Kurt Sutter Infused This Sons Of Anarchy Character With His Own Personality Traits
For seven seasons, the action-drama "Sons of Anarchy" followed the personal and professional lives of those associated with the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original, or SAMCRO for short. Created by Kurt Sutter, it aired on FX from 2008 to 2014 and its popularity endures to this day through its spin-off series "Mayans M.C.," which was recently renewed for its 5th season (via Variety). "Sons of Anarchy" is often credited with raising the status of FX as a prime cable channel invested in distinct and original storytelling.
"Sons of Anarchy" enthralled its fans through its eclectic cast of characters. Series protagonist Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) took on the role of president in the club but morally grappled with his actions and the club's illegal pursuits throughout the show. Most characters shared similar complexities, such as Gemma Teller (Katey Sagal), Jax's mother, who would go to great lengths to protect her son, the club, and its members. Thematically, the show focused on family, loyalty, and the costs of violence, largely paralleling Shakespeare's "Hamlet," a tragedy that foretold the less-than-fortunate fates of its main characters.
A biker and motorcycle lover himself, Sutter infused the series' characters with many of his own traits. Like his fictional biker gang, he could be outspoken and controversial. He even associated with several real-life biker gangs in California in order to credibly create his ensemble (via Complex). But there was one character in particular whom Sutter revealed was most inspired by his real-life personality.
Kurt Sutter says Tig Trager is the character most infused with his own traits
In a photo posted to his Instagram, Kurt Sutter revealed that Kim Coates' character on "Sons of Anarchy," Tig Trager, is the character who most closely mirrors his own personality and characteristics. "Tig Trager embodied all my phobias and dare I say... fetishes. Only the eclectic talent of #kimcoates could make them organic and highly entertaining," he wrote.
Tig is one of the few characters in "Sons of Anarchy" that survives the large death count by the end of the show. Once the sergeant-at-arms of SAMCRO, Tig becomes the vice president of the club in Season 7. He displayed extreme loyalty to the gang, worked as a mechanic in the Teller-Morrow auto body shop, and often killed people for the club. While capable of extreme violence -– and often relishing in his role as the club's enforcer -– his steely exterior belied hidden depths of sensitivity and love.
When it comes to the phobias that Sutter speaks of in his Instagram post, one specific phobia is Tig's fear of dolls. Sutter himself shares this fear, called pediophobia. "Dolls have always creeped me out," he told Complex. "I get to live out some of those fears through some of my characters. I gave the character of Tig that same phobia."
Overall, Sutter revels in writing characters with complex ties to the law and morality. "The truth is I write damaged characters well, and because of that I'm drawn to more of the anti-hero than the hero," he said.