Degrassi Characters

Keeping up with the Degrassi characters is no easy task. The popular Canadian teen drama has no less than 44 main characters and dozens of supporting cast members. What’s more, the show also boasts a revolving door of recurring characters that make appearances from season-to-season.

Degrassi's teen characters attend a community school.

Degrassi: The Next Generation is a hit TV drama featuring students at a fictional community high school. The original Degrassi debuted in 1980 and the fourth series in the franchise is still going strong today. Insiders credit the series' success to the show's writers, who have found the unique ability to create characters that teens worldwide can relate to.

The characters attending Degrassi Community School deal with real-world issues, such as:

• Abortion
• Single parenthood
• Sex
• Death
• Racism
• AIDS
• Feminism
• Homosexuality
• Peer pressure
• Low self-esteem
• Child abuse
• Gang violence
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• School shootings

The youth oriented show is an international hit and continues to gain critical acclaim for the way it addresses controversial topics. Despite the fact that the teen drama is based in Canada, Degrassi: The Next Generation is often the most-watched domestic drama series in Mexico. In addition, it is also a ratings blockbuster in the United States where it airs on Teen Nick. The show’s ninth season debuted on October 4, 2009, and series producers say there are no plans to end Degrassi’s reign anytime soon.

Degrassi’s young repertory cast has a loyal fan base due in large part to the series’ unpolished dialogue. The show mimics the look and speech of everyday youths than those of precocious teens found in most Hollywood film and TV shows.

Credit also goes to the show's executives, who have been able to keep a large number of original cast members despite the series' age. The following major Degrassi characters have been a part of the show for at least half of the series’ time on air:

Emma (played by Miriam McDonald) is an intelligent, strong-willed idealist. Her commitment to protecting the environment is legendary at Degrassi, as are her other issues. Emma’s dad is mentally disabled, and her choice in men leaves a lot to be desired. Emma became sexually active at a young age and contracted gonorrhea as a result. In addition, she has battled bulimia and has abused marijuana.

Spinner Nelson (played by Shane Kippel) earned his nickname from his bouts with ADHD. Spinner is a troublemaker, who struggles with academics. However, he is also a fighter. Spinner survived testicular cancer and is now a born-again Christian. The handsome heartthrob is a self-proclaimed lady’s man and has been linked with Paige, Manny, Darcy, and Jane.

Jimmy (played by Aubrey Drake Graham) is a rich jock. He is the school basketball star, but also has a sensitive artistic side. In season four Jimmy is shot in the back by Rick, which results in his paralysis and subsequent confinement to a wheelchair. After the shooting Jimmy begins rapping and begins pursuing a career in music.

Sean (played by Daniel Clark) is one Degrassi character viewers love to hate. The troubled teen with a violent past, was kicked out of his home, abandoned by his parents, and moved in with his older brother, Tracker Cameron. Sean saves Emma from being shot by Rick, but still can’t get his act together. He ends up in jail after a drag racing accident, but all hope is not lost. Sean eventually joins the military and is shipped off to Afghanistan.

Marco (played by Adamo Ruggiero) was Degrassi’s first character to come out. In season six, Marco is faced with becoming a male prostitute, but digs deep to keep himself clean.

Darcy (played by Shenae Grimes) was introduced to viewers as a strait-laced Christian, who becomes captain of the Spirit Squad and Queen Bee of the school. However, Darcy has a dark side and later pays the price when she is drugged and raped at a snowboarding party. The pretty Degrassi character attempts suicide after she discovers she contracted an STD, but some how Darcy is able to pull herself together and moves to Kenya.

Toby (played by Jake Goldsbie) is part of the show's "geek squad" because of his passion for computers. Toby is extremely book smart, but is not schooled in dealing with peer pressure. He battles anorexia in season 2, but recovers in time to graduate and become a game show host.

Liberty (played by Sarah Barrable-Tishauer) is a highly motivated and smart African-American girl at Degrassi. She is active in student council and extracurricular activities, including teen sex. Liberty eventually becomes pregnant with a son, which she later places up for adoption.

Manny (played by Cassie Steele) struggles with her Filipino heritage. As a result of her low self-esteem, she has reckless sex and ends up pregnant. In season 3 Manny has an abortion, then becomes addicted to cocaine. She goes on to college and looks to acting to express herself.

Mia (played by Nina Dobrev) is Degrassi’s resident teen mom. The gorgeous brunette is able to balance school, a modeling career, and being a mom, though not without a lot of drama. Mia’s dreams seem to come true in season nine when she is given the opportunity to model in Paris.

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