Chloe Richards

Chloe Richards
Other names	Chloe Fraser
Occupation	Fictional character
Known for	Home and Away

Chloe Richards (also known as Fraser) is a character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, brought to life by actress Kristy Wright. Her debut occurred on 28 June 1995, with her exit in 1999, followed by a brief comeback in 2005 when her character succumbed to injuries from a car accident. Chloe's narrative arcs involve romantic connections with Jack Wilson, Curtis Reed, Lachlan Fraser, James Fraser, and Jesse McGregor.

Casting and character development

Kristy Wright secured a regular role on Home and Away as Chloe after initially appearing in the background. Early in her tenure, Wright found the sudden attention overwhelming, leading her to avoid popular youth venues due to unwanted attention.

One significant plotline featured Chloe discovering she was expecting a child, which Wright described as an enjoyable challenge, including fitting costumes to portray pregnancy convincingly.

Storylines

Chloe's introduction involves collaborating on a school assignment with Jack Wilson (Daniel Amalm), sparking a romance despite opposition from her racist father, Max (Rob Steele), who disapproved because of Jack's mixed heritage. After Max becomes physically violent, Chloe escapes to Western Australia to stay with her estranged mother, Maureen (Liz Burch), who rejects her. Upon returning to Summer Bay, Chloe is heartbroken to learn Max has disappeared and Jack is now involved with foster sister Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie). Taken in by foster carer Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger), Chloe later leaves searching for Max but returns concealing a drug addiction. When police raid Summer Bay High, Chloe identifies dealer and school secretary Joanne Brennan (Kimberley Joseph). Forced to repeat Year 11, she reconciles with Curtis Reed (Shane Ammann) while overcoming alcoholism. Principal Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) encourages her progress but disapproves of Curtis. Despite aiming for top State HSC History results and applying for a scholarship, Chloe faces rejection due to her drug history, which Fisher disclosed for transparency.

At an HSC celebration, Chloe suffers a sexual assault on the beach, causing trauma that changes her demeanor. Alex Bennett (Nick Freedman) is arrested but released; another suspect, Colin Parker, is acquitted then killed by Max. Chloe ends her relationship with Curtis amicably and begins therapy with Brad Cooper (Bruce Samazan), whom she develops feelings for. After spending Christmas together, Brad’s true identity as her assailant surfaces; he traps her but is subdued after injury and institutionalized. This event marks the start of Chloe’s recovery.

Conflict arises when Chloe shares a kiss with Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin), who is dating foster sister Selina Roberts (Tempany Deckert). Their brief affair ends as Jesse remains loyal to Selina. Subsequently, Chloe has a one-night encounter with doctor Lachlan Fraser (Richard Grieve) resulting in pregnancy. While many assume Jesse fathered the child, Selina uncovers that Lachlan is the father. Lachlan develops affection for Chloe; however, his mother Diana (Kerry McGuire) threatens to reveal Chloe’s drug past unless she stays away. Irene exposes Diana’s intimidation tactics to Lachlan, prompting him to sever ties with his mother.

Chloe and Lachlan begin a relationship and cohabit. After false labor signs, Chloe delivers daughter Olivia. Lachlan soon undergoes brain tumor surgery leaving him comatose; upon awakening he suffers severe impairments. Disputes over his care arise between Chloe and Diana; Lachlan agrees to treatment in America funded by Diana, leaving Chloe devastated.

Chloe visits Lachlan in the U.S. with Olivia for Thanksgiving but finds he has moved on. Supported by Lachlan’s brother James (Michael Piccirilli), Chloe develops a relationship culminating in marriage amid challenges, especially following Lachlan’s death from a second hemorrhage. Recognizing she does not love James as she did Lachlan, Chloe departs Summer Bay though they maintain friendship.

Returning in June 2005 with Olivia to escape abusive partner Troy Peters (Christian Willis), now a colleague in law, Chloe confides in Irene. Seeking solace from Jesse leads to Troy’s arrival where he terrorizes her and assaults Jesse. At Alf Stewart’s (Ray Meagher) 60th birthday celebration, Jesse asks Chloe out; she declines causing him distress. Troy claims bail release; after refusing contact he threatens that if he cannot have Chloe no one will. Later that night while driving home with Alf, Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) and Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth), their vehicle collides with an oncoming car. Ric and Alf struggle rescuing Martha and Kim; Chloe suffers only a broken arm but suspects foul play.

Scheduled for surgery the next day for her arm injury, Chloe dies from an embolism with Irene present. Initially suspicion falls on Alf’s son Duncan (Brendan McKensy) but he is cleared; Jesse confesses responsibility due to drinking after the party and is arrested. Custody disputes over Olivia arise between Irene and Diana; Irene’s prior conviction disqualifies her. James reveals Chloe’s will grants him custody of Olivia; he relocates her to England. Later, Chloe appears as a vision to Irene during hallucinations caused by poisoning from Corey Henderson (Adam Saunders).

Reception

Robin Oliver from The Sydney Morning Herald commended Boaz Stark's scriptwriting for its sensitive depiction of the consequences following Chloe's assault, emphasizing the strong performances delivered by Wright and McGranger. Additionally, actress Terasa Livingstone praised Wright's depiction of Chloe during the childbirth scenes.

The installment in which Chloe confronts her assailant Brad Cooper earned the Australian Writers' Guild accolade for "Best Episode in a Television Serial" in 1997, with writer Greg Haddrick receiving the honor.

For her portrayal of Chloe, Wright was nominated for Best Actress at the 1998 Logie Awards and later recognized as a contender for "Sexiest Female" at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.