is it possible to keep these plants alive year round despite being annuals

Peppers are perennials if frost does not occur in your region.

Yes, peppers can be kept inside and overwintered. There have been several posts on the subject, so do a search. One problem you'll probably have is aphids, which seem to materialize out of thin air. Safer soap or Neem oil will keep them under control, but be ready.

Not only can it be done, but it is actually much easier - in my experience - to keep ornamentals alive. They tend to be smaller, more compact, with smaller leaves and smaller fruit. This means that they're easier to squeeze into a window space or under a light, and they have smaller containers which dry out more readily and reduce the chance of root-rot.

Josh

Agree with Josh.

Case in point; The only pepper plant that I overwintered last winter was an ornamental, called "Sangria". Now it is fully covered with purple pods. I will do the same.

Wonderful! Thanks for the responses. I did try searching on the subject but only came up with info on "Bonchi"s which, while very interesting, is perhaps a bit too advanced for my current knowledge.

Another point on over wintering:

Unless you have a lot of space in your house, it is better to trim/cut back the plant and also transplant it to smaller pot and during the winter months water little, just to keep it going. Then if you like it so much can just go ahead and take care of it as a house plant.

Read here

Here is a link that might be useful: Overwintering peppers