New Characters of Degrassi the Next
Generation

The new characters of Degrassi the Next Generation add drama to an already emotion-packed series.

Degrassi features a revolving door of characters.

Given its premise, it’s no surprise that Degrassi the Next Generation features an ever-changing cast of characters. The series revolves around teens who attend Degrassi Community School in Toronto, Ontario.

The show’s precocious students experience the same trials and tribulations as their real-life teen counterparts, and like high school students in the real world, the kids from Degrassi eventually graduate and move on with their lives. When that happens, show producers introduce new characters to fans and hope that the fresh faces are embraced as heartily as the originals.

Season one of Degrassi the Next Generation featured 13 main characters. However, by the end of season five nearly half of the characters graduated from Degrassi Community School. Consequently, six new characters were introduced in season seven. In season eight a host of major changes took place, including the departure of almost all existing cast members. The mass exodus resulted in the introduction of 13 new actors.

The following are new characters of Degrassi the Next Generation:

Dave Turner (played by Jahmil French) became a regular Degrassi character at the start of season nine. Dave has always been an average Joe with little gumption to change things up. However, during season nine, the invisible computer nerd tries to ditch his boring image by trying to befriend Degrassi’s elite, join the basketball team and score a date with the hottest girl in school.

Riley Starvos (played by Argiris Karras) joined Degrassi in season eight. As a newcomer, Riley decides to make a mark for himself by joining the football team. This move results in his decision to abuse steroids. Riley later reveals that he is using steroids in part to "turn himself straight." Unfortunately for Riley the drugs do nothing to change his sexuality. He is gay, but continues to hide it from others.

Introduced to fans in season nine, guitar-playing Jenna Middleton (played by Jessica Tyler) turns out to be a perpetually shiny light in the otherwise gloomy corridors of Degrassi. Jenna’s endless effervescence lands her a spot on the Power Squad and she quickly becomes a leader in the classroom and in the hallways.

Fiona Coyne (played by Annie Clark) makes her mark on Degrassi in season nine. The fashionista was born in Japan to a diplomat and raised all over the world. She is sophisticated, cool and thoughtful. In fact, Fiona thinks about everything and everyone more than most Degrassi characters. Also, unlike the rest of the student body at Degrassi, Fiona is still a virgin, a secret she’s not sure if she wants to share or change.

Landon Liboiron plays Declan Coyne, the confident, charming, and stylish brother of Fiona Coyne. Not long after his introduction to Degrassi students in season nine, Declan has kids eating out of the palm of his hand. The mischievous teen’s magnetism allows him the ability to get people to do what he wants, no questions asked.

As one of Degrassi’s few Asian characters, Leia Chang (played by Judy Jiao) is no wallflower. Leia comes to Degrassi from a ballet school and struggles to fit in with the "it" crowd. While she doesn’t shy away from making friends, she also doesn’t stick with one group of students for very long given that she is “still trying to find herself.”

Blue Chessex (played by Jordan Hudyma) is a talented artist who knows how to make girls swoon. Introduced in season eight, Blue could easily hook up with any girl in school, but he doesn’t regard himself as a player. Rather, the sensual teen keeps his conquests on the down low and concentrates on his artwork.

Connor (played by A.J. Saudin) is introduced to Degrassi fans as the kid with Aspergers syndrome. However, instead of letting his intensity act as a stigma, Connor embraces his condition and works hard to improve his social skills. Not only is Connor intelligent, but he is also charming, witty and not afraid to make friends.

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