The relationship you have with a famous athlete is complicated. You invite them into your living room so often that you feel like you know them! And you miss them when they are gone; that is because of something called parasitical relationships. Learn more at Refinery29,
The same thing applies to TV characters, but the relationship is a little different. You can learn more at: http://drnancyonline.com/wpbhdrxtv-what-happens-when-your-favorite-character-dies-on-tv/.