FMC

What does FMC stand for in reading communities?

Female main character

FMC is an acronym used in BookTok, Bookstagram, and fan communities to describe stories where a female protagonist takes center stage as the main character. Whether she's a fearless warrior, a morally gray anti-hero, or a hopeless romantic, the FMC drives the plot and is often the character with whom readers connect the most.

The term became widely used in the early 2020s as readers and content creators started using shorthand to discuss book tropes, character types, and recommendations on social media. It's especially common in romance, fantasy, and thriller genres, where strong or complex female leads are a major selling point.

Readers, authors, and influencers often use FMC to highlight what makes a female protagonist stand out. Some discussions focus on BA FMCs who defy expectations, while others debate "pick me" vs. "strong independent" character types. The term is also helpful for book tags and reviews, helping readers easily find stories with compelling female leads.

Example

Have you started The Cruel Prince yet?
Yep, Jude is such a strong FMC. I love how complex she is
Same! I’m all about books with an unpredictable FMC
Looking for books with FMCs
Looking for books with FMCs

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Updated March 5, 2025

FMC definition by Slang.net - The Slang Dictionary

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