How ‘Every Year After’ Elevated Chantal From Background Character to Standout

When Prime Video announced its adaptation of Carley Fortune’s beloved romance novel ‘Every Summer After’, fans of the book had specific expectations regarding the central characters. The drama primarily revolves around Percy and Sam, childhood friends whose love story unfolds over nearly two decades in a picturesque lakeside town in Canada. This core narrative remains intact in the adaptation, now titled ‘Every Year After’, which is available for streaming on Prime Video.

However, what surprised many readers was the expansion of the supporting cast. The show features a robust ensemble of six main characters, each with their own storylines and emotional arcs. Among these, Percy’s best friend Chantal has emerged as a standout character, gaining significant attention.

In the original novel, Chantal plays a largely off-page role, supporting Percy from a distance and not accompanying her to Barry’s Bay. The adaptation, however, makes a notable shift by having the high-powered attorney join Percy on her nostalgic journey back home. This change not only provides Percy with additional emotional support but also allows Chantal to develop her own storylines, including her evolving relationship with Jordie.

Aurora Perrineau portrays Chantal, bringing her extensive television experience from shows like ‘Prodigal Son’, ‘Westworld’, and ‘KAOS’. At 31, Perrineau has previously played Shana Elmsford in ‘Jem and the Holograms’ and Dani Powell in ‘Prodigal Son’. Her casting was announced alongside the series regulars in July 2025, and she expressed a personal connection to the role on social media.

The decision to develop Chantal’s character was intentional. Showrunner Amy B. Harris explained to Elle that enriching the lives of the book’s side characters was a creative priority, emphasizing that a series requires more than just two central figures to thrive. This approach allowed Chantal to emerge as a fully realized character, not merely a sounding board for Percy.

In ‘Every Year After’, Chantal is depicted as a determined lawyer balancing a demanding career, wedding planning, and a complex relationship with her fiancé Drew. Her storyline in Barry’s Bay is filled with witty attorney remarks, passport mishaps, and a less-than-competent fiancé, painting a picture of a woman whose polished facade is beginning to show signs of stress.

The emotional depth of her arc is heightened by her unexpected feelings for Jordie, Sam’s laid-back best friend who stayed behind to manage his family’s motel. After a near-kiss that leaves Chantal both shocked and intrigued, she begins to explore her feelings for Jordie. By the season finale, she learns to appreciate the casual, label-free nature of their relationship. The dynamic between Chantal, Jordie, and Delilah has already sparked considerable discussion among viewers.

Showrunner Harris shared insights into Chantal’s motivations and what her journey signifies. In an interview with Deadline, Harris noted that Chantal has spent her life trying to prove she is well-rounded, and her connection with Jordie is meaningful because he accepts her as she is, without demanding change. This nuanced portrayal adds depth that the novel could not fully explore.

Carley Fortune has also praised the expanded ensemble for enhancing the essence of her original story. In a conversation with Bustle, Fortune explained that bringing Chantal to the lake with Percy was a smart decision, as it allows viewers to understand Percy’s emotions through Chantal’s perspective. She also commended the chemistry between Aurora Perrineau and Joseph Chiu as genuinely electric.

Harris confirmed to Deadline that the love triangle involving Jordie, Chantal, and Delilah has much more to unfold, calling it one of the key reasons to continue the series beyond its first season. With plans for a five-season arc, Chantal’s transformation from a minor character in the book to one of television’s most compelling supporting figures is just beginning.

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