Taking the streaming service by storm upon its release in 2020, Netflix’sBridgerton has quickly become a worldwide sensation. Adapted from a book series of Julia Quinn by the hit show maker Shonda Rhimes, the focus here is on the Bridgerton family as they search for love in the upper class of Regency-era London.

There are many things in the show that make it a success. Every part of this show is well written from its expert storytelling, exquisite set and costume designs, and an ingenious combination of modern and period-appropriate music. More than anything, however, it’s the characters of Bridgerton that have contributed to the popularity of the show. Some characters are a step above the rest, whether they are the Bridgertons themselves, their love interests, or friends in the upper class.

Eloise — A Modern Girl In a Regency World

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Undoubtedly one of the most beloved characters from the series, the fifth Bridgerton child, is the feminist of the series. With a curious mind, it’s natural that she becomes determined to unmask the identity of the mysterious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown.

Funny and tenacious, Eloise is so well-loved for no better reason than often acting as the audience’s voice. She is an observant young lady who has no problem questioning society’s expectations. Portrayed differently, her defiance could easily be grating, but Claudia Jessie gave Eloise the sparkle she needs to shine.

Simon — The Smoldering Man with a Troubled Past

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The love interest of the eldest Bridgerton daughter Daphne (played by Phoebe Dynevor, the focus of Season 1), the Duke of Hastings, Simon (Regé-Jean Page), is a dashing yet brooding character from the moment he is first seen on screen. Opposed to marriage, he and Daphne decide to pretend to be a love match to achieve their own ends. However, as most often happens in these stories, the two very soon begin to find themselves attracted to one another.

In such a light-hearted show, Simon’s character and backstory provide the first piece of depth and tragedy. It’s precisely this dark history that makes him such a compelling character. Not only does it allow the audience to forgive some of his more odious behavior, but it also makes those watching root for him to overcome this past and find happiness.

Penelope — A Wallflower With a Heart of Gold

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Often overlooked, Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) is the youngest of the Featherington daughters. She is usually seen at the side of her best friend Eloise and has an unrequited love for the Bridgeton, Colin (Luke Newton). Known for wearing yellow (mainly at the behest of her mother), there is more than meets the eye to this young lady.

Throughout the first season, Penelope is often presented as Eloise’s sidekick. Through this well-crafted friendship, the audience grows to love her as she acts as both Eloise’s cheerleader and her conscience. Penelope only grows as a complex character when revealed that she is the mysterious Lady Whistledown. Despite her sometimes questionable behavior in Season 2, most viewers are still hoping for her to get her guy in Colin Bridgerton.

Colin — The Golden Retriever of People

The lovable third child and third son of the Bridgerton family, Colin (Newtown), is a kind and mild-mannered young man with a sunny disposition. Initially, he has his head turned unexpectedly by Featherington cousin Marina (Ruby Barker). Unfortunately for him, as the audience is aware she is trying to find a husband to cover up her unwed pregnancy.

Colin is not as commanding a presence as his older brothers. This is mostly due to his gentle nature, which makes him such a beloved character in the first place. Additionally, his obliviousness, especially when it comes to the affections of Penelope Featherington, is adorable.

Lady Danbury — A Sharp Tounge with a Devilish Mind

Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) is first introduced as the self-appointed godmother to Simon, Duke of Hastings. She is seen as one of the pillars of society and one to be kept on the side if they wish to succeed.

Her double act with Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) and Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) are two of the best parts of the series. Besides this, her smarts and wit make her one not to be trifled with. She is also not opposed to a scheme to get what she wishes for those she is fond of (and she often succeeds, which is excellent television indeed).

Theo — A Commoner Who’s Ready to Open Eyes

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Coming into the series in the second season, Theo (Calam Lynch) is a printer’s apprentice at the printer that produces Lady Whistledown’s scandal sheet. He develops a flirtation with Eloise and introduces her to women’s rights.

As most of Bridgeton is set within the higher, aristocratic class, Theo presents a welcome alternative worldview. He doesn’t concern himself with the gossip of society as he has too many regular things to focus on. He can also go toe-to-toe with Eloise, which is always impressive.

Kate — The Strong-Headed 26-Year-Old spinster

Introduced in the second season, Kate (Simone Ashley) comes to London with her mother and younger sister to find a suitable match for her sister, Edwina (Charithra Chandran). In her mid-20s, she is seen as a spinster by society and so unlikely to ever find a match. However, upon meeting the eldest Bridgerton, Anthony, sparks fly despite both trying to deny them.

Though some, indeed many male characters within the series, may find her abrasive, in truth, she is purely headstrong and looking out for what is best for her family. In this respect, she is like Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) in the first season, possibly why their attraction was so passionate. She is very much a suitable adversary for him both regarding her intelligence and her passion.

Queen Charlotte — A Queen In Every Meaning of the Word

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A loose portrayal of the real Queen Charlotte, who reigned from 1761 to 1818, Golda Rosheuvel’s Queen Charlotte is one of the most entertaining secondary characters in the series. As the Queen, she rules over the debutante season as strongly as she does the kingdom. She also seeks to uncover the identity of Lady Whistledown in order to destroy this unknown individual that she sees as a rival.

Rosheuvel plays her Queen Charlotte with the right combination of superiority and quirkiness. She is subtly outlandish and garish just enough to set herself apart from everyone else on screen. At times, she may come across as brutal to those she is displeased with. Often her actions come across as more humorous than abrasive.

Violet — The Mother We All Want

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The mother to the eight Bridgerton children, Violet Bridgerton (Gemmell), is a woman who only has the best wishes of her children in mind. Having had to raise the majority of them after her husband’s tragic death, she often enters into schemes with Lady Danbury to secure the best matches for her children, whether they appreciate it.

Many things make Violet such a good character. Her kind temperament and attention to her children set her apart from other mothers in the series. Though her actions can sometimes be annoying, she can admit when she is wrong. With the added depth given to her character with the flashbacks in Season 2, the audience can appreciate everything she has gone through to get her family where they are at the show’s beginning.

Benedict — An Artist Doing His Thing

The second eldest Bridgeton child, Benedict (Luke Thompson), is a loving brother to his seven siblings. Moreover, he is a passionate artist who cares deeply about his painting and seeks to see himself taking seriously in his chosen career path. He also has a casual relationship with Genevieve (Kathryn Drysdale) throughout the series.

Not as severe as Anthony or as mild-mannered as Colin (Luke Newton), Benedict makes for such as great character due to his goofy nature and accepting nature. He never appears to look down on anyone regardless of their place in society and always tries to support the wishes of those closest to him. Additionally, despite his comfortable upbringing, he strives to accomplish something for himself and wants to achieve these accomplishments on his own merits.