Baker 1
Marina Baker
Hunt
ENG 002
15
th
Nov 2023
Understanding Emotional Bonds with Fictional Characters: Exploring Patrick Wanis' Insights
In "The Psychology of Identifying and Bonding with Movie Characters," Patrick Wanis
explores why people connect deeply with fictional characters, investigating aspects such as
shared values, motivations, empathy, and experience-taking.
Wanis explains why individuals form strong emotional bonds with fictional characters.
He highlights how shared beliefs and motivations contribute to this connection and discusses
how empathy and the desire for escape draw people to specific storylines. Additionally, he talks
about the idea of "experience-taking," where readers or viewers adopt a character's identity.
Wanis also touches on "parasocial relationships," where individuals invest emotions in characters
or the actors portraying them.
A character I genuinely relate to is Teresa Mendoza from "Queen of the South." Her
journey from vulnerability to becoming a strong drug lord resonates with me. Teresa's resilience
and determination align with my values of perseverance and adaptability. Her story has
influenced my view on overcoming challenges, emphasizing the importance of strength and
empowerment amid adversity, impacting my own growth and outlook on life.
