Riverdale: 20 most important characters on the show
By Reed Gaudens
Riverdale — “Chapter Forty-Five: The Stranger” — Image Number: RVD310a_0375.jpg — Pictured: Charles Melton as Reggie — Photo: Jack Rowand/The CW — © 2019 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.
15. Reggie Mantle
Within the cast of teenage characters, there’s a few tiers. Of course, there’s Archie, Betty, Veronica and Jughead. Then there’s Cheryl, Josie and Kevin. And the next tier consists of Reggie, Toni, and various recurring Serpents like Sweet Pea and Fangs.
Over the last few seasons, Reggie has stepped up and become a more important presence on the series, evolving from an instigator, to a real ally in the thick of the drama with the top tiers.
In the third season, Reggie has come into his own and assimilated into the fold better than in the previous season. Say what you will about Riverdale’s narrative (and people say quite a bit about it), but the series has learned to balance its extensive cast and make more frequent, sensible use of characters fans want to see.
Perhaps Varchie fans didn’t want to see Reggie come in between Archie and Veronica, but the relationship swap has worked wonders.
Originally played by 13 Reasons Why star Ross Butler, Charles Melton took over the role when 13 Reasons Why took off. As previously mentioned, Reggie initially acted as a friend and foil for Archie.
Although in Archie’s absence at school and in town during the third season, Reggie and Veronica bonded over shared adventures at La Bonne Nuit and beyond. While he might not impact the story as much as other characters, Reggie’s sarcasm and team player spirit can’t be replaced.