Embracing a fictional character, often called a “comfort character,” allows people to feel at ease with themselves, explained Elias Hopkin, a senior from Ohio majoring in TESOL.
He said people “need to stop obsessing over what’s going wrong all the time” and comfort characters, or characters who provide relief from one’s own life or whose story is preferred over the sometimes unhappy or stressful plot, can help them do so.
In an article entitled, “Emotionally bonding with a fictional character? There’s a term for that: ‘Comfort character,’” writer Karen Lu from Yale University explains how fans often identify with their comfort characters or wish to hang out with them like a best friend.
“For some, comfort characters are so real that even just thinking about them, re-watching their scenes, reading fan fictions or otherwise engaging with them can help stave off anxiety attacks, calm down during panic episodes or simply provide a hand to hold on to during difficult times.”
Hopkin said he finds comfort in characters who evoke comic relief despite the seriousness of the plot around them. He said Anya Jenkins from the American television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” exemplifies this type of character.
Jenkins is a former vengeance demon responsible for punishing men for wrongful acts against women, but loses her powers and becomes a mortal, explained Hopkin. As a human, he said she ignores social norms and doesn’t know how to treat children.
In one episode, Hopkin said Jenkins was playing a board game and attempted to trade children for money, which he said he found humorous. He added her social awkwardness “alleviates the tension in the story and helps keep the series from being too melodramatic.”
Lu writes, “Whether they’re conquering a villain, avenging a fallen friend or simply being happy, people find warmth in following along in their journey or seeing them smile in the face of adversity.”
Valuing forgiveness
Britni Hull, a junior from California majoring in marine biology, expressed her admiration for Uncle Iroh from “Avatar: The Last Airbender” after following his character arc for over three seasons.
She explained in the series, Iroh helps raise his nephew, Zuko, attempting to instill within him teachings of peace rather than war. Despite this, Hull shared Zuko betrays Iroh’s teachings, but soon recognizes the error of his ways. Remorseful, Zuko feels he can’t be forgiven, but much to his surprise, Iroh lovingly forgives him and expresses joy Zuko corrected himself, Hull explained.
Hull shared this was a defining moment and a testament of Iroh’s character. “His example taught me I can forgive anyone for anything, I can be forgiven for anything and my past mistakes don’t define me.”
Lu shares, “Usually, [comfort characters] have characteristics that are easy to relate to or be inspired by. Or, it can be completely random — there’s no requisite in what makes a comfort character.”
Weaknesses becoming strengths
Ethan Landgraf, a junior from Nuuanu, Hawaii, majoring in English, said he relates to James Buchanan, or “Bucky,” from the Marvel comics. “Well, he’s missing an arm, and given my circumstances, that’s something I can emphasize with,” said Landgraf, who injured his arm in September.
“The typical comfort character might be someone fierce and protective of their friends, passionate about their ambitions and goals, or struggling with inner demons,” says Lu.
Makaiah Gorham, a sophomore from Canada majoring in marketing, said he adores the demigod-hero Percy Jackson from the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” book series. Gorham said Percy, despite being a demigod, struggles with ADHD and dyslexia, which makes it difficult for him to focus and navigate himself in school.
“These problems or weaknesses become [Percy’s] strengths,” shared Gorham. He explained an example of this takes place in the first book “The Lightning Thief,” in which Percy and his friends stumble upon a hotel that ensnares its guests into staying longer than they intended.
Due to Percy’s hyper attentiveness, Gorham explained he could discern people have been stuck there for decades thinking it’s only been minutes. He was then able to lead his friends out of the dire situation, Gorham added.
“We all have weaknesses, but we can choose to do great things with them because they’re part of who we are,” said Gorham.
In her article, “Why we get so attached to fictional characters,” Kimberly Truong shares media psychologist Karen Dill-Shackleford’s ideas on comfort characters. “Characters are often avatars for us, and we let ourselves feel feelings through them, even if we can’t relate to everything they’re going through,” reports Truong.
Embracing quirkiness
Milly Rose, a freshman from Canada majoring in psychology, said she relates to Spencer Reid from the television show “Criminal Minds.” Reid is a member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Behavioral Analysis Unit and is responsible for profiling criminals, she explained.
She said Reid is known for being socially awkward and for his extensive knowledge in mathematics, chemistry and engineering. She shared Reid stands out from the rest of his crew due to his social dynamic.
“He rambles a lot about things he is interested in and has niche interests other people on his team don’t share, like ‘Star Wars.’ I understand what it’s like to not share interests with those you hang around.”
Rose explained Reid’s quirkiness inspired her to become more knowledgeable of various topics. “He has a [photographic] memory and absorbs everything he reads. I try to learn one new thing a day, and I’m constantly peppering my friends with fun facts if they’ll let me.”
Dill-Shackleford says according to Truong, it doesn’t matter that these characters aren’t real, because “they bring [people] joy and cheer [them] up at the end of the day.”
Lu encourages readers to take pride in their comfort characters and points to studies that report having a comfort character signifies above-average empathy.
Truong quotes Dill-Shackleford and says relating to fictional characters increases emotional depth in an individual. “[People] have to engage in a real human way in order to feel that connection.” Truong explains those who are willing to feel what’s happening in the story are capable of being socially understanding. •