Reading can be Pure Magic

When readers connect with characters in edufiction, they're not just enjoying a story—they're walking alongside these characters, learning from their experiences and growing emotionally.

Let's see how these connections are so powerful and how they can leave a lasting mark.

Why It Matters

Feeling the Feels - Journeying through a character's ups and downs teaches us empathy. We ride their emotional rollercoaster, and this helps us understand our own feelings and those of others around us. Especially, if we identify with the character(s). Seeing something of ourselves in them.

Making Decisions - Characters often face tough choices, and we get to think through these dilemmas with them. This can be a real boost when we face similar decisions in our own lives.

Thinking About Right and Wrong - Watching characters wrestle with right and wrong helps shape our own sense of morality. These are the lessons that stick with us, sometimes forever. Shaping us.

Memorable Moments - There are reasons why we remember certain stories long after we've finished them. Often, it's because they've touched on something deep within us, something personal or aspirational. This is where thoughtful edufictional stories can be so useful in character development.

How Writers Do It

Creating Characters We Recognise - The best stories feature characters who feel like someone we might know, or even ourselves. This makes their journeys feel more real and relatable.

Keeping It Real with Dialogue and Thoughts - The way characters talk and think can pull us deeper into the story. It’s like we’re right there with them, inside their heads, fully tuned into their dilemmas.

Painting a Vivid Picture - Rich descriptions and sensory details can make the settings and situations come alive. It’s almost like we can see, hear, and touch the world the characters inhabit.

Showing Growth - Characters that change over time, just like we do, are the ones who stay with us. Watching someone evolve through a story reinforces that growth is possible for us, too.

Ramping Up the Stakes - When there's a lot on the line, we're all in. We care about what happens next, and we're rooting for the characters every step of the way. This is when done well, you can’t put the book down.

Using Familiar Themes and Symbols - Sometimes, stories tap into something deeper, something almost universal. Whether it's the journey of a hero, the wisdom of a mentor, or the perseverance of an underdog—these stories speak to us on a fundamental level. See, if you can remember some of these stories and reflect how they influenced you.

Making It Interactive - Some edufiction lets you choose what happens next, making the experience even more engaging and memorable.

Wrapping It Up

Connecting with characters in edufiction is about more than following a plot—it’s about seeing parts of ourselves in the stories and learning lessons along the way. Writers have a whole toolkit to help them create these meaningful experiences, and when they get it right, the stories they tell can influence us long after we turn the last page. So, next time you dive into a good book, pay attention to those characters—they might just have something important to teach you!