Heartstopper dives into lives of Nick and Charlie. Teenage boys, falling in love. Based on a graphic novel, it explores love, friendship and finding oneself. Engaging story, relatable characters and warm vibes about LGBTQ+ relationships. A true gem, even if you misspell somthing once in a while!

Meet the characters from Heartstopper

Charlie Spring

Charlie is this absolute soft, anxious ball of feeling who somehow keeps being the emotional centre of everything. He’s quietly brave in ways that sneak up on you — will freak out in a crowd but march into the nastiest school assembly if it means protecting someone. There’s an awkward, self-deprecating humour and also these very sincere comics/sketches scribbled in notebooks that he pretends are rubbish but really aren’t. He worries a lot, loves tea, pretends not to cry at cheesy films and then definitely cries, and also has a weird talent for naming every dog he sees.

Nick Nelson

Nick is sunbeam energy disguised as a rugby player — warm, steady and really, really loyal. He makes tea like it’s an art form, tries to be a solid rock for people, and is weirdly proud of his ability to diffuse tension with terrible dad jokes. Mostly calm, but he also has this earnest, slightly fluffed charm where he gets excited about the simplest things like pancakes or new trainers. He’s supportive to a fault, occasionally awkward, shockingly perceptive, and probably cries in the car when the playlist gets emotional.

Sarah Nelson

Sarah is the kind of parent who is equal parts pragmatist and secret softie. She runs the household with a clipboard in one hand and impossible levels of care in the other, and will roll her eyes at teenage drama while quietly sorting everyone’s problems out. She’s blunt and funny, sometimes embarrassingly over-involved in the best way, and has a playlist for every mood — including “mildly panicked but coping.” Also there’s this low-key adventurous streak; she can be strict but will also surprise you by suddenly suggesting a spontaneous trip to the coast.

Tao Xu

Tao is soft-spoken, observant and kind of the lovely, slightly edgy artist friend everyone wants on their group chat. He’s into fashion in a quiet way, paints, sometimes disappears into his sketchbook, and will give you a brutally honest critique then hand you a biscuit. Not the loudest person but somehow magnetic — he has an odd habit of knowing people’s exact shoe sizes, which is either creepy or sweet. He keeps his cards close but is deeply loyal and has this weirdly soothing presence even when he’s being sarcastic.

Elle Argent

Elle is pure sparkle with an anxious brain, theatrical and loving and always dramatising in the best way. She loves pronouns, commitment to friendships, and will straight-up plan a surprise picnic with a themed playlist and a tiny flag. She can be loud and performative but also surprisingly thoughtful and serious when it matters, like don’t underestimate her emotional radar. There’s also this adorable tendency to over-prepare for literally everything — “what if there’s a parade” — and yet she can be unexpectedly clingy then aloof, don’t ask me why.

Tara Jones

Tara is blunt, hilarious and unapologetically herself — like a walking “tell it like it is” sign. She’s got this ferocious protective streak for her friends and says things you think but never would, then offers you chips and gives you a crushing hug. She dances like no one’s watching even when everyone is, loves her food, and is somehow both intimidating and squishy at the same time. Also she has a soft spot for terrible pop songs and will defend them with the kind of conviction that makes you secretly admire her.

Darcy Olsson

Darcy is sharp-tongued, sarcastic and the absolutely necessary spice of the friend group. She looks unimpressed about everything and probably is, but then she’ll do something unexpectedly kind and ruin your “she’s a villain” theory. Very into aesthetics, probably owns too many black hoodies, and loves taking the piss out of people she actually likes. There’s this odd mix of cynicism and secret sentimentality — she’ll mock your favourite band and then quietly know all the lyrics.