The 2025 Ramadan drama season has sparked significant conversations about toxic masculinity; these characters embody different aspects of toxicity—ranging from control and manipulation to outright aggression, making them both intriguing and frustrating to watch. Let's take a closer look at five toxic male characters from the Ramadan 2025 dramas.
1- Asaad in Qalbi w Meftaho
Asaad is the controlling man who thrives on dominance and manipulation. His character represents a patriarchal figure who believes that his authority over others, particularly women, is justified and necessary. Throughout the series, Asaad exhibits a suffocating sense of entitlement, dictating how the women in his life should behave, dress, and interact with the world.
Psychologically, Asaad embodies the mindset of a man who equates dominance with love. His need for power stems from deep-seated insecurity—an internal fear of losing relevance.
2- Rabie in Ekhwati
Rabie's toxicity comes in the form of overbearing familial control. He abuses his wife by beating her, not letting her see her sisters and always accusing her of cheating on him. And surprisingly, when he died, she discovered that he was the one who was cheating!
3- Mohamed in Nos El-Shaab Esmo Mohamed
Mohamed represents a different kind of toxic male character, one who thrives on deception, opportunism, and self-interest. Unlike Asaad or Rabie, who justify their actions through twisted notions of care and responsibility, Mohamed is purely driven by personal gain. He is a master manipulator, using charm, lies, and emotional deceit to get what he wants from others.
His character is particularly interesting from a psychological perspective because he exhibits traits associated with narcissism. He is highly strategic, often playing the victim to evoke sympathy or shifting blame onto others to escape accountability. Mohamed's toxic masculinity manifests through his ability to exploit people, especially women, by preying on their vulnerabilities.
4- Tarek in Lam Shamseya
Tarek cheats on his wife, doesn't believe his wife when she tries to protect their son, and, furthermore, tries to convince his wife that it's somehow her fault that he is cheating on her. Additionally, he mistreats his girlfriend when he tries to get back with his wife!
5- Ali in Kamel Al Adad
Ali's interactions with the family members of the series add complexity to the narrative as he approaches Farida, makes her leave her fiancé, and involves her in drug possession.
The Bigger Picture: Why These Characters Matter
The portrayal of these toxic male characters in 2025's Egyptian Ramadan series highlights important discussions about masculinity, power, and the societal expectations placed on men. These characters reflect real-life attitudes and behaviours that persist in different forms across various segments of society. While their toxicity is evident, it's crucial to understand that these behaviours don't appear out of nowhere, and each character represents a different psychological struggle.
By showcasing these characters, these series offer an opportunity for viewers to reflect on the consequences of toxic masculinity and consider healthier alternatives. The hope is that through awareness, dialogue, and storytelling, society can move toward a more balanced and emotionally intelligent understanding of masculinity.
What are your thoughts on these characters? Do you think they accurately represent toxic masculinity in society, or do you see them differently?
