Analysis of television characters: Debra Morgan (Dexter – 2006)
Debra Morgan, played by actress Jennifer Carpenter, is Dexter Morgan’s sister on the hit Showtime series Dexter. She has pretty much been the lead since the series began in 2006. Working for the Miami Metro Police Department, she begins the series as a normal “badge” (cop) doing her best to try and rise through the ranks.
In season 1, episode 1, we see Debra for the first time at the crime scene for which Dexter is called upon to involve a prostitute who has been hacked into several pieces. She herself is dressed as a prostitute, but only because she has been working undercover. With one of the dirtiest mouths you’ve ever heard from a young girl, Debra could make any parent instantly change the TV channel. She is very cheeky and to the point. This is what a lot of people love about his character.
Later in season 1, she was seduced by the season’s main villain / serial killer named “Ice Truck Killer”, obviously unaware at the time that he is a serial killer. She was captured and nearly killed by him only to be saved by her brother Dexter in the penultimate episode of season 1. This event leaves her traumatized and uncomfortable with men for a long time afterward. She eventually finds love here and there, but from that day on, she has put her job before anything but her immediate family.
She is later placed in the Miami Subway homicide division with Dexter and the rest of the cast. After the events that ended season 2, she receives her shield and is promoted to detective. She has been through a lot, but thanks to her brother Dexter, she has always had someone to talk to and guide her through.
Currently, in episode 5 of season 5, Debra is still the best detective in the Miami Metro homicide division and lives in Dexter’s old apartment with Dexter and his son Harrison. Even though it’s gotten on her nerves at times, I think she really enjoys having them living with her. Dexter has always been there for her, so having this opportunity to pay her back in some way really makes her happy.
