Characterization has been a major interest for viewers of The Big Bang Theory (TBBT) as a long-running sitcom, particularly the development of romantic relationships between each character. Throughout the series, some of these characters have displayed actions to attract the opposite gender in the hopes of building a romantic relationship, which can sometimes lead to "needy" behaviour. With the changes in these characters' relationships, these behaviours have either intensified or subsided since the beginning of the series. As a result, it is believed that "neediness" has become one of the show's driving factors of characterization.
This digital humanities project aims to examine the portrayal and perception of "neediness" in romantic relationships, as depicted in TBBT in comparison to other characteristics. The project aims to explore how viewers perceive these behaviors as funny, adorable, or creepy. Serval research questions are designed to facilitate our research:
RQ1: Is neediness an overarching theme in all 12 seasons of TBBT?
RQ2: To what extent does the TBBT’s characterization of neediness fit the mainstream understanding of neediness?
RQ3: How do the viewers of TBBT respond to the theme of neediness?
This project will first provide a literature review of past research that focuses on the characterization aspect of TBBT, followed by an analysis of the prevalence of neediness in the script, as well as its reception from the public.
AN Jingwen, Angela s1131754@s.eduhk.hk
CHONG Daniel s1133697@s.eduhk.hk
LIANG Qiushi, Christina s1131729@s.eduhk.hk
LIU Fangming, Millie s1131740@s.eduhk.hk
WU Yan Xin, Kate s1131738@s.eduhk.hk
WU Yutong, Evie s1131737@s.eduhk.hk
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