In a world saturated with countless stories, from blockbuster films to viral TikTok moments, the term “relatable” is one that often surfaces. Yet, what does it really mean for a story to be relatable? More than just a buzzword, relatability taps into the essence of human experience. It’s a bridge between the story’s world and the audience’s inner life, creating a sense of connection that transcends mere entertainment. But how do writers, filmmakers, and creators build this bond? Let’s explore the mechanics behind relatability in storytelling.
1. Relatability: The Bridge Between the Story and the Audience
At its core, relatability is about recognition. When a person reads a novel, watches a film, or listens to a podcast, they subconsciously ask: Does this resonate with me? The emotional and intellectual connection formed between the audience and the characters or narrative is what makes a story relatable.
This connection isn’t necessarily tied to shared experiences—after all, not everyone has lived through the same circumstances—but rather to shared feelings, emotions, and desires. A story may feature an alien planet or a dystopian future, but the themes of love, loss, ambition, and fear are universal. It’s through these themes that the audience can draw parallels to their own lives.
2. Understanding the Psychology of Relatability
Relatability is deeply rooted in psychology. Humans are wired for connection. We naturally empathize with characters who experience emotions we understand or go through challenges we’ve faced (or could face). This is why stories that revolve around universal human experiences—family dynamics, friendship, overcoming personal adversity—tend to resonate with wider audiences.
Consider the work of psychologist Paul Ekman, who identified six universal emotions that are recognized across cultures: happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust. These basic emotions form the foundation of what we recognize as relatability in storytelling. Stories that tap into these emotions—whether it’s the fear of failure or the joy of success—mirror real-life emotional struggles, allowing audiences to see themselves in the characters.
3. Relatable Characters: The Heart of the Story
A story’s relatability often starts with its characters. Characters that are multi-dimensional, flawed, and capable of growth are more relatable because they reflect the complexity of real human beings. The best characters are not perfect—they struggle, they make mistakes, they have doubts, and they experience joy and heartbreak. Their struggles and triumphs reflect the messy, unpredictable nature of life itself.
Take, for instance, the character of Harry Potter. While he’s a young wizard living in a fantastical world, his internal struggles—such as the desire for belonging, the loss of loved ones, and the weight of responsibility—are emotions that anyone can identify with. The relatability doesn’t stem from his magical abilities but from his deeply human qualities.
4. The Role of Conflict in Relatable Stories
Conflict is a cornerstone of storytelling, and it plays a crucial role in making a story relatable. Every story revolves around conflict—whether it’s internal (a character’s personal struggle) or external (man vs. society, man vs. nature, etc.). The way this conflict is presented and resolved often mirrors the challenges people face in their own lives, making the story feel grounded in real-world experiences.
Consider the classic narrative of overcoming adversity. Many stories revolve around the protagonist facing obstacles that seem insurmountable, only to rise above them in the end. This type of story taps into the universal human experience of struggle and perseverance. It is not just about the external conflict but also about the internal changes the character undergoes, which resonates with the audience’s own emotional growth.
5. Relatable Themes: The Universal Human Experience
Some of the most relatable stories are those that tackle universal themes—those that speak to the core of human existence. These themes transcend time, place, and culture. They are not bound by the specifics of a particular setting or storyline but speak to something fundamental in the human experience. Love, loss, fear, hope, identity, and the search for meaning are themes that are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
For instance, consider the theme of self-discovery. Stories about characters navigating their own identity, whether it’s through coming-of-age experiences, career changes, or navigating difficult life choices, are powerful because they tap into the audience’s own questions about who they are and where they fit in the world.
6. The Power of Dialogue in Relatability
Dialogue is another key element in creating relatability. The way characters speak—whether it’s the informal language of a teenager or the philosophical musings of an elderly sage—can greatly impact how the audience connects with them. Relatable dialogue feels authentic, and it reflects the natural rhythms and idiosyncrasies of real conversations.
Think of the dialogue in the hit TV series Friends. The characters’ interactions, jokes, and even their disagreements all feel natural because they mirror the types of conversations we have with our own friends. While the specifics of their lives may differ from ours, the way they speak and interact is something we recognize from our own social experiences.
7. Cultural Context and Relatability
While relatability is a universal concept, it’s also influenced by cultural context. A story’s relatability can vary depending on the cultural background of the audience. What is relatable in one culture may not be perceived the same way in another. This is why stories that are successful globally often tap into fundamental human themes but are flexible enough to resonate with various cultural perspectives.
For instance, Disney’s The Lion King draws on themes of leadership, family, and the circle of life, which are universally understood. However, the African cultural elements in the story, from the setting to the music, provide a distinct cultural touchstone that makes the film especially relatable to those familiar with African traditions and storytelling.
8. Relatability vs. Popularity: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to distinguish between relatability and popularity. A story can be widely popular but not necessarily relatable. Popularity often comes from mass appeal, catchy plots, or viral moments, while relatability is a more personal connection that is felt by the individual. A film like Avatar might be a global success due to its visual spectacle, but its deeper emotional themes, while powerful for some, may not be as immediately relatable for everyone.
Relatable stories tend to endure longer because their emotional core speaks to the human condition. Popular stories may fade, but relatable stories stay with us over time because they reflect truths that resonate on a deeper, personal level.
9. Relatability in Different Genres
Relatability can be found in every genre. Whether it’s a sci-fi epic, a historical drama, a romantic comedy, or a documentary, relatability doesn’t depend on genre but on how well the story connects to the audience’s emotional landscape. A science fiction film like Blade Runner may deal with artificial intelligence and dystopian futures, but its central themes of identity, purpose, and humanity make it universally relatable.
Similarly, even the most fantastical narratives, like The Lord of the Rings, resonate because they deal with timeless questions about friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. The genre doesn’t matter as much as the emotional truths it conveys.
10. Why Relatability Matters in Modern Storytelling
In today’s fragmented media landscape, where content is consumed across countless platforms, relatability has become even more important. People crave stories that reflect their own experiences, that acknowledge their struggles and triumphs, and that provide a space for emotional resonance.
Whether it’s a Netflix series or a viral TikTok, the stories that tend to get the most attention are those that feel authentic and real. In an era of digital overload, audiences are constantly seeking out content that feels like it speaks to them, not just a general audience.
Conclusion
Relatability in storytelling is not about universal agreement on every plot point but about finding the emotional touchstones that connect us as human beings. A relatable story resonates because it taps into universal feelings, experiences, and desires that transcend specific moments in time or place. Whether through compelling characters, universal themes, or emotional conflict, relatability is the key that unlocks the door to true audience engagement.
As creators continue to craft stories in an increasingly diverse and fragmented world, the importance of relatability cannot be overstated. It is the magic that transforms a simple narrative into a powerful, unforgettable experience that stays with the audience long after the credits roll.
