Personality Analysis of Walter White
A Jungian and Existential Analysis of Walter White
Nick Willits
Dr. Martin PS 440-01W
04/25/13
Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, is the main character of AMC’s hit drama Breaking Bad. The massively popular show first aired in 2008 and has since completed five seasons with more to come. Cranston was previously very well-known for his role as the father on the comedy Malcolm in the Middle, a very different role from this. Other recognized members of the cast include creator Vince Gilligan, writer and executive producer for X-Files, and co-star Aaron Paul, who has appeared in a number of films and commercials. This show is easily regarded as the highest point for each of these men’s careers.
Breaking Bad tells the story of Walter White, who is initially portrayed as the most boring, stereotypical middle-aged white man possible. He has a very 90’s look to himself, from his haircut to large moustache to neutral colored outfits. He works as a high school chemistry teacher, preaching to obviously disinterested kids who are fighting to stay awake in his classes. Walter also has to work a second job at a car wash to supplement his teacher salary. He is married to Skylar and has a teenage son named Walter Jr. who has cerebral palsy. He also has a baby girl named Holly who is born at the end of season two. Skylar’s sister, Marie Schrader, and her husband, Hank, are also very involved in the White’s life and are treated as immediate family. Walter’s life takes a traumatic turn when he learns that he has lung cancer and is only expected to live another few years with treatment. His only concern upon learning this is the financial burden this will place upon his family. They were already tight on money with Walter Jr.’s medical bills and the upcoming birth of a second child. Because of this, Walter initially refuses chemotherapy, claiming he wants to live out his days in the comfort of his own home with his family. However, when he is convinced by his
Nick Willits
Dr. Martin PS 440-01W
04/25/13
Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, is the main character of AMC’s hit drama Breaking Bad. The massively popular show first aired in 2008 and has since completed five seasons with more to come. Cranston was previously very well-known for his role as the father on the comedy Malcolm in the Middle, a very different role from this. Other recognized members of the cast include creator Vince Gilligan, writer and executive producer for X-Files, and co-star Aaron Paul, who has appeared in a number of films and commercials. This show is easily regarded as the highest point for each of these men’s careers.
Breaking Bad tells the story of Walter White, who is initially portrayed as the most boring, stereotypical middle-aged white man possible. He has a very 90’s look to himself, from his haircut to large moustache to neutral colored outfits. He works as a high school chemistry teacher, preaching to obviously disinterested kids who are fighting to stay awake in his classes. Walter also has to work a second job at a car wash to supplement his teacher salary. He is married to Skylar and has a teenage son named Walter Jr. who has cerebral palsy. He also has a baby girl named Holly who is born at the end of season two. Skylar’s sister, Marie Schrader, and her husband, Hank, are also very involved in the White’s life and are treated as immediate family. Walter’s life takes a traumatic turn when he learns that he has lung cancer and is only expected to live another few years with treatment. His only concern upon learning this is the financial burden this will place upon his family. They were already tight on money with Walter Jr.’s medical bills and the upcoming birth of a second child. Because of this, Walter initially refuses chemotherapy, claiming he wants to live out his days in the comfort of his own home with his family. However, when he is convinced by his