There are many reasons for watching movies and TV shows, and one of those reasons is because of the characters.
Teenagers often relate to other teen characters in shows, which can get them hooked on the show. By connecting with characters on an emotional level and seeing what those characters go through, it can help the viewers if they’re going through something similar.
University Academy eighth grader Lylah Pouncil has found a character she relates to in “Outer Banks.”
She said, “I feel like I have a personal connection with the main character, John B, and my personal connection is that I feel like he’s not understood. Everybody takes advantage of him, and he’s just everywhere and he’s genuinely trying to get his life together.”
In “The Chi,” through all of the characters’ ups and downs, writer Lena Waithe makes sure that most viewers are able to relate with the show. One of the viewers who has been able to relate, specifically to the character Lynae, is UA eighth grader Parker Pounds.
“Her family has problems. I feel like, since it’s only her and her brother, she still has to mature on her own. But I also feel like her friends play a big part when it comes to family [and people who feel like family]. With that, I feel like she’s doing well,” Pounds said.
Even animated shows can have relatable characters. Eighth grader Caydence Shyne relates to Steven Universe from the show, “Steven Universe.”
“Everybody thinks he depends on them, and when it comes to when he is supposed to do something by himself, everybody jumps in because they assume he needs them,” she said.
Another reason why connecting with characters can be beneficial is because they might help viewers find motivation for pushing themselves to improve.
Eighth grader Konner Pointer said he was inspired by LeBron James’ character in “Space Jam: A New Legacy.”
He said he liked how James was leading the team when they felt like giving up.
“They were losing, but there was teamwork and they lifted each other up and got the win,” Pointer said.
Another student who has found a relatable character is eighth grader Micah Jolly. He said he admires Flash from “The Flash” show on Netflix.
“I like that he’s really smart and has a lot of determination. I also like how loyal he is to his friends and how he doesn’t let certain things slide,” Jolly said.
Mei’Hayah Sloan, another eighth grader, has found inspiration from Patty Bladell on the show “Insatiable.”
“She was a big girl who had confidence. She was a star, yet most times her mom didn’t care for her. Her best friend liked her, but at the end, she realized she didn’t have to be like anybody else,” Sloan said.
Connecting with a character can provide comfort or even mental help. If you don’t have a comfort character, maybe dig a little deeper and see what you can find!