Alex Cross (character)

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Alex Cross
Alex Cross (novel series) character
Morgan Freeman bw (49491947271).jpg
Morgan Freeman as Alex Cross the series first character potrayal
First appearance Along Came A Spider
Created by James Patterson
Based on Alex Cross (novel series)
Portrayed by Morgan Freeman (films), (films)
Tyler Perry (films)
Aldis Hodge (TV series)
In-universe information
Nickname'Dr' Cross (due to his forensic psychologist method)
Alex
SpeciesHuman
GenderMale
Occupation Police detective
SpouseMaria
Children3
ReligionChristian
Nationality American

Alex Cross also known as Dr Alex Cross or Detective Cross is a fictional character and protagonist in a series of novels by American author James Patterson. Cross is a skilled psychologist and former FBI agent who works as a detective in Washington, D.C., solving complex and often dangerous criminal cases. Known for his intelligence, compassion, and tenacity, Alex Cross is one of Patterson’s most popular characters and has appeared in over 30 novels as of 2024.

Contents

Alex Cross has been portrayed on novels, in film, and on television by various actors, including Morgan Freeman, Tyler Perry, and Aldis Hodge

Character Background

Alex Cross, a fictional character created by James Patterson, is a widowed father of three children and a detective living in Southeast Washington, D.C., with his grandmother, Nana Mama, who plays a central role in his life. He was introduced in Patterson’s debut novel, Along Came a Spider (1993), and has since become a staple in the thriller and crime fiction genre. [1]

Cross holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Johns Hopkins University and has worked for both the Washington, D.C., Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). His deep understanding of criminal behavior and his determination to protect his family make him a formidable investigator. [2]

Personal Life

Alex’s personal life is marked by tragedy and resilience. His first wife, Maria, was murdered by an assassin, leaving him to raise their two children with the help of Nana Mama. Over time, he meets Christine Johnson, with whom he has a son, Alex Jr. (Ali). However, the dangers of his profession strain their relationship, and Christine eventually leaves, fearing for her safety and that of their child. [3]

Despite these challenges, Alex finds love again with Bree Stone, a fellow law enforcement officer. Their relationship grows, and they eventually marry, providing Alex with much-needed stability. However, his personal life continues to be tested by the constant threats he faces as a detective, often endangering his family and himself. [3]

Career and Challenges

Cross’s cases often involve confronting high-profile and dangerous criminals, including serial killers and masterminds like Kyle Craig, who becomes his primary adversary over several novels. In the novel Cross, Alex uncovers the truth about his wife Maria’s murder. He learns that Jimmy Hats Galati, the assassin responsible, was killed by his best friend, John Sampson, to prevent Alex from seeking vengeance. This resolution allows Alex to find peace and begin moving forward with his life.

In later books, Alex takes in Ava, a troubled teenager, and provides her with a home. When Ava is tragically murdered, Alex and Bree work together to bring her killer to justice, further solidifying their partnership both personally and professionally.

Enduring Themes

Throughout the series, Alex struggles to balance his role as a detective with his responsibilities as a father and husband. His dedication to justice often puts him at odds with his desire for a peaceful family life. Despite these challenges, Alex remains committed to protecting his loved ones and finding resolution in his cases.

Cross’s enduring friendships, especially with John Sampson, whom he has known since childhood, provide him with a strong support system amidst the chaos of his career. His complex character, marked by empathy, intelligence, and determination, has made him one of the most beloved figures in modern crime fiction. [2]

Personality and Skills

Alex Cross is characterized by his:

Despite his strengths, Cross faces challenges balancing his dangerous profession with his responsibilities as a father and family man.

Appearances in series

  1. Along Came a Spider (1993)
  2. Kiss the Girls (1995)
  3. Jack & Jill (1996)
  4. Cat & Mouse (1997)
  5. Pop Goes the Weasel (1999)
  6. Roses Are Red (2000)
  7. Violets Are Blue (2001)
  8. Four Blind Mice (2002)
  9. The Big Bad Wolf (2003)
  10. London Bridges (2004)
  11. Mary, Mary (2005)
  12. Cross (2006)
  13. Double Cross (2007)
  14. Cross Country (2008)
  15. Alex Cross's Trial (2009)
  16. I, Alex Cross (2009)
  17. Cross Fire (2010)
  18. Kill Alex Cross (2011)
  19. Merry Christmas, Alex Cross (2012)
  20. Alex Cross, Run (2013)
  21. Cross My Heart (2013)
  22. Hope to Die (2014)
  23. Cross Justice (2015)
  24. Cross the Line (2016)
  25. Cross Kill (2016)
  26. The People vs. Alex Cross (2017)
  27. Target: Alex Cross (2018)
  28. Criss Cross (2019)
  29. Deadly Cross (2020)
  30. Fear No Evil (2021)
  31. Triple Cross (2022)
  32. Cross Down (2023)
  33. Alex Cross Must Die (2023)

The series has consistently topped bestseller lists and remains ongoing, with Patterson releasing new installments frequently.

In other media

Film Adaptation

Alex Cross has been adapted into feature films, with prominent actors portraying him:

Television Adaptation

In 2022, Amazon Prime announced a series adaptation titled Cross , with Aldis Hodge playing Alex Cross. The series explores his early career and personal life, bringing renewed attention to the character. [5] [6] Cross premiered on November 14, 2024, All eight episodes of the first season were released on Amazon Prime Video. [7]

Legacy and popularity

Alex Cross is among the most enduring characters in modern thriller fiction. The series has sold millions of copies worldwide, praised for its gripping plots and emotional depth. Cross's character resonates with readers due to his relatable struggles and moral conviction, making him a standout figure in the genre.

Related Research Articles

<i>Kiss the Girls</i> (1997 film) 1997 film by Gary Fleder

Kiss the Girls is a 1997 American neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Gary Fleder and starring Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Cary Elwes. The screenplay by David Klass is based on James Patterson's best-selling 1995 novel of the same name. A sequel titled Along Came a Spider was released in 2001.

<i>Along Came a Spider</i> (novel) Novel by James Patterson

Along Came a Spider is a crime thriller novel, and the first novel in James Patterson's series about forensic psychologist Alex Cross. First published in 1993, its success has led to twenty-six sequels as of 2021.

<i>Cross</i> (novel) Novel by James Patterson

Cross is James Patterson's 12th novel featuring his most famous character, Alex Cross. It was released in 2006. This novel was also released in some markets under the title Alex Cross. This book is followed by Double Cross.

<i>Along Came a Spider</i> (film) 2001 film by Lee Tamahori

Along Came a Spider is a 2001 American thriller film directed by Lee Tamahori. It is the second installment in the Alex Cross film series and a sequel to the 1997 film Kiss the Girls, with Morgan Freeman and Jay O. Sanders reprising their roles as detective Alex Cross and FBI-agent Kyle Craig. The screenplay by Marc Moss was adapted from the 1993 novel of the same title by James Patterson, but many of the key plot elements of the book were eliminated. The film received mixed reviews from critics and was a box office success, grossing $105.2 million worldwide.

<i>Double Cross</i> (novel) 2007 novel by James Patterson

Double Cross is the 13th novel in the Alex Cross series featuring Detective Alex Cross by James Patterson. It was released on November 13, 2007.

Kyle Craig is a fictional character and antagonist in James Patterson's series of novels featuring Washington, D.C. detective Alex Cross.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aldis Hodge</span> American actor

Aldis Alexander Basil Hodge is an American actor. Among his significant roles, he played Alec Hardison in the TNT series Leverage, MC Ren in the 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton, Levi Jackson in the 2016 film Hidden Figures, Noah in the WGN America series Underground, Matthew in Girlfriends, Jim Brown in the 2020 film One Night in Miami..., and Dr. Alex Cross in the Prime Video series Cross. He portrays Hawkman in the DC Film Black Adam and John Stewart / Green Lantern in animated film Green Lantern: Beware My Power.

<i>I, Alex Cross</i> Novel by James Patterson

I, Alex Cross is the 16th novel in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson. It was released on Hardcover and Paperback on November 16, 2009, to positive reviews and positive reception. It is preceded by Alex Cross's Trial. Its success led to 5 sequel novels, Cross Fire, Kill Alex Cross, Merry Christmas, Alex Cross, Alex Cross, Run and Cross My Heart.

<i>Alex Cross</i> (film) 2012 American film

Alex Cross is a 2012 American crime thriller film directed by Rob Cohen, and starring Tyler Perry as the title character, and Matthew Fox as the villain Picasso. The adapted screenplay was written by Marc Moss and Kerry Williamson. It is based on the 2006 novel Cross by James Patterson. It is the third installment of the Alex Cross film series, and was considered as a reboot of the series. The title character was previously portrayed by Morgan Freeman in Kiss the Girls (1997) and Along Came a Spider (2001).

<i>Cross Fire</i> (novel) 2010 novel by James Patterson

Cross Fire is the 17th book of James Patterson's Alex Cross series. In the novel, Kyle Craig has come back for one final scare to finally kill Alex Cross, but Alex has a special day ahead of him, one that concerns Bree and his relationship. The novel was released in hardcover, paperback, and audio book on November 15, 2010. It was preceded by I, Alex Cross and was followed by Kill Alex Cross. The book sees Alex marrying Bree after proposing to her in the previous book; the book also sees the final appearance of Kyle Craig, who dies by shooting an oxygen tank, killing him and two cops before he can be sent to prison again by Alex.

<i>Merry Christmas, Alex Cross</i> 2012 novel by James Patterson

Merry Christmas, Alex Cross is the 19th novel in the Alex Cross series. Detective Alex Cross is called out on Christmas Eve to deal with a hostage situation that has spiraled out of control. Released on November 12, 2012, the novel was well received by fans and critics alike. However, its commercial success was somewhat lukewarm in comparison to past installments, peaking at #2 and #3 on the New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists, respectively.

<i>Kill Alex Cross</i> 2011 novel by James Patterson

Kill Alex Cross is the 18th novel in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson, following fictional detective Alex Cross as he tries to solve two crimes – one involving the president's kidnapped children and the other a case of someone poisoning the water supply.

Alex Cross is a crime, mystery, and thriller novel series written by James Patterson. The protagonist of the series is Alex Cross, an African-American Metropolitan Police Department detective and father who counters threats to his family and to the city of Washington, D.C. Supporting characters include two of Cross's children, Damon and Janelle, as well as his grandmother Nana Mama. The series is usually narrated in first-person perspective by Alex Cross, and occasionally from the villains' point of view in third-person.

John Sampson is a fictional character in the mystery novel series Alex Cross and is one of the main characters.

<i>Alex Cross, Run</i> Novel by James Patterson

Alex Cross, Run is the 20th novel in the Alex Cross series written by American author James Patterson. The novel focuses on the protagonist, detective Alex Cross, who must solve three cases at once with the whole city in a frenzy.

<i>Cross My Heart</i> (novel) 2013 novel by James Patterson

Cross My Heart is the 21st novel in the Alex Cross series written by author James Patterson. The novel takes place after Alex Cross, Run, in which Alex tries contemplating a life outside the Metro Police after the apparent death of Ava, an orphan girl they took in. It was initially not planned by Patterson, but was later confirmed to be in the works. The novel once again features Metro Police detective Alex Cross. Cross My Heart was released 20 years after the original novel, Along Came a Spider. The novel's events, having ended on a cliffhanger, were continued in the next novel, Hope to Die.

The Alex Cross film series is an American film series of three thriller films, based on the fictional character Alex Cross, who originally appeared in a series of novels of the same name by James Patterson. In the film series, Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry have portrayed Alex Cross.

<i>Target: Alex Cross</i> Novel by James Patterson

Target: Alex Cross is the twenty-fourth novel in the Alex Cross series.

<i>Cross the Line</i> (Patterson novel) 2016 novel by James Patterson

Cross the Line is the 24th installment in the popular Alex Cross series by James Patterson. The novel, set against the backdrop of Washington, D.C., dives into a series of intense events triggered by the death of a high-profile police official, prompting a citywide crisis. Cross the Line is a crime thriller that combines elements of suspense and action, while also exploring themes related to justice, morality, and the psychological underpinnings of criminal behavior. Patterson structures the novel to maintain a pace that keeps the reader engaged, with the narrative unfolding from multiple perspectives, adding depth to the characters and the storyline.

<i>Cross</i> (American TV series) 2024 American television series

Cross is an American crime thriller television series created by Ben Watkins, based on the Alex Cross novel series written by James Patterson. It stars Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, and Juanita Jennings, and it premiered on Amazon Prime Video on November 14, 2024. The series follows Alex Cross, a forensic psychologist and homicide D.C. Metro Detective, alongside his partner, Detective John Sampson, as they pursue some of America’s most dangerous killers. Together, they navigate the perils of the criminal underworld while Alex strives to safeguard his family from its threats. Along with Watkins, the series' executive producers included Craig Siebels, Nzingha Stewart, James Patterson, Sam Ernst, Jim Dunn, Bill Robinson, Patrick Santa, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Matt Thunell. The series was produced by Blue Monday Productions, Skydance Television, Paramount Television Studios, and Amazon MGM Studios.

References

  1. ↑ Biswas, Upamanyu (2024-11-14). "Is Cross a True Story? Is Alex Cross Based on a Real Detective?". The Cinemaholic. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  2. 1 2 "Alex Cross Forensic Psychologist | Forensic Psychology Online". www.forensicpsychologyonline.com. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  3. 1 2 Marketing, Passionate in (2024-10-11). "MEET ALEX CROSS". Passionate In Marketing. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  4. ↑ Pols, Mary (2012-10-18). "'Alex Cross': Freed from Madea, Tyler Perry Is Still No Morgan Freeman". Time. ISSN   0040-781X . Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  5. ↑ Porter, Rick (2022-10-27). "Alex Cross Series at Go at Amazon With Aldis Hodge Starring". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  6. ↑ Donohoo, Timothy Blake (2022-11-05). "Aldis Hodge Will Be The Definitive Alex Cross". CBR. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  7. ↑ "James Patterson's 'Cross' Series Sets a Premiere Date — Find Out When It Will Stream!". People.com. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
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