Understanding Why You May Not Relate to Fictional Characters

It is perfectly normal not to relate to every fictional character you encounter in books or movies. The reasons why this can happen are diverse and often multifaceted. Factors such as personal experiences, the depth and development of the characters, genre preferences, cultural differences, and your current emotional state all play significant roles in your ability to connect with fictional characters.

Personal Experiences and Relatability

Many people have found that fictional characters can be difficult to relate to if their backgrounds, experiences, or emotional states differ significantly from their own. This can create a disconnect, making it challenging to see oneself in them.

Character Development and Depth

Characters who are poorly developed or lack depth can also be hard to engage with. When a character feels flat or one-dimensional, it becomes difficult to feel a genuine connection or investment in their journey. On the other hand, well-developed characters often provide a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences that can make them more relatable.

Genre Preferences and Cultural Values

Your genre preferences and the cultural values you hold can also influence how easily you relate to characters. For example, someone who enjoys realistic fiction may find it challenging to connect with characters in the fantasy or science fiction genres. Similarly, characters from different cultural backgrounds or societal norms might not resonate with your own values or experiences.

Emotional State and Connection

Your emotional state can highly influence how you perceive and relate to characters. If you are feeling disconnected or overwhelmed, you might find it harder to engage with stories fully. Sometimes, tempering your mood or mindset can help in forming a stronger connection with the characters.

Exploring Different Genres and Storytelling Styles

If finding relatable characters is a consistent pattern for you, consider exploring different genres or styles of storytelling that align more closely with your interests and experiences. Experimenting with various genres can help expand your range of relatable characters and stories, providing a broader perspective on different characters and their journeys.

Character Contradictions and Realism

Another reason why you might not relate to fictional characters is the way they are often created. Many characters in books and movies are constructed to be nearly perfect or mythological, embodying unrealistic traits. Characters like

Complete lack of selfishness, which is highly unrealistic given the complexity of human nature. Exceptional intellects who are also physically strong and free of vices. Characters who have absolutely no concerns about money or other practical matters, a scenario that doesn’t reflect the everyday lives of most people.

While these characters might be compelling in a story, they often fall short of mirroring real-life experiences and complexities. Characters that are more grounded and realistic are likely to resonate more deeply with readers and viewers.

Finding Common Ground

Realizing that there will never be a 100% relatable character if you are looking for a perfect reflection of yourself is crucial. Most people will, however, find at least one character or element to connect with, even if the characters are not 100% like themselves. You might need to venture out of your comfort zone to find that connection, but the experience can be rewarding.

Finally, recommendations:

Try watching Life is Beautiful and see if you can’t find at least one character that touches your heart. Engage with a wide range of genres and cultural backgrounds to expand your range of relatable characters. Consider the emotional and cultural context of the characters to better understand their motivations and journeys.

Remember, every reader and viewer has a unique relationship with storytelling, and that is perfectly okay. Finding characters you can connect with is a personal journey, and it might just lead you to discover hidden depths within the stories themselves.