TITLE: SL(2, C)-representation of a knot
QUESTION [9 upvotes]: When studying knot theory I often encounter $SL(2, \mathbb{C})$-representation of knots (of the knot group) or the $SL(2, \mathbb{C})$ character variety of a knot group. But I just don't seem to understand what this is all about and when the special linear group comes into play.
Can anyone recommend me literature that covers the basics to this topic and where to start? Perhaps a nice gentle introduction preferably with examples?

REPLY [4 votes]: This is a good introduction:
Shalen, Representations of 3-manifold groups. Handbook of geometric topology, 955–1044, North-Holland, Amsterdam, 2002.