Shameless Character Analysis

Shameless is one of the underrated drama comedy series on TV. Paul Abbot created the original show in the UK, but then remade the U.S version and aired the first episode in 2011 on Showtime (Thomas, 2015). It’s a show about dysfunctional Irish family trying to escape the less-than-ideal reality. The protagonist, Frank Gallagher played by William H. Macy, portrays an alcoholic low-income single father of six children living in south side Chicago. The eldest daughter, Fiona Gallagher (Emma Rossum) depicts a young woman who is struggling taking care her siblings and holding the family together while also trying to get her life on track. The eldest son, Lip (Jeremy Allen White) is the smartest who is also a science prodigy that uses his skills
It appeals to ethos and pathos that challenge the viewers to questions morale of the decisions the characters make. For example, in a recent episode, 14-year-old Debbie —who was once a symbol of innocence for the series—made a bad choice based on her unconscious, senior in high school ex-boyfriend, not even grasping that what she was doing considered as rape. It was a pivotal moment for the character; she'd finally lost her virginity at 15 years old and trapped in the dilemma of proving her own insecurity. It’s been uneasy to watch since the moment it began last season. But Debbie doesn't fully figure out sex and adulthood, and reflects on her young age and environment in which she was raised, that's not surprising. However, a later scene that featured Fiona and Debbie sitting silently across from each other is an excellence example of how the show can take the naive and unfortunate circumstance, and turns it into something insightful. In fact, it was heartfelt and tragic. It was the sort of issue that would normally intrigue several controversies about the interpretation of sexuality and rape on television—especially given the circumstances that Debbie is