What helps readers identify with a character?

Readers identify with characters who seem the most real. They like a character with real emotions who acts like real people act. They also identify more with people who seem to be like them -- people who act and think like they would act and think if they were in the same situation. For example, readers are not going to identify with a "hero" who is absolutely perfect and never does anything wrong. They would identify with a person who finds themselves in a tough situation and tries to help other people, but who makes some mistakes and gets hurt from them.