Martin is Claire's husband, an alcoholic whose outward joviality masks a deeply unpleasant and manipulative personality. A recovering drinker who is constantly falling off the wagon, Martin uses humor and self-deprecation as tools to deflect accountability for his behavior. He is the kind of man who makes inappropriate comments at dinner parties and then acts wounded when called out, positioning himself as the victim in every conflict he creates.
Martin's relationship with Claire is one of the show's most incisive portrayals of a toxic marriage. He undermines Claire's confidence, embarrasses her in public, and weaponizes her need for order and control against her. In Season 1, a disturbing incident involving Fleabag reveals the depth of Martin's predatory behavior, and his ability to gaslight both sisters into questioning their own perceptions is chillingly realistic.
In Season 2, Martin's alcoholism and erratic behavior escalate as Claire begins to pull away from their marriage. His desperation manifests as increasingly unhinged attempts to maintain control — showing up drunk to family events, making scenes, and pleading for sympathy. Martin represents the type of abuser who hides behind charm and vulnerability, making it difficult for those around him to articulate exactly why he is so dangerous. Brett Gelman's performance walks a tightrope between comedy and menace, making Martin both the show's comic relief and its most insidious threat.
Key Episodes
S1 E3
Episode 3
Martin's predatory behavior toward Fleabag is revealed, exposing the darkness beneath his affable exterior.
S1 E6
Episode 6
The fallout from Martin's actions comes to a head in the season finale, fracturing the family further.
S2 E3
Episode 3
Martin's behavior during the family therapy session lays bare the dysfunctional dynamics of his marriage to Claire.
S2 E6
Episode 6
Martin's desperation peaks at the wedding as Claire prepares to leave him behind.
Martin is one of the central figures in Fleabag, a comedy/drama series that aired on Amazon Prime Video from 2016–2019. Within the narrative of Fleabag, Martin serves as a pivotal character whose decisions and relationships drive key story arcs throughout Seasons 1–2. The character's journey has been central to many of the show's most memorable and discussed moments.
Portrayed by Brett Gelman, Martin has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television. Brett Gelman's performance brings nuance and depth to the role, creating a character that resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels. Brett Gelman's work has been recognized with 1 major award, reflecting the critical acclaim their portrayal has received.
Martin holds a Fan Heat Index of 62 out of 100 on TVCeleb, demonstrating a dedicated and active fan following. This level of audience investment speaks to the compelling writing and performance that have made Martin a standout figure in the Fleabag fan community.
Explore More on TVCeleb
TVCeleb.com is the internet's most comprehensive resource for television character fandom, covering 105 acclaimed TV series with 392 detailed character profiles and 324 actor biographies. Our coverage spans 26 genres across 24 networks and streaming platforms, with content organized to help fans discover, explore, and engage with television from every angle.
Browse our collection by genre to find shows in your preferred category, by network to see what's available on your streaming platform, by decade to explore different eras of television history, or by curated lists that group characters by archetype and achievement. Each show page features expanded synopses, production details, and video content, while character pages include detailed arc analysis, key episodes, quotes, trivia, and fan ecosystem mapping.
Every character on TVCeleb is scored using our proprietary Fan Heat Index, which measures engagement, social activity, meme velocity, fan art density, and fandom longevity on a scale of 0 to 100. This data-driven approach provides objective insight into which characters have inspired the most passionate and active fan communities. Use the search page to find any character, show, or actor instantly, or start browsing from our homepage to discover what's trending in television fandom today.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Brett Gelman plays Martin in Fleabag. Gelman is also known for his role as Murray Bauman in Stranger Things. His performance in Fleabag has been praised for making Martin simultaneously comedic and deeply unsettling.
Martin is widely disliked for his manipulative, predatory, and gaslighting behavior. He undermines Claire, makes inappropriate advances, and consistently deflects responsibility for his actions by playing the victim. He represents a very recognizable type of toxic partner.
The Season 2 finale strongly implies that Claire is leaving Martin, as she runs to catch a train in pursuit of a new relationship. However, their divorce is never explicitly confirmed on screen.
