As I understand it, a picaresque novel is one where the hero travels through many different locations and encounters a number of assorted characters, some of whom are distinctly odd.
The hero of such a novel is often a rather indistinct figure by comparison In order to play his part, it is usual for him to be young and naive. He should be good-looking and friendly, to enable him to meet all the various people, but inclined to be over-trusting of them. This, rather than any malice or criminality on his part, will often cause him to get into trouble, though he will somehow escape the worst punishment for his inadvertant crimes. He often gives the impression of just letting things happen to him, rather than initiating the action. Eventually he will get the girl and have good prospects of living happily ever after.
Classic cases of this kind of hero include Voltaire's Candide, the central figures of many 18th century and Dickensian novels, and more recently most of Evelyn Waugh's heroes.
My own attempt at such a novel can be found here:-
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