In this study the television crime series »Dexter« is analysed in its significance to create a feeling of sympathy for a serial killer that is here exemplified by the analyses of the title character and protagonist Dexter Morgan. Deriving from this apparently contradictory presumption the main objective of the study is thereby to examine to what extent the conception of the series and its form of representation contribute to this alleged effect and which media devices can be considered for this purpose.
As a starting point the theories of social constructionism and frame theory are to be analysed to show what we know and how we gain our knowledge about crime and criminals from the real life and those in fictional narratives. The achieved findings of current media frames of serial killers in fiction and non-fiction reveal that there are differences in the representation of serial killers in the mass media, but the tools which are used to establish those frames are comparable.
Further, by reconciling these existing frames with the frame the series »Dexter« generates of a serial killer a range of variations are identifiable. The main finding is that the form of representation often violates genre expectations of the audience and also hitherto familiar frames of serial killers are questioned by the series’ concept and challenges the viewer in some way in order to promote an effect of sympathy. Due to the quite innovative character of the series its investigation might provide new input in the field of media and film studies of television crime narratives.
Key words:
crime series, Dexter, serial killer, sympathy, social constructionism, frame theory, media frames
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Object of Research
1.2 Research Design and Structure
2. Theoretical Rationale: What do we know about crime?
2.1 How to gain Knowledge of Crime and Criminals?
2.1.1 Social Constructionism
2.1.2 Frame Theory
2.2 The Conception of Criminals and Serial Killers
2.2.1 in non-fictional Media Texts
2.2.2 in fictional Media Texts – The Conventions of Crime Genre
3. The Series »Dexter«: Background and Content
4. What is Dexter?
4.1 Analysis of the Character Dexter Morgan
4.2 Analysis of Media Devices in »Dexter« in their Significance of Sympathy
4.2.1 Sound: Voice-Over, Soundtrack, Speech
4.2.2 Image: Close-up, Flashback
4.2.3 Narration
4.3 Frame Analogy, Intertextuality, Paratextuality
5. Conclusion: Summary of Findings and Outlook
Research Objectives and Themes
This master thesis investigates the television series "Dexter" to understand how it successfully generates sympathy for its protagonist, a serial killer. By employing theories of social constructionism and frame theory, the study examines the stylistic and narrative devices that challenge traditional viewer expectations of the crime genre and promote an emotional bonding between the audience and a character who identifies as a "monster."
- The role of social constructionism and frame theory in shaping perceptions of crime.
- The distinction between real-life criminal representation and fictional crime narratives.
- Analysis of cinematic devices (voice-over, close-ups, soundtrack) as tools for fostering empathy.
- The function of narrative perspective and character development in subverting genre conventions.
- Intertextual and paratextual influences on the audience's reception of the series.
Excerpt from the Book
4.2 Analysis of Media Devices in »Dexter« in their Significance of Sympathy
Media productions for television or the movies are characterised by a wide range of (stylistic) devices in their editing. Usually, the use of such devices is intended to transport a certain message or to appeal the viewer in a certain way. Typical devices in film and series productions are lightning and visual effects, sound effects, cut, and also the use of semiotic and linguistic tools – these devices are aimed to constitute a “purely mental event” (Stam 2005: 6) for the audience. Thus, what BORDWELL/THOMPSON say about film in their work Film Art (2008), can be easily transferred to the conception of series:
“Everything that occurs in a film is affected by context. […] But to get the full effect of that moment, we need to see it as a part of the whole movie, from beginning to end. Any film has an overall organization, what we’ll be calling its form. Calling it a form suggests that a film isn’t simply a cluster of moments. It’s a pattern. […] It serves, we can say, a formal function.” (Bordwell/Thompson 2008: 4)
Now, the findings from the previous chapters are transferred to investigate the most salient and significant media devices elements of the series Dexter in coherence with frame building to find out the formal function which I argue is the creation of sympathy for the protagonist Dexter Morgan. Not here considered media devices may be at issue for further studies.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Defines the research objective regarding the creation of sympathy for a serial killer character and outlines the thesis structure.
2. Theoretical Rationale: What do we know about crime?: Discusses social constructionism and frame theory as frameworks for understanding how media influences our perception of crime and serial killers.
3. The Series »Dexter«: Background and Content: Provides an overview of the series, its narrative dilemmas, and the character profile of Dexter Morgan.
4. What is Dexter?: Analyzes the character of Dexter Morgan and the specific stylistic media devices (sound, image, narration) that contribute to the audience's perception of him.
5. Conclusion: Summary of Findings and Outlook: Synthesizes the analysis and concludes that stylistic devices and genre violations are key to guiding the audience toward an empathetic response.
Keywords
Dexter, serial killer, sympathy, social constructionism, frame theory, media frames, crime series, narration, audience perception, identification, stylistic devices, genre conventions, anti-hero, intertextuality, paratextuality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The thesis explores the television series "Dexter" to investigate how a narrative can successfully generate feelings of sympathy for a protagonist who is, by definition, a serial killer.
What are the central theoretical themes?
The study relies on social constructionism and frame theory to explain how the media constructs our understanding of crime and how "Dexter" consciously subverts these established frames.
What is the primary research question?
The main question driving the research is: "How to create sympathy for a serial killer?"
What methodology is employed?
The author performs an analysis of stylistic and narrative media devices, such as voice-over, cinematography (close-ups), soundtrack, and intertextual references, to see how they influence viewer perception.
What is covered in the main body of the analysis?
The analysis deconstructs the character of Dexter Morgan and investigates specific media devices—sound, image, and narration—that serve to bridge the distance between the audience and the character.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include serial killer, sympathy, social constructionism, frame theory, media frames, and audience perception.
How does Dexter's use of voice-over affect the viewer?
The voice-over allows the viewer to follow Dexter’s internal thoughts and anxieties, transforming him from a distant "monster" into a character the audience can relate to or "grow with."
Why is the show's soundtrack considered a "violation" of genre expectations?
The show often pairs menacing scenes with light, merry, or ironic music, which prevents the audience from feeling threatened and instead invites an ironic or sympathetic perspective toward the killer.
How do flashbacks contribute to the viewer's empathy?
Flashbacks provide historical context to Dexter's psychological development, helping the audience understand his traumatic childhood and therefore justifying his current behavior as a result of psychological scars.
What role does the "family" play in Dexter's framing?
By presenting Dexter within a family setting, the show reflects normality, creating a bond with the viewer and positioning him as a character striving for an ordinary life, which further diminishes his "monster" status.
- Arbeit zitieren
- M.A. Jasmin Teuteberg (Autor:in), 2009, America's favourite Serial Killer: "Dexter", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/137539
