Matthew Brown: Hannibal character profile

In the world of psychological thrillers, one character that stands out is Matthew Brown from the critically acclaimed TV series "Hannibal." Brown, portrayed brilliantly by actor Jonathan Tucker, takes on the role of a hospital orderly with a sinister twist. His character adds a layer of complexity to the already intricate storylines of the show, bringing forth themes of obsession and loyalty. Through an analytical and theoretical lens, we can delve into the psyche of Matthew Brown and explore the motivations behind his actions.Matthew Brown's character arc revolves around his obsession with Will Graham, a gifted criminal profiler who becomes entangled in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with the notorious serial killer Hannibal Lecter. Brown's fascination with Graham stems from his belief that Graham has been wronged by Hannibal and holds the key to bringing him down. This obsession drives Brown to cross boundaries, risking his own life to attempt to kill Lecter on Will's behalf.One theoretical concept that can be applied to dissect Matthew Brown's mindset is the idea of transference. In psychoanalysis, transference refers to the process by which an individual redirects feelings and emotions from one person to another. In this case, Brown transfers his loyalty and admiration for Will Graham onto Hannibal Lecter's nemesis. He sees himself as the avenger, the one who can carry out the punishment that Graham is unable to.Moreover, Brown's actions also speak to the theme of Stockholm Syndrome, where a captor or abuser develops a psychological bond with their captives. In this case, Brown sees Graham as a captive of Hannibal's manipulation and seeks to break the chains of his captivation. However, this emotional bond leads Brown to adopt destructive behavior, blurring the lines between hero and villain.To understand Matthew Brown's character fully, we must also consider the concept of the shadow self, as described by Carl Jung. The shadow self represents the repressed, darker aspects of our personality that we often disassociate from our conscious selves. Brown's obsession with bringing down Hannibal Lecter can be seen as a manifestation of his own repressed desires and impulses. He becomes a vessel for the collective shadow, incorporating the shadows within himself to confront Hannibal's darkness.In addition to these psychological concepts, Matthew Brown's character can be analyzed through the lens of power dynamics. Brown's occupation as a hospital orderly places him in a position of subservience, often overshadowed by the more powerful and influential characters around him. His obsession with Graham and his desire to enact justice on his behalf gives him a sense of agency and power, allowing him to transcend his subordinate position. This struggle for power and recognition is a central aspect of Brown's character development.In conclusion, Matthew Brown's character in "Hannibal" adds depth and complexity to the narrative. His obsession with Will Graham, coupled with his zealous attempt to kill Hannibal Lecter on Will's behalf, speaks to themes of obsession, loyalty, and power dynamics. By analyzing his character through psychological concepts such as transference, Stockholm Syndrome, the shadow self, and power dynamics, we can gain a better understanding of the motivations driving his actions. The portrayal of Matthew Brown by Jonathan Tucker showcases the nuances and layers of the character, making him a compelling addition to the already captivating world of "Hannibal."

Previous
Previous

Garret Jacob Hobbs: Hannibal character profile

Next
Next

Margot Verger: Hannibal character profile