Bridgerton: The Main Characters, Ranked By Likability

Bridgerton is the latest hit series on Netflix. The show gained a lot of popularity since it is being produced by the one and only Shonda Rhimes. Every project Shonda takes part in turns into an absolute hit. The show Bridgerton is a bit of a new take for her, though, taking the usual scandal, high drama, and romance, and putting it in a Regency setting.

The cast of the series is terrific and the characters are described down to the last detail which is fantastic for the audience who has already read the bestselling novels by Julia Quinn. However, some things have changed from the book series, and fans have to decide for themselves all over again which are likable, which are irritating, and which might be flat-out villains.

10 Marina Thompson

Marina Thompson (Ruby Barker) is the new beautiful lady in town, who quickly attracts many suitors with her charm and grace. One of the many suitors is Colin Bridgerton, but little did he knew Ms. Thompson wanted to trap him into a quick marriage so she can cover up her pregnancy. Luckily for Colin, her luck ran out and she was discovered by Lady Whistledown. Ms. Thompson has her sympathetic moments, and viewers feel for her, losing the man she loved, worrying about ending up a single mother in poverty and struggling to deal with the scandal. But despite the fact that she wanted to protect herself and her child, to trick someone so kind in such a way is cruel.

9 Queen Charlotte

Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) is the face of the monarchy and while it seems like she is above most things that happen in London’s high society, she has all kinds of resources available and somehow she cannot uncover the identity of Lady Whistledown. If she is the most powerful person in society this should have been a rather easy task. Her interest in everyone’s business comes off as childish and immature, and with the illness of her husband how does she find the time to keep tabs on every love affair and the latest gossip? The audience is used to monarchs that are swamped with work as they take care of their people, and Queen Charlotte seems rather careless and petty.

8 Lady Whistledown

The talk of the town, although she is not seen (until that final reveal) the mysterious Lady Whistledown creates mystery and keeps the audience on their toes, guessing and wondering throughout the entire first season.

Usually, the quiet characters are the ones that the audience should pay attention to the most. As it turns out, Penelope Featherington was trying to create a balance in society by creating the brutally honest Lady Whistledown and from her point of view beauty and status did not matter when it came down to simple life principles. The audience may love her or hate her for all the fuss and drama she has caused but in the end, it comes to different opinions.

7 Penelope Featherington

Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) is one of those charactersthat the audience is often uncertain on whether to pity or cheer for. She doesn’t really fit with the rest of the Featherington family (which is a rather good thing). She is an obvious introvert and because of her shy nature, Penelope likes to observe the social gatherings from the furthest corner in the back where she feels safe. Then again, her lack of determination to go for what she wants can be frustrating, especially since she struggles to come straight forward with an issue.

6 Anthony Bridgerton

At first, it seems that Viscount Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) is the perfect bachelor. He is extremely charming, very handsome and his love for his sisters seems to be endless as he is ready to die in order to protect them. At a second glance, the Viscount is not entirely flawless, and his over-protective behavior almost ruins Daphne’s chance of finding a good husband. After all, it seems that he is not as ready to be the head of the house. He definitely becomes less likable after the first few episodes, but redeems himself in the end, after his mother gives him a talking-to.

5 Lady Violet Bridgerton

Due to her kindness, many misjudge the character of Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell). At first, she comes off as naive and ignorant but the audience soon realizes that she is neither. After her beloved husband, Edmund Bridgerton passed, Lady Violet was left to take care of her children and her ultimate wish is for all of them to find good suitors to marry.

It seems like an easy task but on the contrary, it is exhausting as she cannot find balance on what to advise her daughters, and how much she should reveal to them. However, her caring nature (and ability to have the hard conversations when necessary) make her one of the more likable characters on the show.

4 Eloise Bridgerton

Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) is the most rebellious character, pushing against the social norms of the time. She is smart and adventurous, and friendship with Penelope Featherington is charming and one of the most wholesome elements of the show. Eloise has a different view on life and often feels like she is destined for bigger things than marriage and childbearing, and is incredibly likable – in part because she is the most relatable to the modern audience (who would be appalled at being limited and married off).

3 Lady Danbury

When Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) enters the first few scenes, she commands the room – but has a bit of a villainous air to her. At first, she seems harsh, nosy, and controlling, but this opinion changes quickly as the plot unravels and secrets come to light. She may be nosy, but with positive intentions, and the moment when she shows courage to face the old Duke of Hastings and takes Simon under her care is the breakthrough of her true character and that is how she wins over almost everyone.

2 Simon Basset

Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page) is an interesting character and definitely a refreshing change from the typical ‘Prince Charming’. He is bold, funny, and very unashamed of the fact that he doesn’t fit in the society nor he is interested in taking a big part in it.

From the start, he seems perfect (if commitment-phobic), but he has his negative moments as time goes on – lying to his wife, telling her he ‘cannot’ give her a child (when he means that he ‘will not’), holding onto grudges, etc etc. However, as his backstory is revealed, the reasons for his behavior become clear, and the audience cannot help but sympathize and forgive him all his sins given his tragic story.

1 Daphne Bridgerton

Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) is considered to be the diamond of the social season. As she makes an unusual deal with Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page) her popularity rises and all eyes fall on her and every move she makes. Her character changes drastically from episode to episode causing the audience to love her for the strength she is showing but at the same time to respect her for the hard decisions she has to make. She moved far from everyone, learned life lessons in the hardest way possible, and continued to follow her heart with determination. As the main character of the first season, it’s no wonder that she is so likable.