How does naming characters in videos enhance audience connection and engagement?

Mark Rober explains that naming characters, like his squirrel 'Fat Gus,' significantly enhances audience connection by allowing viewers to buy into the character. By personifying his backyard squirrels and giving them distinct personalities (like describing Fat Gus as clever but lazy), Rober creates characters that resonate deeply with audiences. This personification technique distinguishes his content from similar videos, as he notes that while others had made squirrel videos before him, they hadn't named their subjects. The result is stronger emotional engagement that makes viewers much more likely to share the content, demonstrating how simple storytelling elements can transform audience connection and increase a video's virality.