That is a possibility that I've considered. However, given that for some reason, many of us brought here seem to be from what is referred to as fictional media, I don't think that's what happens. I've worked with Sherlock Holmes, whom I know is a character from books, and though he was the same, he was still different. Plus, I've met other book characters. And, as odd as it might be, I've accepted that someone knows me as a character in a book, which I can't imagine what it would be like to read. Who would want to write what I've gone through? Or read? But, despite that, if he were indeed dead, then... how could the books, or whatever universe he's from, continue?