Do any of you remember back in the day when self-insert characters were the ultimate fan fiction sin? I remember both my public face as a Protectors of the Plot Continuum (PPC) member who was strongly against self-insert characters as a whole—and did participate in what is flat out bullying of fan fiction writers. (That is a story for another time, and it is full of internalized misogyny.) But, I also remember my own secret shame of wanting my own self-insert character. It wasn’t until I spoke to other Geekomancers that I began to understand the very important role of self-inserts within a pop culture magician’s paradigm. 

Self Awareness and Imagination

Some call it ‘visualization’ but, that’s honestly just a very fancy word for ‘imagination.’ Meditation, spellwork, and other aspects of magic all rely on visualizing things. A self-insert is great practice for flexing that muscle. In essence, anyone who writes or otherwise decides on aspects of a self-insert character has to decide on a character that both fits within the confines, limitations, and common themes of the world they are intended for and simultaneously remains true to the person creating that character. 

It’s a fine balance to walk. And it can also give the magician insight into their own nature that crosses ‘worlds’ or dimensions. This was one of the ways that I realized that I, personally, did not fit the mold for most ‘main characters’ in the settings I enjoyed. I couldn’t see myself being a Demon Slayer from Kimetsu no Yaiba. But, I could see myself as a bit of an odd figure within the Kakushi—or an odd magician who nevertheless could never meet the very basic criteria of lifting a sword.

Creatively, it is easy to give self-insert characters all mighty powers—and all the powers. But, it is a little more difficult to figure out where they could fit, as seamlessly as possible, into a world from someone else’s mind. Self Awareness and Imagination are both core building blocks of magic craft. 

Invocation

Many occultists are familiar with the word ‘Evocation.’ Flashy spells like acid arrows or fireballs fall into that category. Evoking is essentially pushing power outside of your body. Invoking, by contrast, is bringing something into yourself. The book ‘A Magical Girl’s Guide to Life’ is essentially a step by step guide to Invocation—except for the part where it misses the final step in the process. 

A practitioner who has a self-insert who has weathered many trials could bring the endurance, patience, and wisdom their self-insert has into themselves and thus use it to aid them in the ‘real world.’ 

I once spoke of a self-insert character in a table top game in contrast with myself to the game runner. I usually wore black or olive green, or grey. She favored a very bright red. The difference? She had far more confidence than me, and she wasn’t afraid of standing out and making a bold declaration with her presence. Sometimes I try to ‘channel’ that attitude in my life. 

Self Love

Terms like ‘self love’ and ‘self care’ get thrown around an awful lot these days. But, creating a self-insert is an active act of becoming enchanted by your own nature. What is cool about you? What would your favorite characters find admirable about you?

At the same time, it can make the practitioner well aware of their own shortcomings. Self-Improvement is also a form of self-love. Let’s also be very real, fan-characters and self-inserts especially are often considered to be very indulgent. But, there’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence. 

Do any of you have self-insert fan characters?