Series capacitor compensation is used to improve the utilization of existing power systems. Subsynchronous resonance (SSR) can be caused by series compensated lines, which would lead to turbogenerator shaft breakdown. A novel approach was presented in this paper to analyze the characteristics and influence factors of SSR in a series compensated transmission system. The system model of SSR, including the various modules of the electromechanical network, was established, and the eigenvalue results under 70% series compensation level were analyzed by eigenvalue analysis method for the the institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE) first benchmark model (FBM). Compared with the results of the power systems computer-aided design (PSCAD) modeling and simulation, the effectiveness of eigenvalue analysis method was proven. After that, the eigenvalue analysis method was used to study, in detail, the effects of system series compensation levels, synchronous generator parameters, speed governing system parameters, and excitation system parameters on SSR characteristics. The research results show that the series compensation level has the greatest influence on the torsional mode damping of the system. The parameters of generator reactance, speed governing system, and excitation system have some effect on the torsional mode damping. The parameters of excitation system significantly affect the low-frequency oscillation damping.