Charles Francis "Charlie" Spring is a primary character in the Alice Oseman graphic novel series Heartstopper as well as its 2022 Netflix adaptation, where he is portrayed by Joe Locke. His first appearance was in the 2014 novel Solitaire.
Casting
In the Netflix adaptation, Joe Locke was cast as Charlie after attending an open casting call. saying afterwards, “When I first heard about the audition, I read the comics and I just saw so much of myself in Charlie and so much of what my school experience was like. I really wanted to be a part of the project because I felt like there are not many shows out there that depict the positives of growing up as a queer person.”
Character overview
Charlie is the boyfriend of Nick Nelson (Kit Connor). In the franchise Charlie is skilled in the drums and loves to read. Charlie loves Nick deeply and aspires for him to be happy, at whatever cost. Charlie's character is quiet and insecure, but he is fond of animals and is fairly tall, with dark, curly hair and blue eyes.
Character history
Charlie was born on the 27th April to Julio and Jane Spring. He is the younger brother of Tori Spring and the older brother of Oliver Spring. His father is descends from Spain and mother is British. Charlie is also a talented drummer with an interest in shoes.
Throughout his young life Charlie was often bullied, which lead to him having poor mental health and low-self esteem, which lead to multiple incidents of self-harm.
Personality
Charlie is uptight, shy, sensitive and insecure. He is also empathetic, and hates seeing other people cry, especially Nick. Charlie is fond of reading, dogs, and playing the drums. He is also a fan of Ancient Greek classical literature and Keith Haring's work. Tori describes him as being nice, a characteristic she believes is underrated and can be taken advantage of.
Charlie was outed as gay to his entire school by his ex-boyfriend Ben Hope.
Health
Due to frequent bullying, being outed, and the toxic relationship with his ex Ben, Charlie suffers from multiple mental illnesses, primarily anxiety, anorexia, depression and OCD.
Appearances
Literature
Solitaire (2014) Nick and Charlie (2015) This Winter (2015) Radio Silence (2016) (Cameo) Heartstopper (2019-present) Heartstopper Volume One (2019) Heartstopper Volume Two (2019) Heartstopper Volume Three (2020) Heartstopper Volume Four (2021) Heartstopper Volume Five (2022)
Television
Heartstopper (2022-present)
Reception
He was ranked 1st in a 2023 ranking of the 10 Best 'Heartstopper' Characters, Ranked by Likability by Collider.
See Also
Nick Nelson (Heartstopper) Heartstopper (graphic novel) Heartstopper (TV series)