Master thesis for Media and Performance Studies (Utrecht University).
In this thesis I look at fictional characters, who are associated with negative connotations and as such could themselves be considered negative, and I examine how they are constructed in order to evoke a sympathetic emotional response despite their negative traits. The focus of my research is on the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its two male vampires, Angel and Spike, who are portrayed in a way that can lead to a sympathetic reading.
The show, created by Joss Whedon, follows the adventures of the eponymous young heroine, who is chosen to protect the world from all types of demons, including vampires. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is largely focused on the fight of Good versus Evil, with Buffy and her allies on the one side and the demonic creatures on the other. Therefore, in the context of the show, one would expect all vampires to be evil fiends that Buffy defeats, and although most of the vampires of the show do play exactly that role, two of them are constructed as sympathetic characters. Angel and Spike become Buffy’s allies, instead of enemies, and so despite their vampire nature, which leads to some negative connotations, the audience is largely encouraged to treat Angel and Spike as sympathetic characters.
Using a cognitive approach on emotional reactions to fictions, I analyze the construction of the two characters in relation to the elements that make a sympathetic reading possible, and then focus on the similarities, as well as the differences, between the two characters’ structure to illustrate the different paths that can lead to sympathy. Finally, I draw my conclusions on what analysis of Angel and Spike can reveal about sympathy towards vampire characters, as well as audience’s reactions to fictions.
You can read the entire thesis here.
