Astor Bennett

Lore & Background

Astor's early life is marked by the abuse her mother suffered from her biological father, Paul Bennett. In the television series, it is revealed that Rita was physically and sexually abused by Paul, and Dexter's sister Debra Morgan answered a domestic violence call that saved Rita's life. Astor and her brother Cody are present during this turbulent time. In the episode "Return to Sender," Paul is released from prison and demands to be at Astor's birthday party, though Rita asks him not to come. Later, in "Circle of Friends," Rita tells Paul he can only see his children through supervised visits for six months. In "Father Knows Best," Paul forces his way into Rita's house, and she defends herself by hitting him over the head with a baseball bat. In "Seeing Red," Paul presses charges against Rita for assault. Dexter later plants drugs on Paul, leading to his return to prison. In the second season premiere, Rita takes Astor and Cody to see Paul in prison, where he insists Dexter framed him. Rita later learns Paul was killed in an inmate altercation. In the second-season finale, Lila Tournay drugs the babysitter and abducts Astor and Cody from Rita's house. Dexter rescues them from Lila's apartment, passing Astor and Cody through a small window to safety.

In Their Own Story

The Florida humidity clung to the kitchen tiles as Astor sat at the table, coloring with crayons. Dexter moved silently behind him, slicing strawberries into perfect halves. The boy looked up, eyes wide and trusting, unaware of the box in the basement or the blood on his stepfather's hands from hours before. 'Dad?' he asked, using the nickname freely. Dexter paused, the knife hovering over the cutting board. For a moment, the monster vanished, replaced by the man who wanted to be enough for this child. He smiled softly and placed the fruit in front of him.

Reader's Guide

Astor Bennett is the daughter of Rita Morgan and Paul Bennett. She has a brother named Cody Bennett. In the television series, she is portrayed by Christina Robinson. Astor's first appearance is in the premiere episode of Dexter, titled "Dexter." She is present during the events of the first four seasons. In the fourth season, Rita gives birth to Harrison, Dexter's son, making Astor his half-sister. Astor's father Paul is abusive to Rita, and he is eventually sent back to prison after Dexter plants drugs on him. Paul is later killed in an inmate altercation. In the second season, Lila Tournay abducts Astor and Cody, but Dexter rescues them. Astor's life is defined by the violence surrounding her mother and the secrets of her stepfather, Dexter. She remains unaware of Dexter's true nature as a serial killer throughout the series.

Did You Know?

• Astor is the daughter of Rita Morgan and Paul Bennett, and the sister of Cody Bennett.
• In the television series, Astor is portrayed by Christina Robinson.
• Astor and her brother Cody were abducted by Lila Tournay in the second season finale, but were rescued by Dexter.
• Astor's father Paul was abusive to Rita and was later killed in an inmate altercation in prison.
• Astor's first appearance is in the Dexter series premiere episode titled "Dexter."