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Complex TVMain MenuIntroductionVideos for IntroductionComplexity in ContextBeginningsVideos for Chapter 2AuthorshipComprehensionEvaluationSerial MelodramaOrienting ParatextsTransmedia StorytellingEndsVideo GalleryTable of ContentsJason Mittell06e96b1b57c0e09d70492af49d984ee2f68945deNew York University Press
Characters
12015-03-12T21:01:42-07:00Jason Mittell06e96b1b57c0e09d70492af49d984ee2f68945de13507structured_gallery1297612015-03-18T12:00:18-07:00Jason Mittell06e96b1b57c0e09d70492af49d984ee2f68945deThis chapter considers how serial characters work within the constraints of the television medium and the limits of presenting character change over time, considering how The Sopranos, Angel, Lost, Game of Thrones, and Dexter create compelling, complex characters. Many complex serials have embraced antiheroes as lead characters, using the long-form narrative structure to layer psychological traits and key elements of backstory. This chapter uses the case study of Breaking Bad and its antihero protagonist to explore how serial dramas construct changing characters with different approaches to relationships, flashbacks, memory, narration, and performance.