Ivy Dickens
Ivy Dickens | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Charlotte "Charlie" Rhodes |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, Con artist |
| Years active | 2011–2012 (fictional timeline) |
| Known for | Character in Gossip Girl |
Ivy Dickens (also known as Charlotte "Charlie" Rhodes) is a fictional figure from the television drama Gossip Girl, portrayed by Kaylee DeFer. She makes her first appearance in the episode "The Kids Stay in the Picture" as Serena van der Woodsen’s long-lost cousin, Charlie Rhodes. However, the season four finale unveils her actual identity as Ivy Dickens, an aspiring actress and con artist hired by Carol Rhodes to impersonate her daughter and gain access to Charlie Rhodes' trust fund.
Following the exit of several main cast members, DeFer was elevated to a series regular role for the fifth season, joining the ranks of prominent female antagonists alongside characters such as Georgina Sparks and Juliet Sharp.
Casting and characterization
DeFer joined the series in season four, initially cast as Carol’s daughter and Serena’s cousin, Charlie Rhodes, with plans for a potential regular role. Although she originally auditioned for a different part, she was later called back for the role of Charlie, prompting the writers to craft new story arcs tailored to her character. DeFer had previously worked with executive producers Stephanie Savage and Joe Lazarov, as well as co-star Penn Badgley.
Executive producer Joshua Safran highlighted that Ivy's arrival introduced a fresh viewpoint into the elite social environment depicted in the show. Her character functioned as a relatable figure for viewers, offering accessible insights into the intricate storylines. Critics commended her for grounding the series with a more realistic presence.
DeFer characterized Charlie as more approachable than other figures in the narrative, emphasizing her outsider position within the Upper East Side’s social hierarchy. She expressed enthusiasm for further developing Charlie’s storyline beyond her initial appearances in season four.
Season 4
Charlie Rhodes is introduced midway through season four as Serena and Eric van der Woodsen's estranged cousin. Under this guise, she navigates life on the Upper East Side and forms a bond with Dan Humphrey, who initially hesitates due to his past with Serena. After discovering that Vanessa Abrams sabotaged an event Charlie arranged, Dan grows closer to Charlie while distancing himself from Vanessa.
Their tentative relationship ends just before the finale when Charlie, masquerading as Serena, insists that Dan call her by Serena’s name. It is later disclosed that Charlie has bi-polar disorder and has ceased taking her medication. She subsequently leaves New York to reunite with her mother, Carol. The finale reveals "Charlie Rhodes" is actually Ivy Dickens—an aspiring actress hired by Carol to impersonate her daughter and access the trust fund. The closing scene hints at a forthcoming alliance between Ivy and Georgina in season five.
DeFer remarked, "Charlie plays a significant role in the season finale... but all I can say is that she interacts with every character."
Season 5
Between seasons, Ivy relocates to Los Angeles with her boyfriend Max to pursue acting opportunities. Later, she crosses paths with Serena at a restaurant where both are employed; Serena mistakes Ivy for Charlie and invites her to move in. Despite initial hesitation, Ivy returns to New York alongside Serena.
Upon returning, Ivy overhears news of Carol's return and Lily's refusal to deceive her. Planning to leave again, Ivy is persuaded by Serena and Blair to stay after realizing she replaced Serena as a model in a fashion show. However, after confronting Carol—who disowns her—Ivy asserts that the Van der Woodsens have shown more kindness than her own family and refuses to give up her new life.
Ivy panics when she loses her phone at the fashion event, unaware it was stolen by Nate Archibald and his employer Diana. After assisting Nate in recovering it, Diana uncovers Ivy's secret identity and pressures her into supplying gossip. Ivy discovers Bart Bass's files on major characters and hands them over to Diana despite Nate's warnings.
Competing for Blair's bridesmaid position to gather information for Diana, Ivy must secure a kiss from Nate. At Diana's revamped 'Spectator' launch party, Ivy and Nate use each other strategically but later realize they have been deceiving one another.
Although Ivy develops feelings for Nate, Diana warns her against pursuing him. When Max returns looking for Ivy, he finds out about her true identity online and blackmails her for money. Carol intervenes by unlocking Charlie's trust fund through CeCe's influence. During a party confrontation where Max attempts to expose Ivy, Carol defends her and offers Ivy an opportunity to leave New York wealthy. Ivy declines wealth in favor of seeking family instead.
Max escalates threats by involving Nate’s cousin Trip before Charlie’s debutante ball. At this event, paparazzi cause a car accident involving Blair and Chuck; overwhelmed by guilt, Ivy confesses to Rufus but is interrupted by news about Blair’s condition. She contacts Carol requesting assistance to escape the Upper East Side.
Weeks later, Lily hires a private investigator who locates the real Charlie Rhodes attending Juilliard; neither woman recognizes the other.
Ivy briefly returns seeking Lily but encounters Rufus instead. Georgina blackmails Ivy into attending Nate’s party where Ivy meets the actual Charlie ('Lola'), revealing their shared acting class experience from Florida. Nate notices discrepancies but remains unaware of their true identities. It is revealed that Ivy has been visiting CeCe during her absence.
When CeCe’s health deteriorates, Ivy takes her to the hospital where she confronts both the Van der Woodsens and Carol. Upon Charlie’s arrival, Ivy and Carol admit their deception; Ivy is rejected by the family. Turning to Georgina for support, they crash CeCe’s wake where CeCe’s will bequeaths everything to Ivy under her real name, acknowledging her true identity.
Ivy takes control of CeCe’s apartment and hosts a party aiming for acceptance within Upper East Side society. She believes William van der Woodsen is an ally after he agrees to promote the event for compensation but soon discovers he collaborates with Lily to contest CeCe’s will.
Following a court hearing where Lily bribes CeCe’s nurse against Ivy’s interests, she loses all inheritance rights. Rufus sympathizes and pays for her hotel stay but withdraws support after clashing with Lily. Seeking acceptance from Lily but facing rejection, Ivy refuses an offer of $1 million to leave town by tearing up the check as proof of sincere intentions.
Lily has Carol arrested on fraud charges aiming to reclaim estate shares; William supports Lola Rhodes by transferring Carol's portion of CeCe’s wealth to her.
In the season finale, Lola transfers half of CeCe’s estate to Ivy with instructions to exact revenge against Lily for Carol’s imprisonment and manipulation—a task Ivy accepts enthusiastically.
Season 6
Following Lily's annulment of their marriage, Ivy reunites with Rufus and they begin a romantic relationship. Nevertheless, Ivy maintains a secret liaison with Lily’s former husband, William, and enlists Bart in a plot targeting Lily. When Rufus observes Ivy with an unidentified man, he ends their relationship without knowing the man's identity. Ivy collaborates with Blair to execute a plan against Chuck's father; after his passing, she anticipates revealing her connection with William publicly. Contrary to her expectations, William arrives alongside Lily, denies any association with Ivy, and confesses that he manipulated Ivy to create a rift between Lily and Rufus so he could pursue Lily himself. He dismisses Ivy, instructing her to accept her money and depart. Five years later, Ivy has published a memoir about her experiences, which is now being adapted into a motion picture featuring Olivia Burke and Lola Rhodes.
Reception
At the outset, the character garnered favorable critiques, especially during Season 4 when Charlie was commended for fitting into the Upper East Side milieu. TV Fanatic praised her tactical confrontations, describing her as "a natural" at scheming. TV Guide remarked on her rapid alignment with "the other side" following Vanessa’s removal.
However, from Season 5 forward, critical response waned. Both NY Mag and The Baltimore Sun dismissed the Charlie/Ivy narrative as "absurd," while The Wall Street Journal criticized its repetitive nature, unfavorably comparing it to earlier story arcs. Reviewers from Ology found the storyline predictable and unnecessarily prolonged.