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{{Characters need descriptions}}

Characters from ''[[{{TOPLEVELPAGE}}]]'' include:
=== Dexter Morgan ===
=== Dexter Morgan ===
[[File:TropeDexter_2758.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeDexter 2758.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Michael C Hall<br />
Played by Michael C Hall
''"I'm Dexter, and... I'm not sure what I am. I just know there's something dark in me."'' }}
{{quote|''"I'm Dexter, and... I'm not sure what I am. I just know there's something dark in me."'' }}


The show's protagonist. Dexter was adopted into his foster-family as a three-year old after {{spoiler|his mother was murdered in front of him}}. Growing up with sociopathic tendencies, Dexter was trained by his father to direct his urges to kill at those who "deserve it", and to never get caught. Works as a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro PD.
The show's protagonist. Dexter was adopted into his foster-family as a three-year old after {{spoiler|his mother was murdered in front of him}}. He was taken in by the Morgan family who he loved dearly; however, Dexter had been horribly traumatized by what he'd seen. Growing up with sociopathic tendencies, Dexter was trained by his father to direct his urges to kill at those who "deserve it", and to never get caught. Works as a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro PD.

----
Over the course of the show Dexter slowly realises he isn't as monstrous as he initially thought.
* [[Affably Evil]]: Bordering sometimes on [[Faux Affably Evil]].

{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by Dexter include:}}
* [[Affably Evil]]: Bordering sometimes on [[Faux Affably Evil]]. He may be a serial killer who feels no guilt about his actions, but he is unfailingly polite and always expresses gratitude when someone does him a favor.
* [[Afraid of Blood]]: Especially in the books. He expresses considerable unease about blood that isn't tidily confined, which makes his choice of career seem rather odd until you realise that his job effectively requires putting blood back into order and so could actually be therapeutic. Of course, given that {{spoiler|after his mother's murder, he spent at least two days sitting in her blood, surrounded by pieces of her and other ex-people}}, the aversion is understandable.
* [[Afraid of Blood]]: Especially in the books. He expresses considerable unease about blood that isn't tidily confined, which makes his choice of career seem rather odd until you realise that his job effectively requires putting blood back into order and so could actually be therapeutic. Of course, given that {{spoiler|after his mother's murder, he spent at least two days sitting in her blood, surrounded by pieces of her and other ex-people}}, the aversion is understandable.
{{quote| '''Dexter Morgan:''' Blood. Sometimes it sets my teeth on edge, other times it helps me control the chaos.}}
{{quote|'''Dexter Morgan:''' Blood. Sometimes it sets my teeth on edge, other times it helps me control the chaos.}}
* [[Ambiguously Evil]]: Subverted; he considers himself [[Necessarily Evil]] while in-universe opinions (and even out of universe) regarding his work as the BHB range from "[[Byronic Hero]]" to "[[Ax Crazy]] and in it [[For the Evulz]]". It should be noted that for him necessary evil doesn't mean "small evil in order to do great good." It means "small evil in order to control myself so I don't do [[Evil Me Scares Me|even greater evil.]]
* [[Ambiguously Evil]]: Subverted; he considers himself [[Necessarily Evil]] while in-universe opinions (and even out of universe) regarding his work as the BHB range from "[[Byronic Hero]]" to "[[Ax Crazy]] and in it [[For the Evulz]]". It should be noted that for him necessary evil doesn't mean "small evil in order to do great good." It means "small evil in order to control myself so I don't do [[Evil Me Scares Me|even greater evil.]]
* [[Animals Hate Him]]: Especially in the novels, where it is revealed that he have unsuccessfully tried to keep pets, which included a dog that kept barking and growling at him, and a turtle that would hide away from him in its shell to the point where it died of starvation.
* [[Animals Hate Him]]: Especially in the novels, where it is revealed that he have unsuccessfully tried to keep pets, which included a dog that kept barking and growling at him, and a turtle that would hide away from him in its shell to the point where it died of starvation.
* [[Anti-Hero]] (Type V): Unless you consider him an....
* [[Anti-Hero]] (Type V): Unless you consider him an....
* [[Anti-Villain]] (Type I)
* [[Anti-Villain]]: He kills but he also has a code, loves his family and protects children from harm. (Type I)
* [[Badass]]: If there's a dirty cop, ex-special forces soldier, gigantic gangster, Nicaraguan death squad leader or [[Arson, Murder, and Jaywalking|fucking Jock]] Dexter can't kill he hasn't met them and killed them yet.
* [[Badass]]: If there's a dirty cop, ex-special forces soldier, gigantic gangster, Nicaraguan death squad leader or [[Arson, Murder, and Jaywalking|fucking Jock]] Dexter can't kill he hasn't met them and killed them yet.
* [[Badass Bookworm]]
* [[Badass Bookworm]]
* [[Becoming the Mask]]: He was only using Rita to appear more normal but also he eventually realised he has grown to love her very much.
* [[Benevolent Boss]]: to Jamie. He allows her as much time of as she needs after Cassie is killed.
* [[Berserk Button]]: Some advice if you live in Miami: be gentle with Rita, and ''don't try to harm any children''.
* [[Berserk Button]]: Some advice if you live in Miami: be gentle with Rita, and ''don't try to harm any children''.
** He also becomes very protective of Lumen.
** He also becomes very protective of Lumen.
* [[Beware the Nice Ones]]
* [[Beware the Nice Ones]]
* [[Big Brother Instinct]]: He loves Deb very much, to the point he killed his biological brother for her.
* [[Can't Stand Them Can't Live Without Them]]: Dexter jokingly remarks "Can't live with her, can't kill her" about his sister Debra.
* [[Can't Stand Them Can't Live Without Them]]: Dexter jokingly remarks "Can't live with her, can't kill her" about his sister Debra.
* [[Control Freak]]
* [[Control Freak]]
* [[Creature of Habit]]: He's obsessed with daily rituals and routines of his and other peoples.
* [[Creature of Habit]]: He's obsessed with daily rituals and routines of his and other peoples.
* [[Creepy Monotone]]: His inner monologue.
* [[Creepy Monotone]]: His inner monologue.
* [[Dating Catwoman]]: His relationship with Lila though he kills her after she tries to kill Cody and Astor. His relationship with Hannah also who he protects at the risk of endangering Civilians.
* [[Deadpan Snarker]]: Really really [[Incredibly Lame Pun|DEADpan]].
* [[Deadpan Snarker]]: Really really [[Incredibly Lame Pun|DEADpan]].
* [[Did I Just Say That Out Loud?]]
* [[Did I Just Say That Out Loud?]]
* [[Disproportionate Retribution]]: Dexter IS the poster boy of this trope.
* [[Disproportionate Retribution]]: Dexter is the poster boy for this trope. In the first episode of season 8, he begins strangling a man who cut him off in traffic and only stops when he sees there's a child in the back.
* [[Enemy to All Living Things]]: As a child his killing of neighbourhood animals convinced Harry he would become a monster. Even as an adult he kills a ferret as part of his plan to murder Boyd Fowler.
* [[Even Evil Has Standards]]: Dexter kills only killers and pedophiles.
* [[Even Evil Has Standards]]:
** Dexter kills only killers and pedophiles.
** He brags of being a "very neat monster" and doesn't look too well on those who don't tidy their playground, whatever it may be.
** He brags of being a "very neat monster" and doesn't look too well on those who don't tidy their playground, whatever it may be.
** He also doesn't like to tamper with evidence unless it's his own hide on the rope, and even then he half-heartedly does it. Makes you wonder why he went into forensics if he wasn't prepared to someday use the position to tamper with some incriminating evidence against himself.
** He also doesn't like to tamper with evidence unless it's his own hide on the rope, and even then he half-heartedly does it. Makes you wonder why he went into forensics if he wasn't prepared to someday use the position to tamper with some incriminating evidence against himself.
*** Though this gets thrown out the window in season 6, where he becomes obsessed with taking down the Doomsday Killers himself and sabotages the police investigation (which incidentally makes his sister look very bad after she was just promoted to lieutenant) several times.
*** Though this gets thrown out the window in season 6, where he becomes obsessed with taking down the Doomsday Killers himself and sabotages the police investigation (which incidentally makes his sister look very bad after she was just promoted to lieutenant) several times.
*** It doesn't help how the {{spoiler|4th}} season ended. If he had used his position to help instead of impede the investigation {{spoiler|of the Trinity Killer, Rita might not be dead.}}
*** It doesn't help how the {{spoiler|4th}} season ended. If he had used his position to help instead of impede the investigation {{spoiler|of the Trinity Killer, Rita might not be dead.}}
** And of course The Code.
** And of course The Code.
** He despise those who harm children and goes to great lengths to protect a young boy from Trinity.
** He can't bring himself to kill Doakes as he knows for as much shit as Doakes gives him he is a decent man. Framing Doakes on the other hand is perfectly acceptable due to [[Loophole Abuse]].
** He always kills quickly and never draws it out.
** He expresses dislike for cannibals.
** He feels guilty when he kills someone outside his code shown by his murders of Oscar Prado and Jonathan Farrow. He's haunted by his role in Miguel's murder of Ellen Wolf.
** He knows no-one should be like, trying to save both Jeremy and Zach from going down a dark path.
** His victims must be likely to reoffend.
* [[The Fettered]]
* [[The Fettered]]
* [[First-Person Smartass]]
* [[First-Person Smartass]]
* [[Guilt Complex]]: In season 2 he briefly finds himself unable to kill anyone because of his conflicted feelings about {{spoiler|murdering his own brother}}.
* [[Happily Adopted]]: He sees Deb and Harry as family regardless of blood.
* [[Sociopathic Hero|Heroic Sociopath]]
* [[Sociopathic Hero|Heroic Sociopath]]
** In the books. In the show he comes off as more of a Heroic Secret Schizoid with uncontrollable homicidal urges.
** In the books. In the show he comes off as more of a Heroic Secret Schizoid with uncontrollable homicidal urges.
* [[Hollywood Atheist]]: Seems like this is going to be a big theme of season 6. On the one hand it's averted because Dexter has a fairly realistic reason for non-belief (In his own words "it doesn't make sense"). On the other hand it's played straight because the show in general seems to take the view that anyone who isn't a serial killer should have religious beliefs of somekind whether they were raised with them or not because [[Unfortunate Implications|only an insane traumatized serial killer wouldn't believe in something.]] [[Metaphorgotten|On yet another hand]] this is partially deconstructed as Dexter points out the hypocrisy of religious murderers and the main villains of season 6 {{spoiler|seem to be some kind of apocalyptic religious nuts.}}
* [[Hollywood Atheist]]: Seems like this is going to be a big theme of season 6. On the one hand it's averted because Dexter has a fairly realistic reason for non-belief (In his own words "it doesn't make sense"). On the other hand it's played straight because the show in general seems to take the view that anyone who isn't a serial killer should have religious beliefs of somekind whether they were raised with them or not because [[Unfortunate Implications|only an insane traumatized serial killer wouldn't believe in something.]] [[Metaphorgotten|On yet another hand]] this is partially deconstructed as Dexter points out the hypocrisy of religious murderers and the main villains of season 6 {{spoiler|seem to be some kind of apocalyptic religious nuts.}}
** Note the "something" in that statement; Dexter refuses to even state he believes in personal morality like most atheists, which is what freaks people out.
** Note the "something" in that statement; Dexter refuses to even state he believes in personal morality like most atheists, which is what freaks people out.
** [[Played for Drama]]: In the sixth season,
** [[Played for Drama]]: In the sixth season,
*** He can't get a handle on the religious motivation behind the killings.
*** He can't get a handle on the religious motivation behind the killings.
*** He makes an effort to learn about religion, because he wants to instill some sort of morality into his son. Not that he make a good teacher...
*** He makes an effort to learn about religion, because he wants to instill some sort of morality into his son. Not that he make a good teacher...
* [[Honor Before Reason]]: In season 5 he saves Lumen at the risk of his own freedom.
* [[Hot Dad]]
* [[Hot Dad]]
* [[It's All About Me]]: Downplayed in comparison to his enemies but if he had helped the police apprehend Trinity instead of insisting on being the one to kill him Rita would still be alive.
** [[Jerkass]]: Dexter is usually civil to everyone but sometimes acts like a total dick to Quinn without provocation.
* [[Karma Houdini]]
* [[Karma Houdini]]
* [[Kick the Dog]]: In season 2 he taunts Doakes, telling him he has no inherent worth as no-one will miss him when he dies.
* [[Knife Nut]]: His routine involves a knife, but he sometimes chooses a more exotic weapon - axe, chainsaw, hammer...
* [[Knife Nut]]: His routine involves a knife, but he sometimes chooses a more exotic weapon - axe, chainsaw, hammer...
* [[Knight Templar Parent]]: Boarders on this at times.
* [[Knight Templar Parent]]: Boarders on this at times.
* [[Like a Son to Me]] Cody and Astor are as good as his own flesh and blood.
* [[Manipulative Bastard]]
* [[Manipulative Bastard]]: Is great at convincing people he's an innocent, well-meaning lad. Of particular note is the way he convinces Miguel to keep Ramon in the dark about Freebo by playing them against each other and tricking Ramon into a bar fight.
* [[Murder Is the Best Solution]]: His first thought when someone gets in his way is "can I kill them?"
* [[Murder Is the Best Solution]]: His first thought when someone gets in his way is "can I kill them?"
* [[No Good Deed Goes Unpunished]]: Any time he attempts to be more human, it backfires
** Giving Travis another Chance indirectly leads to Deb uncovering his true identity and everything bad that happens from that point onward.
** Deciding to turn Saxon into the cops rather than kill him leads to him Dexter having to {{spoiler|kill his own sister}} to put her out of her misery.
* [[Noble Demon]]
* [[Noble Demon]]
* [[Papa Wolf]]
* [[Papa Wolf]]
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* [[Poetic Serial Killer]]: When particularly disgusted or angered by a killer, or when it's necessary, he kills them with a method that's relevant to their crime, such as {{spoiler|bludgeoning Arthur Mitchell with a hammer}}, or {{spoiler|drowning Nick at the same beach he had been baptised at by the man he killed, Brother Sam.}}
* [[Poetic Serial Killer]]: When particularly disgusted or angered by a killer, or when it's necessary, he kills them with a method that's relevant to their crime, such as {{spoiler|bludgeoning Arthur Mitchell with a hammer}}, or {{spoiler|drowning Nick at the same beach he had been baptised at by the man he killed, Brother Sam.}}
* [[Principles Zealot]]: [[Deconstruction]] of the evil([[Black and Grey Morality|ish]]) version of this trope, he knows without the Code he'd slip into the darkness completely {{spoiler|and become like his brother.}}
* [[Principles Zealot]]: [[Deconstruction]] of the evil([[Black and Grey Morality|ish]]) version of this trope, he knows without the Code he'd slip into the darkness completely {{spoiler|and become like his brother.}}
* [[Psychotic Smirk]]: Fantastic things are done with lighting to make Michael C. Hall look as much like [[Death Note (Manga)|Light Yagami]] as possible when he turns on the evil grin.
* [[Psychotic Smirk]]: Fantastic things are done with lighting to make Michael C. Hall look as much like [[Death Note|Light Yagami]] as possible when he turns on the evil grin.
* [[Redheaded Hero]]
* [[Redheaded Hero]]
* [[Serial Killer Killer]]
* [[Serial Killer Killer]]
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* [[Unreliable Narrator]]: Dexter often talks about how he doesn't have any emotions. While his emotions are definitely subdued, it's pretty clear that's not the case. Just look at [[Papa Wolf]] above.
* [[Unreliable Narrator]]: Dexter often talks about how he doesn't have any emotions. While his emotions are definitely subdued, it's pretty clear that's not the case. Just look at [[Papa Wolf]] above.
** He's actually pretty reliable regarding everything but himself.
** He's actually pretty reliable regarding everything but himself.
* [[Villain Protagonist]]: While a very likeable example he is an unapologetically selfish person who has committed many criminal acts and indirectly ruins the lives of many people around him.
* [[Villain Protagonist]]
* [[Well-Intentioned Extremist]]: Subverted. His methods certainly are extreme and his target selection ensures that he's probably a net positive force in the universe, but he doesn't do it to make the world a better place, he does it because he needs to.
* [[Well-Intentioned Extremist]]: Subverted. His methods certainly are extreme and his target selection ensures that he's probably a net positive force in the universe, but he doesn't do it to make the world a better place, he does it because he needs to.
* [[Why Did It Have to Be Snakes?|Why Did it Have To Be Jocks?]]
* [[Why Did It Have to Be Snakes?|Why Did it Have To Be Jocks?]]
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* [[Wrong Genre Savvy]]: Dexter often projects his own experiences and motivations onto other killers and thus misinterprets their motivations and reactions. He expects the killer to play out one of the usual stereotypes and is blindsided when the killer actually does something completely different. This gets him in a lot of trouble and gets a lot of people killed.
* [[Wrong Genre Savvy]]: Dexter often projects his own experiences and motivations onto other killers and thus misinterprets their motivations and reactions. He expects the killer to play out one of the usual stereotypes and is blindsided when the killer actually does something completely different. This gets him in a lot of trouble and gets a lot of people killed.
* [[Xanatos Speed Chess]]: He often has to work on his own crime scenes, and has to play merry hell with the chain of evidence.
* [[Xanatos Speed Chess]]: He often has to work on his own crime scenes, and has to play merry hell with the chain of evidence.
* [[Your Cheating Heart]]: His relationship with Rita ends in season 2 after a one-night-stand with Lila.


== Miami Metro Police Department ==
== Miami Metro Police Department ==


=== Debra Morgan ===
=== Debra Morgan ===
[[File:TropeDeb_7783.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeDeb 7783.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Jennifer Carpenter<br />
Played by Jennifer Carpenter
''"Ugh, a dress. I feel like a transvestite."'' }}
{{quote|''"Ugh, a dress. I feel like a transvestite."'' }}


Dexter's foul-mouthed, tomboyish foster-sister. Deb is a detective in Miami Metro's Homicide division. Appears in seasons 1-5, played by Jennifer Carpenter. Debra believes she truly knew her father, but is in reality completely unaware of the secrets he kept—especially concerning Dexter (who she sees as a true brother). Inspired by their fathers' legendary police career, Debra joined the police and desperately yearned to become a Homicide Detective, which she achieves during the series.
Dexter's foul-mouthed, tomboyish foster-sister. Deb is a detective in Miami Metro's Homicide division. Appears in seasons 1-5, played by Jennifer Carpenter. Debra believes she truly knew her father, but is in reality completely unaware of the secrets he kept—especially concerning Dexter (who she sees as a true brother). Inspired by their fathers' legendary police career, Debra joined the police and desperately yearned to become a Homicide Detective, which she achieves during the series.

----
Without her, Dexter may be something far more evil than he is. In the first season she unknowingly dates Dexter's biological brother Brian who uses her to worm his way into Dexter's life. He then forces Dexter to chose between him and Deb. Unfortunately for him, Dexter chooses Deb. In season 2, the realization that Deb depends on him causes him to back out of turning himself in. Upon discovering Dexter's secret she goes down a dark path that ends with {{spoiler|Dexter killing her.}}

{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by Debra include:}}
* [[Big Sister Instinct]]: She cares about Dexter just as much as he does about her, and has saved his life on several occasions.
* [[Born Detective]]: The only one in the department apart from Doakes. [[Lampshade Hanging|Dexter makes it very clear]] that he is mainly free because his sister has a "blind spot" on him.
* [[Born Detective]]: The only one in the department apart from Doakes. [[Lampshade Hanging|Dexter makes it very clear]] that he is mainly free because his sister has a "blind spot" on him.
* [[Broken Bird]]: She's broken in-series at the hands of {{spoiler|the Ice Truck Killer, and by seeing her lover killed in series 4.}} This is lampshaded heavily in her therapy sessions in series 6.
* [[Broken Bird]]: She's broken in-series at the hands of {{spoiler|the Ice Truck Killer, and by seeing her lover killed in series 4.}} This is lampshaded heavily in her therapy sessions in series 6.
** Being ignored by her father in favor of her adopted brother probably didn't help things.
** Being ignored by her father in favor of her adopted brother probably didn't help things.
* [[Butt Monkey]]: Debra is treated very badly by several of her boyfriends and LaGuerta who abuses her with impunity.
* [[Cast Incest]]: Ironic when you consider [[Really Gets Around]] below.
* [[Cast Incest]]: Ironic when you consider [[Really Gets Around]] below.
** And gets really uncomfortable after Hall and Carpenter divorced, and have a scene discussing marriage in the next season.
** And gets really uncomfortable after Hall and Carpenter divorced, and have a scene discussing marriage in the next season.
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* [[Cluster F-Bomb]]: Hoo boy. Deb really likes swearing.
* [[Cluster F-Bomb]]: Hoo boy. Deb really likes swearing.
* [[Cool Big Sis|Cool Little Sis]]
* [[Cool Big Sis|Cool Little Sis]]
* [[Daddy's Girl]]: She felt Dexter was Harry's favourite. In reality, Harry was trying to help Dexter just as much for her sake as for Dexter's.
* [[Dirty Harriet]]: Made pretty fun in the book, noted at least twice that victims' relatives expect a [[Dirty Harry]], not [[Legally Blonde]].
* [[Dirty Harriet]]: Made pretty fun in the book, noted at least twice that victims' relatives expect a [[Dirty Harry]], not [[Legally Blonde]].
* [[Fair Cop]]
* [[Fair Cop]]
* [[Genre Blind]]: In the novels, but even moreso in the television series. To the point where some viewers would block their ear-holes.
* [[Genre Blind]]: In the novels, but even moreso in the television series. To the point where some viewers would block their ear-holes.
* [[Hope Spot]]: Gets one from {{spoiler|Brian, her fiancee and future killer if it were after him}} and [[Idiot Ball|hangs on to it in desperation]], while he's not even trying that hard to pretend anymore. It bombs, of course.
* [[Hope Spot]]: Gets one from {{spoiler|Brian, her fiancee and future killer if it were after him}} and [[Idiot Ball|hangs on to it in desperation]], while he's not even trying that hard to pretend anymore. It bombs, of course.
* [[I Know You Are in There Somewhere Fight]]: She loses this with {{spoiler|Brian}}.
* [["I Know You're in There Somewhere" Fight]]: She loses this with {{spoiler|Brian}}.
* [[Jerk With a Heart of Gold]]: Despite constantly cursing at inappropriate times and being insensitive, she is a good sister and a loyal friend. She supports Angel when he's framed for rape in Season 2 and tries to offer Masuka good advice about his long-lost daughter in season 8.
* [[The Ladette]]
* [[The Ladette]]
* [[Let Off by the Detective]]: In season 5, she allows Dexter and Lumen (while not knowing their identities) escape because she finds the barrel girl gang despicable.
* [[Love Makes You Evil]]: She commits some truly immoral acts to keep Dexter out of trouble, even murdering LaGuerta for him.
* [[Morality Pet]]: One of the few people Dexter truly loves in the early seasons as he shows her unconditional support.
* [[Not So Different]]: {{spoiler|She chooses to let the "vigilantes" go in Season 5}}, and previously made very clear what her thoughts about the case were.
* [[Not So Different]]: {{spoiler|She chooses to let the "vigilantes" go in Season 5}}, and previously made very clear what her thoughts about the case were.
* [[Really Gets Around]]: She's quite the serial monogamist.
* [[Really Gets Around]]: She's quite the serial monogamist.
* [[Sir Swearsalot|Lady Swearsalot]]
* [[Sir Swearsalot|Lady Swearsalot]]
* [[Tomboyish Ponytail]]: Her usual hair style when she's not working in Vice Squad.
* [[Tomboyish Ponytail]]: Her usual hair style when she's not working in Vice Squad.


=== Maria La Guerta ===
=== Maria La Guerta ===
[[File:TropeMaria_7601.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeMaria 7601.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Lauren Velez<br />
Played by Lauren Velez
''"The operative word is "boss". Show some respect."'' }}
{{quote|''"The operative word is "boss". Show some respect."'' }}


Lieutenant Maria La Guerta is a tough, determined woman in command of the Homicide division who is not above making her subordinates feel intimidated.
Lieutenant Maria La Guerta is a tough, determined woman in command of the Homicide division who is not above making her subordinates feel intimidated.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Ambition Is Evil]]
* [[Ambition Is Evil]]
* {{spoiler|[[Asshole Victim]]}}: In the book.
* {{spoiler|[[Asshole Victim]]}}: In the book.
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* [[Gratuitous Spanish]]
* [[Gratuitous Spanish]]
* {{spoiler|[[Happily Married]]: To Angel. But not anymore.}}
* {{spoiler|[[Happily Married]]: To Angel. But not anymore.}}
* [[Jerkass]]: Especially in season 5.
* [[Jerkass]]: Especially in season 5.
* [[Manipulative Bastard|Manipulative Bitch]]: What she did to Pascal. She often shows more interest in politics than in case solving.
* [[Manipulative Bastard|Manipulative Bitch]]: What she did to Pascal. She often shows more interest in politics than in case solving.
* [[Married to The Job]]
* [[Married to the Job]]
* [[Overly Long Name]]: María Esperanza del Alma LaGuerta.
* [[Overly Long Name]]: María Esperanza del Alma LaGuerta.
* {{spoiler|[[Spared By the Adaptation]]}}: With a healthy dose of [[Character Development]].
* {{spoiler|[[Spared by the Adaptation]]}}: With a healthy dose of [[Character Development]].
* [[What Happened to The Mouse?]] / [[Aborted Arc]]: Her interest in Dexter.
* [[What Happened to the Mouse?]] / [[Aborted Arc]]: Her interest in Dexter.


=== Angel Batista ===
=== Angel Batista ===
[[File:TropeAngel_9473.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeAngel 9473.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by David Zayas<br />
Played by David Zayas
''"Don't forget! Tell the universe what you really need!"'' }}
{{quote|''"Don't forget! Tell the universe what you really need!"'' }}


Angelo "Angel" Batista is a Detective in Miami Metro Police Department's Homicide Division. Batista works closely with Dexter during cases, often teaming up with him for his expert advice on serial killers, and considers himself Dexter's best friend. Batista is basically good-natured, with a dry sense of humor. He is also totally honest, at the request of his beloved father on his deathbed. Angel is also shown wearing a [[Nice Hat|Trilby Hat]] almost all the time.
Angelo "Angel" Batista is a Detective in Miami Metro Police Department's Homicide Division. Batista works closely with Dexter during cases, often teaming up with him for his expert advice on serial killers, and considers himself Dexter's best friend. Batista is basically good-natured, with a dry sense of humor. He is also totally honest, at the request of his beloved father on his deathbed. Angel is also shown wearing a [[Nice Hat|Trilby Hat]] almost all the time.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Actor Allusion]]: David Zayas was a Police Officer with the NYPD before becoming an actor.
* [[Actor Allusion]]: David Zayas was a Police Officer with the NYPD before becoming an actor.
* [[Badass Beard|BadassGoatee]]
* [[Badass Beard|BadassGoatee]]
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* [[Beware the Nice Ones]]: He's a nice guy, but he's got a mean punch.
* [[Beware the Nice Ones]]: He's a nice guy, but he's got a mean punch.
* [[Big Brother Instinct]]: For his little sister, Jamie.
* [[Big Brother Instinct]]: For his little sister, Jamie.
* [[Demoted to Extra]]: In the book. Or to the [[C List Fodder]] at least.
* [[Demoted to Extra]]: In the book. Or to the [[C-List Fodder]] at least.
* [[Flat Character]]: In the last books, we just see him once or twice at some crime scenes for the [[Running Gag]] "Angel No-Relation". [[Overly Long Gag|It gets old, fast.]] He's also more grumpy and more of an asshole in the books.
* [[Flat Character]]: In the last books, we just see him once or twice at some crime scenes for the [[Running Gag]] "Angel No-Relation". [[Overly Long Gag|It gets old, fast.]] He's also more grumpy and more of an asshole in the books.
* [[Gratuitous Spanish]]
* [[Gratuitous Spanish]]
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=== James Doakes ===
=== James Doakes ===
[[File:TropeDoakes_9729.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeDoakes 9729.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Erik King<br />
Played by Erik King
''"Surprise, motherfucker!"'' }}
{{quote|''"Surprise, motherfucker!"'' }}


James Doakes is a police detective with the rank of Sergeant serving as lead case investigator to Miami Metro PD's Homicide. Doakes had a killer's impulses which drove him to divorce his wife, confessing that if he had stayed with her he would have killed her. Holds a permanent grudge against Dexter, believing him to be suspicious and "creepy", which eventually leads to his downfall.
James Doakes is a police detective with the rank of Sergeant serving as lead case investigator to Miami Metro PD's Homicide. Doakes had a killer's impulses which drove him to divorce his wife, confessing that if he had stayed with her he would have killed her. Holds a permanent grudge against Dexter, believing him to be suspicious and "creepy", which eventually leads to his downfall.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Anti-Hero]]: Type III or IV
* [[Anti-Hero]]: Type III or IV
** Ultimately just an [[Anti-Villain]] in the books, as {{spoiler|his Dark Passenger demands the same tributes in victims as Dexter's, and he ''has'' killed probably unarmed men to satisfy his hunger, and is still in denial.}}
** Ultimately just an [[Anti-Villain]] in the books, as {{spoiler|his Dark Passenger demands the same tributes in victims as Dexter's, and he ''has'' killed probably unarmed men to satisfy his hunger, and is still in denial.}}
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* [[Bald of Awesome]]
* [[Bald of Awesome]]
* [[The Big Guy]]
* [[The Big Guy]]
* [[Butt Monkey]]: Poor guy has all kinds of shit happen to him.
* [[Butt Monkey]]: Poor guy has all kinds of shit happen to him.
* [[Born Detective]]: [[Lampshade Hanging|Lampshaded]] by Dexter, who doesn't know why Doakes is the ''only'' cop not to like him.
* [[Born Detective]]: [[Lampshade Hanging|Lampshaded]] by Dexter, who doesn't know why Doakes is the ''only'' cop not to like him.
* [[Clear My Name]]: {{spoiler|It doesn't end well.}}
* [[Clear My Name]]: {{spoiler|It doesn't end well.}}
* [[Cluster F-Bomb]]: Got to be about once a sentence.
* [[Cluster F-Bomb]]: Got to be about once a sentence.
* [[Dark and Troubled Past]]
* [[Dark and Troubled Past]]
* {{spoiler|[[Death By Adaptation]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Death by Adaptation]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Fate Worse Than Death]]: In the book he doesn't die. Which might be worse.}}
* {{spoiler|[[Fate Worse Than Death]]: In the book he doesn't die. Which might be worse.}}
* [[Hero Antagonist]]
* [[Hero Antagonist]]
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=== Vince Masuka ===
=== Vince Masuka ===
[[File:TropeVince_6898.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeVince 6898.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by CS Lee<br />
Played by CS Lee
''"Now you're dealing with science and science is one cold-hearted bitch with a fourteen inch strap-on."'' }}
{{quote|''"Now you're dealing with science and science is one cold-hearted bitch with a fourteen inch strap-on."'' }}


Vince is the Miami Metro Police lead forensic investigator and works alongside Dexter in the lab and in crime scenes. He often cracks innuendo to the rest of the team, and harbors decidedly unrequited feelings for Debra. He is portrayed as obsessed with sex—the kinkier the better—and is not shy about propositioning every woman he meets.
Vince is the Miami Metro Police lead forensic investigator and works alongside Dexter in the lab and in crime scenes. He often cracks innuendo to the rest of the team, and harbors decidedly unrequited feelings for Debra. He is portrayed as obsessed with sex—the kinkier the better—and is not shy about propositioning every woman he meets.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Asian and Nerdy]]: Frequently referred to as lab-geek
* [[Asian and Nerdy]]: Frequently referred to as lab-geek
* [[Bunny Ears Lawyer]]: He might be an unbelievable sleaze, but Vince is also an extremely talented investigator, which might help explain why he hasn't been fired for conduct.
* [[Bunny Ears Lawyer]]: He might be an unbelievable sleaze, but Vince is also an extremely talented investigator, which might help explain why he hasn't been fired for conduct.
* [[Butt Monkey]]
* [[Butt Monkey]]
* [[Chivalrous Pervert]]
* [[Chivalrous Pervert]]
* [[Extraverted Nerd]]: A grown-up version.
* [[Extroverted Nerd]]: A grown-up version.
* [[Kavorka Man]]: He actually ''does'' get women, despite how pathetic his game seems in the workplace.
* [[Kavorka Man]]: He actually ''does'' get women, despite how pathetic his game seems in the workplace.
* [[Loveable Sex Maniac]]: Probably why he hasn't been hit with sexual harassment complaints.
* [[Loveable Sex Maniac]]: Probably why he hasn't been hit with sexual harassment complaints.
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=== Joseph "Joey" Quinn ===
=== Joseph "Joey" Quinn ===
[[File:TropeQuinn_7335.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeQuinn 7335.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Desmond Harrington<br />
Played by Desmond Harrington
''"This Dexter guy. First of all who the fuck is named Dexter? Did his parents know he was going to be a fucking egghead?"'' }}
{{quote|''"This Dexter guy. First of all who the fuck is named Dexter? Did his parents know he was going to be a fucking egghead?"'' }}


Joseph "Joey" Quinn is a detective who transferred to the Homicide division after being in narcotics before Season 3. He has a bad habit of leaping to conclusions from first impressions of the crime scene, as well as becoming hostile towards anyone who tries to correct him. Quinn takes a liking to Debra Morgan but, like Doakes before him, mistrusts Dexter.
Joseph "Joey" Quinn is a detective who transferred to the Homicide division after being in narcotics before Season 3. He has a bad habit of leaping to conclusions from first impressions of the crime scene, as well as becoming hostile towards anyone who tries to correct him. Quinn takes a liking to Debra Morgan but, like Doakes before him, mistrusts Dexter.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Anti-Hero]]
* [[Anti-Hero]]
* [[Bald of Awesome]]
* [[Bald of Awesome]]
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* [[Hot-Blooded]]
* [[Hot-Blooded]]
* [[Jerkass]]
* [[Jerkass]]
** [[Jerk With a Heart of Gold]]
** [[Jerk with a Heart of Gold]]
* [[Sex Equals Love]]: Quinn falls in love and proposes to Deb, while their relationship pretty much consisted of nothing more than sex. Deb even chews him out about the sudden proposal.
* [[Sex Equals Love]]: Quinn falls in love and proposes to Deb, while their relationship pretty much consisted of nothing more than sex. Deb even chews him out about the sudden proposal.
* [[Suspiciously Similar Substitute]]: He's brought in to replace Doakes, and as of mid-season 5, is following the exact same path.
* [[Suspiciously Similar Substitute]]: He's brought in to replace Doakes, and as of mid-season 5, is following the exact same path.
* [[Took a Level In Jerkass]]: He went from jerk with a heart of gold to just simply jerk in Season 6. List including bringing a stripper to his Ex's party, sleeping during work, sleeping with a potential witness, blaming others for his screw ups, drunkenly proposing to strippers, and telling Batista that he wants to have sex with his younger sister. How he isn't fired yet is a complete mystery.
* [[Took a Level in Jerkass]]: He went from jerk with a heart of gold to just simply jerk in Season 6. List including bringing a stripper to his Ex's party, sleeping during work, sleeping with a potential witness, blaming others for his screw ups, drunkenly proposing to strippers, and telling Batista that he wants to have sex with his younger sister. How he isn't fired yet is a complete mystery.

=== Harry Morgan ===
=== Harry Morgan ===
[[File:TropeHarry_3093.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeHarry 3093.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by James Remar<br />
Played by James Remar
''"As a cop, I only fire my weapon to save a life – that's a code I live by. Killing must serve a purpose. Otherwise, it's just plain murder."'' }}
{{quote|''"As a cop, I only fire my weapon to save a life – that's a code I live by. Killing must serve a purpose. Otherwise, it's just plain murder."'' }}


Adoptive father of Dexter and father of Deb, Harry Morgan is ten years deceased when the series begins. A renowned detective in his day, Morgan became frustrated at the perceived lack of justice in the system. Attempting to channel Dexter's sociopathy into a useful outlet - and to avoid him getting caught - he trains Dexter to become the perfect killer. Initially portrayed in flashbacks, he later manifests in Dexter's imagination, reminding Dexter what Harry taught him.
Adoptive father of Dexter and father of Deb, Harry Morgan is ten years deceased when the series begins. A renowned detective in his day, Morgan became frustrated at the perceived lack of justice in the system. Attempting to channel Dexter's sociopathy into a useful outlet - and to avoid him getting caught - he trains Dexter to become the perfect killer. Initially portrayed in flashbacks, he later manifests in Dexter's imagination, reminding Dexter what Harry taught him.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Broken Ace]]
* [[Broken Ace]]
* [[Broken Pedestal]]: He's got a lot of darkness in him.
* [[Broken Pedestal]]: He's got a lot of darkness in him.
* [[Dead Person Conversation]]
* [[Dead Person Conversation]]
* {{spoiler|[[Driven to Suicide]]}}: Upon walking in on Dexter sawing up the body of a pimp he had been hunting and seeing that his training had [[Gone Horribly Right]].
* {{spoiler|[[Driven to Suicide]]}}: Upon walking in on Dexter sawing up the body of a pimp he had been hunting and seeing that his training had [[Gone Horribly Right]].
* [[The Mentor]]
* [[The Mentor]]
* [[My God, What Have I Done?]]
* [[My God, What Have I Done?]]
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* [[Posthumous Character]]
* [[Posthumous Character]]
* [[Scare'Em Straight]]
* [[Scare'Em Straight]]
* {{spoiler|[[Your Cheating Heart]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Your Cheating Heart]]}}


=== Tom Matthews ===
=== Tom Matthews ===
[[File:TropeMatthews_6373.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeMatthews 6373.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Geoff Pierson<br />
Played by Geoff Pierson
''"...you haven't seen my true colors, Maria. But you're about to."'' }}
{{quote|''"...you haven't seen my true colors, Maria. But you're about to."'' }}


A high-ranking Miami Metro PD police official and LaGuerta’s immediate superior. He was an old friend of Harry Morgan, and therefore has a soft spot for Debra. He’s also a political animal not unlike LaGuerta; however, he frequently clashes with her.
A high-ranking Miami Metro PD police official and LaGuerta’s immediate superior. He was an old friend of Harry Morgan, and therefore has a soft spot for Debra. He’s also a political animal not unlike LaGuerta; however, he frequently clashes with her.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[A Father to His Men]]: Appears to be, at first...
* [[A Father to His Men]]: Appears to be, at first...
* [[Bitch in Sheep's Clothing]]: To La Guerta at least. He is protective of Debra and Dexter.
* [[Bitch in Sheep's Clothing]]: To La Guerta at least. He is protective of Debra and Dexter.
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=== Ellen Wolf ===
=== Ellen Wolf ===
{{quote| Played by Anne Ramsey}}
Played by Anne Ramsey

A defense attorney and Miguel Prado's main rival.


A defense attorney and Miguel Prado's main rival.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
* [[Amoral Attorney]]: Subverted. She's not as straight-up charming as Miguel, but she has the integrity and morals that Miguel makes such a show of pretending to have.
* [[Amoral Attorney]]: Subverted. She's not as straight-up charming as Miguel, but she has the integrity and morals that Miguel makes such a show of pretending to have.
* [[Hello, Attorney!]]
* [[Hello, Attorney!]]
* [[Jerk With a Heart of Gold]]
* [[Jerk with a Heart of Gold]]
* [[Mrs. Robinson]]
* [[Mrs. Robinson]]


=== Barbara Gianna ===
=== Barbara Gianna ===
{{quote| Played by Kristen Dattilo}}
Played by Kristen Dattilo


A detective within Miami Metro's Vice Division. She meets Angel while working undercover, and later dates him.
A detective within Miami Metro's Vice Division. She meets Angel while working undercover, and later dates him.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}

* [[Fair Cop]]
* [[Fair Cop]]
* [[The Ladette]]
* [[The Ladette]]


=== Cira Manzon ===
=== Cira Manzon ===
{{quote| Played by April L Hernandez}}
Played by April L Hernandez


A competent young officer who Debra takes under her wing.
A competent young officer who Debra takes under her wing.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}

* [[Bitch in Sheep's Clothing]]
* [[Bitch in Sheep's Clothing]]
* [[Fair Cop]]
* [[Fair Cop]]
* [[Wide Eyed Idealist]]
* [[Wide-Eyed Idealist]]


=== Ryan Chambers ===
=== Ryan Chambers ===
[[File:TropeRyan_6766.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeRyan 6766.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Brea Grant<br />
Played by Brea Grant
''"I love homicide...I've always been fascinated by people who do bad things."'' }}
{{quote|''"I love homicide...I've always been fascinated by people who do bad things."'' }}


A sexy new intern in the Forensics Department.
A sexy new intern in the Forensics Department.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Distracted By the Sexy]]: Everyone's reaction to her.
* [[Distracted by the Sexy]]: Everyone's reaction to her.
* [[Hello, Nurse!]]
* [[Hello, Nurse!]]
* [[Hot Scientist]]
* [[Hot Scientist]]
* [[Nightmare Fetishist]]: Although it's possible this was only just an act in order to get pieces of evidence from famous cases to sell online.
* [[Nightmare Fetishist]]: Although it's possible this was only just an act in order to get pieces of evidence from famous cases to sell online.
* [[Ms. Fanservice]]: Is setting a new record.
* [[Ms. Fanservice]]: Is setting a new record.
{{break}}


=== Mike Anderson ===
=== Mike Anderson ===
[[File:TropeAnderson_8133.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeAnderson 8133.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Billy Brown}}
Played by Billy Brown


A transfer detective from Chicago brought in to fill Debra's now-vacant detective slot.
A transfer detective from Chicago brought in to fill Debra's now-vacant detective slot.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Badass]]
* [[Badass]]
* [[Happily Married]]
* [[Happily Married]]
* [[Noble Bigot With a Badge]]
* [[Noble Bigot with a Badge]]
* [[Suspiciously Similar Substitute]]: to Doakes.
* [[Suspiciously Similar Substitute]]: to Doakes.
{{break}}

----
----


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=== Rita Bennett ===
=== Rita Bennett ===
[[File:TropeRita_394.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeRita 394.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by [[Julie Benz]]<br />
Played by [[Julie Benz]]
''"Deb must be a mess. I mean, falling for a serial killer?"'' }}
{{quote|''"Deb must be a mess. I mean, falling for a serial killer?"'' }}


Dexter's girlfriend and later wife. Rita is introduced as a damaged woman who received abuse from her ex-husband Paul, and is grateful for Dexter to give her support. Dexter also helps to look after her children, Astor and Cody.
Dexter's girlfriend and later wife. Rita is introduced as a damaged woman who received abuse from her ex-husband Paul, and is grateful for Dexter to give her support. Dexter also helps to look after her children, Astor and Cody.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Abusive Parents]]: Her mother was overly judgmental, and verbally and emotionally abusive.
* [[Abusive Parents]]: Her mother was overly judgmental, and verbally and emotionally abusive.
* {{spoiler|[[Anyone Can Die]], but only in the television show.}}
* {{spoiler|[[Anyone Can Die]], but only in the television show.}}
* [[The Beard]]: Unknowingly started off as this for Dexter. No longer applies after he grows to genuinely care for her and the kids.
* [[The Beard]]: Unknowingly started off as this for Dexter. No longer applies after he grows to genuinely care for her and the kids.
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* [[Broken Bird]]
* [[Broken Bird]]
* [[Calling the Old Man Out]]: To her mother.
* [[Calling the Old Man Out]]: To her mother.
* {{spoiler|[[Death By Adaptation]]}}.
* {{spoiler|[[Death by Adaptation]]}}.
* [[Horrible Judge of Character]]
* [[Horrible Judge of Character]]
* {{spoiler|[[Killed Off for Real]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Killed Off for Real]]}}
* [[Morality Pet]]: To Dexter.
* [[Morality Pet]]: To Dexter.
* [[The Pollyanna]]
* [[The Pollyanna]]
* [[Rape As Backstory]]: Her ex-boyfriend was a crack addict who repeatedly beat and raped her.
* [[Rape as Backstory]]: Her ex-boyfriend was a crack addict who repeatedly beat and raped her.
* {{spoiler|[[Too Good for This Sinful Earth]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Too Good for This Sinful Earth]]}}
* [[Took a Level In Badass]]:
* [[Took a Level in Badass]]:
** Beating up Paul with a baseball bat after he tries to rape her following his release from prison.
** Beating up Paul with a baseball bat after he tries to rape her following his release from prison.
** Finally standing up to her overly judgmental, bordering on abusive, mother and kicking her out of Rita's house.
** Finally standing up to her overly judgmental, bordering on abusive, mother and kicking her out of Rita's house.


=== Astor Bennett ===
=== Astor Bennett ===
{{quote| Played by Christina Robinson}}
Played by Christina Robinson


'''A description of the character goes here.'''
* [[Bratty Teenage Daughter]]: During season four.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
* [[Bratty Teenage Daughter]]: During season four.
* [[Calling the Old Man Out]]: To Dexter in "My Bad" and "Teenage Wasteland".
* [[Calling the Old Man Out]]: To Dexter in "My Bad" and "Teenage Wasteland".
* [[Little Miss Snarker]]
* [[Little Miss Snarker]]
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=== Cody Bennett ===
=== Cody Bennett ===
{{quote| Played by Daniel Goldman & Preston Bailey}}
Played by Daniel Goldman & Preston Bailey


'''A description of the character goes here.'''
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
* [[Cheerful Child]]
* [[Cheerful Child]]
* [[Not So Different]]: In the books, he's got his own Dark Passenger and Dexter's teaching him the Code.
* [[Not So Different]]: In the books, he's got his own Dark Passenger and Dexter's teaching him the Code.
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=== Harrison Morgan ===
=== Harrison Morgan ===
{{quote| Played by Luke & Evan Kruntchev}}
Played by Luke & Evan Kruntchev
* For the record, he's around 6.
* For the record, he's around 6.

'''A description of the character goes here.'''


=== Paul Bennett ===
=== Paul Bennett ===
{{quote| Played by [[Mark Pellegrino]]}}
{{quote|Played by [[Mark Pellegrino]]}}


'''A description of the character goes here.'''
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
* [[Blonde Guys Are Evil]]
* [[Blonde Guys Are Evil]]
* [[Bullying a Dragon]]: Tries to intimidate Dexter. Doesn't work.
* [[Bullying a Dragon]]: Tries to intimidate Dexter. Doesn't work.
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=== Anton Briggs ===
=== Anton Briggs ===
{{quote| Played by David Ramsey}}
Played by David Ramsey


'''A description of the character goes here.'''
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
* [[Butt Monkey]]
* [[Butt Monkey]]
* [[Nice Guy]]
* [[Nice Guy]]
* [[The Informant]]: Somewhat subverted; he’s a nice guy who just got in some trouble.
* [[The Informant]]: Somewhat subverted; he’s a nice guy who just got in some trouble.


=== Christine Hill ===
=== Christine Hill ===
[[File:TropeChristine_6226.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeChristine 6226.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Courtney Ford}}
Played by Courtney Ford


An [[Hot Scoop|attractive young reporter]] who forms a relationship with Quinn while pumping him for information. {{spoiler|She's later revealed to be Arthur Mitchell's daughter from a previous relationship, and Lundy's killer.}}
An [[Hot Scoop|attractive young reporter]] who forms a relationship with Quinn while pumping him for information. {{spoiler|She's later revealed to be Arthur Mitchell's daughter from a previous relationship, and Lundy's killer.}}

----
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
* {{spoiler|[[Ate His Gun]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Ate His Gun]]}}
* [[Broken Bird]]
* [[Broken Bird]]
Line 358: Line 411:
* [[Hot Scoop]]
* [[Hot Scoop]]
* [[Well Done Daughter Girl]]: {{spoiler|Towards Arthur, AKA The Trinity Killer.}}
* [[Well Done Daughter Girl]]: {{spoiler|Towards Arthur, AKA The Trinity Killer.}}
{{break}}


=== Neil Perry ===
=== Neil Perry ===
{{quote| Played by [[Sam Witwer]]}}
Played by [[Sam Witwer]]


A computer analyst who is arrested a likely suspect in the Ice Truck Killer case. {{spoiler|He isn't the killer.}}
A computer analyst who is arrested a likely suspect in the Ice Truck Killer case. {{spoiler|He isn't the killer.}}
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}

* [[Big Bad Wannabe]]
* [[Big Bad Wannabe]]
* [[Dirty Coward]]
* [[Dirty Coward]]
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=== Frank Lundy ===
=== Frank Lundy ===
[[File:TropeFrank_3334.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeFrank 3334.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Keith Carradine<br />
Played by Keith Carradine
''"People like us don't really belong, we just pass through."'' }}
{{quote|''"People like us don't really belong, we just pass through."'' }}


A legendary FBI agent with quirky habits and finely attuned senses when it comes to finding serial killers. He begins a relationship with Debra.
A legendary FBI agent with quirky habits and finely attuned senses when it comes to finding serial killers. He begins a relationship with Debra.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* {{spoiler|[[Back for The Dead]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Back for the Dead]]}}
* [[Bunny Ears Lawyer]]
* [[Bunny Ears Lawyer]]
* [[Cloudcuckoolander]]
* [[Cloudcuckoolander]]
Line 381: Line 435:
* [[Deadpan Snarker]]
* [[Deadpan Snarker]]
* [[Hero Antagonist]]
* [[Hero Antagonist]]
* [[May-December Romance]]: {{spoiler|With Deb.}}
* [[May–December Romance]]: {{spoiler|With Deb.}}
* [[The Profiler]]
* [[The Profiler]]
* [[Put On a Bus]]
* [[Put on a Bus]]
* [[Schedule Fanatic]]
* [[Schedule Fanatic]]
* [[Worthy Opponent]]: Dexter explicitly calls him one, {{spoiler|after he is killed}}.
* [[Worthy Opponent]]: Dexter explicitly calls him one, {{spoiler|after he is killed}}.


=== Lumen Pierce ===
=== Lumen Pierce ===
[[File:TropeLumen_5651.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeLumen 5651.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by [[Julia Stiles]]<br />
Played by [[Julia Stiles]]
''"I look different don't I? Without my hands tied behind my back."'' }}
{{quote|''"I look different don't I? Without my hands tied behind my back."'' }}


A woman whom Dexter inadvertently rescues from the house of one of his victims in season 5 after she sees him in the act. At first frightened and mistrustful of Dexter and traumatized by her brutal kidnapping and torture, Lumen later convinces Dexter to aid her in tracking down and killing what remains of the group of men who brutalized her. She is played by [[Julia Stiles]].
A woman whom Dexter inadvertently rescues from the house of one of his victims in season 5 after she sees him in the act. At first frightened and mistrustful of Dexter and traumatized by her brutal kidnapping and torture, Lumen later convinces Dexter to aid her in tracking down and killing what remains of the group of men who brutalized her. She is played by [[Julia Stiles]].
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Birds of a Feather]]: "It is a law of nature that elements will want to unify. Single cells thrash about in a petri dish until they coalesce."
* [[Birds of a Feather]]: "It is a law of nature that elements will want to unify. Single cells thrash about in a petri dish until they coalesce."
* [[Broken Bird]]: And how.
* [[Broken Bird]]: And how.
Line 407: Line 461:
* [[Scars Are Forever]]: Her back has several horrible scars from her torture. They don't look like they'll ever heal.
* [[Scars Are Forever]]: Her back has several horrible scars from her torture. They don't look like they'll ever heal.
* [[Serial Killer]]: In a saner Aileen Wuornos kind of way.
* [[Serial Killer]]: In a saner Aileen Wuornos kind of way.
* [[Took a Level In Badass]]
* [[Took a Level in Badass]]


=== Brother Sam AKA Samuel Wright ===
=== Brother Sam AKA Samuel Wright ===
[[File:TropeSam_9314.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeSam 9314.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Mos<br />
Played by Mos
''"I'm not afraid of you son...and damn sure ain't afraid to die. I know what's waiting for me on the other side, do you?"'' }}
{{quote|''"I'm not afraid of you son...and damn sure ain't afraid to die. I know what's waiting for me on the other side, do you?"'' }}


Once on Death Row, Samuel Wright is now a reformed man of God...or so he says. Miami Metro are still highly suspicious of him, and don't know if he's honestly changed or has different intentions.
Once on Death Row, Samuel Wright is now a reformed man of God...or so he says. Miami Metro are still highly suspicious of him, and don't know if he's honestly changed or has different intentions.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* {{spoiler|[[Abusive Parents]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Abusive Parents]]}}
* [[The Atoner]]
* [[The Atoner]]
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=== Jamie Batista ===
=== Jamie Batista ===
{{quote| Played by Aimee Garcia}}
Played by Aimee Garcia


Angel's baby sister and Harrison's new nanny.
Angel's baby sister and Harrison's new nanny.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[The Cutie]]
* [[The Cutie]]
* [[Ms. Fanservice]]
* [[Ms. Fanservice]]
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=== {{spoiler|Rudy Cooper/Brian Moser}} AKA The Ice Truck Killer ===
=== {{spoiler|Rudy Cooper/Brian Moser}} AKA The Ice Truck Killer ===
{{quote| Played by {{spoiler|Christian Camargo}}<br />
Played by {{spoiler|Christian Camargo}}
''"You can't be a killer and a hero. It doesn't work that way!"'' }}
{{quote|''"You can't be a killer and a hero. It doesn't work that way!"'' }}


The [[Big Bad]] and Dexter's main nemesis of the first season. The Ice Truck Killer takes hookers, kills them and using a freezer, starting with an ice truck hence the name, drains their blood and chops them into pieces before putting them on display for all to see. Throughout the entirety of the first season [[Criminal Mind Games|he leaves clues that he knows only Dexter would find]] as a game of cat n' mouse is played. {{spoiler|1=It's eventually revealed that the Ice Truck Killer is Dexter's brother, Brian Moser, who wanted to get close to Dexter and live their lives together, as they were the only two people who would ever understand each other. When Brian reveals that he would have to kill Debra to do this, Dexter regretfully kills him in the TV series, but spares him and even leaves him a head start after being shot by LaGuerta in the books.}}
The [[Big Bad]] and Dexter's main nemesis of the first season. The Ice Truck Killer takes hookers, kills them and using a freezer, starting with an ice truck hence the name, drains their blood and chops them into pieces before putting them on display for all to see. Throughout the entirety of the first season [[Criminal Mind Games|he leaves clues that he knows only Dexter would find]] as a game of cat n' mouse is played. {{spoiler|1=It's eventually revealed that the Ice Truck Killer is Dexter's brother, Brian Moser, who wanted to get close to Dexter and live their lives together, as they were the only two people who would ever understand each other. When Brian reveals that he would have to kill Debra to do this, Dexter regretfully kills him in the TV series, but spares him and even leaves him a head start after being shot by LaGuerta in the books.}}
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Ax Crazy]]
* [[Ax Crazy]]
* {{spoiler|[[The Bus Came Back]]: even though he's dead{in show}, he now represents Dexter's darkness.}}
* {{spoiler|[[The Bus Came Back]]: even though he's dead{in show}, he now represents Dexter's darkness.}}
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* [[Criminal Mind Games]]: Plays this with Dexter for the entire season.
* [[Criminal Mind Games]]: Plays this with Dexter for the entire season.
** And {{spoiler|recently, the entire fifth book. It turns out it was just his way of showing affection and having fun with Dexter and the kids, and he actually wanted a family.}}
** And {{spoiler|recently, the entire fifth book. It turns out it was just his way of showing affection and having fun with Dexter and the kids, and he actually wanted a family.}}
* {{spoiler|[[Death By Adaptation]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Death by Adaptation]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Evil Counterpart]]}}: The most famous and obvious, {{spoiler|it comes with being brothers}}.
* {{spoiler|[[Evil Counterpart]]}}: The most famous and obvious, {{spoiler|it comes with being brothers}}.
* [[Hope Spot]]: To Debra. Worst thing is, ''he's not even trying to pretend anymore'', he's just [[Sure Why Not]].
* [[Hope Spot]]: To Debra. Worst thing is, ''he's not even trying to pretend anymore'', he's just [[Sure Why Not]].
* [[I Know You Are in There Somewhere Fight]]: Oh so subverted.
* [["I Know You're in There Somewhere" Fight]]: Oh so subverted.
* {{spoiler|[[Killed Mid-Sentence]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Killed Mid-Sentence]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Luke, I Am Your Father|Dexter, I Am Your Brother]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Luke, I Am Your Father|Dexter, I Am Your Brother]]}}
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* [[Stepford Smiler]]: In the book, mostly in the series too. Taken [[Up to Eleven]] when he {{spoiler|comes to Dexter's house with an obvious fake smile and lines '''literally''' ripped out from books and movies, and woos [[Horrible Judge of Character|Rita]].}}
* [[Stepford Smiler]]: In the book, mostly in the series too. Taken [[Up to Eleven]] when he {{spoiler|comes to Dexter's house with an obvious fake smile and lines '''literally''' ripped out from books and movies, and woos [[Horrible Judge of Character|Rita]].}}
* {{spoiler|[[Unexplained Recovery]]: He's back in the fifth book, after having been shot, with no obvious aches or pains regarding that.}}
* {{spoiler|[[Unexplained Recovery]]: He's back in the fifth book, after having been shot, with no obvious aches or pains regarding that.}}
* {{spoiler|[[Villainous Rescue]]:}} ''Yes, him''. He {{spoiler|saves Dexter from vampiric cannibals in the fifth book.}} [[Exactly What It Says On the Tin|Yes, it's as awesome as it sounds]].
* {{spoiler|[[Villainous Rescue]]:}} ''Yes, him''. He {{spoiler|saves Dexter from vampiric cannibals in the fifth book.}} [[Exactly What It Says on the Tin|Yes, it's as awesome as it sounds]].


=== Lila West/Tourney ===
=== Lila West/Tourney ===
[[File:TropeLila_7687.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeLila 7687.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Jaime Murray<br />
Played by Jaime Murray
''"You haven't got the first idea who you are, have you? Dexter, meet Dexter. I'm gonna help the two of you get to know each other."'' }}
{{quote|''"You haven't got the first idea who you are, have you? Dexter, meet Dexter. I'm gonna help the two of you get to know each other."'' }}


Dexter's temporary [[Love Interest]] during season 2 {{spoiler|and [[Big Bad]] of that season}}. Lila become Dexter's sponsor when he enrols in NA meetings as his alibi. She learns of his "addiction" early on, finds a connection between herself and Dexter and later professes to be his soulmate. {{spoiler|Dexter finally kills her after she murders Doakes "for him", believing that Dexter will run away with her.}}
Dexter's temporary [[Love Interest]] during season 2 {{spoiler|and [[Big Bad]] of that season}}. Lila become Dexter's sponsor when he enrols in NA meetings as his alibi. She learns of his "addiction" early on, finds a connection between herself and Dexter and later professes to be his soulmate. {{spoiler|Dexter finally kills her after she murders Doakes "for him", believing that Dexter will run away with her.}}
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* {{spoiler|[[Ax Crazy]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Ax Crazy]]}}
* [[Betty and Veronica]]
* [[Betty and Veronica]]
* {{spoiler|[[Big Damn Villains]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Big Damn Villains]]}}
* [[Evil Brit]]
* [[Evil Brit]]
** [[Evil Is Sexy]]: Oh, so sexy.
** [[Evil Is Sexy]]: Oh, so sexy.
* [[Femme Fatale]]
* [[Femme Fatale]]
* [[Foot Focus]]: While riding in Dexter's car she hangs her bare feet out the passenger window.
* [[Foot Focus]]: While riding in Dexter's car she hangs her bare feet out the passenger window.
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=== Miguel Prado ===
=== Miguel Prado ===
[[File:TropeMiguel_4899.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeMiguel 4899.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Jimmy Smits<br />
Played by Jimmy Smits
''"I'll do what I want, when I want, to whomever I want! Count on it!"'' }}
{{quote|''"I'll do what I want, when I want, to whomever I want! Count on it!"'' }}


Assistant District Attorney who befriends Dexter in season 3 after {{spoiler|Dexter accidentally kills his brother in self defense, and Miguel later catches Dexter with blood on his hands after Dexter kills the man who Miguel believes is responsible for his brother's death}}. This leads to an odd partnership, however {{spoiler|Miguel becomes increasingly unstable and eventually murders an innocent woman, and Dexter is forced to kill him after realizing that Miguel has been manipulating him all along.}}
Assistant District Attorney who befriends Dexter in season 3 after {{spoiler|Dexter accidentally kills his brother in self defense, and Miguel later catches Dexter with blood on his hands after Dexter kills the man who Miguel believes is responsible for his brother's death}}. This leads to an odd partnership, however {{spoiler|Miguel becomes increasingly unstable and eventually murders an innocent woman, and Dexter is forced to kill him after realizing that Miguel has been manipulating him all along.}}
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Abusive Parents]]: His father really messed up him and his brothers.
* [[Abusive Parents]]: His father really messed up him and his brothers.
* [[Aloof Big Brother]]: His brother Ramon is a hothead and initially appears to be a [[Jerkass]], while Miguel is the calm level-headed success story. Later, it turns out that this was an image Miguel created himself. He was always a liar trying to make himself appear better than he was.
* [[Aloof Big Brother]]: His brother Ramon is a hothead and initially appears to be a [[Jerkass]], while Miguel is the calm level-headed success story. Later, it turns out that this was an image Miguel created himself. He was always a liar trying to make himself appear better than he was.
* [[Amoral Attorney]]
* [[Amoral Attorney]]
* [[Blackmail Is Such an Ugly Word]]
* [[Blackmail Is Such an Ugly Word]]
* [[Consummate Liar]]: He is a wonderful monument of bullshit.
* [[Consummate Liar]]: He is a wonderful monument of bullshit.
* {{spoiler|[[Deceptive Disciple]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Deceptive Disciple]]}}
* [[Hair-Trigger Temper]]
* [[Hair-Trigger Temper]]
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* [[Sanity Slippage]]: Most apparant when {{spoiler|he goes utterly batshit at Dexter on the Miami Metro roof, ranting about doing whatever he wants.}}
* [[Sanity Slippage]]: Most apparant when {{spoiler|he goes utterly batshit at Dexter on the Miami Metro roof, ranting about doing whatever he wants.}}
* {{spoiler|[[Villainous Breakdown]]: He's got quite a temper...}}
* {{spoiler|[[Villainous Breakdown]]: He's got quite a temper...}}
* [[Villain With Good Publicity]]
* [[Villain with Good Publicity]]
* [[Well-Intentioned Extremist]]: At first.
* [[Well-Intentioned Extremist]]: At first.


=== Jorge Orozco AKA George Washington King ===
=== Jorge Orozco AKA George Washington King ===
{{quote| Played by Jesse Borrego}}
Played by Jesse Borrego

A Nicaraguan [[Serial Killer]] and supporting antagonist in season three.


A Nicaraguan [[Serial Killer]] and supporting antagonist in season three.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
* [[Cold-Blooded Torture]]
* [[Cold-Blooded Torture]]
* [[The Dreaded]]
* [[The Dreaded]]
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=== Arthur Mitchell AKA The Trinity Killer ===
=== Arthur Mitchell AKA The Trinity Killer ===
[[File:TropeArthur_932.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeArthur 932.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by [[John Lithgow]]<br />
Played by [[John Lithgow]]
''"It's already over."'' }}
{{quote|''"It's already over."'' }}


The [[Big Bad]] of season 4, a mysterious, malevolent figure who kills in threes, referred to by Dexter as "the most successful serial killer to ever get away with it". Dexter tracks down Trinity only to find that {{spoiler|Arthur has a family and hides within his community, just like Dexter himself}} and realizes that he may be able to learn a thing or two from him. He is played with [[Evil Is Hammy|terrifying haminess]] by [[John Lithgow]].
The [[Big Bad]] of season 4, a mysterious, malevolent figure who kills in threes, referred to by Dexter as "the most successful serial killer to ever get away with it". Dexter tracks down Trinity only to find that {{spoiler|Arthur has a family and hides within his community, just like Dexter himself}} and realizes that he may be able to learn a thing or two from him. He is played with [[Evil Is Hammy|terrifying haminess]] by [[John Lithgow]].
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Abusive Parents]]: Had them and becomes one.
* [[Abusive Parents]]: Had them and becomes one.
* [[Ax Crazy]]
* [[Ax Crazy]]
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* [[Evil Is Hammy]]: The [[Large Ham|hammiest]] of all of the [[Dexter]] villains.
* [[Evil Is Hammy]]: The [[Large Ham|hammiest]] of all of the [[Dexter]] villains.
** It's a toss-up between him and Migeul.
** It's a toss-up between him and Migeul.
* [[Family Values Villain]]: In his public life.
* [[Family Values Villain]]: In his public life.
* [[Freudian Excuse]]
* [[Freudian Excuse]]
* [[Full-Frontal Assault]]
* [[Full-Frontal Assault]]
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* [[Madness Mantra]]: "It's already over...it's already over..."
* [[Madness Mantra]]: "It's already over...it's already over..."
* [[Mean Character, Nice Actor]]: One of the sweetest actors you'll ever meet and a dedicated author and singer for children playing a [[Complete Monster]] serial killer who {{spoiler|buries kids alive}}.
* [[Mean Character, Nice Actor]]: One of the sweetest actors you'll ever meet and a dedicated author and singer for children playing a [[Complete Monster]] serial killer who {{spoiler|buries kids alive}}.
* {{spoiler|[[Non-Indicative Name]]: Is called the Trinity killer for his pattern of killing in threes, but he actually kills in fours.}}
* {{spoiler|[[Non-Indicative Name]]: Is called the Trinity killer for his pattern of killing in threes, but he actually kills in fours.}}
* [[Parental Incest]]: Heavily suggested towards his daughter, who seemed to treat as a substitute for his sister who died when he startled her as [[Brother-Sister Incest|he peeked on her in the shower]].
* [[Parental Incest]]: Heavily suggested towards his daughter, who seemed to treat as a substitute for his sister who died when he startled her as [[Brother-Sister Incest|he peeked on her in the shower]].
* [[Psychopathic Manchild]]
* [[Psychopathic Manchild]]
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=== Stan Liddy ===
=== Stan Liddy ===
[[File:peter-weller-dexter_2584.jpg|frame]]
[[File:peter-weller-dexter 2584.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by [[Peter Weller]]<br />
Played by [[Peter Weller]]
''"You fuck with the bull, you get the horn."'' }}
{{quote|''"You fuck with the bull, you get the horn."'' }}


A [[Dirty Cop]] who is recruited by Quinn to investigate Dexter. However, he quickly gets out of control…
A [[Dirty Cop]] who is recruited by Quinn to investigate Dexter. However, he quickly gets out of control…
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* {{spoiler|[[Asshole Victim]]: Not that we weren't sorry to see him go...}}
* {{spoiler|[[Asshole Victim]]: Not that we weren't sorry to see him go...}}
* [[Deadpan Snarker]]
* [[Deadpan Snarker]]
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=== Professor James Geller ===
=== Professor James Geller ===
[[File:TropeGeller_6855.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeGeller 6855.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Edward James Olmos<br />
Played by Edward James Olmos
''"Is that what you want, Travis? To hurt me? You see how I suffer for your sins!"'' }}
{{quote|''"Is that what you want, Travis? To hurt me? You see how I suffer for your sins!"'' }}


A Professor of Religious Studies who also happens to be a serial killer and [[Evil Mentor]] to one of his students.
A Professor of Religious Studies who also happens to be a serial killer and [[Evil Mentor]] to one of his students.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Affably Evil]]
* [[Affably Evil]]
* [[Big Bad]]
* [[Big Bad]]
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* [[Evil Mentor]]
* [[Evil Mentor]]
* [[Evil Teacher]]
* [[Evil Teacher]]
* [[Expy]]: He takes some inspiration from John Doe of ''[[Seven]]'', elaborately staging his murders to conform to religious imagery.
* [[Expy]]: He takes some inspiration from John Doe of ''[[Se7en]]'', elaborately staging his murders to conform to religious imagery.
** {{spoiler|Now that it is clear that he wasn't actually responsible for the murders, he's more like an expy of American bible prophecy "experts" like Tim Lehaye. The sixth season is sort of a deconstruction of what happens when someone takes religious extremism completely seriously.}}
** {{spoiler|Now that it is clear that he wasn't actually responsible for the murders, he's more like an expy of American bible prophecy "experts" like Tim Lehaye. The sixth season is sort of a deconstruction of what happens when someone takes religious extremism completely seriously.}}
* [[Four Eyes, Zero Soul]]
* [[Four Eyes, Zero Soul]]
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=== Travis Marshall ===
=== Travis Marshall ===
[[File:TropeTravis_2741.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeTravis 2741.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Colin Hanks<br />
Played by Colin Hanks
''"You're not going anywhere until you've repented for your sins."'' }}
{{quote|''"You're not going anywhere until you've repented for your sins."'' }}


A student of Professor James Geller and his serial killer protege.
A student of Professor James Geller and his serial killer protege.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[Anti-Villain]]: He doesn't want to kill anybody. Unfortunately for him, {{spoiler|the "Geller" personality is the stronger one.}}
* [[Anti-Villain]]: He doesn't want to kill anybody. Unfortunately for him, {{spoiler|the "Geller" personality is the stronger one.}}
** {{spoiler|as of "Ricochet Rabbit" this may be a sham, though one must not forget "Geller".}}
** {{spoiler|as of "Ricochet Rabbit" this may be a sham, though one must not forget "Geller".}}
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* {{spoiler|[[Big Bad]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Big Bad]]}}
* {{spoiler|[[Cain and Abel]]: He ''killed'' his sister, though he was under the delusion that 'Geller' had done it.}}
* {{spoiler|[[Cain and Abel]]: He ''killed'' his sister, though he was under the delusion that 'Geller' had done it.}}
* {{spoiler|[[Dead Little Sister|Dead Older Sister]]: "Geller" murdered his sister to "free him" and allow him to return to their work. Travis didn't take it well.}}
* {{spoiler|[[Dead Little Sister|Dead Older Sister]]: "Geller" murdered his sister to "free him" and allow him to return to their work. Travis didn't take it well.}}
* [[The Dragon]]: To Professor Gellar {{spoiler|Though Gellar was just in his mind he still follow his plans}}
* [[The Dragon]]: To Professor Gellar {{spoiler|Though Gellar was just in his mind he still follow his plans}}
* [[Evil Counterpart]]: Like Dexter he has a sister that he cares about more than anyone else, and he's guided by an elder mentor {{spoiler|who's just a vision.}}
* [[Evil Counterpart]]: Like Dexter he has a sister that he cares about more than anyone else, and he's guided by an elder mentor {{spoiler|who's just a vision.}}
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=== Jordan Chase AKA Eugene Greer ===
=== Jordan Chase AKA Eugene Greer ===
[[File:TropeChase_9620.jpg|frame]]
[[File:TropeChase 9620.jpg|frame]]
{{quote| Played by Jonny Lee Miller<br />
Played by Jonny Lee Miller
''"Tick, tick, tick, that´s the sound of your life running out."'' }}
{{quote|''"Tick, tick, tick, that´s the sound of your life running out."'' }}


A charismatic and popular motivational speaker, known for his 'Take It!' approach to life. He's also a demented sociopath and ringleader of the Barrel Girl Gang, a group of serial rapists.
A charismatic and popular motivational speaker, known for his 'Take It!' approach to life. He's also a demented sociopath and ringleader of the Barrel Girl Gang, a group of serial rapists.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}
----
* [[The Chessmaster]]
* [[The Chessmaster]]
* [[Control Freak]]
* [[Control Freak]]
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* [[Rousing Speech]]
* [[Rousing Speech]]
* [[The Sociopath]]
* [[The Sociopath]]
* [[Villain With Good Publicity]]
* [[Villain with Good Publicity]]
* [[Sharp-Dressed Man]]
* [[Sharp-Dressed Man]]
* [[Strange Minds Think Alike]]: Has the creepy and funny habit of finishing Dexter's mental sentances.
* [[Strange Minds Think Alike]]: Has the creepy and funny habit of finishing Dexter's mental sentances.


=== Cole Harmon ===
=== Cole Harmon ===
{{quote| Played by Chris Vance}}
Played by Chris Vance


The loyal head of security for Jordan Chase.
The loyal head of security for Jordan Chase.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}

* [[Cold-Blooded Torture]]: In addition to being a rapist, he enjoyed torturing his victims. Lumen states that he gave her her scars.
* [[Cold-Blooded Torture]]: In addition to being a rapist, he enjoyed torturing his victims. Lumen states that he gave her her scars.
* [[Creepy Souvenir]]: It doesn't get much creepier than recording ''the gang rapes you participated in''.
* [[Creepy Souvenir]]: It doesn't get much creepier than recording ''the gang rapes you participated in''.
* [[Defiant to The End]]
* [[Defiant to the End]]
* [[Hey, It's That Guy!]]: It's [[Prison Break|James Whistler]]
* [[Hey, It's That Guy!]]: It's [[Prison Break|James Whistler]]
* [[The Dragon]]: to Jordan.
* [[The Dragon]]: to Jordan.
* [[Sharp-Dressed Man]]
* [[Sharp-Dressed Man]]
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=== Boyd Fowler ===
=== Boyd Fowler ===
{{quote| Played by Sean Hatosy}}
Played by Sean Hatosy


The 'cleaner' for the Barrel Girl Gang, he works in dead animal pick-up and is responsible for disposing of the gang's victims.
The 'cleaner' for the Barrel Girl Gang, he works in dead animal pick-up and is responsible for disposing of the gang's victims.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}

* [[Cleanup Crew]]
* [[Cleanup Crew]]
* [[Smarter Than You Look]]
* [[Smarter Than You Look]]


=== Dan Mendell ===
=== Dan Mendell ===
{{quote| Played by Sean O’Bryan}}
Played by Sean O’Bryan


A dentist and scout for the group, luring the women into the gang's clutches.
A dentist and scout for the group, luring the women into the gang's clutches.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}

* [[Alliterative Name]]: Not actually, but once it's revealed he's a dentist, Dexter, Lumen, and Debra all call him "Dan the Dentist."
* [[Alliterative Name]]: Not actually, but once it's revealed he's a dentist, Dexter, Lumen, and Debra all call him "Dan the Dentist."
* [[Country Matters]]: Calls Lumen this. {{spoiler|It gets his neck broken}}.
* [[Country Matters]]: Calls Lumen this. {{spoiler|It gets his neck broken}}.
* [[Depraved Dentist]]
* [[Depraved Dentist]]
* {{spoiler|[[Neck Snap]]:}} Courtesy of Dexter, after he called Lumen a cunt.
* {{spoiler|[[Neck Snap]]:}} Courtesy of Dexter, after he called Lumen a cunt.

=== Alex Tilden ===
=== Alex Tilden ===
{{quote| Played by Scott Grimes}}
Played by Scott Grimes


A banker and weak-willed flunky of Jordan Chase.
A banker and weak-willed flunky of Jordan Chase.
{{tropelist|Tropes exhibited by this character include:}}

* [[Ain't Too Proud to Beg]]
* [[Ain't Too Proud to Beg]]
* [[Creepy Souvenir]]: He collects pieces of jewelry from his victims. [[Hoist By His Own Petard|Lumen is able to identify him as one of her attackers by recognizing a piece of her jewelry that he has.]]
* [[Creepy Souvenir]]: He collects pieces of jewelry from his victims. [[Hoist by His Own Petard|Lumen is able to identify him as one of her attackers by recognizing a piece of her jewelry that he has.]]
* [[Evil Redhead]]
* [[Evil Redhead]]
* [[Unwitting Pawn]]: In the end, this was all he amounted to as far as Jordan was concerned.
* [[Unwitting Pawn]]: In the end, this was all he amounted to as far as Jordan was concerned.


{{worksubpagefooter}}
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Dexter]]
[[Category:Characters]]

Latest revision as of 16:19, 11 September 2021


Characters from Dexter include:

Dexter Morgan

Played by Michael C Hall

"I'm Dexter, and... I'm not sure what I am. I just know there's something dark in me."

The show's protagonist. Dexter was adopted into his foster-family as a three-year old after his mother was murdered in front of him. He was taken in by the Morgan family who he loved dearly; however, Dexter had been horribly traumatized by what he'd seen. Growing up with sociopathic tendencies, Dexter was trained by his father to direct his urges to kill at those who "deserve it", and to never get caught. Works as a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro PD.

Over the course of the show Dexter slowly realises he isn't as monstrous as he initially thought.

Tropes exhibited by Dexter include:
  • Affably Evil: Bordering sometimes on Faux Affably Evil. He may be a serial killer who feels no guilt about his actions, but he is unfailingly polite and always expresses gratitude when someone does him a favor.
  • Afraid of Blood: Especially in the books. He expresses considerable unease about blood that isn't tidily confined, which makes his choice of career seem rather odd until you realise that his job effectively requires putting blood back into order and so could actually be therapeutic. Of course, given that after his mother's murder, he spent at least two days sitting in her blood, surrounded by pieces of her and other ex-people, the aversion is understandable.

Dexter Morgan: Blood. Sometimes it sets my teeth on edge, other times it helps me control the chaos.

  • Ambiguously Evil: Subverted; he considers himself Necessarily Evil while in-universe opinions (and even out of universe) regarding his work as the BHB range from "Byronic Hero" to "Ax Crazy and in it For the Evulz". It should be noted that for him necessary evil doesn't mean "small evil in order to do great good." It means "small evil in order to control myself so I don't do even greater evil.
  • Animals Hate Him: Especially in the novels, where it is revealed that he have unsuccessfully tried to keep pets, which included a dog that kept barking and growling at him, and a turtle that would hide away from him in its shell to the point where it died of starvation.
  • Anti-Hero (Type V): Unless you consider him an....
  • Anti-Villain: He kills but he also has a code, loves his family and protects children from harm. (Type I)
  • Badass: If there's a dirty cop, ex-special forces soldier, gigantic gangster, Nicaraguan death squad leader or fucking Jock Dexter can't kill he hasn't met them and killed them yet.
  • Badass Bookworm
  • Becoming the Mask: He was only using Rita to appear more normal but also he eventually realised he has grown to love her very much.
  • Benevolent Boss: to Jamie. He allows her as much time of as she needs after Cassie is killed.
  • Berserk Button: Some advice if you live in Miami: be gentle with Rita, and don't try to harm any children.
    • He also becomes very protective of Lumen.
  • Beware the Nice Ones
  • Big Brother Instinct: He loves Deb very much, to the point he killed his biological brother for her.
  • Can't Stand Them Can't Live Without Them: Dexter jokingly remarks "Can't live with her, can't kill her" about his sister Debra.
  • Control Freak
  • Creature of Habit: He's obsessed with daily rituals and routines of his and other peoples.
  • Creepy Monotone: His inner monologue.
  • Dating Catwoman: His relationship with Lila though he kills her after she tries to kill Cody and Astor. His relationship with Hannah also who he protects at the risk of endangering Civilians.
  • Deadpan Snarker: Really really DEADpan.
  • Did I Just Say That Out Loud?
  • Disproportionate Retribution: Dexter is the poster boy for this trope. In the first episode of season 8, he begins strangling a man who cut him off in traffic and only stops when he sees there's a child in the back.
  • Enemy to All Living Things: As a child his killing of neighbourhood animals convinced Harry he would become a monster. Even as an adult he kills a ferret as part of his plan to murder Boyd Fowler.
  • Even Evil Has Standards:
    • Dexter kills only killers and pedophiles.
    • He brags of being a "very neat monster" and doesn't look too well on those who don't tidy their playground, whatever it may be.
    • He also doesn't like to tamper with evidence unless it's his own hide on the rope, and even then he half-heartedly does it. Makes you wonder why he went into forensics if he wasn't prepared to someday use the position to tamper with some incriminating evidence against himself.
      • Though this gets thrown out the window in season 6, where he becomes obsessed with taking down the Doomsday Killers himself and sabotages the police investigation (which incidentally makes his sister look very bad after she was just promoted to lieutenant) several times.
      • It doesn't help how the 4th season ended. If he had used his position to help instead of impede the investigation of the Trinity Killer, Rita might not be dead.
    • And of course The Code.
    • He despise those who harm children and goes to great lengths to protect a young boy from Trinity.
    • He can't bring himself to kill Doakes as he knows for as much shit as Doakes gives him he is a decent man. Framing Doakes on the other hand is perfectly acceptable due to Loophole Abuse.
    • He always kills quickly and never draws it out.
    • He expresses dislike for cannibals.
    • He feels guilty when he kills someone outside his code shown by his murders of Oscar Prado and Jonathan Farrow. He's haunted by his role in Miguel's murder of Ellen Wolf.
    • He knows no-one should be like, trying to save both Jeremy and Zach from going down a dark path.
    • His victims must be likely to reoffend.
  • The Fettered
  • First-Person Smartass
  • Guilt Complex: In season 2 he briefly finds himself unable to kill anyone because of his conflicted feelings about murdering his own brother.
  • Happily Adopted: He sees Deb and Harry as family regardless of blood.
  • Heroic Sociopath
    • In the books. In the show he comes off as more of a Heroic Secret Schizoid with uncontrollable homicidal urges.
  • Hollywood Atheist: Seems like this is going to be a big theme of season 6. On the one hand it's averted because Dexter has a fairly realistic reason for non-belief (In his own words "it doesn't make sense"). On the other hand it's played straight because the show in general seems to take the view that anyone who isn't a serial killer should have religious beliefs of somekind whether they were raised with them or not because only an insane traumatized serial killer wouldn't believe in something. On yet another hand this is partially deconstructed as Dexter points out the hypocrisy of religious murderers and the main villains of season 6 seem to be some kind of apocalyptic religious nuts.
    • Note the "something" in that statement; Dexter refuses to even state he believes in personal morality like most atheists, which is what freaks people out.
    • Played for Drama: In the sixth season,
      • He can't get a handle on the religious motivation behind the killings.
      • He makes an effort to learn about religion, because he wants to instill some sort of morality into his son. Not that he make a good teacher...
  • Honor Before Reason: In season 5 he saves Lumen at the risk of his own freedom.
  • Hot Dad
  • It's All About Me: Downplayed in comparison to his enemies but if he had helped the police apprehend Trinity instead of insisting on being the one to kill him Rita would still be alive.
    • Jerkass: Dexter is usually civil to everyone but sometimes acts like a total dick to Quinn without provocation.
  • Karma Houdini
  • Kick the Dog: In season 2 he taunts Doakes, telling him he has no inherent worth as no-one will miss him when he dies.
  • Knife Nut: His routine involves a knife, but he sometimes chooses a more exotic weapon - axe, chainsaw, hammer...
  • Knight Templar Parent: Boarders on this at times.
  • Like a Son to Me Cody and Astor are as good as his own flesh and blood.
  • Manipulative Bastard: Is great at convincing people he's an innocent, well-meaning lad. Of particular note is the way he convinces Miguel to keep Ramon in the dark about Freebo by playing them against each other and tricking Ramon into a bar fight.
  • Murder Is the Best Solution: His first thought when someone gets in his way is "can I kill them?"
  • No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: Any time he attempts to be more human, it backfires
    • Giving Travis another Chance indirectly leads to Deb uncovering his true identity and everything bad that happens from that point onward.
    • Deciding to turn Saxon into the cops rather than kill him leads to him Dexter having to kill his own sister to put her out of her misery.
  • Noble Demon
  • Papa Wolf
  • Pay Evil Unto Evil
  • Poetic Serial Killer: When particularly disgusted or angered by a killer, or when it's necessary, he kills them with a method that's relevant to their crime, such as bludgeoning Arthur Mitchell with a hammer, or drowning Nick at the same beach he had been baptised at by the man he killed, Brother Sam.
  • Principles Zealot: Deconstruction of the evil(ish) version of this trope, he knows without the Code he'd slip into the darkness completely and become like his brother.
  • Psychotic Smirk: Fantastic things are done with lighting to make Michael C. Hall look as much like Light Yagami as possible when he turns on the evil grin.
  • Redheaded Hero
  • Serial Killer Killer
  • Stepford Smiler: He can be types A, B, and C all at the same time.
  • Trademark Favorite Food: Seems to have a fondness for steak.
  • Ubermensch: Dexter becomes this when he starts ignoring his "Dark Passenger" and the Code of Harry to start picking his own targets.
  • Unreliable Narrator: Dexter often talks about how he doesn't have any emotions. While his emotions are definitely subdued, it's pretty clear that's not the case. Just look at Papa Wolf above.
    • He's actually pretty reliable regarding everything but himself.
  • Villain Protagonist: While a very likeable example he is an unapologetically selfish person who has committed many criminal acts and indirectly ruins the lives of many people around him.
  • Well-Intentioned Extremist: Subverted. His methods certainly are extreme and his target selection ensures that he's probably a net positive force in the universe, but he doesn't do it to make the world a better place, he does it because he needs to.
  • Why Did it Have To Be Jocks?
  • Wouldn't Hurt a Child: Dexter is fond of children, and tends to drop his usually calm attitude around those of his victims that preys on them. He even broke his code of only killing murders to get rid of a pedophile who was stalking Astor.
  • Wrong Genre Savvy: Dexter often projects his own experiences and motivations onto other killers and thus misinterprets their motivations and reactions. He expects the killer to play out one of the usual stereotypes and is blindsided when the killer actually does something completely different. This gets him in a lot of trouble and gets a lot of people killed.
  • Xanatos Speed Chess: He often has to work on his own crime scenes, and has to play merry hell with the chain of evidence.
  • Your Cheating Heart: His relationship with Rita ends in season 2 after a one-night-stand with Lila.

Miami Metro Police Department

Debra Morgan

Played by Jennifer Carpenter

"Ugh, a dress. I feel like a transvestite."

Dexter's foul-mouthed, tomboyish foster-sister. Deb is a detective in Miami Metro's Homicide division. Appears in seasons 1-5, played by Jennifer Carpenter. Debra believes she truly knew her father, but is in reality completely unaware of the secrets he kept—especially concerning Dexter (who she sees as a true brother). Inspired by their fathers' legendary police career, Debra joined the police and desperately yearned to become a Homicide Detective, which she achieves during the series.

Without her, Dexter may be something far more evil than he is. In the first season she unknowingly dates Dexter's biological brother Brian who uses her to worm his way into Dexter's life. He then forces Dexter to chose between him and Deb. Unfortunately for him, Dexter chooses Deb. In season 2, the realization that Deb depends on him causes him to back out of turning himself in. Upon discovering Dexter's secret she goes down a dark path that ends with Dexter killing her.

Tropes exhibited by Debra include:
  • Big Sister Instinct: She cares about Dexter just as much as he does about her, and has saved his life on several occasions.
  • Born Detective: The only one in the department apart from Doakes. Dexter makes it very clear that he is mainly free because his sister has a "blind spot" on him.
  • Broken Bird: She's broken in-series at the hands of the Ice Truck Killer, and by seeing her lover killed in series 4. This is lampshaded heavily in her therapy sessions in series 6.
    • Being ignored by her father in favor of her adopted brother probably didn't help things.
  • Butt Monkey: Debra is treated very badly by several of her boyfriends and LaGuerta who abuses her with impunity.
  • Cast Incest: Ironic when you consider Really Gets Around below.
    • And gets really uncomfortable after Hall and Carpenter divorced, and have a scene discussing marriage in the next season.
      • Even more so now that Deb admits being in love with Dex.
  • Cluster F-Bomb: Hoo boy. Deb really likes swearing.
  • Cool Little Sis
  • Daddy's Girl: She felt Dexter was Harry's favourite. In reality, Harry was trying to help Dexter just as much for her sake as for Dexter's.
  • Dirty Harriet: Made pretty fun in the book, noted at least twice that victims' relatives expect a Dirty Harry, not Legally Blonde.
  • Fair Cop
  • Genre Blind: In the novels, but even moreso in the television series. To the point where some viewers would block their ear-holes.
  • Hope Spot: Gets one from Brian, her fiancee and future killer if it were after him and hangs on to it in desperation, while he's not even trying that hard to pretend anymore. It bombs, of course.
  • "I Know You're in There Somewhere" Fight: She loses this with Brian.
  • Jerk With a Heart of Gold: Despite constantly cursing at inappropriate times and being insensitive, she is a good sister and a loyal friend. She supports Angel when he's framed for rape in Season 2 and tries to offer Masuka good advice about his long-lost daughter in season 8.
  • The Ladette
  • Let Off by the Detective: In season 5, she allows Dexter and Lumen (while not knowing their identities) escape because she finds the barrel girl gang despicable.
  • Love Makes You Evil: She commits some truly immoral acts to keep Dexter out of trouble, even murdering LaGuerta for him.
  • Morality Pet: One of the few people Dexter truly loves in the early seasons as he shows her unconditional support.
  • Not So Different: She chooses to let the "vigilantes" go in Season 5, and previously made very clear what her thoughts about the case were.
  • Really Gets Around: She's quite the serial monogamist.
  • Lady Swearsalot
  • Tomboyish Ponytail: Her usual hair style when she's not working in Vice Squad.

Maria La Guerta

Played by Lauren Velez

"The operative word is "boss". Show some respect."

Lieutenant Maria La Guerta is a tough, determined woman in command of the Homicide division who is not above making her subordinates feel intimidated.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Angel Batista

Played by David Zayas

"Don't forget! Tell the universe what you really need!"

Angelo "Angel" Batista is a Detective in Miami Metro Police Department's Homicide Division. Batista works closely with Dexter during cases, often teaming up with him for his expert advice on serial killers, and considers himself Dexter's best friend. Batista is basically good-natured, with a dry sense of humor. He is also totally honest, at the request of his beloved father on his deathbed. Angel is also shown wearing a Trilby Hat almost all the time.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

James Doakes

Played by Erik King

"Surprise, motherfucker!"

James Doakes is a police detective with the rank of Sergeant serving as lead case investigator to Miami Metro PD's Homicide. Doakes had a killer's impulses which drove him to divorce his wife, confessing that if he had stayed with her he would have killed her. Holds a permanent grudge against Dexter, believing him to be suspicious and "creepy", which eventually leads to his downfall.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:


Vince Masuka

Played by CS Lee

"Now you're dealing with science and science is one cold-hearted bitch with a fourteen inch strap-on."

Vince is the Miami Metro Police lead forensic investigator and works alongside Dexter in the lab and in crime scenes. He often cracks innuendo to the rest of the team, and harbors decidedly unrequited feelings for Debra. He is portrayed as obsessed with sex—the kinkier the better—and is not shy about propositioning every woman he meets.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Joseph "Joey" Quinn

Played by Desmond Harrington

"This Dexter guy. First of all who the fuck is named Dexter? Did his parents know he was going to be a fucking egghead?"

Joseph "Joey" Quinn is a detective who transferred to the Homicide division after being in narcotics before Season 3. He has a bad habit of leaping to conclusions from first impressions of the crime scene, as well as becoming hostile towards anyone who tries to correct him. Quinn takes a liking to Debra Morgan but, like Doakes before him, mistrusts Dexter.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Harry Morgan

Played by James Remar

"As a cop, I only fire my weapon to save a life – that's a code I live by. Killing must serve a purpose. Otherwise, it's just plain murder."

Adoptive father of Dexter and father of Deb, Harry Morgan is ten years deceased when the series begins. A renowned detective in his day, Morgan became frustrated at the perceived lack of justice in the system. Attempting to channel Dexter's sociopathy into a useful outlet - and to avoid him getting caught - he trains Dexter to become the perfect killer. Initially portrayed in flashbacks, he later manifests in Dexter's imagination, reminding Dexter what Harry taught him.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Tom Matthews

Played by Geoff Pierson

"...you haven't seen my true colors, Maria. But you're about to."

A high-ranking Miami Metro PD police official and LaGuerta’s immediate superior. He was an old friend of Harry Morgan, and therefore has a soft spot for Debra. He’s also a political animal not unlike LaGuerta; however, he frequently clashes with her.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Ellen Wolf

Played by Anne Ramsey

A defense attorney and Miguel Prado's main rival.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Barbara Gianna

Played by Kristen Dattilo

A detective within Miami Metro's Vice Division. She meets Angel while working undercover, and later dates him.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Cira Manzon

Played by April L Hernandez

A competent young officer who Debra takes under her wing.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Ryan Chambers

Played by Brea Grant

"I love homicide...I've always been fascinated by people who do bad things."

A sexy new intern in the Forensics Department.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Mike Anderson

Played by Billy Brown

A transfer detective from Chicago brought in to fill Debra's now-vacant detective slot.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Family and Friends

Rita Bennett

Played by Julie Benz

"Deb must be a mess. I mean, falling for a serial killer?"

Dexter's girlfriend and later wife. Rita is introduced as a damaged woman who received abuse from her ex-husband Paul, and is grateful for Dexter to give her support. Dexter also helps to look after her children, Astor and Cody.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Astor Bennett

Played by Christina Robinson

A description of the character goes here.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Cody Bennett

Played by Daniel Goldman & Preston Bailey

A description of the character goes here.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Harrison Morgan

Played by Luke & Evan Kruntchev

  • For the record, he's around 6.

A description of the character goes here.

Paul Bennett

Played by Mark Pellegrino

A description of the character goes here.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Anton Briggs

Played by David Ramsey

A description of the character goes here.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Christine Hill

Played by Courtney Ford

An attractive young reporter who forms a relationship with Quinn while pumping him for information. She's later revealed to be Arthur Mitchell's daughter from a previous relationship, and Lundy's killer.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Neil Perry

Played by Sam Witwer

A computer analyst who is arrested a likely suspect in the Ice Truck Killer case. He isn't the killer.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Frank Lundy

Played by Keith Carradine

"People like us don't really belong, we just pass through."

A legendary FBI agent with quirky habits and finely attuned senses when it comes to finding serial killers. He begins a relationship with Debra.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Lumen Pierce

Played by Julia Stiles

"I look different don't I? Without my hands tied behind my back."

A woman whom Dexter inadvertently rescues from the house of one of his victims in season 5 after she sees him in the act. At first frightened and mistrustful of Dexter and traumatized by her brutal kidnapping and torture, Lumen later convinces Dexter to aid her in tracking down and killing what remains of the group of men who brutalized her. She is played by Julia Stiles.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Brother Sam AKA Samuel Wright

Played by Mos

"I'm not afraid of you son...and damn sure ain't afraid to die. I know what's waiting for me on the other side, do you?"

Once on Death Row, Samuel Wright is now a reformed man of God...or so he says. Miami Metro are still highly suspicious of him, and don't know if he's honestly changed or has different intentions.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Jamie Batista

Played by Aimee Garcia

Angel's baby sister and Harrison's new nanny.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Antagonists

Rudy Cooper/Brian Moser AKA The Ice Truck Killer

Played by Christian Camargo

"You can't be a killer and a hero. It doesn't work that way!"

The Big Bad and Dexter's main nemesis of the first season. The Ice Truck Killer takes hookers, kills them and using a freezer, starting with an ice truck hence the name, drains their blood and chops them into pieces before putting them on display for all to see. Throughout the entirety of the first season he leaves clues that he knows only Dexter would find as a game of cat n' mouse is played. It's eventually revealed that the Ice Truck Killer is Dexter's brother, Brian Moser, who wanted to get close to Dexter and live their lives together, as they were the only two people who would ever understand each other. When Brian reveals that he would have to kill Debra to do this, Dexter regretfully kills him in the TV series, but spares him and even leaves him a head start after being shot by LaGuerta in the books.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Lila West/Tourney

Played by Jaime Murray

"You haven't got the first idea who you are, have you? Dexter, meet Dexter. I'm gonna help the two of you get to know each other."

Dexter's temporary Love Interest during season 2 and Big Bad of that season. Lila become Dexter's sponsor when he enrols in NA meetings as his alibi. She learns of his "addiction" early on, finds a connection between herself and Dexter and later professes to be his soulmate. Dexter finally kills her after she murders Doakes "for him", believing that Dexter will run away with her.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Miguel Prado

Played by Jimmy Smits

"I'll do what I want, when I want, to whomever I want! Count on it!"

Assistant District Attorney who befriends Dexter in season 3 after Dexter accidentally kills his brother in self defense, and Miguel later catches Dexter with blood on his hands after Dexter kills the man who Miguel believes is responsible for his brother's death. This leads to an odd partnership, however Miguel becomes increasingly unstable and eventually murders an innocent woman, and Dexter is forced to kill him after realizing that Miguel has been manipulating him all along.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Jorge Orozco AKA George Washington King

Played by Jesse Borrego

A Nicaraguan Serial Killer and supporting antagonist in season three.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Arthur Mitchell AKA The Trinity Killer

Played by John Lithgow

"It's already over."

The Big Bad of season 4, a mysterious, malevolent figure who kills in threes, referred to by Dexter as "the most successful serial killer to ever get away with it". Dexter tracks down Trinity only to find that Arthur has a family and hides within his community, just like Dexter himself and realizes that he may be able to learn a thing or two from him. He is played with terrifying haminess by John Lithgow.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:


Stan Liddy

Played by Peter Weller

"You fuck with the bull, you get the horn."

A Dirty Cop who is recruited by Quinn to investigate Dexter. However, he quickly gets out of control…

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Professor James Geller

Played by Edward James Olmos

"Is that what you want, Travis? To hurt me? You see how I suffer for your sins!"

A Professor of Religious Studies who also happens to be a serial killer and Evil Mentor to one of his students.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Travis Marshall

Played by Colin Hanks

"You're not going anywhere until you've repented for your sins."

A student of Professor James Geller and his serial killer protege.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:
  • Anti-Villain: He doesn't want to kill anybody. Unfortunately for him, the "Geller" personality is the stronger one.
    • as of "Ricochet Rabbit" this may be a sham, though one must not forget "Geller".
  • Ax Crazy: May not be the most evil Dexter villain, but is definitely the most insane.
  • Bastard Understudy
  • Big Bad
  • Cain and Abel: He killed his sister, though he was under the delusion that 'Geller' had done it.
  • Dead Older Sister: "Geller" murdered his sister to "free him" and allow him to return to their work. Travis didn't take it well.
  • The Dragon: To Professor Gellar Though Gellar was just in his mind he still follow his plans
  • Evil Counterpart: Like Dexter he has a sister that he cares about more than anyone else, and he's guided by an elder mentor who's just a vision.
  • Heel Face Turn: After an encounter with Dexter forces him to realize that Geller is manipulating him, he begins having doubts. After an episode of trying to deal with his conscience, he makes the turn and frees the woman who would have been their next victim.
    • And then It Got Worse for him. Though he promises to help Dexter kill Geller as a result.
    • But then he goes back to "serving" Geller, or at least his interpretation of him.
  • Lack of Empathy: As said in his psych evaluation file.
  • Pet the Dog: He genuinely loves his sister.
  • Split Personality
  • The Sociopath

Barrel Girl Gang

Jordan Chase AKA Eugene Greer

Played by Jonny Lee Miller

"Tick, tick, tick, that´s the sound of your life running out."

A charismatic and popular motivational speaker, known for his 'Take It!' approach to life. He's also a demented sociopath and ringleader of the Barrel Girl Gang, a group of serial rapists.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Cole Harmon

Played by Chris Vance

The loyal head of security for Jordan Chase.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Boyd Fowler

Played by Sean Hatosy

The 'cleaner' for the Barrel Girl Gang, he works in dead animal pick-up and is responsible for disposing of the gang's victims.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Dan Mendell

Played by Sean O’Bryan

A dentist and scout for the group, luring the women into the gang's clutches.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:

Alex Tilden

Played by Scott Grimes

A banker and weak-willed flunky of Jordan Chase.

Tropes exhibited by this character include:
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