Fictional characters: why we form strong emotional attachments

The buzz around Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty has turned group chats and comment threads into battlegrounds of romantic allegiance. Fans argue about Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah, reenact Cousins Beach moments in memes, and scroll through episodes like weather updates—constant, compulsive, communal. There’s a real psychology behind why teen-focused shows and their characters lodge so deeply in our hearts.

Therapists and media psychologists say the appeal isn’t random: these stories hit emotional sweet spots, tap into identity-building, and create one-sided bonds that feel surprisingly real. Below, experts unpack why we fall hard for fictional people, what that says about us, and when a crush on a character becomes a problem.

Teen dramas trigger intense feelings and nostalgic longing

Part of the pull of shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty is the emotional volume dial turned all the way up. According to Carly Dober, a clinical psychologist at Enriching Lives Psychology, narratives set in adolescence mirror a stage of life when emotions are extreme and memorable. Those peak highs and lows make teenage stories especially sticky—people vividly recall that period and often look back on it as a simpler time.

In short: young-adult stories can serve as emotional time machines, offering a taste of strong feelings and a sense of bygone clarity that viewers may miss in adult life.

Love triangles and character arcs keep viewers hooked

Complex romantic plots and character-driven storytelling are purpose-built for investment. Psychologists explain that love triangles and shifting loyalties provoke curiosity and continual engagement because viewers speculate, take sides, and update their feelings as the story unfolds.

• Fans often adopt characters as mirrors or models for how they wish to be seen.
• Character flaws, triumphs, and dilemmas create ongoing emotional stakes—so people keep returning to see what happens next.
• Shifts in allegiance (who you root for) are part of the fun: they create debate, community, and repeated watch-throughs.

Carly Dober notes that viewers frequently align with characters’ choices and attributes, using them as a safe way to try on identities and moral positions without real-world risk.

Parasocial relationships: why a TV character can feel like a friend

Media psychologist Karen Dill-Shackleford explains that much of our attachment to fictional people is built on parasocial relationships—emotional bonds one person develops with a media figure who doesn’t reciprocate. Even though the relationship is one-sided, it can be meaningful.

When a show becomes part of someone’s nightly routine, the characters provide company, consolation, and emotional resonance. In some cases, people respond to stories with more empathy than they do to real-life acquaintances because fiction lets them practice feeling in a low-risk setting.

Parasocial bonds are not necessarily pathological; they can be a sign of emotional openness and empathy, especially when viewers engage deeply and honestly with the material.

Why celebrities can feel like fictional characters, too

The same dynamic extends to public figures. Dill-Shackleford points out that celebrities often present a polished, repeatable persona—one that audiences consume over years. That curated image blurs the line between real person and character, making it easy to feel as if you “know” the star.

Physical attractiveness and media exposure can amplify this effect: high-profile actors may trigger instinctive admiration that fans interpret as closeness or compatibility.

Personality differences explain who becomes an obsessive fan

Not everyone reacts to media in the same way. Debra Kissen, PhD, and other clinicians note that a person’s default cognitive style influences how deeply they engage. People who tend to dig into topics—specialists by temperament—are more likely to plunge into fan theories, obsessive rewatching, and exhaustive online discussions.

• Deep-focused viewers often apply the same intensity to hobbies, work, and relationships.
• Casual viewers prefer a broad, surface-level consumption and are less likely to become intensely invested.
• Even so, characters often function as emotional avatars for many people, allowing vicarious exploration of feelings and decisions.

When fandom feels healthy — and when it doesn’t

Experts stress that strong feelings about characters or actors are normal and can be harmless. Admiration, identification, and fantasy are common and can enhance enjoyment of media. Problems arise when those attachments start disrupting daily life—missing relationships, work, or responsibilities because of fixation on a fictional person or celebrity image.

Watch for warning signs:

• Neglecting real-world relationships or obligations because of media consumption.
• Using a character as the exclusive standard for romantic or social expectations.
• Feeling distressed or debilitated when a storyline develops in an undesired direction.

Dill-Shackleford points out the biological element, too: highly attractive performers can trigger instinctual responses that intensify attachment, but attraction alone doesn’t equal unhealthy obsession.

How to enjoy fandom without losing balance

Being part of a passionate fan community has social and emotional benefits: shared jokes, belonging, and emotional release. To keep that connection healthy, professionals recommend a few simple strategies.

• Maintain offline relationships and activities alongside your fandom.
• Set limits for binge-watching or social media scrolling when it interferes with daily life.
• Use characters as tools for self-reflection rather than absolute role models.
• Join communities that promote thoughtful discussion rather than all-or-nothing gatekeeping.

This piece was first published in 2018 and has been updated.

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David Miller

David Miller is an entertainment expert with a passion for film, music, and series. With eight years in cultural criticism, he takes you behind the scenes of productions and studios. His energetic style guides you to the next big releases and trending sensations.