Alison Stewart (As the World Turns)

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Alisonstewart

Alison Stewart is a fictional character from the American daytime soap opera As the World Turns. First introduced in 1994, the character went through several aging progressions and was portrayed by multiple actors throughout the show's run, with the most notable portrayal by Marnie Schulenburg from 2007 until the show's conclusion in 2010. Alison Stewart is part of the Stewart family, one of the core families in the show, making her a central figure in many storylines that intertwined personal drama, romance, and the complexities of familial relationships.

Character Development and History

Alison Stewart's character underwent significant development over the years. Initially introduced as a child, her character was rapidly aged to a teenager, a common practice in soap operas known as SORAS (Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome). This aging allowed for more mature and complex storylines, including issues of drug addiction, pornography, and relationships.

Her family background is pivotal to her character's development. She is the daughter of Susan Stewart, a long-standing character on the show, and Larry McDermott. However, she was primarily raised by her mother and had a close relationship with her sister, Emily Stewart, who also serves as a mother figure at times. The dynamics within the Stewart family, including the half-sibling rivalry and support, were central themes in Alison's storylines.

Throughout her time on As the World Turns, Alison's relationships were a key focus. Her romantic entanglements, notably with Aaron Snyder and Casey Hughes, showcased her evolving character from a troubled teenager to a more grounded adult. These relationships were fraught with challenges, including infidelity, trust issues, and personal growth, reflecting the soap opera's emphasis on complex interpersonal dynamics.

Major Storylines

One of Alison's most significant storylines involved her addiction to methamphetamine, which was a groundbreaking plot for daytime television at the time. This storyline addressed the consequences of drug abuse and the difficult road to recovery, earning praise for its handling of sensitive issues.

Another notable storyline was her career in the adult film industry, which brought to light issues of self-esteem, exploitation, and the search for redemption. Alison's journey towards self-acceptance and rebuilding her life after leaving the industry was a key focus of her character arc.

Her involvement in various love triangles, especially those involving Aaron Snyder and Casey Hughes, added to the drama and complexity of her character. These relationships were not only central to Alison's development but also to the intertwining storylines that characterized As the World Turns.

Legacy

Alison Stewart remains a memorable character in the world of daytime soap operas. Her storylines touched on important social issues, making her a character that resonated with many viewers. The portrayal by Marnie Schulenburg was particularly praised for its depth and realism, bringing a nuanced approach to challenging storylines.

The character's legacy is also tied to the Stewart family's broader narrative within As the World Turns, highlighting the importance of family dynamics, personal struggle, and redemption in the soap opera genre.

See Also

• As the World Turns
• Stewart family (As the World Turns)
• List of As the World Turns characters