Chad Charming: More Than Just a Charming Prince? Examining His Role in the “Descendants” Saga

From perfectly coiffed hair to an effortlessly charming smile, Chad Charming seemed like the epitome of a Disney prince come to life. Son of Cinderella and Prince Charming, Chad inherited a legacy of fairytale romance and royal privilege. But beneath the polished exterior and effortless charisma lies a character far more complex than the average fairytale figure. In Disney’s “Descendants” franchise, Chad from Descendants serves as a foil, a comedic element, and perhaps most interestingly, an examination of entitlement and the challenges of personal growth. While often dismissed as a shallow and self-absorbed character, Chad Charming’s journey, or perhaps his lack of one, offers a nuanced exploration of privilege, societal expectations, and the frustrating inertia of ingrained attitudes.

The Prince of Auradon: A Character Portrait

Chad Charming embodies the picture-perfect prince. His appearance is carefully curated, reflecting his royal status. His charming demeanor and disarming smile are his go-to weapons in navigating the social hierarchy of Auradon Prep. He possesses a natural confidence, bordering on arrogance, born from a lifetime of being told he is special and destined for greatness.

His relationships define much of his early presence in the “Descendants” films. His romance with Audrey, Sleeping Beauty’s daughter, initially appears to be the ideal fairytale match, two royal heirs destined to continue their parents’ legacies. However, their relationship quickly reveals its shallowness, built more on appearances and societal expectations than genuine affection. As the story progresses, the cracks in their facade become increasingly apparent, ultimately leading to their split.

Chad’s friendship, or perhaps more accurately, his association with Ben, the son of Belle and the Beast, is also revealing. Initially supportive of Ben’s decision to bring the Villain Kids (VKs) to Auradon, Chad’s enthusiasm quickly wanes as he perceives the VKs as a threat to his own status and security. He becomes increasingly jealous of Ben’s growing popularity and the attention he lavishes on Mal, Maleficent’s daughter.

Perhaps the most defining aspect of Chad’s character is his relationship with the VKs. From the moment they arrive in Auradon, he treats them with suspicion and prejudice. He sees them as inherently evil, incapable of redemption, and a danger to the “perfect” society of Auradon. This prejudice is fueled by his privileged upbringing and his inability to understand the challenges and hardships faced by the VKs on the Isle of the Lost. His initial distrust of Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos becomes a recurring theme throughout the series. Specific instances throughout the movie depict Chad’s inherent fear of the VKs which often manifests as his personal quest to exclude them from social events such as the Tourney Team.

The Burden of Privilege: Entitlement in Action

Chad’s behavior is undeniably shaped by his privileged upbringing. He was born into royalty, raised in a world of luxury and comfort, and taught to believe in his own inherent superiority. This upbringing fosters a sense of entitlement, a belief that he deserves special treatment and that the world should cater to his needs.

The “Charming” legacy adds another layer of pressure. He is expected to live up to his parents’ fairytale romance, to embody the ideal of the perfect prince, and to maintain the carefully constructed image of Auradon. This pressure can be seen as a contributing factor to his insecurity and his need to constantly prove himself.

His attitude toward the VKs is a direct consequence of his privilege. He views them as outsiders, as “less than” himself, and as a threat to the established order. He lacks empathy for their situation and fails to recognize the inherent unfairness of the system that has kept them confined to the Isle of the Lost. Specific instances of Chad’s entitlement are abundant throughout the “Descendants” movies. From demanding that the VKs do his homework to exploiting them, Chad consistently demonstrates a lack of respect for others and a belief in his own inherent superiority. His behavior serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked privilege and the importance of empathy and understanding.

Chad as a Foil: Contrasting Perspectives

Chad Charming functions as a crucial foil to several other characters in the “Descendants” universe, highlighting their virtues and emphasizing the differences in their worldviews.

The contrast between Chad and Ben is particularly striking. While Chad clings to tradition and prioritizes maintaining the status quo, Ben embraces change and seeks to create a more inclusive society. Ben’s vision for Auradon is one of acceptance and equality, while Chad’s is one of exclusion and privilege.

The VKs themselves serve as powerful foils to Chad. Their struggles for acceptance and their desire to prove themselves are in stark contrast to Chad’s effortless entitlement. Characters like Carlos and Jay, who have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrate the importance of resilience and determination, qualities that Chad seems to lack.

Even characters like Mal, Evie, and Uma, who initially embrace villainy, ultimately demonstrate a capacity for growth and redemption that Chad struggles to achieve. These characters challenge Chad’s preconceived notions and force him to confront his own prejudices.

The Absence of Transformation: A Character Study in Stagnation

One of the most intriguing aspects of Chad’s character is his lack of significant development throughout the “Descendants” series. While other characters undergo profound transformations, Chad remains largely unchanged, clinging to his privileged worldview and his ingrained biases.

There are fleeting moments of potential growth. He occasionally displays flashes of self-awareness, hinting at a deeper understanding of his own flaws. However, these moments are often short-lived, quickly followed by relapses into his old behavior. He seems incapable of truly learning from his mistakes, constantly reverting to his default setting of entitlement and self-interest.

The curse in “Descendants” only serves to amplify his worst qualities. Instead of using the experience to reflect on his actions, he only entrenches himself in his already held beliefs. The curse does not change him; it exaggerates him.

Ultimately, Chad’s lack of development raises a thought-provoking question: Is his stagnation a deliberate commentary on the difficulty of overcoming ingrained privilege? Does his character serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency and the importance of continuous self-reflection?

Fan Reception and Critical Analysis: The Divide

Fan reactions to Chad Charming are understandably mixed. Some viewers find him to be a source of comedic relief, appreciating his over-the-top antics and his embodiment of the stereotypical spoiled prince. Others are frustrated by his shallowness and his unwavering prejudice, viewing him as an unlikeable and unsympathetic character.

Some criticisms focus on the potential for stereotypes, particularly in his portrayal of privilege and entitlement. It is important to consider whether his character reinforces harmful narratives about wealth and social class.

However, some defend Chad’s role in the story, arguing that he provides a necessary contrast to the more progressive characters and that his flaws serve to highlight their virtues. Others believe that his comedic portrayal is a valuable element of the “Descendants” universe, adding levity to a story that deals with complex themes.

Conclusion: Chad Charming’s Enduring Impact

Chad from Descendants, the son of Cinderella and Prince Charming, remains a complex and somewhat divisive character in the “Descendants” saga. While other characters embark on journeys of self-discovery and transformation, Chad’s arc is marked by a frustrating lack of growth. His entitlement, prejudice, and resistance to change serve as a powerful reminder of the challenges of overcoming ingrained privilege and the importance of empathy and understanding.

Ultimately, Chad Charming’s significance lies not in his charm or his princely status, but in the questions he raises about societal expectations, the burden of legacy, and the difficulty of breaking free from the constraints of one’s upbringing. His character, though often frustrating, offers a valuable lens through which to examine the complexities of privilege and the ongoing struggle for equality and social justice within the fantastical world of “Descendants.” The enduring impact of Chad Charming is how it holds a mirror up to society and forces the viewers to examine the roles we play in contributing to or challenging systems of privilege.