Real Life vs. Fiction: Whose Power Prevails?

Do you agree that an ordinary real person is always stronger than a very powerful fictional character? After all, a fictional character cannot harm a real person, while a real person can destroy the medium where the character exists.

The Myth of Invincibility in Fiction

The argument that a real person is always stronger than a fictional character is often based on the perceived inability of the latter to harm the real world. However, this does not mean that fictional characters lack power. They can influence real-life events, emotions, and even inspire actions across millions of people. Just consider the widespread impact of religious texts, the psychological impact of fictional monsters, or the motivation derived from fictional heroes. Even if a real person could destroy the physical medium where a fictional character exists, erasing a page or burning a book, the character's influence remains ingrained in countless minds.

Unleashing Power in the Real World

A fictional character can be as powerful as a real person in the realm of real-world influence. Their reach can be vast, transcending geographical and social boundaries. Millions of people may know about Harry Potter or any other fictional character, while the real individual in the room may not even be a household name. The power to influence and inspire is not limited to physical presence but can also reside in the imagination.

The Nigh Omnipotence of Reality

In the grand scheme of things, a real person holds a position of near omnipotence compared to a fictional character. The real person can decide, with a single action, to eliminate the existence of a fictional character from existence. They can delete the book, rip out the page, or ignore the story entirely. In contrast, a fictional character lives on as long as their story is told and retold, regardless of how many physical copies are destroyed.

Fiction as a Means of Escape

Fiction exists to provide a means of escape from the real world. It offers a temporary respite from the realities we face daily. It would be unfair to measure the power of a real person by the destruction of a fictional character's story. Would you destroy Cinderella simply for amusement? Probably not, as that would deny the reader the joy and reflection that the story elicits.

The Lateral Power of Fiction

Comparing the 'power' of a fictional character to that of a real person is not entirely meaningful. The powers assigned to a character in a novel cannot be translated into real life. However, fictional characters do have a unique kind of power in the real world. They can serve as voices and examples, inspiring readers to reflect on the characters they know in real life. This reflection can lead to personal growth, positive change, or even actions motivated by the influence of the story.

The Safeguards of Fiction

While a real person can destroy the medium of a fictional character, the author holds the final say over the existence of the character. Only the author has the power to destroy existing copies or prevent publication. Once a novel and its characters are out in the public domain, the chances of eradicating them entirely are slim, especially with the current prominence of the internet and e-books. Over time, physical copies may be lost, but the character's influence can persist long after their physical presence is gone.