Haha I seem to get that a lot! There are really two that stand out to me. If you weren’t anon I would’ve replied privately and wouldn’t run the risk of spoiling things. Anyway if you haven’t read Norwegian Wood or Sputnik Sweetheart, don’t read any further :P

On some deep level, I relate to Naoko in Norwegian Wood very closely in that she often struggles to find the right words to connect with her feelings. This leaves her feeling very incomplete and out of place. There’s a ferocious anxiety that accompanies that inadequacy and that’s something I really haven’t been able to escape for a long time. I used to be very reluctant to share this about myself, but it’s something that I’ve come to accept and try and deal with.

Then there is K from Sputnik Sweetheart. I relate to him much more literally - the way he wishes things could work out with Sumire, but still accepts her relationship with Miu; his mannerisms, and interests (aside from affairs with student’s parents hahah). There is a chapter (chapter 13?) where he describes the moon and stars after Sumire had disappeared, and I remember thinking to myself, “this is exactly what I would do.” That chapter is one of my favourites.

I’m also beginning to relate to Tengo in some ways, but I’m only on chapter 10 of 1Q84 :P Anyway sorry this is so long, but my eyes open really wide when I get questions about Murakami :D