Representation Analysis

Representation Analysis: Heartstopper

  Heartstopper, a British television series adaptation portrays a heartworming romance between two high school boys as they try and fight through the many obstacles that come their way such as self-discovery, acceptance, and love. This show debriefs and unpacks many of the ongoing issues such as love, identity, and self-discovery in a same-sex relationship. By showcasing different types of teenagers and their stories the director Euros Lyn was able to more comfortably represent different groups in its media form. 

    The production utilizes unique characterization such as those from different races, sexualities, and even classes; therefore, creating a more relatable show for those of similar characteristics to watch. The main characters in Heartstopper include Nick, Charlie, Darcy, Tao, Imogen, Elle, Tara, and Isac who all embody different types of teenagers and the special stories they have to tell. These actors all demonstrate the struggles their specific roles may have in life through a definite understanding and knowledge of the topic at hand. Even though the topic of LGBTQ+ as well as other more unrepresented groups in media is becoming more mainstream heartstopper was still a tremendous accomplishment and success in the eyes of many for being one of the first well-thought-out and highly representative shows. 

Nick Nelson

    Nick Nelson is the star on his rugby team at school and as he grows closer to another boy in his class Charlie he begins a question of self-discovery and identification with possibly coming to terms with romantic feelings for someone of the same sex. The character depicts a serious problem nowadays of platonic versus romantic feelings for someone and how to accept yourself in going on a more self-accepting journey. We also see Nick try to brawl for Charlie's heart in a way that is not accepted by his peers who express toxic masculinity for the feelings and connection Nick and Charlie have. This showcases the oncoming problem of how to get past the hatred of others and truly go for who you love which is a task that many people feel on a much deeper level. As you can see in the image to the right Nick Nelson exposes true admiration for Charlie which is something that many people can personally find scary to express or expose due to the homophobia they may face. Not only was Nick Nelson a representation of those finding their inner self but also was a symbol for specifically bisexual men who are not as represented or discussed in the media, let alone on television. Heartstopper takes a stand against biphobia and emphasizes that being bisexual is a normal and natural part of life. Also, we can see texts and social media used a lot in Heartstopper to be more relatable to a teenage audience which showcases the connections we have with people. We can truly feel the kind and respectful way that Charlie and Nick talk to each other making us as an audience more represented and connected to these characters. 

    Charlie Spring is a teenage boy who could be explained as a quiet and anxious kid who prefers to stick with his close friends being one of the only gay kids in his school. At the beginning of the show, it's made clear to us that Charlie had been outed by a fellow classmate who had been bullying him and felt relatively self-conscious since then. This is very relatable to many viewers who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community as unfortunately, this is an ongoing problem in the real world. He is representative of all the many gay people who have to hide their feelings for someone else due to not wanting to expose them. In Charlies' case, he loved Nick and wanted to express that in public however due to him not being out to the public Charlie had to also hide himself in the process. 

Tara and Darcy

    Other side characters in the show include Darcy, Tao, Imogen, Elle, Tara, and Isac who all have unique characteristics that make other viewers relate to them. Elle was not only a black woman but also one of the first correctly represented trans characters in a Television Series done correctly. They did not expose her for being trans or make her about that they nearly touched upon the fact she was trans and had to face obstacles because of this. Tara and Darcy were a lesbian couple in the show which represented all lesbian couples in the show who had to hide their feelings for one another due to public disinterest. Isac was one of the first asexually and aromantically represented characters exposing this new observation in the last season of the show where he finds wind of asexual books. Throughout all of these characters, the audience is much more easily able to find a character that relates to them whether that's through the utilization of minorities in roles, weight, appearance etcetera that people can truly find themselves in this show. 

    Heartstopper demonstrates the self-acknowledgment of teenagers who are going through discovery and struggles in their high school lives. This is representative of teenagers who struggle to fit in and may have secrets they can't express for numerous reasons. The characters portray many different situations that occur in school and home which can alter the way that others view them and the way that they not only fight their own thoughts but others' thoughts of them. Elements regarding everyone’s physical and mental appearance can be a perfect example for people who might find themselves in these situations and help them relate.