Everybody knows that fictional stories aren’t real, that the characters they see on screen don’t exist and never will, but that doesn’t make them any less impactful. There’s a lot that can be said about the impact of celebrities and influencers who, for better or for worse, have a clear effect on the younger generations. They can shape opinions, convince teenagers and young adults to buy certain products, adopt certain lifestyles, and develop different views and beliefs. However, not enough is said about the importance of fictional heroes, many of whom are just as influential for teens as real celebs.

All you need to do to get a good idea of how important these characters are for teenagers is to look up pictures from a cosplay convention. Young people put a lot of work and effort into emulating the looks of their favorites. For the most part, the characters teenagers tend to relate to are those that bring them comfort, but there are also instances in which they prefer the characters that share struggles similar to theirs so that they feel like they can identify with them. Other times, the traits a certain character possesses are features they wish they had as well. As such, a shy person might feel drawn to the confident and outspoken characters because they wish they were more like them.

So, what are some of the characters teenagers are likely to relate to?

Miffy

Miffy is sometimes associated strictly with very young children, but her long-standing popularity has made them a staple character for people of all ages. Teenagers who feel apprehensive about growing up and the responsibilities that come with growing up will likely regard her as a comfort character that reminds them of a simpler time in which they didn’t have so many things on their minds. The overarching themes of Miffy’s story focus on the importance of interpersonal connections with loved ones, something that young people feel deeply about. Teenagers are looking for ways to discover their identity, and finding a group of people to resonate with is one of the key aspects of that journey.

Many teenagers also want to display the love they have for their favorite characters openly, and there’s no better way to do that than through merchandise. Miffytown offers a wide selection of items, from shopper bags and backpacks to t-shirts, mugs, plates, cushions, rugs, coasters, and storage bags. Being reminded of your favorite character while going about your day can actually feel incredibly calming and reassuring, especially if you’re struggling with something. Some of the other characters teens are likely to relate to because they remind them of their childhood are Snoopy, Pippi Longstocking, Charlie Brown, Matilda, Anne of Green Gables, Charlotte, and Wilbur.

Ahsoka Tano

Star Wars is one of the biggest franchises in the world and has remained relevant over many decades. The fans that followed the story since the beginning typically remained loyal devotees, but over the years and with the arrival of many different iterations of stories set in the Star Wars universe (ranging from huge blockbusters to TV series and cartoons), legions of new fans have joined in on the hype. One of the characters that stands out the most in Star Wars is Ahsoka Tano, whose growth into a mature adult who has to face serious responsibilities is something that teenagers from all over the world can connect with. She makes mistakes that feel realistic and which allow her to evolve as a person, is able to stay positive, and has retained her compassion in spite of everything that has happened to her.

In a universe populated by fantastical characters and superhuman abilities, her story is a very human one that has resilience, transformation, and kindness at its core, and those are things that all those who are on the path to adulthood can empathize with.

Miles Morales

Miles is a teenager living in New York City struggling to live up to his father’s expectations. Then, he also becomes Spider-Man, and things truly become very challenging. He is the main character of the highly-acclaimed Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse, which have been praised by both critics and fans for their storytelling prowess and stunning animation work. A third film, Beyond the Spider-Verse, is currently in the works, and a spin-off focused on female Spider-related characters is also in development, so fans of the franchise have much to look forward to.

Miles is likable for pretty much the same reasons that make his predecessor, Peter Parker, likable. He is a lovable nerd, a good person, funny, and charming. Many teenagers tend to relate to the underdogs as they often feel misunderstood and struggle to establish who they are and meet the expectations others have of them. It feels satisfying to watch a character that genuinely has the odds stacked up against them ultimately succeeding, as it sends a powerful message about the importance and necessity of optimism and perseverance, traits that are essential for all people in their daily lives.

Anastasia

The 1997 Anastasia is something of a forgotten classic for some, but for many, it has achieved cult status due to its animation, soundtrack, and vibrant historical setting. While there’s no denying the historical inaccuracies, it’s worth noting that most of those who enjoy the movie don’t do so because of the historical lesson. The main character’s independent, snarky, strong-willed, and carefree personality makes her very endearing, especially since she’s a teenager herself.

There are many characters out there that can inspire teenagers and provide them with strength during challenging times. Although they don’t exist in real life, that doesn’t make them any less impactful for those who love them and relate to their actions. As teenagers continue growing, the characters they feel that they can connect with can change, but they will most likely always remember their favorites fondly and revisit the stories from time to time. And that tells you everything you need to know about the power of a good story and a compelling, well-written character.