The Charm Offensive

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-5

Chapters 6-7

Chapters 8-9

Chapters 10-12

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

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Discussion Questions

Chapters 4-5Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 4 Summary: “Week Three”

Charlie reads Dev’s script in its entirety. Charlie loves what he reads, and noticing Dev is still awake, he enters Dev’s bedroom and shares his positive review. Charlie confesses to never having read an LGBTQ+ romance, and he offers to share the script with Parisa, who knows several filmmakers. Assuming Charlie cannot sleep because he feels confused about the contestants, Dev, reminds Charlie that he deserves love and names a contestant who he believes is a good match. Dev touches Charlie as he speaks, and Charlie realizes he is incredibly attracted to Dev, a feeling with which he is unfamiliar. Overcome with his emotions and their potential ramifications, Charlie rushes back to his room and masturbates while thinking of Dev. After, he experiences a restful night’s sleep.

The following morning, Charlie acts uncomfortable and awkward around Dev, avoiding eye contact and answering Dev’s questions with few words. Dev believes Charlie’s closed-off attitude stems from Dev pushing Charlie to consider a more serious connection with the contestant he mentioned. Jules implies that Charlie might be upset about something else.

Later, the cast and crew of Ever After prepare for the final party before the production will travel to various filming locations. Ryan calls for Dev to rush to Charlie’s dressing room, where Dev finds Charlie naked except for his small, tight boxer shorts. Dev finds himself sexually attracted to Charlie. Charlie exhibits symptoms resembling a building panic attack, and Dev rushes to his side, tapping out “Calm” in Morse code on his shoulder. Charlie explains that he cannot wear a wool suit, though the wardrobe staff insists. Dev snaps at Ryan, telling him to find another suit for Charlie.

The ball proves to be a dramatic affair while Charlie recovers from his panic attack. One contestant dramatically pulls Charlie away, kissing him passionately. Charlie returns the kiss. Even though Dev knows he pushed this connection, he feels upset about seeing Charlie kiss another person. Suddenly, Charlie stops kissing the contestant, upsetting her and causing Charlie to run off set, taking Dev with him. They rush into a locked bathroom, and Dev helps Charlie calm down before experiencing a panic attack. Charlie clings to Dev, and Dev notices he is becoming aroused, but he assumes Charlie doesn’t notice since Charlie doesn’t pull away. They are interrupted by the crew and several contestants, and they untangle. Charlie leaves for the crowning ceremony, and Dev drinks at a local bar.

Maureen leaves an edited script for the editors, splicing together footage that makes the contestants appear petulant, whiney, and confrontational.

Chapter 5 Summary: “Week Four”

The cast and crew fly to New Orleans for their first destination shoot. Dev feels thankful that Maureen remains in Los Angeles. Charlie contemplates his sexuality, wondering if his strict family caused him to repress his true desires. Dev plans on finding a casual sexual partner to distract himself from his attraction to Charlie. Dev, Charlie, Jules, and Skylar drink tequila shots and margaritas. Dev licks Charlie’s hand before pouring salt, insisting Charlie let loose. Charlie tells Dev that he’s concerned Dev doesn’t know he deserves an amazing partner. Speaking with Jules, Dev tries to blame taking care of Charlie for not finding a sexual partner. Jules asserts that Dev is attracted to Charlie. Dev denies this claim, reminding Jules that he and Charlie will both be in breach of contract if they become romantically involved.

Skylar tells Charlie that Dev has left for their hotel when Charlie notices Dev is missing from the dance floor. Charlie finds Dev crying outside of the dance club. He wipes away Dev’s tears, and when Dev attempts to move away, Charlie aggressively pins him to the wall. Charlie asks to kiss Dev, and the men share a passionate kiss. Dev attempts to stop Charlie, positing that Charlie is too intoxicated. Charlie reassures Dev that he has wanted to be with him for some time. They are interrupted by Jules and Skylar, who both realize Charlie is very drunk immediately before Charlie vomits on Dev’s pants. Dev still considers the evening a success.

Charlie can barely function the following morning as he nurses a painful hangover. Dev asks Charlie how much he remembers the previous evening. Charlie lies, telling Dev he doesn’t remember much. Knowing most of the contestants are using Ever After for increased publicity helps Charlie justify remaining on the show as his feelings for Dev grow stronger.

Later that week, Dev surprises Charlie by flying Parisa to New Orleans for Charlie’s birthday. Charlie believes this gesture is the most thoughtful birthday gift he has ever received. He enjoys spending time with Parisa, recognizing how profoundly Dev understands his wants and needs. Parisa mentions how attractive she finds Dev. Charlie believes Parisa intends to pursue Dev, informing Parisa that Dev is gay. Parisa suggests she finds Dev appropriate for someone else. Charlie feels morose in knowing he will never be able to kiss Dev again.

Parisa asks Dev about his screenplay, but Dev dismisses his work. Dev explains that his script is about a gay couple, the leads being two people of color, and he doesn’t believe any studios would risk featuring that level of diversity. Dev asks Parisa why she encouraged Charlie to star in Ever After. Parisa recalls Charlie confiding in her that he wants to find love.

Parisa goes to bed, and Charlie emerges from the shower before Dev leaves his bedroom. Dev attempts to broach the subject of their kiss, but Charlie cuts him off. Dev realizes that Charlie remembers their kiss and has lied about it since. Dev pins Charlie to the wall, playing a game of chicken with him in the same manner Charlie did when he kissed Dev. Charlie passionately kisses Dev for several minutes before Dev pulls away. They sit on the bed together, apologizing and acknowledging their working relationship. Dev touches Charlie’s knee while preparing to leave, but Charlie returns Dev’s touch. They decide practicing kisses will help Charlie feel more comfortable with intimacy. Guarding his heart, Dev reminds himself that the building emotions he feels aren’t real.

Dev watches Charlie kiss a contestant the next day while filming before a crowning ceremony. Charlie apologizes, explaining how he only wants to kiss Dev. Dev dismisses Charlie’s words, telling Charlie he’s doing a great job. Charlie doesn’t understand why Dev shuts him out.

Chapters 4-5 Analysis

The plot centered around a reality dating television show provides many contrasts between the expectations the show has for Charlie and who he truly is, emphasizing the novel’s theme of LGBTQ+ Love and Representation. While contestants introduce moments of comedic relief, Charlie and Dev’s exploration of their budding attraction to one another is underscored by the very fact that they’re not supposed to be with one another. As Dev denies his feelings for Charlie, claiming the legalities of a breach in contract with Ever After, his speech is directly opposed to his actions. Though he proclaims he cannot entertain a relationship with the show’s prince who’s supposed to be finding his princess, he confronts Charlie about their shared attraction, regardless of this acknowledgement. Representation of a LGBTQ+ relationship is not even entertained, as Charlie and Dev both continue to assume Charlie’s final episode will feature his choice princess and that he’ll leave the show with a heterosexual relationship. These conflicts highlight the importance of the love Dev and Charlie feel for one another as they attempt to deny their feelings for each other to themselves and to those around them, knowing that the media company filming would not entertain any onscreen romances that are not strictly heterosexual.

Additionally, Charlie’s physical interactions with the female contestants contrast his intimate moments with Dev, illustrating The Significance of Emotional Support From Romantic Partners. Charlie experiences anxiety and panic attacks while with the women, unable to calm himself and focus on his partner. He has not made any effort to become close with the contestants, viewing them only as friends. With Dev, “Charlie touches Dev like he doesn’t know where to start, like he’s overwhelmed by his options; Dev touches Charlie like he knows this is his only chance. He touches Charlie like Charlie is going to disappear at any second” (147). Charlie and Dev’s physical relationship builds on passion, trust, and an emotional connection. They kiss like they can’t get enough of each other, whereas Charlie kisses Daphne and Angie as briefly as possible. Moreover, Charlie feels comfortable talking to Dev after sexual encounters, opening up about his past and revealing his desires for the future. Dev reciprocates this act, sharing about himself and developing their relationship further with a foundation of mutual understanding and support. Dev also opens up to Charlie by allowing Charlie to read his script. After reading his script, Charlie acknowledges his physical attraction and emotionally solid connection with Dev. Dev’s script represents the essential parts of himself, even though those parts are depicted fictionally. By allowing Charlie to read his script, the men build on their established trust. Comparatively, the other contestants show little interest in wanting to know more about Charlie, preferring to talk about themselves instead. As Dev lets Charlie find himself and as Charlie provides Dev with a safe space to share his creative work, the two demonstrate how emotional support secures their relationship before it begins.