Nov. 20, 2023
Is there a literary character you identify with? (not one of your own)
This is a tough one for me. At first thought, no one comes to mind. There’s lots of characters in books I admire, but don’t identify with. Thing is, I read books to escape my reality. When reading fantasies, I don’t expect to find characters that lead simple lives and aren’t in the public eye. I’ve been married for close to fifty years, and my personal romance beats anything in a book.
I don’t expect to identify with a sword and sorcery heroine as much as I enjoy their stories. Same for sci-fi characters. And in literary fiction, there’s always some characteristic of the main character which sets them apart from both the reader and reality.
I don’t even identify with my own characters. Sure, there may be overlap between my life and theirs, but I work hard to make sure they have their own personalities, their own lives. Of course, they are a big part of making sure that happens. They tell me who they are and what motivates them. (Then there’s Annie, the main character in my work in progress. My graphic artist says I’m not just writing dark, I’m writing black.)
Back to the question — is there a literary character I identify with? I’m not a hero or the chosen one. I’m just another person you might run into in your daily life and I prefer it that way. The best I can do is try to bring a smile to someone. And who wants to read about that? I’m probably missing someone obvious, but there you are.
How about you? Is there a literary character you identify with? How about the other authors on this hop? You can find out by following the links below.
As always, please stay safe until the next time.
Nov. 20, 2023
Is there a literary character you identify with? (not one of your own)
Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.
I used to read for characters to identify with more as a child. These days I’m more interested in stories that engage me, whether or not I identify with the characters personally. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
Yes, I think the reasons for reading may change as we get older.
I agree that the question is particularly difficult for authors and readers of fantasy! I like biographies but I don’t identify with the subject, I just enjoy reading about other people’s lives.
I used to read lots of bibliographies. I don’t know when I stopped.
I like to identify with ordinary people doing extraordinary things, rather than the invincible hero archetype.
Ordinary people doing small things together can be extraordinary as a group.
I hadn’t thought about this, but as soon as you asked this question, realised that I don’t identify with characters, fictional or real life.
Admire, and respect, often, including people living in very different cultures, but identify ? Is that possible ?