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This article is about the version of Dexter Morgan from the comics and novels. You may be looking for Dexter Morgan from the Showtime series.

Dexter Morgan is the titular main protagonist of the Dexter franchise. He is the adopted son of Harry and Doris Morgan, and the foster brother of Deborah Morgan.

Dexter is a charming forensic analyst specializing in blood spatter patterns, but behind his seemingly normal and professional facade lies a dark secret: he is a meticulous serial killer. His life is a constant balancing act between his work at the Miami police department and his own homicidal impulses, which he justifies by following a strict moral code taught by his adoptive father, Harry. This code guides him to channel his urge to kill into targeting only those who are proven guilty of heinous crimes, thus escaping justice.

Overview[]

Jeff Lindsay's first novel, Darkly Dreaming Dexter, introduced this complex character and served as the foundation for Showtime's DEXTER series. In the first season, the show closely followed the events of the book, introducing viewers to Dexter Morgan's twisted mind and his interactions with those around him. However, from the second season onward, the series began to diverge from the original narrative, creating its own rich universe filled with new characters, twists, and original plots that expanded and deepened Dexter's world beyond the pages of the novel.

In the television adaptation, Dexter Morgan underwent significant evolution. He was not just a cold and calculated killer; over the course of the seasons, the character became more three-dimensional and "human." The series explored his attempts to connect emotionally with those around him, such as his sister Debra, his coworkers, and especially his own family. Dexter began to understand and appreciate the meaning of having friends and family, experiencing complex emotions like love, guilt, and grief. These conflicting emotions led him to question his own nature and to try, in twisted ways, to find a balance between his need to kill and his desire to be seen as a normal person, something that became one of the central themes of the series.

Personality[]

Dexter Morgan (Comics) 08

Dexter with his "dark passenger"

Dexter's personality is a complex blend of charm and darkness. On the surface, he presents himself as a likable, intelligent, and polite individual, which allows him to navigate social situations with ease and maintain his cover as a normal member of society. His profession as a forensic blood spatter analyst further reinforces this image of a responsible and competent person dedicated to justice. However, beneath this facade lies a deeply troubled and emotionally detached individual.

Dexter is driven by what he refers to as his "dark passenger," an insatiable urge to kill. This compulsion is the core of his identity, shaping his actions and interactions with others. Unlike most people, Dexter lacks the ability to feel genuine emotions such as love, guilt, or empathy in the way others do. His relationships, whether with his family, colleagues, or friends, are often calculated and superficial, designed to maintain his cover and satisfy societal expectations.

Despite this emotional detachment, Dexter is highly self-aware. He understands that he is different from those around him and that his lack of normal human emotions sets him apart. This awareness leads him to carefully construct a persona that allows him to blend in, mimicking the behavior and reactions of those who do feel emotions. His father, Harry, played a significant role in helping Dexter develop this facade, teaching him how to appear "normal" while simultaneously channeling his violent urges into a form of vigilantism.

Dexter's lack of interest in typical human experiences, such as sex and romance, further highlights his emotional disconnection. As a teenager, he needed guidance from Harry on how to interact with women, not because he desired relationships, but because he recognized the need to fit in. His marriages and attempts at family life are more about maintaining his cover than fulfilling any genuine emotional needs.

However, over time, Dexter's personality evolves slightly as he begins to explore the concepts of love, family, and connection, even if his understanding of these emotions is limited. His relationship with his family, especially with his stepchildren, introduces a sense of responsibility and a desire to protect them, adding a layer of complexity to his character. Nonetheless, this evolution does not diminish his dark urges; instead, it adds to the internal conflict he faces as he tries to balance his life as a killer with his role as a family man.

In summary, Dexter's personality is characterized by his ability to charm and manipulate those around him while concealing a deep-seated need to kill. His emotional detachment, self-awareness, and meticulous nature define his interactions and decisions, making him a compelling yet disturbing character.

Appearance[]

DexterMorganComics2

Dexter appearance

Dexter has dark brown hair, often parted in the middle, which adds to his clean and conventional appearance. His sharp features are complemented by his deep brown eyes, which convey a sense of intensity and focus, often hiding the darker aspects of his personality. Occasionally, Dexter allows a bit of stubble to grow, giving him a slightly rugged look that contrasts with his otherwise meticulous nature. This combination of dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a sometimes unshaven appearance creates a complex, approachable exterior that belies the darker side of his character.

Biography[]

Background[]

Dexter Morgan, born Dexter Moser, was born as the son of separated parents.

Adoption[]

Dexter was the adopted son of Harry Morgan and Doris Morgan, as well as the adopted brother of Deborah Morgan.

Adolescence[]

First Signs of a Killer[]

Dexter and steve

A young Dexter, ready to kill Steve

During his time at Coconut Grove High School, Dexter was subjected to bullying by a Cuban student named Steve Gonzalez. After a motivational talk with his father, Harry, Dexter decided to make Steve pay for the torment he had inflicted. Dexter went as far as to prepare Steve as his target, placing him on what would later become his infamous "kill table." However, just as he was about to carry out the act, Dexter was interrupted, preventing him from completing his first intended kill.

As Dexter entered his teenage years, he began to realize that he had no interest in typical adolescent experiences, such as sex or dating. This lack of interest in normal social interactions puzzled him, leading Harry to provide guidance on how to navigate relationships with women. Harry's advice was less about fostering genuine connections and more about helping Dexter blend in with society, masking the darkness within him.

Early Adulthood[]

Dexter Morgan (Comics) 07

Dexter as a forensic blood spatter analyst.

According to Darkly Dreaming Dexter, after graduating from high school, Dexter continued his education at the University of Miami, where he studied to become a forensic blood spatter analyst. His choice of career was not coincidental; it was a calculated move that allowed him to be close to crime scenes, giving him the opportunity to satisfy his darker urges while maintaining a veneer of normalcy.

At the age of 19, Dexter's life took a significant turn when Harry fell seriously ill with coronary disease. Confined to a hospital bed, Harry noticed something suspicious: the head nurse was deliberately overdosing patients on morphine, effectively killing them. Recognizing the evil in her actions and understanding Dexter's need to channel his impulses, Harry gave Dexter his blessing to kill her. This moment was pivotal, as it marked Dexter's first human kill and solidified his path as a vigilante serial killer.

The Blood Slides[]

DexterMorganComics1

Dexter with a blood slide

Later in life, Dexter attempted to construct a semblance of normalcy by marrying Rita Bennett, who became Rita Morgan after their marriage. Together, they had a biological daughter, Lily Anne Morgan. Additionally, Dexter took on the role of stepfather to Rita's two children from a previous relationship, Cody and Astor Bennett. Although Dexter cared for his family, he often struggled with the duality of his life—being both a devoted family man and a cold-blooded killer. His family provided him with a cover, a way to blend into society, but also added complexity to his life as he tried to balance his dark passenger with his responsibilities as a husband and father.

This dual life created a constant tension within Dexter, as he endeavored to protect his family from the truth of who he really was while continuing to satisfy his need to kill. The internal conflict between his desire for a normal life and his insatiable urge for bloodshed became a central theme in his story, driving much of the drama and tension throughout his journey.

Crimes[]

Dexter has committed many crimes, besides murder. All of them have something to do with his status as a serial killer. Some of the crimes are:

  • Breaking and entering/trespassing: Normally committed as part of his ritual.
  • Stalking: Normally committed as part of his ritual.
  • Destruction of private property, public property, and vandalism: He breaks things that annoy him/cause problems with his killing ritual.
  • Abduction/Kidnapping/Unlawful Imprisonment/Detainment: Normally committed on victims/threats to his disguise.
  • Assault and battery: Normally committed on to-be victims.
  • Unlawful possession of tranquilizers and other 'knock-out' drugs: Used for victims.
  • Burglary/Theft/Identity Theft/Grand Theft Auto: Occasionally steals possessions of victims; steals a car to catch a killer he was after.
  • Intimidation: He has treated people with threatening behavior.
  • Torture: He has tortured many people. Most of them are his victims.
  • Mutilation: He has mutilated the majority of his victims and others.

Victims[]

Comics[]

  1. Mustached Victim - Stabbed to death. Blood slide with an unknown number. (Dexter: Issue 1)
  2. Octavio - Stabbed in the neck and in the left eye with a small pitchfork. No blood taken. (Dexter: Issue 5)
  3. Steve Gonzalez - Killed off-panel. Blood slide presumed. (Dexter: Issue 5)
  4. Unnamed man - Stabbed. (Dexter: Down Under Issue 4)
  5. Bruce Grigsby - Neck snapped. (Dexter: Down Under Issue 5)

Novels[]

  1. Last Nurse - Stabbed in chest. 1st blood slide. (Darkly Dreaming Dexter)
  2. Unnamed Shop Teacher (Mr. Duarte?) - Unclear method. 2nd blood slide. (Dearly Devoted Dexter)
  3. Mr. Duarte - Chopped up (Darkly Dreaming Dexter)
  4. Thirty four victims prior to the beginning of the first novel (possibly including Mr. Duarte) (Darkly Dreaming Dexter)
  5. Father Donovan - Unclear method. 38th blood slide. (Darkly Dreaming Dexter)
  6. Jamie Jaworski - Throat slashed with a fillet knife. No blood taken at this point. 39th blood slide later taken from the forensic materials in Masuka's office. (Darkly Dreaming Dexter)
  7. Randy Macgregor - Unclear method (but Dexter had cut four of his fingers before he killed him). 41th blood slide (40th is LaGuerta). (Dearly Devoted Dexter)
  8. Steve Reiker - unclear method, killed off-scene. 42nd blood slide. (Dearly Devoted Dexter)
  9. Alexander Macauley (Zander) - Implied to have been cut with a fillet knife. 43rd blood slide. (Dexter in the Dark)
  10. Unnamed Guard - Head smashed against the wall. No blood taken. (Dexter in the Dark)
  11. Unnamed Guard - Stabbed with a knife in solar plexus. No blood taken. (Dexter in the Dark)
  12. Darius Starzak - Shot. No blood taken. (Dexter in the Dark)
  13. Professor Wilkins - Shot. No blood taken. (Dexter in the Dark)
  14. Alex Doncevic - Sliced into pieces with a surgical saw. 44th blood slide. (Dexter by Design)
  15. Victor Chapin - Cut into pieces with a fillet knife. 45th blood slide. (Dexter is Delicious)
  16. Unnamed Cannibal (Dexter is Delicious) - Head smashed with a tire iron. No blood taken.
  17. Bobby Acosta (a.k.a "Vlad") - Implied to have been cut with a fillet knife. 46th blood slide. (Dexter is Delicious)
  18. Steve Valentine - Cut into pieces with a fillet knife. 52nd blood slide. (Double Dexter)
  19. Bernard Elan (a.k.a. Doug Crowley) - Fed to hammerhead shark alive after being beaten (breaking arm) and nearly drowned by Astor and Dexter. No blood taken. (Double Dexter)
  20. At least four victims between books. All with blood slides. (Dexter's Final Cut)
  21. Enchanted Encounter - Presumed to have been cut with a fillet knife. 57th blood slide. (Dexter's Final Cut)
  22. Patrick Bergmann - Stabbed with a knife. No blood taken. (Dexter's Final Cut)
  23. Ivan, a bomber (tortured and killed jointly with Brian) No blood taken (Dexter Is Dead)
  24. Guard on Raul's yacht. Fillet knife. No blood taken. (Dexter Is Dead)

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • An intriguing detail is that Dexter has never killed a primary antagonist in the novels. While he does kill a main antagonist, Steve Gonzalez, this event occurs in the comic books rather than the novels.
  • Author Jeff Lindsay, when discussing Double Dexter, emphasizes that Dexter is not someone you should be seduced by. Lindsay clarifies, "Some people think Dexter cares about justice. Dexter doesn't care about justice; he cares about killing." This distinction sets the Dexter of the novels apart from his TV series counterpart, who occasionally exhibits a sense of justice, as seen in Season Two. In the novels, Dexter is portrayed as more inhuman, driven purely by his need to kill.
  • Although Michael C. Hall's likeness isn't allowed in the comics, the cover of issue 5 bears a clear resemblance to Dexter, with a hairstyle and facial features that closely mirror those of his television version.

External Links[]

References[]

Navigation[]

           Dexter Logo Villains

Protagonists
Dexter Morgan (Novels) | Hannah McKay | Zach Hamilton


Main Antagonists
Season One
Brian Moser

Season 2
James Doakes | Lila West

Season 3
George King | Miguel Prado

Season 4
Arthur Mitchell

Season 5
Eugene Greer

Season 6
Travis Marshall

Season 7
Isaak Sirko | Maria LaGuerta

Season 8
Oliver Saxon

New Blood
Kurt Caldwell


Secondary Villains

A.J. Yates | Alex Tilden | Benjamin Caffrey | Beth Dorsey | Boyd Fowler | Carlos Fuentes | Carlos Guerrero | Christine Hill | Clint McKay | Cole Harmon | Dan Mendell | Elric Kane | Freebo | George Novikov | Hector Estrada | Javier Guzman | Jeremy Downs | Joe Jensen | Joey Quinn | Johnny Rose | Jurg Yeliashkevych | Koshka Brotherhood | Leo Hernandez | Little Chino | Locos | Louis Greene | Marco Fuentes | Matt Caldwell | Miles Castner | Neil Perry | Nick | Nikki Wald | Oleg Mickic | Paul Bennett | Ramon Prado | Ray Speltzer | Santos Jimenez | Stan Liddy | Steve Dorsey | Viktor Baskov


Minor Villains

29th Street Kings | Albert Chung | Alberto | Alex Timmons | Andres Rodriguez | Andrew Briggs | Andy Brightman | Anthony Rodrigo | Barry Kurt | Ben and Roger | Benito Gomez | Benjamin Alvaro | Billy Fleeter | Cal Rooney | Carl | Cindy Landon | Clemson Galt | Curtis Barnes | Emmett Meridian | Esteban and Teo Famosa | Ethan Turner | Fiona Kemp | Gene Marshall | Jacques Bayard | Jamie Jaworski | Jasper Hodge | Jimmy Sensio | Joe Walker | John Henry | Jonathan Farrow | Jorge and Valerie Castillo | Jose Garza | Juan Pablo "Welsh" Aliso | Juan Ryness | Julio Benes | Kaitlyn Watson | Ken Olson | Lance Robinson | Lloyd Paulson | Marcetti | Mary | Matt Chambers | Mike Donovan | Miles O'Flynn | Nathan Marten | Norberto Cervantes | Norm | Oscar Prado | Oscar Sota | Phillip Barnes | Restaurant Shooter | Ricky | Roberta Perry | Robert Brunner | Roger Hicks | Ron Galuzzo | Sally Mitchell | Shawn Decker | Stan Beaudry | Timothy Brand | Unnamed Hitman | Walter Kenney | Walter Munro | Wayne Randall | Wiggles the Clown | Zoey Kruger


Video Game Villains

Ice Truck Killer | Jamie Jaworski | Mike Donovan | Sergei Schevchenko | Xandro Lopez


Book Villains

Main Antagonists
Alana Acosta | Bernard Elan | Brandon Weiss | The Coven | Cult of Moloch | Dr. Danco | Moloch | Raul | Robert Chase | Tamiami Slasher

Secondary Villains

Alexander Macauly | Bobby Acosta | Carl | Darius Starzak | Detective Anderson | Father Donovan | First Nurse | Frank Kraunauer | Jamie Jaworski | Patrick Bergmann | Professor Wilkins | Randy Macgregor | Steve Reiker | Steve Valentine | Victor Chapin


Comic Book Villains

Main Antagonists

Bruce Grigsby | Steve Gonzalez

Minor Villains

Deveaux | Mustached Victim | Octavio


Dexter Early Cuts

Main Antagonists

Coleman Lindquist | Max Lindquist | Peter Thornton

Secondary Villains

Robert Milson

Minor Villains

Alex Timmons | Cindy Landon | Gene Marshall | Jenna Lincoln | Sam Duke | Tony Rodriguez

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