Charlie Bowie

Charlie is clever, sensitive and gently funny but his lack of self-confidence often means he doesn't get the girl. He's the well mannered boy mums would love to see their daughter go out with. Sadly for Charlie, the girls always fancy his best mate Innes. Charlie often finds himself clearing up the chaos Innes creates.

Charlie grew up above the small town chip shop owned by his parents, worked there evenings and weekends throughout his childhood and teens, and never wants to go back.

His meek, kindly mother couldn't be more proud of him and just wants Charlie to be happy doing whatever his heart desires, but his macho, domineering father had a very definite plan for his son; to be a lawyer and to make a lot of money. Charlie is the first generation of his family to go to University and his dad expected him to work as hard as he has for years in the chippy and ensure that the family moves up in the world. As his only son, it's all on Charlie's shoulders as far as his father is concerned - Jennifer, Charlie's sister, can do what she likes.

Charlie on the other hand desperately wanted to be a writer and spent every spare moment reading books and scribbling in notepads. When he expressed this desire to his dad it was always been dismissed out of hand as being utterly fanciful, risky and vaguely unmanly. He heard it from him so much growing up he pretty much agrees with him. Charlie is slightly in awe of Innes and his confidence and envies the ease with which he sails through life.

Through an utter lack of interest rather than any lack of ability, Charlie's performance at uni was less than stellar. It started to seriously depress him and he dropped out. Terrified of his dad's reaction which might include physically dragging Charlie back to the chip shop, Charlie has kept this piece of information a secret from everyone including best mate Innes. Sister Jennifer helped Charlie to come clean to his parents and now he is free to pursue his chosen career.

Charlie's relationship with Jen was shaken when he realised that they were both in love with Amber. As Amber subsequently broke both their hearts, they were able to regain their bond as brother and sister. Charlie began to gain confidence when he got involved with the Community Radio Station and his best friend Innes left Shieldinch. His financial situation was eased when he got a short-lived job on reception at the hairdressers. The bar shifts at The Tall Ship and his work in the community fed Charlie's inspiration for his writing.

His relationship with Amber remained unsteady and he never quite got over her. His continuing affection for Amber meant his concerns over her controlling boyfriend Lee were dismissed as sour grapes. But when it came to the crunch Charlie was instrumental in stopping Amber quitting Shieldinch for good with Lee.

Ryan plays Charlie Bowie in River City.