Erin, though thoughtful, is often described by her friends as “lacking in dignity” and “arrogant.” Despite having dreams bigger than Derry, Erin is timid and deeply cares for her friends. While Erin makes many mistakes in the show, she feels guilty for most and always tries her best to make up for them and learn from her mistakes. Erin’s family dynamic is also highlighted. Her anxious mother, Mary, vain aunt Sarah, average dad Gerry, and anti-Gerry Granda Joe all contribute to the formation of Erin’s personality and her perspective on the world.

Clare is an academic scholar and constantly sacrifices her mental health for better grades. Despite her constant anxiety, possibly being the only character who contemplates consequences in the show, Clare does things that make her appear braver than most would expect. She often takes extreme political stances in war-stricken Northern Ireland and advocates for peace not only between Protestant and Catholic groups but also between the English and Irish. Clare struggles with her identity in the show, being the only person who emphasizes the shared humanity among all groups. Although grades are important to Clare, the show often depicts her sacrificing them for the sake of her friends.

Like Clare, the London-born boy James struggles with his own identity. Abandoned by his mother in a foreign country he has nothing but ethnic ties to and an accent disliked by all, James often feels left out. He is also the first boy to ever attend Our Lady Immaculate College, adding further to the isolation he feels. Despite the group’s nitpicking about his accent and his strange dislike of fried foods, the group deeply cares about James and makes him feel like he has a place. As the seasons progress, James can be found opening up more about his feelings and becoming more assertive in conversations. When faced with the opportunity to go back home to London or stay stuck in Derry, James chooses his friends and even calls himself a “Derry Girl.”

The show “Derry Girls” is well-received by all groups of viewers. Although each of the Derry Girls’ imperfections is highlighted for comedic value, the show does an exceptional job of depicting the lives of honest, average people in Northern Ireland amidst the presence of violence. The conflict does not consistently take direct positions in the show, highlighting the integration of violence and the desensitization to bus explosions, military checkpoints, and ceasefires. While circumstances are bleak in the world of politics, life goes on. Sometimes, the violence plays in the background, as observed through the eyes of teenagers who grew up in a world where lives simply count as numbers. However, the Derry Girls, much like every resident of Derry and every human being, have a story to tell.