Hello and welcome again everyone. Today I would like to tell a quick story. As you know I love to play the video game City of Heroes. A long time ago I made a character just like me. I gave the character my likeness, with skills like sword fighting and some special reflexes. I then went out into the city as a hero to fight crime. The idea of me being a hero was cool at the time but the actual gameplay for that character was boring. I never made it to level 10 and I ended up deleting the character. Which brings me to the topic for today. Today, let’s explore a topic that often stirs up debate in the writing community: the practice of self-insertion in storytelling. While it might seem tempting to insert a version of yourself into your narrative, this practice can lead to a host of pitfalls that may detract from your story’s depth and engagement. So, let’s unpack why self-insertion can be a slippery slope and what to consider instead. Lets ask the big question.
What is Self-Insertion?
Self-insertion occurs when a writer creates a character who is essentially a stand-in for themselves. This character often shares the author’s traits, experiences, and perspectives, allowing the writer to explore their thoughts and feelings within the narrative. While this approach can provide a sense of comfort or familiarity, it can also lead to significant issues that undermine the integrity of your story.
1. Lack of Objectivity
When you insert yourself into a story, it can be challenging to maintain objectivity. Your personal biases, emotions, and experiences may cloud your judgment and influence character development, plot progression, and conflict resolution. This lack of distance can lead to one-dimensional characters and predictable storylines that fail to resonate with readers.
2. Distraction from the Narrative
A self-insert character can become a distraction, pulling readers out of the story rather than immersing them in it. If readers sense that a character is merely a proxy for the author, they may struggle to engage with the narrative. Instead of becoming invested in the characters’ journeys, readers might find themselves critiquing the author’s choices, which diverts attention from the story’s intended emotional impact.
3. Unrealistic Scenarios
Self-insertion often leads to unrealistic scenarios where the author’s character is placed in situations that may not align with the story's universe or tone. This can create a jarring experience for readers, as they may find it hard to believe that a character with the author’s traits would react in the way presented. Such discrepancies can undermine the world-building and authenticity of the narrative.
4. Stagnation of Character Development
When a character is a self-insertion, their growth can become stagnant. Instead of evolving through the challenges and conflicts of the narrative, the character may reflect the author's personal experiences without meaningful development. This can result in a flat character arc that fails to engage readers, as they may not see the character facing genuine struggles or growth.
5. Alienation of Your Audience
Readers come to stories to experience new perspectives, explore different lives, and escape their realities. By inserting yourself into a narrative, you risk alienating your audience, especially if they cannot relate to your experiences or viewpoints. A self-insert character may not resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds, leading to a lack of connection and investment in the overall story.
6. Limiting Your Creative Potential
Self-insertion can constrain your creativity, as it may lead you to focus solely on your own experiences and emotions rather than exploring the rich tapestry of human experience. This limitation can stifle the development of diverse characters and complex narratives, ultimately reducing the richness of your storytelling.
7. Reader Expectations
Inserting yourself into a story can create unrealistic expectations for readers. They may anticipate that the narrative will mirror your life, leading to confusion or disappointment if the story takes unexpected turns. Readers are often looking for escapism and new experiences, so grounding the narrative too heavily in your reality can detract from the broader appeal of your work.
Embrace the Art of Distancing
While it’s natural to draw inspiration from your own life and experiences, the key to effective storytelling lies in the ability to distance yourself from your characters. Instead of inserting a version of yourself into your narrative, consider creating characters that possess their own unique traits, backgrounds, and motivations. This approach allows for richer storytelling, deeper character development, and a more engaging experience for your readers.
Remember that your story deserves characters who can stand on their own, free from the constraints of self-insertion. Embrace the art of storytelling in all its complexity, and let your imagination soar beyond the confines of your own experience. Thank you all and let's all Be Creative!
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