Cassandra "Cassie" Howard is a main character in the first , second , and third seasons of Euphoria. She is portrayed by Sydney Sweeney , while her year-old counterpart is portrayed by Kyra Adler. The sweet and popular Cassie has difficulty navigating relationships as rumors of her sexual history circulate the school. She eventually finds a fondness for Christopher McKay , a former football star at East Highland High School whose struggles on the college field causes problems in their relationship.
Following her break up with McKay, and major break down caused by overwhelming fear of being alone, Cassie finds superficial comfort in a secret relationship with her best friend's abusive ex-boyfriend, Nate Jacobs , which complicated her personal life. When she was younger, Cassie was motivated by her father to pursue professional ice skating; however, Gus stopped encouraging her due to being unable to pay for the lessons. Upon entering puberty, Cassie formed a close bond with Suze, who provided her with support and love.
Though they both loved Cassie, Suze and Gus constantly fought with one another, partially due to his constant flirting with other women and her behavior while drunk.
The night before she started ninth grade, Cassie's parents had an intense argument which led to their separation. Afterwards, Cassie was told by a classmate that Gus left Suze because she cheated on him; though initially angry, she came to realize that her parents were both flawed and better apart.
Although Suze let him visit their daughters on weekends, Gus started spacing out his visits and eventually stopped visiting entirely. One night, Gus crashed into a truck while driving home from work inebriated. He becomes addicted to painkillers prescribed to him during his recovery.
