Heartstopper: Volume One

“But he’s one of the rugby lads! He’s friends with Harry Greene, for God’s sake!”

Tao Xu stereotypes Nick, judging him to be just another athletic boy who tends not to think, roughhouses, pulls pranks, and who is nothing like Charlie. Stereotyping is one of the central motifs in Heartstopper, and both Nick and Charlie regularly prove these misconceptions wrong. Nick turns out to be a kind, understanding, and open-minded person, but Tao Xu continues to judge him and refuses to give him a chance. Harry Greene turns out to be intolerant toward gay people and a bully who openly mocks Nick at his birthday party for hanging out with Charlie.

“Erm… aren’t I a bit small and weak for rugby?”

Much like the way Tao Xu stereotypes Nick, Charlie stereotypes himself, believing he is not built to play rugby. Other players on the team seem to agree with this idea, questioning Nick for inviting him on the team. When Charlie actually does well, they are all surprised except for Nick. Unlike Charlie and others around him, Nick believes in Charlie and knows that he can succeed with some support and a good friend. This quote also shows Charlie’s insecurity, despite exceling at most things he tries.