The Comfort Character Effect: Why We’re Modelling Our Lives on Fictional People

At some point, we’ve all watched a film and recognised ourselves on-screen, or read a book and felt strangely seen. But are we getting too close to fiction, and losing parts of ourselves along the way?

No matter how hard we try to bridge the gap between reality and fiction, the truth is they’ll never quite align. That’s why we should be a little sceptical about how far mimicking fictional characters can take us. Yet choosing a designated comfort character still has its perks.

For one, escapism is undeniably appealing. Focusing on someone else’s story offers a break from our own, softening the weight of daily stresses. And when we spend so much time observing these characters, learning their habits, flaws and motivations, it can actually make us more empathetic. Understanding them can teach us to extend that same compassion to the people around us, and even to ourselves.

Seeing parts of our personality reflected in media also helps us feel less alone. There’s a real reassurance in knowing that the way you think, act or feel isn’t unheard of. Comfort characters affirm that there’s a place for all of us, quirks and all.

This connection often grows within fan communities. Through shared interests, even fictional ones, genuine bonds form. Recently, TikTok and Instagram have exploded with trends linking comfort characters to the aspects of ourselves we identify with most.

Because these platforms skew younger, it’s especially interesting to see how teens and young adults are making sense of this. When your identity still feels like wet cement, having a strong image to emulate, whether through a personality shift or a wardrobe overhaul, can feel grounding.

At their core, comfort characters remind us that we’re not alone. And honestly, that might be the greatest comfort of all.

Edited by Phoebe Huzij