America's favourite Serial Killer: "Dexter"

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

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.