Bad queer character tropes that Heartstopper subverts:
- Queer character says/does homophobic things to repress their feelings and protect their straight image: Nick is confused about his sexuality, but he never turns to homophobia or toxic masculine behavior in order to ward off rumors about his sexuality
- Queer character breaks up with partner because they’re closeted: Charlie breaks things off with Ben because he doesn’t actually care about Charlie and is emotionally abusive, not because Ben is in the closet. When Nick and Charlie start dating, Charlie respects Nick’s desire to keep things a secret for the meantime.
- Queer character must be “flamboyant” or display “effeminate” or “tomboyish” traits: Ironically, Tao (the “token straight friend”) is the most “extra” and flamboyant character. Additionally, Nick’s interest in traditionally masculine activities such as rugby does not preclude him from being queer.
- Someone catches queer couple being intimate and outs them to everyone: Isaac walks in on an affectionate moment between Nick and Charlie but never says anything about it, even if he can detect the attraction between the two of them. No one walks in on Charlie and Nick sharing their first kiss in public at the bowling alley. They can just enjoy the moment together!
- Queer character pretends or tries to be straight by dating someone of the opposite gender: While Ben does fit this trope, Nick subverts it when he cancels his date with Imogen and tells her that he doesn’t have romantic feelings for her. And contrary to expectations that Imogen might be jealous and retaliate in some way, she accepts that Nick doesn’t like her and appears to be supportive of his relationship with Charlie at the end of the show.
- Parents reject their child when they come out: Charlie’s parents are seen being supportive of him and expressing concern about potential bullying. When Nick comes out to his mum, she is completely accepting, telling him she loves him, hugging him, and apologizing for saying anything that made it difficult to confide in her.
- Female characters kiss for the enjoyment of male characters: When Nick sees Tara and Darcy kiss at Harry’s party, he is empowered to pursue his own feelings for Charlie and be himself. He doesn’t objectify or fetishize them in any way.
- Trans characters can’t be in straight relationships: Tao and Elle clearly have feelings for each other, and her being trans doesn’t matter in the slightest!
- Queer character must signal acceptance of their identity through dramatic public announcement: Nick could have done this by kissing Charlie in front of all the other students after running off the field during Sports Day, but instead, his moments of self-acceptance are quiet, intimate celebrations (e.g., Nick telling Charlie he is “definitely bisexual” and saying “Oh my god, I like you so much. And I love liking you” to Charlie on their beach date)
Feel free to add more!
Positive representation ahoy! I know I’m a fandom mom, I know. However, the oh so awkward, lonely teen I once was, rejoices at this portrayal of growing up and coming to realize one is queer, with supportive friends and loving families—oh the possibilities! What I would wish for all queer youth. To be able to live their lives and love who they love, with true friends to talk to and a loving family that has their backs.❤️
there’s something about about charlie’s dad being so protective of him that made me emotional like dropping him off at the party and telling him to call him if he needs him and that he’d come and then just holding him when he cried and being so ready to throw hands with a bunch of 15 year olds lmao seeing dads on screen supporting their queer kids will never not make me feel fuzzy
This mini-comic is a bonus story for HEARTSTOPPER, an ongoing webcomic by Alice Oseman: Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more…?
Nick and Charlie are characters from my debut novel, Solitaire.Heartstopper updates three times a month, on the 1st, 11th, and 21st.
i really appreciate reblogs and shares - please help me spread word about this comic! i’m so excited for people to read it!
In the hope that we do actually get a second season, I’m wondering what it will be like, given the changes to the story that we’ve had already, the huge one being: Tao knowing about Nick and Charlie’s relationship. The reveal to Tao was a major part of the Paris storyline.
Also, many, many people must suspect something is going on after Nick left the rugby game in front of the whole school.
So given that season one has shown that the series gives increased visibility to people outside of Nick and Charlie, some things that might be possible:
More of Mr. Ajayi and Mr. Farouk’s slow burn.
The conflicting home lives of Darcy and Tara.
Isaac saying some of the things Aled did in the comic.
At least one episode that is primarily about Tao and Elle.
The core rugby lads trying to befriend Nick again.
Halfway through the season, Nick and Charlie will go public with their relationship.
The season would end with Charlie talking to his parents about his mental health.
Heartstopper episode 7 & 8, “Bully” and “Boyfriend”.
Except for the second half of episode 8, these are the episodes that digress the most from the original. I can see why it goes in that direction: the production company likely required more conflict in the story. I was put off a bit at first but I think rewatching will be rewarding.
I don’t like that Charlie also apologized to Tao, because Charlie didn’t actually did anything wrong. In the books, it’s established that Tao likely was the one that accidentally publicly outed Charlie, so there was a good reason not to tell him–and also that it was a suggestion from Aled. But even without that motivation in the TV series, outing someone–and in this case Nick would be outed–is not something that should be demanded of a person.
Overall, however, great adaptation. The coming out scene of Nick to his mum was everything I wanted.
Please bring on season 2. Bring on the Paris Squad!
So now that we’re getting more seasons, we get new characters as well! On the plus side, Sahar and Mr. Farouk. On the minus side, we get (ugh) David, who I look forward to seeing getting his just desserts.
And obviously Tao and Elle get more exposure in the upcoming season, but I’m particularly excited about Isaac’s character development (since he’s a TV-only character, that will at least be a mystery for now.)
(I wonder if Imogen and Isaac might make appearances in the comic?)
I have a feeling season 2 will end with Charlie confessing to his parents about his ED.
