -- if that's even the right word for it. Suffer, hah!

When the cause of the attitude is being raised in a family of great power and wealth, you have a case of the SubTrope RoyalBrat. For religious cases, see EgocentricallyReligious. Can cause TakingAdvantageOfGenerosity. Overlaps with HypocriticalHumor when the focus is on the character's inability to take what he routinely dishes out. Capable of reaching the heights of {{Narcissist}}ic Personality Disorder and [[TheSociopath Anti-Social Personality Disorder]]. Also commonly related, both in-universe and otherwise, to MuseAbuse. Toddlers also have this attitude by default, as their brains are not developed enough to understand that other people have different viewpoints.

[[Film/BruceAlmighty Ah, the Ego.]]

The part of the psyche that defines you as an individual, and considers itself (read: you) a separate entity from the rest of nature and even the entire cosmos. Perhaps advantageous now and then, and even necessary for survival in some evolutionary bygone, in modern times it leads to downright embarrassing behavior.

Having a big ego is not the same thing as an overinflated one. The Greeks examined this false dichotomy in their stories dealing with honour and hubris, and Bill Shakespeare wrote a play about it called ''Theatre/TitusAndronicus'' (in which the major players all suffer from this condition). Freud termed them the [[UsefulNotes/IdSuperegoAndEgo Ego and Superego.]]

A [[AwesomeEgo healthy ego]] exults the strengths of an individual in an overt way, which--on balance--can benefit everyone. An unchecked ego, however, is mainly preoccupied with blocking out [[IRejectYourReality "unacceptable"]] thoughts that are hurtful or belittling to itself, even tuning out the entire world if necessary. Toddlers have this attitude by default, as their brains are not developed enough to understand that other people have different viewpoints. We're less forgiving of (non-disabled) adults who behave this way, also termed [[ManChild man-children]] and [[{{Jerkass}} arseholes]].

''Warning: The limits to which the human ego can expand have not yet been reached.''

When the cause of the attitude is being raised in a family of great power and wealth, you have a case of the subtrope RoyalBrat. For religious cases, see EgocentricallyReligious. Overlaps with MoralMyopia when debating the rights of others versus the rights of oneself.

See {{Narcissist}}ic Personality Disorder and [[TheSociopath Anti-Social Personality Disorder]] for when it veers into villainous territory. Also commonly related, both in-universe and otherwise, to MuseAbuse.