self-insert
Writer as character
A self-insert is a character in fiction that represents the author, appearing in fanfiction and original works alike.
The author projects themselves into the narrative, often as a protagonist who interacts with established characters or worlds: The story was clearly a self-insert where the writer dated her favorite band member.
The term can be dismissive, implying wish fulfillment over craft.
Habitual mental retreat
- vicariousExperienced through another
- fantasyImaginative mental wandering
- daydreamConscious fantasy while awake
- idealizationRegarding as perfect
catharsis · identification · empowerment · agency · parasocial · immersion
Digital user representation
- personaAssumed public identity
- alter-egoAlternate version of oneself
- protagonistStory's central figure
- OCSelf-created material
Digital user representation
- personaAssumed public identity
- usernameAccount identification string
- handlePart for gripping
- LARPIn-person character embodiment game
tabletop · D&D · campaign · backstory · immersion · first-person · in-character · out-of-character
escapism
Habitual mental retreat
- vicariousExperienced through another
- fantasyImaginative mental wandering
- daydreamConscious fantasy while awake
idealization · catharsis · identification · empowerment · agency · parasocial · immersion
avatar
Digital user representation
- personaAssumed public identity
- alter-egoAlternate version of oneself
- protagonistStory's central figure
avatar
Digital user representation
LARP · tabletop · D&D · campaign · backstory · immersion · first-person · in-character · out-of-character · worldbuilding
OC
Self-created material
- Y/NBinary response options
- shippingTransporting goods to destinations
- fandomEnthusiast community collectively
crossover · headcanon · pairing · isekai · transmigration
- fandomfandom, fandoms, fan club, fan base, fanbase
- fanspeakOTP, ship, fic, fanfic, fanfiction
- fanworksfanfic, fan fiction, fanfiction, fan art, fanart
- Mary Sues
- Author Identitiespen name, pseudonym, nom de plume, alias, ghost writer
- false identitiesassumed identity, alias, false name, assumed name, pseudonym
self-insertoriginal character
Wholly invented fictional person
OC · omniscient narrator · ensemble cast · villain protagonist · unreliable narrator
self-insertoriginal character
Wholly invented fictional person
OC · stock character · archetype · mythological figure · historical figure
self, insert, selfless, inserted, insertion, inserts, selfhood, inserting, reinsert