Why we form emotional bonds with fictional characters: readers’ responses (part 2)

The useful part

(continued) John Astell Holden, Massachusetts, US Advertisement The question presumes humans can easily tell the difference between fact and fiction. Human evolution and archaeology indicate that for most of humanity's existence, information was passed down by the spoken word, probably often to children. Even factual events and people would be subject to distortion and simplification, while completely made-up stories could have details that seemed factual and believable.

How it works

• For most of humanity's existence, information was passed down by the spoken word, probably often to children Take the people and events mentioned in the Iliad.
• Sufficient details in the poem suggest it was partly based on some Bronze Age event.
• There is no written evidence that any notable people in the Iliad actually existed, but the name Achilles is a Bronze Age Greek name recorded in two different Mycenaean Linear B tablets, although not that...
• If you care about what happened to Socrates, you will undoubtedly care about what happened to Achilles, who may or may not have existed, and Prometheus, who is a mythological character.
• To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

What to take from it

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address. ChatGPT, Claude) to write either questions or answers is forbidden, and any submissions found to have been written using AI tools will be withdrawn.

Details worth keeping

Why do we feel emotional about fictional characters? You simply have to believe some things on faith. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style.

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