Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme originally created and hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books starting in August 2019, and was then cohosted by Dani @ Literary Lion from May 2020 to March 2022. Since April 2022, the meme moved to another host, Aria @ Book Nook Bits.
Let’s Talk Bookish is a meme where participants discuss specific topics, share their opinions, and share their love by visiting each other’s posts.

Hello & Welcome back to another week of Let’s Talk Bookish!
This week, we’re diving into a fun topic

Do you prefer reading about characters your age? Or do you not mind?

As readers, we all have our unique preferences when it comes to the characters we connect with the most. Some gravitate toward protagonists who are close to their own age, while others feel perfectly content following characters who are younger or older. But as we grow older, do we find ourselves drawn more to characters in similar life stages? And does that connection deepen the experience of reading? Or do we still prefer characters who are vastly different from ourselves?

These are some of the big questions that come up when discussing the relationship between age and character in literature.

As you get older, do the protagonists you’re drawn to get older as well? Do you feel you can connect more with characters closer in age?

It’s only natural that as we get older, we might gravitate toward characters in similar life stages. Whether we’re navigating our twenties, thirties, or beyond, there’s a certain comfort in reading about characters who are dealing with issues we can relate to. It might be career struggles, romantic challenges, family dynamics, or personal growth—all of which are a part of the journey we’re living, too.

In our twenties, for example, we might connect with protagonists who are figuring out their careers, experiencing the highs and lows of relationships, or embarking on big life changes like moving to a new city or finding our passions. These are the moments that feel especially relevant, and reading about someone else navigating these same hurdles can be incredibly validating.

As we age, our preferences may shift toward protagonists who are dealing with life stages that mirror our own—whether it’s juggling work and family life, navigating mid-life transitions, or coming to terms with the realities of getting older. Characters in these situations often face more complex, nuanced challenges, and readers in these stages might find that the themes resonate more deeply.

Do We Relate Better to Characters Close in Age?

The short answer? Yes, sometimes. There’s a special kind of connection that can arise from seeing a character at your stage of life wrestling with similar questions and dilemmas. The more you share with a character in terms of age, the more you might empathize with their experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

For example, if you’re in your thirties, reading about a thirty-something protagonist juggling the complexities of work-life balance or dealing with the challenges of a long-term relationship might feel incredibly relatable. The character’s struggles could mirror your own, creating a sense of camaraderie that enhances your reading experience. It’s easy to feel like you’re not alone when you see someone else dealing with the same issues, especially when those issues are tied to a particular phase in life.

As you get older, you might also appreciate the wisdom that comes with age in characters. Characters in their forties or fifties may offer insights and perspectives you’ve yet to experience yourself, but that resonate with where you’re headed. This can be comforting, as it feels like you’re getting a glimpse into your own future—and that’s an experience that feels both grounding and inspiring.

Does Your Age Influence What You Read?

But while age can certainly play a role in the types of characters we’re drawn to, it’s not always the determining factor. Some readers never outgrow their love for young adult fiction or characters who are much younger than themselves. The appeal of YA often lies in its emotional intensity, its exploration of identity, first loves, friendship, and the kinds of life-defining moments that feel universal regardless of age.

For others, reading about younger characters might be a way to revisit a time in life when everything felt more uncertain but full of potential. Even if you’re far removed from your teenage years, the rawness and energy of youth can be compelling. Characters in their teens might remind you of what it was like to step into adulthood, to discover who you are and who you want to become. That feeling of possibility can transcend age, drawing readers of all generations to stories about characters on the cusp of everything.

On the flip side, there’s something equally rewarding about reading stories with older protagonists. The wisdom, maturity, and reflection found in characters who are further along in their lives can offer a different kind of perspective. Whether the character is looking back on their life or dealing with the challenges of aging, their experiences often come with layers of meaning that younger characters might not have. These types of stories can be meditative, sometimes even poignant, as they explore themes of legacy, fulfillment, and the passage of time.

The Joy of Reading Across Ages

One of the great things about literature is that it allows us to step into the shoes of characters from all walks of life, no matter their age. Whether they’re in their teens, thirties, sixties, or beyond, there’s always something to be learned from their experiences. Some readers are more inclined to connect with characters of their own age, while others find joy in exploring different stages of life, eager to see the world from another perspective.

Personally, I find myself oscillating between these two poles. At times, I crave characters who are going through the same things I am, navigating similar transitions or asking the same questions. But there are also times when I want to read about someone far removed from my own experiences, whether it’s a character from another generation or someone dealing with a totally different set of circumstances. These stories challenge me to look beyond my own narrow lens and understand the broader human experience.

In the end, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether or not we prefer characters our age. It’s all about what resonates with you at a particular point in your life. Maybe as you get older, you find that you naturally lean toward characters who are closer to your own age, or maybe you continue to enjoy reading about characters from all different walks of life. Both types of reading experiences offer something valuable and meaningful.

What about you? Do you find yourself drawn to characters who are the same age as you, or do you prefer to read about younger or older protagonists? How has your age influenced the kind of characters you connect with? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below!