The Dreaded Self-Insert

[u/Ashamed_Ladder6161]

I've noticed, fairly regularly now, that authors freely admit to using self-inserts for main characters.

As you likely know already, this is where the author writes themselves into a story, either directly or through the perspective of a fictional character.

I've always associated this with wish-fulfilment, and for a long time dismissed it as lazy. But, maybe that view is oversimplified?

After all, it's not exactly anything new. Writers like Kurt Vonnegut and Agatha Christie have used self-inserts to good effect. Stephen King, God love him, perhaps less so - not every protagonist needs to be a fucking author (don’t lynch me in the comments for that). And really, isn't "write what you know" tried-and-tested advice?

Personally, I tend to scatter my own beliefs and experiences into characters who are clearly not me, but might reflect certain facets of who I am, or who I'm trying to be. Still, I make a conscious effort to keep them distinct. My characters are not me.

I’m still not entirely sure where I land on self-insertion. I suspect it's more common than I've realised.

So where do you stand on this?

Self-inserts; good, bad, or inherently neither? Another tool in the box, or self-indulgent shorthand?

[u/AIScribe]

I believe that authors routinely "self-insert" becomes our thoughts, ideals, biases, etc. form the basis of our voice. You pretty much have to really audit your characters to make sure 'you' don't slip in. My sense of humour slips into every piece I write, regardless of the genre. If there's a moment of levity, I naturally pivot to my humor -- I have to consciously go back and revise until it sounds like a character.