Series creator Peter Nowalk is responsible for creating and developing the character, and American actress Viola Davis portrayed Keating since the show's inception.

In flashbacks, Annalise is introduced as a criminal defense teacher at Middleton University who chooses students Laurel Castillo, Michaela Pratt, Connor Walsh, Asher Millstone, and Wes Gibbins to work exclusively in her law firm, where she is assisted by associates Frank Delfino and Bonnie Winterbottom.

When Sam starts suspecting that Rebecca is aware of his affair with Lila, he becomes violent towards her and attacks her one night when she tries to transfer his laptop data to a flash drive.

[13] Subsequently, the group takes Rebecca to the Keatings' household's basement, where they keep her while trying to build a case against her, framing her of killing Lila, a theory that they start believing when multiples proofs show up.

Annalise appears devastated by the death of the unknown male, sobbing and threatening the police to dare arrest her for burning down her own house, which they subsequently do.

In the present, Annalise has to deal with an FBI investigation and ultimately charges of being responsible for the deaths of Sam Keating, Ronald Miller, Asher Millstone, Rebecca Sutter, ADA Emily Sinclair, and Caleb Hapstall.

[18] Annalise Keating has been recognized as a groundbreaking character in television history, praised for her complexity and significance in representing underrepresented groups in media.

Her portrayal as a high-profile African-American criminal defense attorney and law professor marked an important moment for diversity and inclusion on television.

Viola Davis’s performance as Annalise led her to become the first African-American woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2015.

[19] The character’s bisexuality contributed to greater LGBTQ+ representation on television, portraying relationships with both men and women in a nuanced and realistic manner.

Annalise’s romantic relationships, including her past with Eve Rothlo, were integrated into the storyline without reducing her character to her sexuality, reflecting the evolving standards of representation in modern television.

Her struggles with trauma, addiction, and moral ambiguity offered a multi-dimensional character that resonated with audiences, showing that vulnerability and strength can coexist.

[21] In addition, the character has been celebrated as a feminist symbol, representing a resilient woman who navigates systemic barriers and personal challenges.