When watching an entertaining TV show or reading a captivating book, we quickly recognize who are the main stars. The characters who are focused the most on every scene and the storyline closely following their journeys. We also realize who are the characters that are often neglected. Here is a list of 7 BIPOC characters we wish had more moments in the limelight and were worthy of much more than what they received in their storylines.
1. Edwina Sharma in Bridgerton (TV Series)
Season 2 of Bridgerton introduced Edwina as the Sharma sister full of promise and potential as she searches for her future husband. Coming all the way from India to England, she was hopeful in her search for true love which led her to Anthony Bridgerton. Introduced as the diamond of the season and yet as the story unfolded, it became clear that she was more of a pawn in the larger narrative between Anthony and her sister Kate. Despite her intelligence, grace, and genuine affection for Anthony, Edwina’s character arc was largely defined by the love triangle, rather than allowing her to develop independently.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe Anthony and Kate are a perfect match. They are truly my favorite pair in the Bridgerton universe. However, Edwina had the potential to be so much more than just a part of someone else’s story. She could have been a character with her own desires, ambitions, and growth. Instead, her storyline was primarily about her heartbreak and the subsequent fallout from Anthony and Kate’s hidden feelings. While Edwina’s strength in walking away from the engagement showed her resilience, the series missed the opportunity to delve deeper into her character, exploring her thoughts, her dreams, and her future beyond the marriage market.
In the end, Edwina deserved a storyline that highlighted her individuality, rather than one where she was overshadowed by the drama surrounding her. She was worthy of more screen time that focused on her personal growth, her relationship with her heritage, and her ambitions. Instead, viewers were left with a character who, despite her potential, was not given the depth and attention she deserved in the narrative.
2. Rue in The Hunger Games
Rue from The Hunger Games is a character who immediately captures our hearts with her bravery, kindness, and resilience. Though she’s only a young girl from the impoverished District 11, Rue forms a key alliance with Katniss Everdeen, reminding both Katniss and the audience of what’s at stake in the brutal Hunger Games. Rue’s deep connection with nature and her strategic intelligence make her a memorable and beloved character. However, despite her significance, Rue’s storyline was tragically brief, leaving many feeling that she deserved far more than what she received.
Rue’s death was a pivotal moment in the series, sparking Katniss’s rebellion against the Capitol. Yet, Rue herself was never given the chance to develop fully as a character. Her background, her dreams, and her potential were largely unexplored, leaving her as more of a symbol than a fully fleshed-out individual. The impact of her loss is immense, but it also underscores the loss of a character who had so much more to offer.
Many readers grieved her death but also were left wanting to know more about Rue’s life before the Games, her family, and the culture of District 11. She deserved a storyline that allowed her to be more than just a catalyst for someone else’s growth. Rue could have been a central figure with her own narrative arc, showcasing her strengths and allowing her to shine past a racially and economically unjust system designed to erase her, leading her to her tragic end. Rue’s story is one that lingers, reminding us of the potential that was never fully realized.
3. Andre Harris in Victorious
He’s one of the most talented and likable characters on Victorious and yet Andre Harris’ potential was never fully realized. As a gifted musician, songwriter, and producer, Andre had all the qualities to be a central figure in the series, but instead, he was often made to be the sidekick. His character was used primarily to support the storylines of others, particularly Tori Vega, rather than having his own journey fully explored.
Despite his talents carrying the entire series, Andre’s personal ambitions, struggles, and background were rarely the focus of any episode. The show missed opportunities to delve into his experiences as a young Black artist navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry, as well as how his identity shaped his experiences at Hollywood Arts. Andre’s character could have offered a richer narrative about the realities of pursuing a music career, dealing with industry pressures, and balancing friendships with personal goals.
Andre was often the voice of reason and the problem-solver for his friends, but he rarely received the same level of development or attention in return. Viewers were left wanting to know more about his dreams, his family, and his life but were left with seeing him primarily as the butt of the joke and playing second fiddle to others. He was a character with the potential for so much more, and it’s disappointing that his story wasn’t given the spotlight it deserved.
4. Inej Ghafa in Six of Crows
As one of the most compelling and skilled characters in the series, known for her remarkable depth and strength, Inej in Six of Crows was unfortunately not given a storyline that fully explored her potential. Despite being a gifted and resilient spy with a rich backstory, her character’s depth and complexity were not given the focus they deserved. Her character, hailing from a background of trauma and loss, exhibits both incredible resilience and a nuanced understanding of the world around her.
Despite her pivotal role in the heist and her significant contributions to the crew’s success, Inej’s personal journey often takes a backseat to the broader plot. The series could have delved deeper into her past, her cultural heritage, and the emotional toll of her experiences. Her backstory, involving her life before being taken by the Menagerie and her quest for freedom, was briefly touched upon but not fully explored. The trauma she endures and her ongoing struggle with her past are aspects that could have added layers to her character, making her more than just a supporting figure.
Additionally, Inej’s feelings and desires often seem overshadowed by the more prominent storylines of her male counterparts. While her dedication and skill are undeniable, her personal growth and relationships, especially her own aspirations and how they intersect with her role in the crew, were not given the depth needed. Inej’s journey could have been richer and more impactful if the series had devoted more focus to her individual narrative, allowing her to shine as a fully realized character with her own compelling story.
5. Stanley Hudson in The Office
Stanley Hudson from The Office is a character who brings a unique blend of humor and wisdom to the series, yet his storyline often remains unevolved. Known for his no-nonsense attitude and memorable one-liners, Stanley is a fan favorite. He’s appeared in gifs, memes, and conversation references frequently yet his personal life and background are rarely explored in depth. While his dry humor and grumpy demeanor provide comic relief, the show missed opportunities to delve deeper into his character’s experiences and motivations.
Stanley’s role is frequently degraded to the background, mainly reacting to the antics of the main characters rather than being given his own storyline. The series could have benefitted from considering Stanley’s life more outside the office, his personal interests, and the challenges he faces in the plot. His character is often used for comedic effect rather than as a fully realized individual as we’ve seen with other supporting characters like Angela and Ryan.
Stanley deserved storylines beyond his interactions with his co-workers. By giving him more focus and development, the show could have provided a fuller picture of Stanley, highlighting his character’s personal layers. Instead, he remains a beloved but unventured character, with his potential largely untapped.
6. Gen Patil in We Were Liars
This character possesses a rich background and compelling potential, yet his storyline feels underdeveloped. As a complex love interest with a unique cultural heritage, Gen’s character could have added significant depth to the narrative, but he often remains on the outer edge of the plot. His identity as a person of color and his outsider status could have been dissected more to enhance the story’s themes and character dynamics.
Gen’s role in the book often feels limited to supporting the main character’s journey rather than being developed with his own substantial storyline. While his relationship with Cadence plays a significant role in the story, Gen’s personal struggles, background, and ambitions are not delved into enough. The narrative could have progressed further if a deeper look into his experiences was included and how they intersect with the broader themes of the novel.
Gen deserved a storyline in We Were Liars that showcased his own journey and complexities, rather than focusing predominantly on his role in Cadence’s life. By expanding on his character and giving him more narrative weight, the book could have provided a richer, more nuanced portrayal of Gen, making his presence more impactful and meaningful. Instead, his character remains a significant but untended aspect of the story, leaving readers wanting more.
7. Liberty Van Zandt in Degrassi
With considerable potential, Liberty Van Zandt often is an ignored character in Degrassi. As a highly intelligent and ambitious student, Liberty stands out for her academic achievements and strong moral compass. However, her storyline is frequently overshadowed by other characters and subplots, leaving her character lacking the substance other characters had, despite her significant presence in the series.
Liberty’s relationship with J.T. Yorke was the most substantial and defining aspect of her character on Degrassi. Their bond, marked by genuine affection and shared goals, brought significant depth to Liberty’s storyline. As a couple, they navigated complex issues together, including their unexpected pregnancy, which highlighted Liberty’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Their relationship provided a platform for Liberty’s personal growth, showcasing her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
However, once J.T. was tragically killed, Liberty’s storyline took a sharp turn. The profundity of her relationship with J.T. was abruptly cut off, leaving her to cope with the aftermath of his death and their decision to give up their baby. This pivotal moment effectively stripped Liberty of the core aspect of her character development. Without J.T., Liberty’s story lost its central emotional anchor, and her potential was significantly diminished, leaving her as a more peripheral figure rather than the richly developed character she could have been.
Although these characters were often sidelined, they still found their way to our hearts. We may never know the potential of what these characters could have been, but their storylines still shined through and earned our praise.
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