In a Heartbeat - Characters & Cast

His primary motivation is to keep his crush on Jonathan a secret due to fear of social rejection and the internal anxiety of coming to terms with his own feelings. He is driven by a desire to remain invisible and avoid the judgment of his peers.

Sherwin begins as a closeted and shy boy, afraid to even look at his crush. His journey is one of forced outing by his own heart. Initially, he is horrified and embarrassed by his feelings being exposed. However, after his heart breaks and Jonathan shows him kindness and acceptance, Sherwin learns to embrace his feelings, moving from fear and hiding to quiet acceptance and connection.

Initially, his motivation is simply to go about his day. After the encounters with Sherwin's heart, his motivation shifts to understanding the situation and, ultimately, to offering comfort and acceptance to Sherwin after seeing his distress.

Jonathan initially appears as the stereotypical cool, handsome, and seemingly unattainable object of affection. He is mostly unaware of Sherwin's existence. His arc begins when he is pursued by Sherwin's heart. He moves from confusion and slight bewilderment to empathy and acceptance. His decision to follow Sherwin, return the broken piece of the heart, and accept Sherwin's feelings shows his compassionate and open-minded nature.

Its motivation is pure and singular: to connect with Jonathan. It is the physical embodiment of Sherwin's love and has no other goal than to be close to the object of its affection, free from the social constraints that hold Sherwin back.

The Heart acts as a catalyst for the entire story. It begins as a frantic, beating organ and becomes a fully realized, mischievous character. Its arc is simple: it wants to be with Jonathan. It goes from a state of hidden longing inside Sherwin to actively pursuing its desire. Even after being broken, its ultimate goal is achieved when it is mended and brings the two boys together.