Did Ben really like Charlie in “Heartstopper?”

In the world of Alice Oseman’s "Heartstopper," we see a rich tapestry of feelings, emotions, and evolving relationships. Among these relationships is the complicated and painful dynamic between Charlie and Ben. A question that remains in the minds of many viewers and readers alike is whether Ben genuinely liked Charlie.

What does it mean to ‘like’ someone?

First and foremost, we must define our terms. What do we mean when we say someone "likes" another? In the context of personal relationships, "liking" can mean many things - from platonic admiration to romantic affection. From the series, it’s clear that Ben's feelings toward Charlie are neither purely platonic nor entirely romantic. However, does the presence of a toxic dynamic invalidate any genuine affection Ben might have had?

Did Ben's Actions Reflect Genuine Affection?

Let’s take a closer look at Ben's actions. On one hand, he apologizes to Charlie and admits that he's a "messed up person." If he didn't care about Charlie in some way, why would he make this admission? On the other hand, the past trauma he has inflicted on Charlie and the continued fallout of those actions might suggest a lack of genuine affection.

Why did Ben hurt Charlie?

To answer whether Ben truly liked Charlie, we must ponder why Ben hurt him in the first place. Was it a result of personal insecurities? A fear of coming out? Or perhaps it was jealousy, seeing Charlie live openly and authentically. Ben’s own journey with his sexuality, juxtaposed against Nick’s, presents a dichotomy: the toxic versus the wholesome approach to self-acceptance. Ben’s treatment of Charlie could well be a reflection of his inner turmoil.

Could one hurt someone they genuinely like?

This brings us to the question of whether it's possible to hurt someone you genuinely care about. History and literature are full of tales where love and hurt are deeply intertwined. Perhaps Ben’s feelings for Charlie were real, but his personal struggles overshadowed any genuine affection he felt.

What do others say?

Croft, who played Ben, describes his character as “incredibly complicated.” There’s a sense that Ben is aware of his shortcomings and the pain he has inflicted. Oseman’s choice not to give Ben a redemption arc suggests a deep-seated belief that, regardless of any genuine feelings Ben might have had for Charlie, the trauma he caused should not be swiftly or easily forgiven.

What does the narrative say?

In the series, Ben walks away from an animated doodle of a rainbow ocean, symbolic of the queer community. If he genuinely liked Charlie, could he not have embraced the community and the shared experience with Charlie? Or was this act more about Ben’s inability to embrace his own truth?

Sometimes questions lead to more questions. The complexity of human emotion means there's no easy answer. What's evident is that Ben's feelings for Charlie were complicated, marred by his personal battles and the tumultuous journey of self-acceptance. While the series doesn’t give us a definitive answer, it encourages us to reflect on the nature of relationships and the shades of grey that often exist in human emotions. One could argue that Ben did have feelings for Charlie, but they were deeply buried under layers of fear, insecurity, and confusion. The beautiful tragedy of "Heartstopper" is that it doesn't shy away from these complexities, making it all the more relatable and poignant.