: Whether your main character (MC) is similar to or better than a particular reader depends largely on your intent. If your intent is to have the reader identify with the MC, then you should

Whether your main character (MC) is similar to or better than a particular reader depends largely on your intent.

If your intent is to have the reader identify with the MC, then you should strive for similar to. However, if you want to motivate the reader, creating a MC that is better than the reader is likely preferable.

In addition, different genres of fiction will answer the question differently (but are still based on intent). For example, in horror, it's typical for the MC to be similar to a reader in order to provoke emotional resonance and heighten the tension.

I also feel the need to tell you that I think you're oversimplifying the issue on several fronts.

Not all readers are going to identify or be motivated by the same things. Your readers aren't homogeneous (at least I hope they aren't), and you shouldn't treat them as such.
Similar to and better than aren't the only options. There's also the possibility that they're worse than a particular reader.
Related to #1 , but slightly different, is that your MC should be more than one-dimensional. You would do well to craft interesting characters with multiple facets to their personalities. If that's the case, what makes the MC similar to one reader will make them better than another reader, and vice versa.

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: I believe you are too young to publish a novel. Look at work you have from a year ago, chances are you likely want to change it and don't like it. You aren't even in high school yet,

: Whether your main character (MC) is similar to or better than a particular reader depends largely on your intent. If your intent is to have the reader identify with the MC, then you should

More posts by @Cofer669

: How do I write from a non-person point of view? I am writing a novel with an ensemble cast. Each chapter is told from a different person's point of view. Some of the chapters are about a

: Should I use different fonts in my manuscript? My novel contains emails, titles of news articles, parts of technical journals, and snippets of computer output in addition to regular dialogue and

: How do I find total sales of my book? Sales reports for my book from the publisher (about 2 per quarter) are grossly inconsistent with visits to the novel's Web site (about 100 per month)

: I believe you are too young to publish a novel. Look at work you have from a year ago, chances are you likely want to change it and don't like it. You aren't even in high school yet,

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