Yes, to a certain extent, they do. There are deep psychological reasons behind why we highly admire a specific fictional character (whether from TV, cinema, or web series) and unconsciously feel a close connection to them.

As a psychiatrist, we can break down this fascinating choice of the human mind into three primary reasons

Often, a character's traits, the challenges they encounter, or the decisions they make closely align with our real lives. When our subconscious thinks, "I have gone through this exact same situation" or "This is precisely how I would think," that character becomes a mirror reflecting our own strengths or vulnerabilities.

We tend to admire characters who possess traits or perform actions that we feel unable to do or lack in our real lives.​For instance, someone who is naturally quiet and timid in reality might deeply enjoy a bold character on screen who courageously stands up against injustice.​This simply signifies an expression of our inner desire to transform or adopt those qualities in ourselves.

When it comes to mental wellness, these characters serve as a great emotional outlet. When we feel lonely in the real world, a well-written fictional character provides a comforting sense of connection, similar to having an imaginary friend (a Parasocial Relationship). By empathizing with their emotions, our own stress and anxieties are beautifully alleviated.