self-insertion
Writer enters story
Self-insertion is the practice of writing oneself into a fictional narrative, typically as a character who interacts with established characters or worlds.
Common in fan fiction, the author may appear as a thinly veiled avatar—often idealized—who befriends, romances, or adventures alongside beloved characters: The story was obvious self-insertion, with the author dating her favorite band member.
The term usually carries a dismissive tone, implying wish fulfillment over craft.
Digital user representation
- gamingInteractive electronic entertainment
- role-playingActing out characters
- simulationImitation of real processes
- customizationModification to individual preference
MMO · second-life · immersion · embodiment · telepresence · metaverse
Alternate version of oneself
- fictionalizationRendering as invented narrative
- autobiographicalConcerning one's own life
- projectionSomething that extends outward
- personaAssumed public identity
stand-in · cameo · characterization · embodiment · fanfiction · idealization
Something that extends outward
- identificationEstablishing who someone is
- egoOne's self-image
- fantasyImaginative mental wandering
- vicariousExperienced through another
escapism · narcissism · daydream · imagination · compensation · catharsis · empathy
avatar
Digital user representation
- gamingInteractive electronic entertainment
- role-playingActing out characters
- simulationImitation of real processes
customization · MMO · second-life · immersion · embodiment · telepresence · metaverse
alter-ego
Alternate version of oneself
- fictionalizationRendering as invented narrative
- autobiographicalConcerning one's own life
- projectionSomething that extends outward
persona · stand-in · cameo · characterization · embodiment · fanfiction · idealization
projection
Something that extends outward
- identificationEstablishing who someone is
- egoOne's self-image
- fantasyImaginative mental wandering
vicarious · escapism · narcissism · daydream · imagination · compensation · catharsis · empathy
- Writing Worldvoice, novelists, style, poets, tone
- authorshipauthorship, author bio, byline, attributed, credited
self-insertiondetachment
Separation or emotional uninvolvement
self-effacement · invisibility · anonymity · objectivity · disengagement
self, insertion, insert, inserted, inserting, inserts, selves, selfish, selfless