Why we Engage in Fictional Literature

A question that some of us ask ourselves from time to time: Why do we read fictional books or watch fictional movies when we know they're made up? If they don't really exist, what do we find about them that's so interesting? Well, part of it is that fiction can seem so far from our regular lives that we become interested in it. When we become interested, we read more, and then the characters, plot, and universe of that story merge themselves into our universe. We think more about the endless possibilities of the fictional universe and think more about how cool it would be to be there, or what you would say to the characters if you met them.

Sometimes, the characters become something of a role model to you, and if you strive to be more like that fictional character, it becomes an even larger part of your reality. It doesn't even have to exist in a reality different than ours! A lot of fictional stories take place on Earth, and the idea of something like that being on Earth makes it seem even more real to the reader or watcher. Things like plays Illustrate something directly to the audience that could very well have happened on Earth with no adjustments to reality, like Hamlet or Robin Hood. However, not all the protagonists are role models. Characters like Boba Fett, Wolverine, and DEFINITELY Hamlet. If you read Hamlet, don’t view him as the role model, it’ll give you a messed up perspective on the book. Instead, view him as the protagonist that needs some mental help.

The reason people like fiction so much is that it almost makes it seem like whatever is happening in the book, play, or movie, is happening in real life.