all the world's a stage

antihero (plural antiheroes)

1. (literature, gaming) A protagonist who proceeds in an unheroic manner, such as by criminal means, via cowardly actions, or for mercenary goals.

retardation (plural retardations)

1. The act of retarding or delaying; hindrance.
2. The extent to which anything is retarded; the result of any retarding or delay; mental, social, or physical slowness.
3. That which retards; an obstacle; an obstruction.

vicious circle (plural vicious circles)

1. A situation in which the solution to one problem creates a chain of problems, each making it more difficult to solve the original one.