Doctor Strange is one of the most unique heroes in the MCU. When introduced in his first solo film, Strange opened up the mystic side of the cinematic universe and expanded it in fascinating ways. And with his compelling backstory, he made for one of the more complicated heroes in the MCU.
Strange has an arrogance to him that is annoying at best and dangerous at worst. He can be headstrong and stubborn which can make bad situations worse while also making it difficult for him to get along with others. While Strange has proven himself a hero already, he is also far from perfect.
Being Picky With His Patients
When viewers first meet Strange, he is one of the world's most talented and sought-after surgeons. With his skills, he could save countless lives. But with those skills came arrogance and any ordinary case didn't interest him.
Strange is seen turning down various jobs because they are not challenging enough. He is more interested in increasing his professional profile than actually helping people. Given that reputation, it's not entirely surprising people weren't eager to help him during his downfall.
Refusing To Accept His Injury
After a horrific car accident, Strange loses the use of his hands which, to him, means he has lost his purpose in life. The thought of being unable to be a surgeon any longer is too much for him to take and he refuses to give up.
While his determination is admirable, he is constantly told that there is no way to repair his hands. Perhaps in a better state of mind, he would be able to realize that himself, but his frustration leads him to throw away all of his money in experimental procedures.
Pushing Christine Away
Strange was clearly a hard man to love before his accident, and losing the use of his hands just makes him harder to be around. However, the one person is willing to stay by his side is Christine Palmer.
She is supportive through his recovery and when he spirals further out of control, she tries to remind him that there is more to life than his work. But in his anger, he throws her kind words back in her face, which finally convinces her to leave. In his most desperate moment, he drove away the only person who was there for him.
Being Dismissive Of The Ancient One
When modern medicine doesn't work for Strange, he becomes more willing to branch out with some more experimental avenues for healing his hands. This leads him on a journey across the world where he meets a mysterious person called the Ancient One.
However, shortly after meeting her and hearing her speak about spirits and energy, Strange quickly dismisses her and her teachings. After seeing a former student of the Ancient One fully healed and after traveling so far, Strange probably should have come with an open mind.
Getting Arrogant With The Mystic Arts
Once Strange is introduced to the Mystic Arts, he takes to it with the same passionate learning that he did his medical profession. He catches on quickly and becomes one of the most talented of the Ancient One's students.
As his talents grow, Strange's arrogant attitude returns once again. Despite being relatively new to this world, Strange seems to think he can tamper with powers that have dangerous potential and that he can ignore the rules.
Judging The Ancient One
When Strange is brought deeper into the world of the Mystic Arts, he meets a man named Kaecilius, a former student of the Ancient One who has turned his back on her. Kaecilius tells Strange that the Ancient One is using energy from the Dark Dimension, something that is forbidden, to cheat death.
Despite seeing Kaecilius murder several people, Strange takes him at his word and confronts the Ancient One about this. Once again, Strange's arrogance makes him question someone with more knowledge than him and weakens their fight against Kaecilius.
Arguing With Tony
When Thanos' forces come to Earth looking for the Time Stone, Strange is forced to team up with Tony Stark. Given the massive ego of both heroes, it is not surprising that they don't get along from the beginning.
With the fate of the world at stake, Strange and Tony spend so much time arguing rather than figuring out a plan. This puts their partnership on edge, which could have resulted in their defeat.
Not Joining The Avengers
After getting captured by Ebony Maw, Strange finds himself on a spaceship heading towards Titan. While his first thought is to go back to Earth and protect the Time Stone, Tony convinces him that they should continue on to Titan so they can take Thanos by surprise.
Strange should have seen how silly this plan was. Instead of going to Earth and joining the rest of the Avengers in their fight, they decide to take on Thanos with only Strange, Iron Man, and Spider-Man and hope the element of surprise is enough.
Not Cutting Off Thanos' Hand
While on Titan, the Avengers team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy to fight Thanos. Their combined efforts actually prove to be effective at first as they manage to trap him and almost get him gauntlet off.
However, Strange had a trick in his back pocket the entire time that he could have used. During the fight with Thanos' minions in New York, Wong uses a portal to severe one of their hands. It seems like Strange could have easily done the same thing to Thanos.
Giving Tony The Sign
Before their initial defeat at the hands of Thanos, Strange looks at various timelines to figure out how they beat the Mad Titan. He sees only one future in which they win, and he needs to save Tony's life in order to make it a reality.
When the rest of the Avengers are brought back, Strange tells Tony that he cannot reveal if this is the one timeline or else it will change the events. However, when he realizes it is the timeline of their victory, Strange gives Tony a signal. But this goes back on his previous statement and it could have changed the timeline, resulting in their defeat.