Heartstopper: Volume Two

Heartstopper: Volume 2 is a graphic novel written by Alice Oseman and originally published in 2019. It is part of the Heartstopper young adult series, which started as a web comic before being published as novels, and it has been adapted into a highly successful Netflix series. It is a pioneering LGBTQ+ love story centering around Nick and Charlie, who experience The Sparks of First Love as Nick battles with Overcoming Internal Anti-Gay Bias. The Effects of Peer Influence on Self-Esteem are seen in the way that Nick and Charlie’s friends attempt to influence their relationship. Heartstopper: Volume 2 received the Goodreads Choice Award and was a Best Graphic Novels and Comics Nominee in 2019. Alice Oseman is the author and illustrator of six other young adult graphic novels and is directly involved in the writing and production of her Netflix series.

This guide utilizes the 2019 Graphix Scholastic edition of the graphic novel.

Content Warning: The source text and this guide discuss anti-gay bias.

Plot Summary

In Volume 2 of the Heartstopper series, the story begins where Volume 1 ended on a cliffhanger. Nick and Charlie kissed at a party, but then Nick left, feeling embarrassed of himself. Charlie thinks he did something wrong, and Nick feels horrible for running away. Charlie lies in bed feeling humiliated, and Nick tries to write a text but can't manage to send it. The next day, Nick comes over to Charlie's place, drenched from the rain. Charlie and Nick talk upstairs, and Nick apologizes for leaving, explaining that he's still confused. Charlie understands and forgives him, and they kiss again. Nick asks for more time to figure things out before they announce their relationship, and Charlie agrees. The boys have tea together, and Charlie explains how he always knew he was gay. He suggests that Nick could be bisexual, and they kiss again. Nick goes home with Charlie's umbrella, and Charlie runs after him in the rain for one more kiss. Later, Nick starts researching bisexuality.  

During the school week, Nick and Charlie flirt constantly. Nick helps Charlie when he hurts his leg in rugby, which leads to another romantic moment. The boys have a date in the park together, and Nick announces that he thinks he is bisexual. The boys start kissing, but when a couple walks by, Nick lets go of Charlie. Charlie is ever-forgiving, and the boys play with Nick's dog instead. Charlie invites Nick to his birthday party, where Nick has the chance to meet Charlie's friend group. The group includes Tao Xu, Aled, and Elle, who Nick already knows. Tao watches as Charlie and Nick talk and flirt and confronts Charlie in the bathroom about it. Tao worries that Nick is straight and just using Charlie, but Charlie assures Tao that Nick is a good person and a close friend. Nick overhears and feels horrible again, but when he gives Charlie his birthday present (a photo of them together), Charlie is overwhelmed and kisses Nick.

Two weeks later, Nick finds Charlie in the auditorium and runs into another close friend, Tara. Tara notices how much time Nick and Charlie are spending together and asks about him, and Nick comes out to Tara. Tara introduces Nick to her girlfriend and assures him she won't tell anyone about Charlie. When Charlie hears about Nick coming out, he's extremely proud of Nick and embraces him. Nick invites Charlie to hang out with his friends next, and Charlie agrees despite knowing that Nick's friends can be rude to people who are different from them.

Charlie arrives at the movies to meet Nick and his friends, and Nick's friends are unimpressed to see Charlie. One of Nick's friends, Harry, starts mocking Charlie for being gay until Nick makes him stop. When Charlie leaves, Harry says terrible things about Charlie, and Nick punches him. Harry punches Nick back, and Nick's mother is disappointed in his decision to hit someone. Nick tells Charlie about what happened the next day and explains that he doesn't plan to hang out with his old friends anymore. He surprises Charlie with a date to the beach, and the boys spend the day playing and enjoying each other's company. Nick decides he wants to come out to people close to him, and Charlie is thrilled to the point of tears. The boys celebrate their status as boyfriends by screaming it out to the world. When Nick gets home, he tells his mother through tears that he is bisexual and in a relationship with Charlie. Nick's mom is not surprised but is grateful for his honesty, and they hug tightly. Nick wants to bring Charlie on a family vacation this summer, but his mother is tough to convince. The story ends on this cliffhanger.