Tara Knowles

Fictional character

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First appearance	"Pilot"
First game
Last appearance	"A Mother's Work"
Created by	Kurt Sutter
Based on
Adapted by
Designed by
Portrayed by
Voiced by
Motion capture

Tara Knowles is a fictional character on the FX television series Sons of Anarchy, portrayed by actress Maggie Siff. She is a central character in the series, known for her complex relationship with the protagonist, Jax Teller, and her struggle to balance her professional life as a surgeon with the chaotic world of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club.

Character Overview

Tara Knowles is introduced as a highly skilled surgeon who returns to her hometown of Charming, California, after completing her medical training in Chicago. Her return to Charming rekindles her relationship with Jax Teller, the vice president of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original (SAMCRO).

Early Life

Tara was born and raised in Charming, where she was a high school sweetheart of Jax Teller. She left Charming to pursue a medical career, attending medical school in Chicago. During her time away, she was involved in a tumultuous relationship with an ATF agent, which ended badly, prompting her return to Charming.

Professional Life

Upon her return, Tara works as a surgeon at St. Thomas Hospital in Charming. Her medical expertise often places her in situations where she must treat members of SAMCRO, leading to ethical dilemmas and conflicts between her professional duties and personal loyalties.

Relationship with Jax Teller

Tara's relationship with Jax is a central theme of the series. Their love is tested by the violent and criminal activities of SAMCRO, as well as by external threats from law enforcement and rival gangs. Despite these challenges, Tara and Jax marry and have a son, Thomas Teller II.

Character Development

Throughout the series, Tara evolves from a supportive partner to a more independent and assertive character. She becomes increasingly involved in SAMCRO's affairs, often using her medical skills to aid the club. Her character arc is marked by her struggle to protect her family from the dangers of the outlaw lifestyle.

Significant Storylines

Tara's storylines often revolve around her attempts to extricate herself and her family from the criminal world. She faces numerous threats, including from Gemma Teller Morrow, Jax's mother, who sees Tara as a rival for Jax's loyalty.

Season Highlights

• In Season 1, Tara's return to Charming and her reunion with Jax set the stage for her involvement with SAMCRO.
• In Season 2, she becomes more entangled in the club's activities, often providing medical assistance to injured members.
• By Season 3, Tara is pregnant with Jax's child, further complicating her desire to leave the outlaw life.
• In Season 4, she marries Jax and becomes more deeply involved in club politics.
• Season 5 sees Tara's increasing desperation to protect her family, leading to her arrest and imprisonment.
• In Season 6, Tara's efforts to escape the club's influence culminate in her tragic death at the hands of Gemma.

Legacy

Tara Knowles is remembered as a character who embodied the conflict between personal ambition and loyalty to family. Her death serves as a pivotal moment in the series, profoundly affecting Jax and the future of SAMCRO.

Also see

• Jax Teller
• Gemma Teller Morrow
• Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club
• Maggie Siff