Dearest gentle reader, it is no secret that Bridgerton is the moment. The Netflix period drama accumulated over 45 million views in the first week that Season 3, Part 1 came out, and has since remained in the streaming service's Top 10 and will likely remain the most-watched in the coming weeks, given that more episodes will be released soon. The latest chapter of the series that is inspired by Julia Quinn's novels focuses on Polin, a couple formed by friends-turned-lovers Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).
Although their romance can't help but make viewers' hearts melt, especially since their journey was already hinted at since Season 1, it isn't unusual for a leading couple in the show to deliver top-notch chemistry. Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon (Regé-Jean Page), followed by Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate (Simone Ashley), were also just as charming as the pairing this time around. Yet, aside from these leads falling in love, several other characters in Bridgerton steal the scene in unique ways. After all, it's not always about highlighting the couples that audiences love every season, especially when there are many worthy supporting roles that are just as vital to the Ton.
Bridgerton
TV-MA
Drama
Romance
Where to Watch
*Availability in US
- Release Date
- December 25, 2020
- Creator
- Chris Van Dusen
- Cast
- Rege-Jean Page , Julie Andrews , Jonathan Bailey , Ruth Gemmell , Polly Walker , Golda Rosheuvel , Phoebe Dynevor , Simone Ashley , Luke Newton , Nicola Coughlan
- Seasons
- 3
10 Edwina Sharma
Played by Charithra Chandran
Kate's sister, Miss Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran), was appointed as the "diamond of the season" (an honor given by the queen) in Bridgerton Season 2, based on The Viscount Who Loved Me. Her kindness, elegance, and motivation to find a husband led her to be wife-material for Anthony, given that he was set on getting married with convenience over finding a true love match.
Although she doesn't win him over like Kate eventually does, Edwina is still nothing but caring and considerate. She might initially feel hurt when noticing that her sister and Anthony were into each other. However, once Edwina learns to accept their relationship, she fully supports it in a way that many wouldn't. Although overshadowed by Kate, Edwina remains crucial to season 2, even if her role is basically that of an obstacle.
9 Prudence Featherington
Played by Bessie Carter
Prudence Featherington (Bessie Carter) might not be as clever as other ladies in her midst, but she's gone a long way since fainting in front of the queen during her society debut. Prudence and her sister had a hard time finding husbands, especially after Marina (Ruby Barker) was revealed to be pregnant and, in turn, ruined the Featheringtons' reputation.
Despite Prudence getting engaged to Jack in Season 2, they do not get married, leading her to once again be in search of a husband. Now that she's wed to Harry Dankworth (James Phoon), she isn't all that fond of being a married woman but remains determined to produce an heir and become the next Lady Featherington. Her lack of interest in her husband (who is truly obsessed with her) is comical, and her attempts to have a child are all the more hilarious for the audience. Indeed, the Featheringtons are the funniest part of Season 3, and it's largely because of Prudence's hysterical antics.
8 Philippa Featherington
Played by Harriet Caines
Much like her sister, all that Philippa (Harriet Cains) wanted since Season 1 was to get married. She soon finds her match in Albion Finch (Lorn Macdonald), a gentleman who is madly in love with her. Their pure connection makes it clear that they are meant to be, but it takes a while for her to get her wish due to her family's financial struggles.
In Season 2, she's finally able to plan her wedding with Albion, and she feels more than happy being with someone who isn't rich. Her naive and shallow self is what makes people find her funny, especially when she is disputing the title of Lady Featherington with her sister. Philippa might never take the spotlight, but she is a scene-stealing character, especially when her inexperience and naiveté come to light.
7 Cressida Cowper
Played by Jessica Madsen
Introduced as a mean and flamboyant debutante, Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) has surprisingly become a more understandable character in her third year as a spinster. In Season 3, it becomes apparent that her sudden friendship with Eloise (Claudia Jessie) has more to it than just an effort to make Penelope upset. Underneath Cressida's feathery shoulder pads lies a girl who just wishes to find a suitable match so she can attend balls and purchase outfits of her liking.
Cressida might've started as a stereotypical Regency mean girl, but she has evolved quite a bit as a character. With her parents pressuring her to find a husband soon, especially since she is an only child and they aren't doing well financially, viewers can't help but sympathize with her and hope she finds a suitor who is closer to her age. It has also been sweet that Cressida confides in Eloise like she never did with other girls in her midst, truly considering her the loyal friend she never had growing up.
6 Brimsley
Played by Hugh Sachs
The queen's right-hand man might be silent most of the time, but he is always by her side, both physically and as an unlikely friend. In Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Brimsley's character is further developed, showing him meeting the sovereign upon her arrival to marry the king. Despite his post only allowing him to be five steps behind her at all times, Brimsley still shows that he cares in several instances, especially once her marriage is affected by her husband's mental health.
In Bridgerton, Brimsley's role is reduced to just a few one-liners here and there. Still, the few moments that he does share his thoughts, it is always to appease the queen. Although Brimsley has to maintain a distance and adhere to protocol, viewers can tell that if he could, he wouldn't mind comforting her with a hug whenever she is upset. Brimsley's romance in Queen Charlotte and his sassy, if underused, demeanor in Bridgerton make him a scene-stealing character, for sure.
5 Queen Charlotte
Played by Golda Rosheuvel
It is crazy to remember that Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) is a character that wasn't present in the books that inspired the Netflix series. Her presence in the show, with her elaborate wigs and difficult temper, has become such a vital part of the story that it would be impossible to think of the Ton without her in it.
Every season, the queen is meticulous when it comes to choosing the young ladies of the marriage mart that she will endorse, and despite her decisions to pair these ladies with gentlemen that they end up not falling for, it is entertaining to see her dedication. After Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story offered an in-depth look at the character's origin story, viewers couldn't help but watch her in Bridgerton and sympathize with her to a greater length.
4 Hyacinth Bridgerton
Played by Florence Hunt
The youngest of the Bridgerton family, Hyacinth (Florence Hunt) has limited time on screen. Alas, she always brings joy to the room every time she joins her siblings for a card game or accompanies them to a gathering at the palace. Given her age, she is curious about everything that her siblings do, often asking them questions about what it is like to be in love or offering a blunt remark (especially when it comes to Eloise's lack of dance skills).
The youngest Bridgerton is also surprisingly observant and has delivered many accurate observations regarding her siblings' romances. Although she will likely be the last of the bunch to be engulfed in romance, Hyacinth's sense of humor and quick wit will continue to shine through until it is time for her to be introduced to the queen. She might not get much to do, but Hyacinth does the most with what little time she gets in the spotlight.
3 Violet Bridgerton
Played by Ruth Gemmell
Lady Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) married out of love, and it is noticeable that her positive experience finding a husband set an example for her eight children. Her decision not to remarry and instead focus her attention on her kids' future shows how much she misses her late partner. Her calm nature and keen eye for her sons' and daughters' happiness is what makes her one of the most underrated members of the Ton.
From giving Daphne advice during her conflict with the Duke to now showing Colin that he can embrace his feelings for Penelope, Violet knows exactly the right time to intervene and give her kids a little push. Violet is the ultimate supporting character, never pulling too much focus but still making every intervention meaningful and crucial to the plot. In fact, Violet doesn't get the appreciation she deserves for being her family's beating heart.
2 Portia Featherington
Played by Polly Walker
Different from Violet, Portia Featherington (Polly Walker) is a mother who also cares for her daughters but in an admittedly flawed way. She is determined to secure good marriages for her girls, not just to see them happy, but because of her husband's instability when it comes to finances. His poor management almost left the Featheringtons in shambles, and if it weren't for Portia's quickness to come up with a solution, they would've lost everything.
Although she schemes her way into getting money with Jack's help and forges a document to ensure that the family's estate remains in the family, all of her actions are a product of her instinct for survival. Although she can be mean to Penelope and pressure her daughters to produce an heir to keep their status, viewers can somewhat understand Portia's willingness to protect what is hers at a moment in time that wasn't as kind to women.
1 Lady Danbury
Played by Adjoa Andoh
Out of all the members of the Ton, Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) is by far the most nuanced and empowered character roaming the ballrooms. As seen in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, she was unfortunate to marry a man who didn't care for her and mistreated her frequently. If it weren't for her drive to vouch for herself and the effort to befriend the queen, she wouldn't have been able to achieve the level of respect that she has as a widowed woman.
Lady Danbury is very observant, and much like her friend Violet, she isn't afraid to poke into others' lives when they need encouragement. If it weren't for her, Simon would've never surpassed his childhood trauma and be open to becoming a parent alongside Daphne. Indeed, Lady Danbury is a puppet master who doesn't get half the recognition she deserves for keeping everyone in check.
NEXT: 10 Movies To Watch if You Liked 'Bridgerton' Season 3
