What exactly are the differences you noted between the TV series and the novel? Why do you suppose these differences exist--and how do they help us understand Dexter in different ways. Essentially, the novel and series will separate at a particular point--why?

The main difference that I noticed between Dexter in the novel and in the TV series is his masking skills. One thing I noticed about Dexter in the tv show is that he doesn't have much of a personality, even though he is trying to so that he fits in. His dialogue is very monotoned and his expressions seemed very forced. In the novel his expressions seem more genuine and like he has more of a personality. I know you can not physically see Dexter in the novel, but the wording and interactions around him make me think he masks his serial killer persona better. For example, the novel states, "I heard you were here and couldn't stay away. Please, Detective, when will you marry me?" Dexter is saying this sarcastically to LaGuerta because she enjoys his company and so he plays on this idea. Yes, Dexter in the tv show will make comments like these, but I do not think it is as affective because his tone is very monotoned and not as adjusted to the people around him. In my opinion, Dexter almost tries to hard to mask his nature in the tv show. which makes it not as sincere or believable. I think this difference is because as an Actor its hard to show a lack of emotion and be believable. For example, if the actor were to show more emotion and play the character as he would anyother, then his serial killer sociopath nature would not be believable  so in order to contradict that the actor went for a more obvious approach with a lack of emotion, even when trying to show emotion. This way we can believe that Dexter truly doesn't feel emotion and so we will believe how and why he kills.

what are your thoughts .

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Youve made an insightful observation about the portrayal of Dexter in the TV series compared to his depiction in the novels by Jeff Lindsay The differences in Dexters personality and how he masks his ... View the full answer