Relate:
* Definition: To connect or find common ground with something or someone, often based on shared experiences, emotions, or values.
* Focus: Emphasizes shared experiences and understanding. You might relate to a character's struggles with loneliness, even if you haven't gone through the same exact situation.
* Example: "I could relate to the character's anxiety about public speaking, as I've struggled with it myself."
Identify:
* Definition: To see yourself in another person, often feeling a strong emotional connection or even feeling as though you understand them deeply.
* Focus: Emphasizes emotional resonance and a deeper understanding of the character's inner world.
* Example: "I identified with the character's feeling of being misunderstood by her family, as I've felt that way myself."
Here's a helpful analogy:
* Imagine you're looking at a painting.
* Relating would be recognizing the colors used or understanding the general theme of the painting.
* Identifying would be feeling a deep connection to the emotion the painting evokes, feeling like the artist captured something you understand on a personal level.
In summary:
* Relate: Focuses on shared experiences and understanding.
* Identify: Focuses on emotional resonance and a deeper connection with the character's inner world.
Important note: You can relate to a character without identifying with them, and vice versa. You might relate to a character's struggles with a difficult boss but not identify with their personality traits. Conversely, you might identify with a character's love of music but not relate to their specific musical tastes.