Here’s all you need to know about comfort characters

For as long as I can remember, I have been in love with fictional characters. Being an avid reader, as well as a binge-watcher, I get very easily invested in imaginary worlds, especially in the lives of the different characters. Whether it was being in awe of Disney princesses when I was six years old, or falling in love with Marvel superheroes at twelve, the love I have for the characters in stories has been irrevocable. The joy they bring to me has been consistent, as has been the comfort. The deep connection I have with fictional characters has always left me wondering why I feel this way. This leads me to the question – what is a comfort character?

It is a fictional character that someone has a personal connection to, and draws comfort from. This character can be from a book, a TV show, a movie, or a video game; and gives a sense of familiarity to the audience. There are several different reasons for us to form an attachment to certain characters. Maybe you relate to the struggles a character is going through. Maybe they remind you of a close friend or family member. Perhaps a character even acts as a source of inspiration to you. Whatever the cause may be, having a comfort character is not uncommon.

In any worthwhile story, it is the various characters that bring the themes to life. The interactions between different characters, the hardships they face, and the relationships they form; all contribute to the viewers becoming engrossed in the plot. We have grown up with stories like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, who grew up alongside us. Having seen the characters develop with our own eyes, a personal connection and a feeling of love are created. Comfort shows bring us a sense of relaxation, no matter how many times we rewatch them. We love popular sitcoms like The Office or Friends, because of the hilarity of the characters and the situations they find themselves in. We grow to love them as they navigate their lives. In any genre, be it drama, horror, fantasy, or dystopian, there are always characters that go through changes and face issues that we can sympathize with, in spite of the stories having varying themes and plotlines.

The emotional attachment to fictional characters is connected to the concept of para-social relationships. The term was coined by Donald Horton and Richard Wohl in 1956. Para-social relationships are defined as “one-sided relationships, wherein one person extends emotional energy, interest and time to a persona that is completely unaware of the former’s existence.” This is the type of relationship that is shared by most people with celebrities, be it actors, athletes, influencers, and so on. This connection develops through repeated exposure to the particular persona. A deep attachment is felt but the feeling is not reciprocated. In the case of fictional characters, there are several reasons why a para-social relationship might form. As mentioned before, a certain character may be relatable to someone in terms of the life they lead, or perhaps the qualities they admire. Whatever the case, the characters a person has formed this relationship with will evoke real and true emotions in that person, even though the characters themselves are non-existent. While watching television, or reading a book, we see everything through the eyes of the characters. We learn their complex thoughts and emotions, which make them familiar to us as the story progresses.

A major factor that plays a role in the para-social relationships formed and connection to characters is our empathy. In simple words, empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. We have all experienced joy at seeing our friends succeed, or felt sadness when they open up about something they are struggling with. We experience the same feelings with fictional characters. How many of us have cried when a beloved character passes away? When we form a connection with a character, we begin to understand their pain, their hardships, as well as what brings them joy and peace. It is almost easier to empathize with a fictional character, as we are provided with detailed information about them. We gain knowledge about the most intimate parts of themselves, and hence, begin to feel the emotions they feel. Unlike in real life, we are given insight into the innermost thoughts of a character, along with their motivations and the way they think and act.

Although fictional characters are not real, they feel real to most of us. They are written in such a way that they have personalities, flaws, quirks, just like the rest of us. This is the main concept of a comfort character. We do not relate to characters because they are perfect; we appreciate them because we see them overcome their struggles. Watching them navigate themselves through their messy lives helps us to make sense of our own problems. That is why representation in the media is so important. Everyone deserves a chance to see someone or read about a character who looks like them, or who has faced the same issues they have. Especially in today’s day and age, where the consumption of media has increased rapidly, it is vital to be inclusive to all groups so audiences know they are not alone.

A beautiful aspect of comfort characters is that different characters appeal to different people. As mentioned, there can be several causes as to why someone draws happiness from a certain character. The character, who can be the protagonist, minor character, or even antagonist, can belong to any type of genre. The love felt for these characters by various people may be platonic or romantic. However, we are all bonded by the enjoyment and comfort we derive from them. These non-existent characters actually help us deal with our own emotions, and maybe even relieve us of our stress. Being stuck at home has led all of us to binge-watch shows and movies, or read, and we have quickly become invested in our favourite characters and their storylines. Some of us even view them as a close friend, especially as we draw comfort from them while going through a hard time. There is nothing wrong with being emotionally attached to a fictional character, and in my opinion, comfort characters are a genuine and true source of joy. . So here’s to all our favourite characters, the ones who have taught us so much, but more importantly, who have never failed to bring a smile to our faces.