Last year we asked ourselves and our listeners a simple but important question:  What makes Doctor Who important to you? The answer now lies within the pages of Real Characters: The Psychology of Parasocial Relationships with Media Characters, by Dr. Karen Shackleford, PhD (Ed.) from Fielding University Press provides insight into why we connect with fictional characters.  

Real Characters: The Psychology of Parasocial Relationships with Media Characters

 

According to the book’s synopsis: 

Real Characters: The psychology of parasocial relationships with media characters, explores the unique relationship between viewers and fictional characters in TV, film and social media. Edited by Dr. Karen Shackleford, the book showcases the research of leading scholars and practitioners who understand what fictional characters mean to us from a psychological perspective. As a result of the pandemic, many people have embraced the escapism afforded by streaming services such Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple Plus and Disney Plus, strengthening the role that media characters play in their lives. All of us have felt a strong connection to particular stories and characters, whether from literature, films, television, theater, or other media phenomena. 

The Doctor Changes, but the Feelings Stay the Same, is the bow-tie worthy Eleventh Chapter. Real Characters is available now on Amazon.