Top 10 Times Charlotte Was the Best Character on Sex And The City

If we can rely on Charlotte for anything, it’s to give her marriage a fighting shot. On her first go, she exhausts herself trying to make Trey comfortable when it comes to their intimate life. Clearly, though, his lack of communication, insecurity, and stubbornness are the things tanking their relationship. Although the situation is unfair, we’re proud of Charlotte for sticking to her values and stating her desires before bowing out. In Season 3, for instance, she confronts a chilly Trey about her own unfulfilled needs. Meanwhile, once his libido is through the roof in Season 4, she infamously tells him she’s done being married to his private parts. How can you not admire that?!

Charlotte’s first wedding is basically a dream. But as beautiful as the ceremony is, what comes after with Trey is far from easy. By the time of her second nuptials, the bride has grown immensely and learned some important life lessons. There’s no better proof of her evolution than how she ends up reacting to the day’s many challenges. She’s upset at first, to be sure. But with some help from Carrie, she ultimately rolls with the punches, understanding that the strength of her relationship with Harry is what really matters. It's hard to imagine early-season Charlotte so calm in the face of disastrous incidents like a drunken, rageful toast! If that’s not some serious character development, we’re not sure what is.

Charlotte has arguably gained a reputation as the most conservative member of her friend group. However, there are many episodes throughout the series that prove she’s got a wild streak. For instance, we meet a new side of her in a Season 2 vacation episode when she pretends to be 27. Along with this new age comes a host of partying behaviors we aren't used to seeing from the prim and proper New Yorker. Count among those excitedly attending a bonfire and falling asleep with her fling on the couch. Although we understand why Charlotte’s carefree Hamptons persona can’t stick around, it’s so much fun while it lasts.

When Miranda gets pregnant with who we now know as Brady, a thorny conflict develops between her and Charlotte. While you’d expect the latter character to be thrilled for her friend, she can’t help but be reminded of her own fertility struggles. Eventually, though, she comes around and organizes Miranda’s baby shower. Though it’s not easy, she adapts to her gal pal’s tastes with a no-fuss event. Sure, the hostess gets emotional during the proceedings. But this leads to the two women sharing a touching heart-to-heart. The issue isn’t totally resolved, as Charlotte hesitates before ultimately attending Brady’s first birthday party after her miscarriage. But between these moments and offering her support at Miranda’s mom’s funeral, it’s clear that Charlotte has her friend’s back.

“Sex and the City” has no shortage of moments that make us believe in the power of friendship. One of the most subtle, yet touching, gestures of support happens between Charlotte and Carrie in the third season. After the women see the news of Mr. Big’s wedding to Natasha in the “Times,” Charlotte senses the feelings welling up inside Carrie. So she accompanies her home, and offers to spend the day with her. She even tries to make off with the paper to prevent Carrie from obsessing. But knowing that the heartbroken protagonist will go over the announcement one way or another, Charlotte stays and helps her process the news. Suffice it to say, we could all use such a reassuring presence during tough times.

In the Season 3 premiere, the girls accompany Carrie to Staten Island, where she's judging firemen for a calendar competition. The club night marks one of the show’s most upbeat scenes ever, as the characters get their groove on to a disco-fuelled party playlist. Surprisingly, though, it’s the usually reserved Charlotte who steals the show. After being, shall we say, overserved, she ends up lost in the music in the middle of the dance floor. And she’s no less excitable on the ferry ride home, waxing poetic about her marriage goals. The sequence makes for one of the character’s most adorable moments ever.

In the Season 3 episode “Frenemies,” a surprising schism develops in Carrie’s friend group. While Charlotte is tired of brash bedroom talk around the brunch table, Samantha feels judged for her liberated lifestyle. As both women turn to more like-minded acquaintances, they come to appreciate their existing friendship even more. In Charlotte’s case, her reunion with the snobbish women of Kappa Kappa Gamma doesn’t go quite as planned. After revealing her desires for a more fulfilling intimate life in no uncertain terms, she ends up offending her old sorority sisters. It’s a valuable moment where Charlotte learns more about herself – and how to be a better friend.

Most of us remember “Boy, Girl, Boy, Girl” because of Carrie’s problematic reaction to dating an openly bisexual man. But Charlotte’s storyline in the episode stands in stark contrast as one to root for. She gets to know a photographer who takes pictures of subjects in drag, and he wants her to pose for him. She’s unsure at first, but the experience ends up being incredibly fun and empowering. It’s yet another example of the character being willing to experiment despite her supposedly rigid ways. Plus, she’s a total knockout as a mustachioed guy in a suit-and-tie!

When Carrie needs a loan to buy her apartment in Season 4, Miranda and Samantha offer up their material support. But Charlotte is reluctant to mix finances and friendship. It leads to a painful rift between the usually rock-solid friends, but thankfully they come around in the end. In a truly beautiful display, Charlotte gives Carrie her engagement ring. Fans know how important this object is to the marriage-minded uptown girl, but she’s willing to let it go to help her friend. Of course, Carrie promises she’ll pay her back. The conflict leading up to this moment is undoubtedly intense. But thanks to Charlotte’s compassion, the duo’s relationship ends up even stronger as a result.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Collaging Trey’s Magazine, “Hot Child in the City”
When She Discovers His Racy Magazine, Charlotte Decorates Its Pages With Her Own Photos

Making up With Harry, “Hop, Skip, and a Week”
Charlotte Learns to Appreciate What She’s Got

Shocking Her Friends, “Baby, Talk Is Cheap”
When Miranda Brings up an Unconventional Act in the Bedroom, Charlotte Is Remarkably Open

When it comes to memorable quotes, “Sex and the City” is a true treasure trove. And yes, many of the memorable soundbites come from our columnist narrator Carrie Bradshaw. But Charlotte’s iconic lines can’t be forgotten, either. In fact, she’s the one who voices what’s arguably the premise of the entire series. After a disastrous birthday leaves Carrie feeling lonely and loveless, Charlotte suggests that the women’s true loves have been under their noses all along. Rather than looking to men for fulfillment, she proposes that the central foursome find their soulmates in one another. For all her talk of boyfriends and marriage, this moment proves that Charlotte is a friend until the end.