Draft:Bette and Dot Tattler

Bette and Dot Tattler (born Elizabeth and Dorothy Tattler respectively), also popularly known as the "Tattler Twins," are a pair of conjoined twins featured in the FX anthology series, American Horror Story, portrayed by Sarah Paulson.

In Freak Show, Bette and Dot are introduced as a pair of conjoined twins living on a farm with their mother in the town of Jupiter, Florida during the 1950's. Upon their mother's mysterious death, the twins are confined within a hospital, and visited by Elsa Mars, who wishes to recruit the Tattler Twins to her troupe of freaks, known as Fräulein Elsa's Cabinet of Curiosities. Despite her claims of innocent hospitality, Dot is not easily swayed by Elsa's generosity, on the contrary to Bette's perspective. Eventually, they reluctantly agree to stay with Elsa for the time being, but once Bette and Dot begin to display more attention from the audiences, Elsa begins to feel threatened -- selling them to a spoiled sociopath, Dandy Mott.

Debuting in the episode "Monsters Among Us," the Tattler Twins appear in every episode of the fourth season. Their characterizations and Paulson's performances have received critical acclaim from television critics, with both Bette and Dot being cited as two of the best characters in American Horror Story. For her role as the twins, Paulson was nominated for the "Best Supporting Actress" by both the Primetime Emmy and Critics' Choice Awards, winning the latter in 2015.

Character storyline

Background

The twins were born to Mrs. Tattler and her unseen husband, prior to 1934. While their birth date is unknown, they are likely between 18 and 30-years old, in 1952. The twins were born in Alabama as Dorothy Tattler and Elizabeth Tattler, respectively. At some point, the twins and their mother move out of the state of Alabama to the small town of Jupiter, Florida. It is unknown what happened during their time in Alabama, with Mrs. Tattler only suggesting it is due to their abnormalities.

For several years, the Tattler Twins were forced to live in confinement, not even allowed to play or go outside. In the fall of 1952, Bette confronts her mother during a meal, resulting in a violent confrontation. Out of rage, Bette stabs her mother, letting her bleed out and die. Dot tries to prevent her sister from committing any more acts of violence, but fails. While Bette is asleep, Dot stabs her sister with a pair of scissors. Nearly succumbing to an infection, they are found by a milkman, and brought to a local hospital -- alerting the nearby press.

American Horror Story: Freak Show

See also: American Horror Story: Freak Show

Reception

The characterization of Bette and Dot Tattler have received critical acclaim from television critics.