I apologize if this comes off as cringy or embarrassing…but I won’t name the character or media of which they originate from…but when said media reaches a certain point, a character I find myself really attached to…maybe even love… I can’t bear to see this character suffer and experience pain. I know the character ends up rescued and fine by the end… But why do I feel sadness and not being able to watch the part of the story where this character is in despair?

Am I just stupid for feeling this way about a character that isn’t even a real person?

  • Zachariah@lemmy.world
    0·
    2 months ago

    You’re invested in the character. You’re empathetic. You identify with the character.

    It’s kinda one of the main reason characters exist. They help us reflect on reality.

      • Transporter Room 3@startrek.website
        0·
        2 months ago

        I wouldn’t say “embarrassing” unless you are actually embarrassed by it.

        There are certain pieces of media I have connected with that I won’t get into detail about, but I wrote up a whole fanfiction about back in the day. Looking back, I’d say my past self certainly loved one of the characters. I’m not embarrassed by that, but I don’t like… Have it in my dating profile.

        It’s certainly unorthodox to say you’re “in love” with a fictional character, but ultimately as long as it isn’t a detriment to your mental well-being or “real life”, then ultimately does it matter if someone might giggle at your expense?