People draw inspiration from fictional characters

When times get stressful and you need a break from the world, film and books offer an escape from reality. Losing yourself in a novel or being engrossed in a good movie is a good way to forget all your problems and relax.

Worrying about fictional characters’ problems makes it easier to deal with your own. These characters seem so true and life-like it’s easy for viewers to become connected.

Fictional characters become a symbol for something much more, and people can develop a deep connection with characters and their struggles.

Sophomore Claudia Moore’s favorite character is Ruby Daly from “The Darkest Minds” book series.

“The Darkest Minds” trilogy is about Ruby Daly and other teenagers who have survived a mysterious disease that has killed millions across the country. The teens discover they have powers they can’t control and decide to escape from Thurmond, the brutal rehabilitation camp they’ve been forced to live in.

“Ruby is very confident, but still insecure,” Moore said. “She opens up around people she’s close with, and it’s easy to connect with that.”

Throughout the book, Ruby faces many obstacles but continues to be strong and stand up for what she thinks is right.

Many people believe your favorite character says something about you.

If you connect with Hermione Granger from the “Harry Potter” series, you may be a nerd with good grades and a 4.0 GPA. If you relate to Gracie Hart from “Miss Congeniality,” you may be a tomboy with a tendency to be clumsy.

Films have been proven to have an affect on how viewers minds work. Depending on the film’s plot, it can sway someone’s opinion on things, including how to act in a sticky situation all the way to their political stance.

A popular film that has been influencing many people is “La La Land.” The two main characters, Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone), have danced their way into people’s hearts.

Senior Hailey Whitlock enjoyed “La La Land” and Sebastian’s personality.

“Ryan Gosling’s character inspired me to be a dreamer,” Whitlock said. “I love to think of interesting ideas for my life, even though most of them won’t come true.”

TV shows come and go, but the characters on a beloved show can leave an imprint on viewers.

Buffy Summers taught “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fans to be strong and stand up for themselves. Chandler Bing and Joey Tribbiani still set friendship goals for many “Friends” fans.

Most shows have gained a large following and devoted fans watch episode after episode, never getting enough of the fictional universe in which they choose to devote their time.

“Gilmore Girls,” a show that ended in 2007, still has a large following.

Fans love listening to the witty banter exchanged between Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, an iconic mother-daughter duo. The show often referenced classics like “Casablanca” and had a dream cast, including Kelly Bishop, Edward Hermann, and Jared Padalecki.

Ms.  Caitlin Hudgins, Spanish teacher, used to spend her time watching “Gilmore Girls.”

“I love the show,” Hudgins said. “I really found the show enjoyable when it was on because it was something my sister and I watched together, and so it was something fun we had in common to talk about.”

Entertainment is a big part of most people’s daily lives. People are constantly surrounded by TV, movies, and literature. These distractions can be something positive and can help people get through their everyday lives.

“I think with any show, part of why you like it is that it’s a complete escape from reality,” Hudgins said.