The Influence of Audio-Only Character Narration on Character and Narrative Engagement

Abstract

Using the Showtime crime drama Dexter (2006–2013), this posttest-only experimental design revealed that narration by the title character (i.e., Dexter Morgan) was significantly associated with more parasocial relationship (PSR) interaction than no narration. The influence of narration was examined while controlling for biological sex, evaluation of the narrating character's motive, evaluation of the narrating character, and previous exposure to the stimulus program. Favorable evaluations of the narrating character predicted more identification and PSR interaction with him. Women were more transported into the stimulus program than men. Findings are discussed in terms of the growing use of character narration in narrative television, Auter's (1992) experimental evaluation of audiovisual narration in a situation comedy, and the limitations of using a morally ambiguous narrator.