The following is a list of the characters from the ''Degrassi Classic'' era of the Canadian teen drama ''
Degrassi'' franchise, created by
Linda Schuyler and
Kit Hood
Christopher Hood (24 March 1943 – 20 January 2020) was a Canadian television editor, director, writer and producer. He is best known as the director and co-creator of the ''Degrassi'' franchise alongside Linda Schuyler, including the series ' ...
in 1979.
''
Degrassi Junior High'' was the second series in the ''
Degrassi'' franchise, and ran on
CBC on from 18 January 1987 to 6 March 1989. The series centers around an ethnically and economically diverse group of adolescents attending the fictional Degrassi Junior High School in east end
Toronto, as they deal with various issues including
teenage pregnancy,
abuse
Abuse is the improper usage or treatment of a thing, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit. Abuse can come in many forms, such as: physical or verbal maltreatment, injury, assault, violation, rape, unjust practices, crimes, or other t ...
, and
sexuality
Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselves sexually. This involves biological, psychological, physical, erotic, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors. Because it is a broad term, which has varied ...
.
This was followed by ''
Degrassi High'', which ran on CBC from 6 November 1989 to 28 January 1991, following most of the same characters in high school as they deal with more controversial issues, such as
abortion,
AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus. Following initial infection an individual m ...
, and
death.
[SONTAG, Sharon. Degrassi High moving on to meatier issues: inal Edition ''Calgary Herald'' nline Nov 03, . 1989, s. C1. ProQuest Central. ISSN 0828-1815.] The ''Degrassi Classic'' era concluded with the 1992 made-for-television film ''
School's Out,'' which followed the students post-graduation.
The cast of the two series were drawn from a repertory company, and the focus on characters usually varied, with major characters sometimes being seen in the background, and minor characters or extras getting an elevated role. For example,
Christine "Spike" Nelson
Christine "Spike" Nelson is a fictional character from the ''Degrassi'' teen drama franchise. Portrayed by Amanda Stepto, Spike appeared throughout ''Degrassi Junior High'' (1987-89)'', Degrassi High'' (1989-91), and the first nine seasons of '' ...
, a major character in the series whose child, Emma, influenced the development of ''
Degrassi: The Next Generation'', began an extra with no speaking lines.
Students
''In order of first credited appearance:''
Primary characters
Secondary characters
Adults
References
{{DISPLAYTITLE:List of ''Degrassi Junior High'' & ''Degrassi High'' characters
Degrassi
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