Ain't no shame in admiring fictional characters as heroes, anon. With superhero comics, there's a whole genre centered around the idea. The fact of the matter is some fictional characters are just fantastic role models and even though they're not real that doesn't mean the traits they exhibit are fake. Usually they're just written with some of the best traits people can have IRL.
One of my personal role models is Superman, especially the depictions where he's less like a god above humanity and more just a brave, determined, kind country boy who wears a cape made by his mom. All of the traits he has in those depictions are attainable but at an extreme that reminds me that those positive traits really can be pushed farther than I sometimes think to push them, and that it's good to try. It doesn't mean I exclusively admire fictional heroes like him, I usually admire them alongside my RL heroes, but I don't see why that's a bad thing. No matter who you're admiring, you're just admiring certain RL traits that are good to have, like courage, selflessness, kindness, and so on.
Re: Embarrassing fandom or RP confessions
One of my personal role models is Superman, especially the depictions where he's less like a god above humanity and more just a brave, determined, kind country boy who wears a cape made by his mom. All of the traits he has in those depictions are attainable but at an extreme that reminds me that those positive traits really can be pushed farther than I sometimes think to push them, and that it's good to try. It doesn't mean I exclusively admire fictional heroes like him, I usually admire them alongside my RL heroes, but I don't see why that's a bad thing. No matter who you're admiring, you're just admiring certain RL traits that are good to have, like courage, selflessness, kindness, and so on.