Dexter Morgan: Main Character
Dexter Morgan (commonly refferred to as Dex throughout the show) is the main character of the show, taking down criminals to control his urges, whilst also working as a forensic for the Miami Metro Homicide team.
He serves as the titular main protagonist of the original Dexter series, as well as special event series Dexter: New Blood, its sequel Dexter: Resurrection, the prequel series Dexter: Original Sin, and the Dexter Novels. He is an elusive vigilante serial killer from Miami, known as "The Bay Harbor Butcher," who primarily targets and kills other murderers who had escaped justice. His detailed method of killing allows him to avoid the justice system by getting rid of any potential evidence.
He is portrayed by European-American actor, Michael C Hall throughout the entire series, with the exception of Original Sin, where his younger self is portrayed by Patrick Gibson.
When Dexter was three-years-old, he and his brother Brian, who would later become a serial killer himself, witnessed their mother being murdered by a drug dealer with a chainsaw. At an early age, Dexter started to kill and dismember animals. His adoptive father, Harry, (a homicide detective) realized that Dexter was a potential serial killer. After attempts to curb Dexter's violent behavior failed, Harry concluded that Dexter's need to kill could not be suppressed--only focused. Making the best out of a bad situation, Harry decided to train Dexter as a vigilante, to solely hunt and kill other murderers (arguably making society safer). To avoid arrest, Dexter follows a set of guidelines, the Code of Harry.
Gallery
Method of Killing
Dexter Morgan's method of killing is a meticulous and controlled process that follows a specific ritual.
Selection: Dexter targets murderers who have escaped justice and are likely to evade conventional justice.
Vetting: He evaluates each potential victim to ensure they meet his criteria.
Preparation: Dexter prepares the "room" where the kill will take place, enclosing it in plastic sheets to prevent evidence from being found.
Capture: He subdues his target using a sleeper hold or tranquilizer.
Kill Ritual: Dexter performs a detailed kill ritual, which includes confronting and intimidating the victim, drawing a blood sample, and ultimately stabbing the victim in the heart.
Disposal: Dexter dismembers the body and places it in biodegradable bags, sealing them with duct tape and dumping them overboard into an oceanic trench for disposal. However, he started throwing the bodies in fire in New Blood and Resurrection.
Enemies/Opponents
James Doakes: Works for the Miami Metro Homicide team. Was onto Dexter since episode one. He later ended up dying from an explosion set by Lila West, Dexter's supposed "soulmate."
Oliver Saxon: Also known as "The Brain Surgeon (Due to scooping out a piece of brain from his victims)." Manipulates his victims into thinking he's charmful. Main cause of Debra Morgan, Dexter's sister's death. Ended up being killed by Dexter with a pen.
Travis Marshall: Better known as "The Doomsday Killer (due to committing multiple murders motivated by apocalyptic beliefs)." A religion extremist, who killed people to sacrifice them to his god. Tried killing Dexter's son, Harrison. Ended up on Dexter's kill table and got stabbed in the chest by him.
Arthur Mitchell: Better known as "The Trinity Killer (law enforcement, led by FBI agent Frank Lundy, initially identified a pattern of three distinct ritualistic murders that he committed)." Targeted whole families and killed in fours. He brainwashed his family and used them as protection. Killed Rita, Dexter's wife and ended up being killed by Dexter with a hammer.
Family
Biological Family:
Laura Moser: Dexter's biological mother, who was murdered when he was very young. Her death profoundly impacts Dexter, contributing to the development of his "Dark Passenger," the persona that drives his need to kill.
Joe Driscoll: Dexter's biological father, a drug dealer whose life and death remain shrouded in mystery. He had little influence on Dexter's life, as he was absent during Dexter's upbringing.
Adoptive Family:
Harry Morgan: Dexter's adoptive father, a police officer who recognized Dexter's violent tendencies and taught him a code to channel his urges towards killing those who deserve it. Harry's influence is pivotal in shaping Dexter's moral framework.
Debra Morgan: Dexter's adoptive sister, who works as a detective. Their relationship is complex, filled with loyalty and conflict, especially as Dexter's secret life unfolds. Debra's character development is closely tied to her relationship with Dexter.
Children:
Astor Bennett: Dexter's stepdaughter, the daughter of Rita Bennett. Dexter takes on a fatherly role for her, and their relationship evolves throughout the series.
Cody Bennett: Astor's brother and Dexter's stepson, whom Dexter also cares for deeply. He shows signs of sociopathy, which Dexter is concerned about, reflecting his own childhood experiences.
Harrison Morgan: Dexter's biological son, born to Rita. Harrison's character becomes increasingly significant in the later seasons, especially as Dexter grapples with his legacy and the potential for Harrison to inherit his darker traits.
Spouse and Romantic Relationships:
Rita Bennett (later Rita Morgan): Dexter’s wife and mother of his biological son, Harrison. She also had two children from a previous marriage, Astor and Cody Bennett, who became Dexter’s stepchildren
Hannah McKay: Dexter’s later partner and Harrison’s adoptive caregiver after Rita’s death. She raises Harrison in Argentina following Dexter’s absence
Other notable significant relationships include Lila West, Lumen Pierce, and Angela Bishop.