Warning: This article contains spoilers for Heartstopper season 1.

Heartstopper season 1 has some subtle changes to the original comic's plot - including adding two characters not from the books or comics. Netflix’s new coming-of-age queer show is based on the successful webcomic of the same name by Alice Oseman, with Doctor Who and Torchwood director Euros Lyn appearing as director for the entire course of Heartstopper season 1. Overall, Heartstopper has been very true to original content, following the plot of the webtoon comic, however, some changes have been made to further push the narrative fit for the Netflix adaptation.

Heartstopper follows British schoolboys Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) and Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) as they explore their sexuality and develop a relationship with each other; with the help and hindrance of their close friends and teachers at Truham Grammar School for Boys. While the writing and filming of the series follow the plot of the comics incredibly well, there were subtle changes and minor differences to the adaptation that those who have read the comics can spot. One of the main differences within the Netflix adaptation is the absence and addition of certain characters.

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One of the most significant differences between Netflix's show adaptation and the comic series is the removal of Aled and the addition of Isaac (Tobie Donovan) and Imogen (Rhea Norwood). In the Webtoon series, Aled is one of Charlie’s closest friends. Alice Oseman has said on Twitter that Aled not being part of the series is because it “would certainly involve having to change major elements of the story of Radio Silence”, another of Oseman’s stories. However, in place of Aled is Isaac, the fourth member of Charlie’s friend group, who was seemingly added to balance the Heartstopper season 1 cast out. Similarly, Imogen's role in the Netflix adaptation serves to add further drama to the plot, making the show slightly different to its illustrated predecessor.

Heartstopper-Season-1-Imogen

Isaac is a book-loving introverted, quick-witted friend of Charlie Spring who, whilst quiet, surprises audiences with perceptive and sharp comments towards the group. What makes Isaac such a great addition to the friendship group, and to the Netflix show adaptation, is that he balances out the characters and adds a new personality dimension that would not have been there if Isaac was not included. Tao (William Gao) is the more confident, outlandish member of the group, and Elle (Yasmin Finney) is the level-headed friend who gives the best advice. Adding someone on the opposite side of the personality spectrum in order to balance out Tao and Elle's personalities, whilst also being a protective and loyal friend to Charlie, Isaac was a perfect and needed additional character.

Imogen, who is also a completely new character for Heartstopper season 1, becomes the vital conflict in Charlie and Nick’s relationship in the Netflix show adaptation. Imogen is a very bold, determined personality, yet can be a little insensitive sometimes, and this personality trait is what causes conflict for Nick. Imogen and Nick are great friends, but when Imogen starts to develop a serious crush, Nick starts to feel uncomfortable and further questions his sexuality, which further develops the apprehension around Charlie and Nick's relationship. In an interview with HELLO! Magazine, Oseman said, “I came up with Imogen because I wanted Nick to have a friend who wasn’t one of the lads. We knew we needed a bit more drama and angst in the story and Imogen is the one who brings the drama midseason”. Whilst short, Imogen has a great character arc in season 1, understanding why Nick rejects her, accepting Nick for who he truly is, and sticking up for him when his friends antagonize him. If Heartstopper season 2 gets commissioned, Imogen will no doubt be a great character to explore further.

The addition and removal of characters within the first season of Heartstopper are not the only differences between the Webtoon comic and the Netflix comic book TV show, yet they may be the most important. Isaac and Imogen slot perfectly into the story of Heartstopper, creating conflict for the main characters whilst simultaneously balancing out the louder personalities to create a perfect steadiness for the series, and poses character development for a potential Heartstopper season 2.

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