What Happens When Fiction Reveals Our Real Heart Story

Have you wondered why some fiction stories and narratives capture our hearts so deeply?

It's more than just cool characters with special powers or neat gadgets (superhero stuff there, haha!). It's also certainly more than the typical romantic tale or the sob stories like the save the whales stuff.

And it's something other than well-crafted narrative that takes us on an adventure.

There's an element of believability that we look for in stories that seem to be so unreal there's no way they could actually be true.

But what if we're looking for something that's actually quite tangible, and also a part of us?

Which brings us to "The Psychology of Bias."

Human biases, whether conscious or subconscious, profoundly influence our perceptions, preferences, and interpretations of fictional narratives.

Cultural influences, personal experiences, and societal norms shape our expectations and judgments of fictional characters, impacting which characters we embrace and which we reject.

Think about your favorite novel. Or you favorite movie.

In each one, there are characters, story archs, paradigms, and dynamics that resemble so much of aspects of yourself and the story you are living out.

Which creates a bias in your ideologies of the people, situations, and experiences you have in your everyday life.

We look for ourselves in our favorite characters because it helps us understand our own life journey more powerfully.

So what seems like fiction is actually more of a metaphysical version of our own lives expressed through a fictional narrative.

Let's dig deeper through a comparative analysis.

How about we explore this by comparing some different popular fictional characters and illustrating a degree of believability in each one.

They are similar in nature, especially in the genres of stories, books, and movies they're in.

Yet, while we may say, "That never happens in real life," we're really also pointing to the dynamics of their inner character and the hero's journey each one is one that is related to our own story in some way.

Here is one example.

James Bond vs. Napoleon Solo

James Bond, the iconic British spy, effortlessly captivates audiences with his charm, wit, and prowess in combat.

He's the prototypical sigma male, yet his confidence is not something that he has to use to "prove" himself to anyone else.

Whether he's outsmarting a pathological villain or being the notorious lady's man, he's always in his essence and never second-guessing himself.

And somehow, no matter how daunting the challenges are in front of him, he finds the inner strength, resolve, and necessary skills to overcome them when necessary.

In contrast, Napoleon Solo from "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." may struggle to garner the same level of believability and acceptance due to differences in cultural recognition and storytelling.

Solo also possesses keen spy skills, an uncompromising steadiness under fire, and has a way with the opposite sex in his cool demeanor, rugged good looks, and ability to take care of bad guys with ease.

He also works well with others in some capacities in a way that Bond doesn't always seem to, which makes him more of a team player (something definitely more "realistic" in terms of winning in business and in relationships).

So which character do we harmonize with the most? It depends on our personal narrative and beliefs, our experiences, and the desires that resonate most with our hearts.

This parody of playing similar characters against each other could be a different post, and I'm game to write that if you're up to reading (and are curious about what could happen if other fictional characters).

Why Does This Matter?

Embracing authenticity and self-confidence is crucial to each of our life journeys.

And while we can search through history and culture for shining examples of remarkable individuals to follow and emulate, there's a part of us that also wants a bit more excitement in life.

We find this excitement, adventure, and inspiration very powerfully in the work of fiction, which is why so many of us gravitate towards it for our entertainment choices.

However, fiction can also be a fantastic source for enlightenment, inspiration, and encouragement for us as we move through life, if we have the eyes to see and ears to hear.

In my own storytelling this is one of the most powerful ways I've learned how to take concepts from personal and spiritual growth and flesh them out in new ways to discover more about myself.

The Stories section at GrowthFarming.com showcase much of this including powerful, insightful, and captivating mini-novels like The Saturn Of Utopia, Hope Flows, and The Dogfighter. Give those a read for yourself and see what happens when fiction reveals your deeper heart connection to story.