Movies and books must possess some form of a hero or heroine, but recent fantasy characters and superheroes have become rooted in society. From Superman to Katniss Everdeen, fictional characters have taken the nation by storm. Not only do they provide a sense of action and entertainment, they also ignite a sense of hope and fearlessness in viewers.

Characters in books, movies or TV shows based on fictional worlds are usually forced to overcome or fight something that is much larger than them, making them a source of inspiration to those who are facing struggles as well.

For example, if The Avengers can defeat hordes upon hordes of aliens pouring from an opening in the sky, then surely a kid could stand up to the person bullying them.

Superheroes may not be real, which is why some people don’t understand the reason for their inspiration, but the characters develop in a way that they grow stronger because of an experience they need to overcome are what real people desire for themselves. Maybe we think if someone can defeat an overpowering, unrealistic force that we can conquer something smaller with the same amount of courage.

Another reason why these fictional heroes are important is when actors who play certain superheroes travel to hospitals and meet kids who are fighting the strongest, most courageous battle of all: cancer. It may not be much and it may not be a cure to change things, but for those kids to know that people like them are recognized for their brave fight, is one of the best sights and feelings in the world. Just by putting on the suit and embodying their characters, they bring joy to kids in need.

Additionally, there is an organization called Real-life Superheroes (RLSH) where people inspired by superheroes dress up like them and perform community service like Neighborhood Watch. This gives people with young children or old family members a sense of safety because heroes are watching over them.

For these reasons I believe it is critical to continue writing fantasy books, superhero movies and heart-stopping TV shows about things that physically can’t happen in real life. Every time someone writes down an idea that is even remotely fantastical a whole new world is opened, hope blossoms in someone who has been searching for it.

Some people may not be as passionate about this idea as I am, but I have put a lot of belief into these characters, reading or watching as they draw strength and courage from events that threaten to cripple them, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t find inspiration in their journeys.

Personally I have been struggling with the motivation to work out intensely in order to get in shape for the summer, so after watching “Divergent” or “The Hunger Games” and seeing characters as powerful and intense as them, I drew inspiration from their stories. If Katniss Everdeen can change Panam for the better and Percy Jackson can defeat a Titan, then I think I can find a way to get through school and a job with the same courage they possess.

Superheroes, fictional characters and impossible conquests inspire courage and strength in those who need it most, and for that reason I believe these types of characters are essential to our society today.