Bedelia

Bedelia is a fictional character who appears in the Hannibal Lecter series of novels by Thomas Harris, as well as its film and television adaptations. She is depicted as a psychiatrist and a former associate of Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

In the novels, Bedelia du Maurier is introduced as a therapist who worked with Hannibal Lecter. She is portrayed as intelligent, sophisticated, and complex, often caught in the psychological machinations of Lecter. Her relationship with Lecter is ambiguous, characterized by both professional interaction and a disturbing level of personal involvement.

The character's backstory and motivations are explored more deeply in later installments of the series and its adaptations. She is often depicted as a survivor, grappling with the trauma and influence of her association with Lecter. Her intellectual prowess and capacity for self-preservation are key aspects of her character.

Bedelia has been portrayed by different actresses in various adaptations. In the film "Hannibal," she was played by Julianne Moore. In the television series "Hannibal," the role of Bedelia du Maurier was played by Gillian Anderson. The television series, in particular, expanded upon her character, detailing her past and her complex relationship with Lecter more extensively. Her role often serves as a narrative device to further explore Lecter's psyche and the dark themes of the series.