Dexter's adoptive father who was a policeman and whom Dexter disliked, but deeply respected. Dexter has a sister, Deborah, also a police officer. As he tells the reader, Dexter shares that if he had the ability to love, he would love Deborah. Rita, Dexter's girlfriend, for whom he has no real feelings, but who he uses to appear normal to society. The serial killer whose crimes he and Deborah are investigating and whom Dexter longingly regards as a kindred spirit. Finally there is Dexter's alter ego, the "Dark Passenger", typical of many sociopaths. Dexter manipulates and charms everyone in his life into believing that Dexter is "normal", except Harry, who knew the truth