Dexter's Relationships

Dexter has many relationships and he attempts to juggle them all in the only way he knows how. The common theme across all of them is a lie. Dexter has to pretend to stay in the normal world and he has become very good at it. The only person he cannot seem to fool is Sgt. James Doakes.

He has no emotions or at least that's what he tells himself and his father Harry Morgan. Growing up, Dexter exhibits all the trade marks of a future serial killer. He does not enjoy anything and feels empty. He kills animals and hides their corpses and his kill kit. He has a desire to kill the neighborhood bullies and is detached from everyone around him.

As an adult, Dexter uses the teachings of his adopted father. He goes to work and keeps a smile on his face. He solves cases and helps the police catch the bad guys. He avoids a relationship with his boss, and is cordial to his coworkers to the point of delivering donuts each morning.

Away from work, Dexter spends a little time with his sister Debra Morgan but he's not as close to her as others may think. Debra has noticed and questioned why Dexter never tells her what he is feeling. During times of emotional stress and hard times, he keeps a distance between them. Debra loves her brother but she wishes that they were closer. She also wonders why they only talk about work when they spend time together, but Dexter convinces her it's because they come from a police family and both work in law enforcement.

When he's not pretending with his family and coworkers, Dexter has to hide who he is from girlfriend Rita. She is emotionally damaged and Dexter likes that. He feels that they have that in common if nothing else.

Dexter Morgan says that he has no emotions but his actions say otherwise. When Debra is in danger, he rushes to her aid. He chooses to save her life but takes the life of his brother to protect her. When she has problems at work and wants to show everyone that she is more than Harry Morgan's daughter, he provides the information that she will need to move up in her career.

With the return of Rita's husband, her life is in upheaval and Dexter comforts her as much as he knows how. He attempts to protect her and her children from Paul and the danger he brings to the family. Once Paul brings charges against Rita and threatens her life, Dexter gets rid of him to protect her, a move that almost jeopardizes their relationship. After they break up due to his relationship with Lila, Dexter hangs around hoping to get her back. He is concerned about her and tries to protect her from Lila once the British pyromaniac becomes threatening.

Dexter also exhibits caring for some of the people he works with. Once Lila begins to threaten Angel Batista by accusing him of a crime he did not commit, Dexter attempts to get her to change her mind. He also knows that Angel's problems with Lila are not his fault because he warned him about her. However, Dexter feels responsible because Lila used Angel to get back at him.

Dexter says he feels nothing and he doesn't care, but he often shows that he is lying to himself and not just the people around him.