Self-Inserts: Hindering or Helping? by Edward Valderrama

Self-insert main characters in fiction have been around for ages. A certain stigma surrounds them that implies this method of writing is juvenile and amateur, when in reality this concept has historically been incredibly abundant in literature that we consider classic. Vonnegut, Salinger, and King have all created widely celebrated characters that directly reflect themselves. This poses the question: Where does this negative connotation stem from?

When I hear other writers disparaging these types of characters, they usually believe they’re cliche and lacking depth. In spite of this, I am of the belief that writing from personal experience often feels more natural and authentic than writing about an unfamiliar situation. An author using oneself as inspiration is one of the most visceral ways to create a complex character. 

I do not know J.D. Salinger personally and therefore cannot speak on his experience, but I can certainly speak on my own. The main character in the novel I’ve been writing since I was fifteen is, in all senses, the worst version of me. He is my anger, my darkest thoughts, and all of my suppressed frustrations combined into one dislikable, morally flawed protagonist. This has made for not only an exciting character, but an overwhelmingly cathartic experience.

Harnessing sadness and rage and turning it into a good piece of writing allows me to vent my emotions in a way that feels fulfilling instead of draining. The therapeutic effects of letting your brain loose on the page will also hopefully encourage you to write more.

Even if not for the same reason as me, I believe that writing from experience can be beneficial for everyone in some regard. If you are not finding pleasure in writing your main character, it’s probably because you don’t feel connected to them. I find that most of my best work comes when it’s directly linked to my emotions. The things I make that really resonate with people are the things that come straight from the pit in my stomach.

Additionally, when book fans latch onto fictional characters, they’re usually grasping for someone realistic who they can relate to. Books that feature authors’ self inserts often become extremely popular because they portray hardship in a more true-to-life way, causing readers to feel a stronger sense of connection. 

All of this is not to say that there isn’t so much beautiful media created by people who are nothing like their main characters. I only aim to assure readers that there is nothing wrong with using the methods that work for you, and writing is not one size fits all. You may very well find that you don’t like writing a main character who reflects your own qualities, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But if you do find pleasure in writing about your own experience, don’t let anyone take that away from you.

Image Credit to Iguana Sell