Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

This power, it's bigger than me: time travel as narrative device and catalyst for character exposition

Robinson, K. L. (2012) This power, it's bigger than me: time travel as narrative device and catalyst for character exposition. In: Simmons, D. (ed.) Investigating Heroes: Essays on Truth, Justice and Quality TV. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. pp. 156-167.

Item Type: Book Section
Abstract: The time travellers in television science fiction are commonly portrayed as 'passengers', usually being chronologically displaced via the narrative device of a machine or natural phenomena. Heroes adopts a more personal approach to the trope of time travel. The characters of Hiro Nakamura and Peter Petrelli are true ‘time travellers’ in that their ability to move at will through time and space is a result of personal motivation. Via the potential apotheosis offered to the characters with this power, and their intimate relationship with the trope of time travel, movement through time adopts a prominent role in both character exposition and the narrative construction of the show. This study examines the function of time travel within the narrative structure of Heroes and explores its use as catalyst for character exposition and motivation.
Subjects: P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN1992 Television broadcasts
Creators: Robinson, Kevin Lee
Editors: Simmons, David
Publisher: McFarland
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities > English and Creative Writing
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Critical and Creative Writing
Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > English and Creative Writing
Research Centres > Centre for Critical and Creative Writing
Date: 2012
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 156-167
Title of Book: Investigating Heroes: Essays on Truth, Justice and Quality TV
Place of Publication: Jefferson, North Carolina
Number of Pages: 177
Language: English
ISBN: 9780786459360
Status: Published / Disseminated
Related URLs:
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/4867

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