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
Objectives and Key Themes
This study analyzes the television series Dexter to explore how it generates sympathy for its serial killer protagonist, Dexter Morgan. The main objective is to examine how the series' conception and representation contribute to this effect and identify the media devices employed. The study utilizes social constructionism and frame theory to understand how knowledge about crime and criminals is constructed in both real life and fictional narratives. It then compares the established media frames of serial killers with the frame presented in Dexter to highlight variations and innovative aspects of the series' representation.
- The construction of sympathy for a serial killer in media narratives.
- The role of media devices in shaping audience perception of criminals.
- Comparison of media frames of serial killers in fiction and non-fiction.
- Analysis of Dexter's innovative approach to the crime genre.
- The impact of genre expectations and established frames on audience response.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the research topic, focusing on the seemingly paradoxical creation of sympathy for a serial killer in the television series Dexter. It establishes the study's objective: to investigate how the series' narrative and representation techniques contribute to this effect. The chapter highlights the use of social constructionism and frame theory as analytical frameworks, emphasizing the societal construction of knowledge about crime and criminals and how this influences the interpretation of fictional narratives. The introduction also briefly touches upon the existing media frames surrounding serial killers, paving the way for a comparative analysis with Dexter's unique portrayal.
2. Theoretical Rationale: What do we know about crime?: This chapter delves into the theoretical underpinnings of the study, examining how knowledge about crime and criminals is acquired and socially constructed. It explores social constructionism, demonstrating how societal perceptions of crime are shaped by cultural norms and media representations. Frame theory is also introduced, explaining how individuals interpret information through pre-existing mental frameworks. The chapter contrasts the portrayal of criminals in non-fiction and fictional media, particularly within the crime genre's conventions, setting the stage for the analysis of Dexter's unique representation of its protagonist.
3. The Series »Dexter«: Background and Content: This chapter provides essential background information on the television series Dexter, outlining its plot, characters, and overall context. It likely establishes the series' popularity and cultural impact, preparing the reader for the subsequent detailed analysis of its narrative techniques and character development. The chapter sets the scene by providing an overview of the series' main themes and setting the stage for later chapters that will delve deeper into specific aspects of the show.
4. What is Dexter?: This chapter offers a detailed analysis of the character Dexter Morgan and the media devices used in the series to evoke sympathy for him. It likely dissects the narrative structure, examining the use of voice-over, soundtrack, camera angles (close-ups, flashbacks), and narrative techniques to shape audience perception. The chapter analyzes how these elements challenge established frames surrounding serial killers, leading to the potential creation of sympathy for a character who, by conventional standards, is a villain. The section on frame analogy, intertextuality, and paratextuality likely examines how the show engages with existing cultural narratives and expectations.
Keywords
crime series, Dexter, serial killer, sympathy, social constructionism, frame theory, media frames, narrative conventions, character analysis, media devices, audience reception.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Sympathy for a Serial Killer in the Television Series "Dexter"
What is the main topic of this study?
This study analyzes the television series Dexter to understand how it generates sympathy for its serial killer protagonist, Dexter Morgan. It examines the series' narrative techniques and representation strategies and identifies the specific media devices used to achieve this effect.
What theoretical frameworks are used in this analysis?
The study employs social constructionism and frame theory. Social constructionism helps to understand how societal perceptions of crime are shaped, while frame theory explains how individuals interpret information based on pre-existing mental frameworks. These frameworks are used to analyze how the knowledge about crime and criminals is constructed in both real and fictional contexts.
What are the key objectives of this research?
The main objective is to investigate how Dexter constructs sympathy for its protagonist. This involves examining the role of media devices in shaping audience perception of criminals, comparing media frames of serial killers in fiction and non-fiction, and analyzing Dexter's innovative approach to the crime genre.
What aspects of the show Dexter are analyzed?
The analysis includes a detailed examination of the character Dexter Morgan, focusing on the narrative structure, use of voice-over, soundtrack, camera angles (close-ups, flashbacks), and narrative techniques. It also explores the concepts of frame analogy, intertextuality, and paratextuality to understand how the show interacts with existing cultural narratives and expectations.
How does the study compare fictional and non-fictional portrayals of serial killers?
The study contrasts the portrayal of criminals in non-fiction and fictional media, paying close attention to the conventions of the crime genre. This comparison highlights the variations and innovative aspects of Dexter's representation of its protagonist.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
Key themes include the construction of sympathy for a serial killer, the role of media devices in shaping audience perception, the comparison of media frames of serial killers across different media, Dexter's innovative approach to the crime genre, and the impact of genre expectations on audience response.
What is the structure of the study?
The study is structured into four chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the research topic and methodology. Chapter 2 explores the theoretical framework. Chapter 3 provides background information on the series Dexter. Chapter 4 analyzes Dexter's narrative techniques and character development.
What are the key words associated with this study?
Key words include: crime series, Dexter, serial killer, sympathy, social constructionism, frame theory, media frames, narrative conventions, character analysis, media devices, audience reception.
- Citar trabajo
- M.A. Jasmin Teuteberg (Autor), 2009, America's favourite Serial Killer: "Dexter", Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/137539
