Is it normal to love a fictional character?

As the title well states, I seem to be in "love" with a fictitious character. Erik/ The Phantom of the Opera to be exact. When I was a child, I was first introduced to the character through the movie. Though being a child, I was able to distinguish the difference between Erik and any other man. He was the most alluring and distraught being I had ever known. Though like any other child, I shrugged it off and assumed everyone thought the same way. It's been 12 years since I first saw him, I'm 20 now and the same feeling of love and admiration is still present, it's more potent than ever. I find myself sobbing everyday for him. At first, I thought it was an attraction to the actors that played the phantom in the musicals or movies. I'd get fascinated with them, they had brought my champion to life! But I'd quickly forget about them the minute they reverted to their original selves. The constant disappointment destroyed a small part of me, yet I'd always go back to watch a new actor take on the role of my beloved Erik. I was hoping that one day, he would show up and stay for good.
Sadly, we all know that was not going to happen. I fell in love with a man who doesn't exist in my reality. I cry out of frustration and desperation. The way he was treated, and left alone and betrayed by the only person he loved, sends me into bits of rage and anguish. Who could ever hurt my angel?

I find myself envisioning scenarios of him and I , together in our happily ever after. These "scenarios" apparently get in the way of my school work and job. My friends have said I've become more distant and introverted. That I look sad and as if I'm a completely different person.
But in reality, the only thing I want most is to have my darling by my side. It's quite pathetic, really. Whenever I see an airplane, I hope that it brings my Erik to me. I get my hopes up, only to realize that this is completely unrealistic. It drives me mad and I stop caring about the world around me for a while. Like I've mentioned before, I cry almost daily, it's becoming quite ritualistic. But whenever I do get a moment of clarity, it only lasts so long before my phone rings and the music from his genius sends me back into the same cycle. I feel as though I'm in love with the thought of loving someone that can never exist. But I could never survive without my Erik, he is my raison d'être.

So I ask, but one question. Is it normal to feel so much for someone you know will never exist?

Please pardon my question. The least I want is to burden anyone. I just need some form of validation, or at least a short answer. Thank you for giving me your insights. I really do appreciate it.