The Psychology Behind Shameless

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The Emmy-award-winning TV Series, Shameless, is well-recognized by viewers for its slimy and questionable plot. The series follows the lives of the Gallagher family, emphasizing the man that started it all, Frank Gallagher. Frank Gallagher has become a hit character in more ways than one. While reviewing the series, it is with no doubt that viewers have had their uncertainties about the underpinnings of how Frank is characterized over the seasons. Frank Gallagher is a 66-year-old man known as the downtown drunk of Southside Chicago. Frank’s life revolves around instability, drug abuse, and misguided decisions. Frank is the father of six children, whom he shields under his semi-permanent roof. (Shameless, 2023) Through all the drama this series …show more content…

(Cherry, 2023₁) This domain examines the five most basic dimensions of personality, including extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. (Kheana Barbeau-Julien, 2023₁) These five traits make up the basis of human personality and can be very influential in determining individual personality organizations. Frank Gallagher’s Personality Makeup —- Extraversion is made up of one’s sociability and can be easily identified as someone who enjoys and becomes stimulated by the company of the outside world. (Kheana Barbeau-Julien, 2023₁) Frank ranks high on extraversion. Frank thrives on social engagement and is rarely alone. He is friendly and positive towards others but is often in denial of reality, hence his constant positive demeanour. Frank easily forms relationships, which are primarily with women. These relationships aid Frank in supporting his addiction, as he will manipulate these women into providing him with the financial means he needs to continue his habits. Frank thrives on stimulation and ultimately finds it rewarding. Within Frank’s relationships, he is consistently provided with social stimulation. Frank is also assertive in his ideas, frequently speaks …show more content…

Frank left his children to fend for their own from a very young age. This was expressed throughout the series when Frank would continually move to different locations that accommodated his addiction and gave an unconditional sense of justification for his actions. Frank flocked to these kinds of environments because they allowed his self-serving bias to be praised rather than penalized. Above all, Frank lacks empathy. He has little to no ability to detect or feel remorse for his actions. It is infinite the number of times Frank has ignored and hurt those around him. Frank could be classified by some as a standard example of grandiose narcissism if an evaluation were to take place. (Shameless, 2023) Conclusion —— It is without a doubt that Shameless is entertaining, but it is to wonder about how Frank Gallagher can truly keep a show like this going for so long. By using a psychobiographical lens, it has become clear how personality theory can be used to understand, explain, and predict individual behaviour. Frank Gallagher left a weathered legacy in Southside Chicago, and he is truly