Dexter gave us some of television's most quotable moments. Below are the best quotes from Dexter, grouped by the characters who said them. Click any character to see their full collection of quotes and trivia.
Dexter Morgan
"Tonight's the night. And it's going to happen again and again. It has to happen."
— Dexter Morgan, Season 1, Episode 1 - Dexter (opening voiceover)
"I'm a very neat monster."
— Dexter Morgan, Season 1 - various
"My father taught me one thing above all others: to be sure."
— Dexter Morgan, Season 1, Episode 6 - Return to Sender
"I've lived in darkness a long time. Over the years my eyes adjusted until the dark became my world and I could see."
— Dexter Morgan, Season 4, Episode 1 - Living the Dream
Arthur Mitchell / The Trinity Killer
"It's already over."
— Arthur Mitchell / The Trinity Killer, Season 4, Episode 12 - The Getaway (to Dexter, after killing Rita)
"I've been able to contain it. All these years. How do you do it?"
— Arthur Mitchell / The Trinity Killer, Season 4 - to Dexter, about their shared urges
"You can't stop. Just like me."
— Arthur Mitchell / The Trinity Killer, Season 4 - to Dexter
"I have a family!"
— Arthur Mitchell / The Trinity Killer, Season 4, Episode 5 - Dirty Harry
Debra Morgan
"Oh fudge. Just kidding — are you f***ing kidding me?!"
— Debra Morgan, Season 1 - exemplifying her notorious profanity
"You are the one person in this world who I can count on. I know that like I know my own name."
— Debra Morgan, Season 5, Episode 12 - The Big One (to Dexter)
"I'm not going to let you die. I'm going to protect you like you've always protected me."
— Debra Morgan, Season 7 - various
"I killed the wrong person. I need to live with that."
— Debra Morgan, Season 8 - regarding LaGuerta
Sergeant James Doakes
"Surprise, motherf***er!"
— Sergeant James Doakes, Season 2, Episode 8 - Morning Comes (iconic confrontation with Dexter)
"I've been watching you for two years. You are not normal."
— Sergeant James Doakes, Season 1 - to Dexter
"I know what you are, Morgan. And I'm going to prove it."
— Sergeant James Doakes, Season 2 - various
Rita Bennett
"I know you'll take care of us. I've always known that."
— Rita Bennett, Season 3 - to Dexter
"You are the most honest man I've ever known, Dexter."
— Rita Bennett, Season 2 - various
"I feel safe with you. I've never felt that way before."
— Rita Bennett, Season 1 - various
Hannah McKay
"I don't feel guilty about the things I've done. Do you?"
— Hannah McKay, Season 7, Episode 5 - Swim Deep (to Dexter)
"Some people deserve to die."
— Hannah McKay, Season 7 - various
"I want a life. A real one. With you and Harrison."
— Hannah McKay, Season 8 - various