Which romance novel characters have you identified with the most?

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Loves 'Em Lethal]

Have you read a romance book and really felt connected to a character, and that you have had similar life experiences and struggles?

Sometimes we like and get into characters, but we can't really say we have walked in their shoes. How about those instances where you do feel like you identify with a character?

[McGee Magoo]

I admit to being a very insecure person. I don't know why, but I am... so I am a complete sucker for books where one of the Mc's feels lacking. It could be weight issues, a disability or being from the wrong side of the tracks. I know that fear of not being good enough. And i love to watch the other person smash those fears to bits. *SIGH*

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Loves 'Em Lethal]

You're not alone in being insecure, Shannon. I have come to realize how deep my identity issues were in the past year. It's amazing how entrenched those insecurities can run.

It's why I prefer heroines/heroes that are flawed and troubled. I can't relate to perfect characters who have perfect lives. It's boring to me. Even though I read for escapism, I need troubled characters who find their happy endings.

[Pamela(AllHoney), Danger Zone]

I tend to identify with the quiet shy type heroines. Those with a book in their face. But I love reading about a variety of characters.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Loves 'Em Lethal]

I think even if you aren't like a character on the surface, you can still identify with their emotions or their journey.

[Pamela(AllHoney), Danger Zone]

When a character goes through a situation that is similar to one I myself went through then I can also identify with them.

[Paganalexandria]

It's not romance but I identify strangely with Anita Blake. It's her low tolerance for people's BS and the need to accommodate it. This quote,“Never trust people who smile constantly. They're either selling something or not very bright.” is a paraphrase of something I've said years before actually reading it in a Laurell K. Hamilton book.

Noelle in reminded me of relationships I routinely made during my youth. Making someone your world without question or shame is a recipe for abuse.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Loves 'Em Lethal]

Thanks for your openness, Pagan.

I think it's cathartic to live through the characters and experience what they are experiencing, although painful if the identification factor is too great. I've had that happen.

Among Others has a very bookish heroine with has divorced parents. She sees her life through the lens of books, and that was so me growing up.

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Loves 'Em Lethal]

I should add that Among Others isn't a romance novel.