If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die

Description

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I suddenly found myself dropped into a fantasy kingdom story. But what’s the status of my scenario importance? Every time I act alongside the protagonist Leonardo, my scenario importance rises bit by bit.

Alright, if I’m stuck like this, I’ll cling to the protagonist’s side and try to survive until the end, no matter how pitiful it feels.

“Are you planning to leave me behind? If you do, you’ll have to watch your very own hero groveling on the floor, begging for just a sliver of your attention. Is that what you want?”

Maybe it’s because I’ve been sticking so close to him, but it feels like the protagonist is developing separation anxiety.

“Darling.”

Suddenly, he calls me darling.

Well, whatever. It’s the protagonist doing it, so there must be some reason behind it.

“Uh, yeah. Darling.”

Associated Names
One entry per line
주연이 되지 못하면 죽습니다
Related Series
N/A
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Latest Release

Date Group Release
06/07/25 mapleTL c255
06/07/25 mapleTL c254
06/07/25 mapleTL c253
06/07/25 mapleTL c252
05/31/25 mapleTL c251
05/31/25 mapleTL c250
05/31/25 mapleTL c249
05/31/25 mapleTL c248
05/17/25 mapleTL c247
05/17/25 mapleTL c246
05/17/25 mapleTL c245
05/17/25 mapleTL c244
05/10/25 mapleTL c243
05/10/25 mapleTL c242
05/10/25 mapleTL c241
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33 Reviews sorted by


vchrono
vchrono rated it
November 27, 2024
Status: c23
This novel is absolutely gorgeous, good plot, good character, good storytelling, good translation, although there're some confusing tiny minor parts (idk if it's the translator or the author).

The worldbuilding is really great, it's not too detailed nor slow that it's boring you out, but it's also detailed enough to be perceived as good worldbuilding

What impress me is that I'm immersed so deep I totally dont realize I dont know MC's name all this while. His name, his appearance, his origin, all are blank white sheets!!! The realization for me comes... more>> in chapter 23, so far in the story already!!!

Tbh, ORV is also my comfort novel, the ult, the one I talk about daily, and the MC in this one reminds me a lot of kdj (in a sense that not one person truly know what he is and what he looks like). I'm not saying this to be annoying, but to point out what pulls my interest the most about the novel <<less
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Erratic Paradoxes
Erratic Paradoxes rated it
November 14, 2024
Status: c135
It is such a good novel that it haunts me in my dreams. Some of the stories ... more>>
Spoiler

Where Leovold/Leonardo tells the MC/Issac to comfort him, it stays with me. For example, I could bring up the widow having to kill off all of the mimics of her husband and gradually going insane, leading to her digging up her husband's grave to see his bones to know that he's dead.

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I adore the way these two interact with one another, the contact and the trust in knowing what the other's going to do, along with the world building/stakes in this story. Some of the parts genuinely creeped me out. <<less
10 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Resplendor
Resplendor rated it
October 19, 2024
Status: c45
I really like this novel so far.

The mysteries abound and the meta perspective of the MC feels purposeful and deep rather than just a way to explain away golden fingers like with a system.

The slow burn on the romance feels good and natural too. Just enough sugar to tease us along without braking the emersion. Like the ML obviously has feelings right now, (chapter 45) but, like the MC's scenario weight, they're shallow and confused.

You definitely get the impression that at this point the berserker ML could still kill... more>> the MC without flinching if necessary, but might regret it later. But he also enjoys the MCs company and caring and his softness.

He's intrigued with the MCs brain, enjoys the skinship and care, but not in a romantic sense yet.

It's good. <<less
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mcvgrayviolette
mcvgrayviolette rated it
April 6, 2025
Status: c195
So far so good, the writing is really well prepared to the point that I'm immersed in the story without realizing it's already in the last translated chapter. It's rare to find a writer who is good at character development and plot in romance, mystery fantasy, game-like background with a little bit of survival wrapped in. Hopefully the writing will remain as good as this. As a reader, I'm very happy to find a story with an amazing translation. Thank you 단당밀 and mapleTL💜
9 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Alkale
Alkale rated it
March 31, 2025
Status: --
I love this novel so much...

The MC gets transported to a world that is obviously fabricated, as the stage is shaped around the protagonist, and anything not relevant to him fades into obscurity. He's prompted by a window to increase his senario weight relative to the protagonist to not die, or disappear like extras do after their part is over. It's a classic fantasy novel with a twist to it (mostly because of outside interference). The monsters in this story are skinwalkers. They eat people and take their form, which... more>> is really unique for this type of setting (they play a role in the horror of this story lol) . the MC has to struggle between staying alive and trying to sway the plot in his favor while keeping the protagonist completely ignorant. The plot goes way deeper than this, but I don't really want to spoil that. I would say that this is a cross between the orv's meta-ness (with constellations and the story) and tcf's fantasy elements. Sacrifical protagonist and found family FTW!!

What I like about the story is the main characters! MC is extremely intelligent, and is the type to make backup plans for backup plans. But he totally ignores his mental and physical wellbeing to protect the protagonist. The protagonist, Leo is the only person MC can rely on, but is the person he tries the hardest to deceive. Leo is a straightforward and observant person. He grows attached to the MC because he realises that the MC cares a lot about him, almost obsessively. As they grow to understand each other more, Leo worries about mc's safety and mental health more than him LOL. He knows that MC has a lot of secrets, but patiently waits for MC to eventually tell him. They trust each other with their lives, and have a tacit understanding both in combat and in their domestic life. SPEAKING OF DOMESTIC LIFE... they act like an old married couple.. MC casually caressing Leo's cheek, rubbing his ears, Leo casually hugging MC, casually holding hands, little touches, Leo casually hugging MC while he sleeps, literally sitting MC on his lap and patting his back to calm his nightmares. WHATTHEf*ck. They're so comfortable together that they feel lonely when they're not attached at the hip. A love that doesn't need to be said explicitly, everyone around them can just FEEL IT. They are RADIATING love. The worst part of it is that these two knuckleheads don't have an inkling that they love each other. I love this story so much, but THEY HAVE A f*ckING SON.

Spoiler

Deeper context is that the MC was transmigrated in the world by the authors of the story. One of the authors, sub-writer 1, completely derailed the story by killing the protagonist, and the writer and sub-writer recruited MC to get it back on track. The story that the MC is in is separated by acts. There are major parts of the play, intermissions between acts, and the climax. It is extremely relevant to the story, and even during intermissions the MC doesn't catch a god damn break... while he's forced to follow the flow of the story, he needs to protect the protagonist at all cost.

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blueappleeater
blueappleeater rated it
March 21, 2025
Status: c211
This is currently my favorite novel. The way the worldbuilding unfolds is truly unique and immersive, and I really enjoy the slow burn romance between the MC and the ML. There's so much genuine tenderness and communication between them even in the midst of all the action and dangers.

It'd be nice to see this get a manhwa adaptation one day.
9 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Samsammy
Samsammy rated it
February 2, 2025
Status: c105
I didn't expected this novel to be so good. I'm genuinely shocked. I've never made a review since my English writing capabilities are horrible, but here we go.

To anyone who isn't sure if they should read this novel or not, try it. No character is bland, even those who appear in one chapter. The world building incredibly well done, the plot is complex and full of twists, the suspense/horror elements are anxiety inducing and terrifying and the action scenes make you feel the adrenaline. Nothing is half-assed.

This is also a... more>> slow-burn. Nevertheless, it's a very satisfying one that makes you feel fuzzy inside.

You know that this story was made with love and care. The same can be said about the translation. Praise to both the author and the translator.

Be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster and good reading! <<less
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expiredkids
expiredkids rated it
May 9, 2025
Status: c135
Couldn't recommend this enough. Props to the author and translator, you can really tell they put their hearts in this.

The MC, ML and their little kid, oh my god 😭 they're so, so sweet and anytime they're in danger (which is constantly, the world they're trapped in is brutal) my heart drops to my stomach. Found family, and it's a slow burn one. Seeing them in the beginning versus the later chapters, it makes me want to cry.

The author writes situations where I genuinely don't feel like the main crew... more>> will survive, constantly. Yet they somehow scr*pe by, using everything they have.

It all feels very realistic, in how human the characters are. They have plenty of sweet, everyday conversations and interactions that will get you very attached to them. Seeing their inner thoughts: they have doubts, traumas, fear, they feel lost and hopeless. And the way they pull through is by learning to lean on each other. Even just holding each other's hand, a simple kind word exchanged can somehow be what pushes them to get up again when all seems lost 😭😭

Anyways I'm an emotional mess, but read this novel!!! The plot, the characters, writing, the translations are top notch. I would say it's a novel targetted for mature audiences.

SUMMARY

Difficult to summarize as the novel is rife with mystery. It's quite ORV like in the setting, the MC and general feel. They're trapped in a script world, and it's all very high stakes, catastrophic circumstances, overwhelming odds against the main cast. <<less
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Bacupac
Bacupac rated it
January 31, 2025
Status: c183
So far, I love this so much!! Since this is my first review on any novel, ill keep it short as I can't grasp the right words to describe this masterpiece (if the novel continues at this pace) I'd also like to give my heart out to the translator (s) aswell since I've dropped many novels due to the confusing translations.

So, I've long craved for novels that thoroughly fit my preferences and rarely have I fully read through a novel without feeling as though something is missing, or boring. However,... more>> this novel has managed to suprise me, its unique plot that diverts from the same old cliché transmigration, the blended slowburn romance (10/10 chemistry between the leads), the mystery, everything was perfect! Again, I can't find the right words to describe this but this novel definitely is a must read. <<less
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Jay12300
Jay12300
December 11, 2024
Status: c150
Really great so far. The story of Leo and our Nameless Actor is one that is cleverly written and full of surprises. When you start reading you would see the familiar Hero Of the World setting and have some expectations of the storyline; But no the writing gives you surprises again and again. The Scenarios are always drifiting away from Cliche plots and throwing you for a loop.

Also the Chemistry between the two male leads is palpable. I really thought that I would be stuffed to the brim with dogfood.... more>> Even when the word 'Romantic Relationship' hasn't been uttered between them yet, they still have the most profound and trusting bond.

Overall 5/5 great story. Try it out <<less
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reader272
reader272 rated it
November 22, 2024
Status: c152
It's been a long time since I've been so immersed and enjoyed a novel as thoroughly as this one. It's my favourite out of all the 2024 released ones. There are so many elements and nuance to the writing that I don't have enough vocabulary to praise the author. It's really rare to find a well-written medieval fantasy that don't just focus on powerups or romance (or be a virtual reality game).

1. Plot

This is an "script" (screenplay) transmigeration where MC is forced to play the role of an unknown supporting... more>> character. It's more straightforward to say he reincarnated into a different world as a NPC. However, unlike most novels where MCs fight against destiny, following the script is his lifeline because everything revolves the "main plot". Once he goes outside the "plot, or become unimportant, he would be seen as an outlier and get erased off. To survive, he has to find ways to stay relevant to the "main plot" while keeping in character. It's a really interesting concept and everything is just so well written. The protagonist, helpers, the villains' motives etc. Not everything is as it seems and there are multiple layers to this "story". MC uses his brain and forms connections with the people around him to survive and find out what is his role in this story.

2. Characters

Everyone is meticulously written. The way different characters have different dimensions to them on purpose is so interesting. Some characters are 2D and some are 3D, everyone is an actor in this novel. I absolutely adore MC
Spoiler

his name is a spoiler so I won't use it here

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and admire how he manages to make the most out of various crisis.

3. Relationships

MC's relations with the people around him is so beautifully crafted. He's really generous and sociable. It's no wonder everyone likes him so much. As he is a innkeeper/tavern boss, I especially love his relationship with his customers and the way he is so kind to children (he makes a great father). I love how he always gets a mini protection squad wherever he goes.
Spoiler

The street kids, the gambling customers, heck even ML's house servants are protective of him.

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Of course, our ML here is his biggest protection along with the kid following them. They are so soft together I love seeing their interactions. It's extremely healing to read them doting on each other

3. Writing

You can tell the author is an experienced script-writer with all the terms used. Absolutely beautiful phrases used when describing intricate scenes. Many scenes are very heartfelt and this author really knows how to immerse her audiences. Also, I really enjoy all the mini cooking details and how MC grips everyone by their stomach with how good of a cook he is. Honestly I'd read it even if it was solely about cooking. The writing is just that good.

I MTLed the raws on ridi and it's readible, but the translator is also doing a great job at this. I'll probably reread the translations on a later day.

Hate that I'm here when it's still ongoing. Now I have to wait for updates...
Spoiler

I really want to see how Leovald, Victtorio, Raol and especially Godric looks like... I'm guessing from the descriptions but if evil why hot...

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Edit: Revisiting this page in 2025 and am happy to see this get the recognition it deserves. I've been running around reccomending this to my friends and they all like it so everyone should read it too. <<less
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serastepes95
serastepes95 rated it
February 11, 2025
Status: c192
I don't usually write reviews, but this novel NEEDS more recognition. The description doesn't give an accurate view of the complexity of the plot. The author took a worn out trope, (transmigration), and managed to make it unique and compelling. The threat of erasure from the "stage" set by the author due to low scenario weight is a viscerally real source of tension and anxiety for both the readers and the main character. I honestly started reading because I wanted a decent BL to read and pass the time,... more>> especially since Turning raised my standards way too high. I wasn't expecting this absolute masterpiece. Our Suspicious Inn Keeper isn't just a damsel in distress, but is incredibly clever and resourceful. With Leovald being so lacking in human aspects such as compassion, empathy, morality, and cleverness, the Inn Keeper fills the gaps in his personality perfectly. The MC's personality reminds me a lot of Cale from TOTCF in his quick wit and resourcefulness. I honestly just can't get enough of this story, I can't say that it's better than Turning, as the story isn't even at it's mid point yet, but it's a close second. <<less
7 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
ksr
ksr rated it
February 6, 2025
Status: c155
writing this just for boosting the rating since others already wrote the reviews better than I did

the author-nim definitely created this story with love and also maple-ssi thank u for discovering & translating this work!

i was an avid fan of choi han x cale henituse dynamic from lcf and seeing leo/MC (yep the MC is nameless until later on) dynamic made me cry so hard because this is literally a dream come true moment
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