All the ‘Bridgerton’ Characters, Ranked from Worst to Best

Played by: Regé-Jean Page

Simone Basset (AKA the Duke of Hastings) stole America’s heart in season one, when he courted the one and only Daphne Bridgerton. Despite the character’s popularity, he doesn’t make a single cameo in the new installments. And for that reason, he’s no longer at the top of the list.

Played by: Polly Walker

Sure, Lady Portia Featherington has good intentions, but the way she goes about them is all wrong. While she’s desperate for her daughters to find love, she goes to extreme measures to get her way. This involves manipulating Cousin Jack into marrying her daughter, Prudence, and launching a fake gemstone business to hide her dwindling fortune.

Played by: Jessica Madsen

Cressida Cowper is pegged to be the villain, but we feel kind of bad for her. Although she’s trying to find a husband like everyone else, she becomes the innocent target of Lady Featherington’s schemes (which is the only reason she isn’t ranked last).

Played by: Golda Rosheuvel

Queen Charlotte may be royal, but we have to agree with Lady Whistledown: The monarch’s concept of selecting a “diamond” each year (or the girl who stands out the most) is outdated.

Played by: Simone Ashley

Kate Sharma is one of the new characters in season two. Although Kate is single (like her sister Edwina), she swears that she wants to stay that way and plans to return to India once her sister gets married. She’s not afraid to speak her mind, even if it offends Lady Danbury, but her lack of communication with her sister causes a family rivalry no one saw coming.

Played by: Phoebe Dynevor

What’s not to love about Daphne, who’s now a wife and mother? We don’t have anything against the character, but she’s no longer the focus of the story. Therefore, she didn’t shine as bright as her siblings this season.

Played by: Calam Lynch

Another new character, Theo works at the print shop where Lady Whistledown sends her manuscripts. When Eloise discovers this secret, she develops a playful banter with Theo that’s frowned upon simply because Theo is considered a blue-collar worker. Social status aside, we’re 100 percent on #TeamTheo.

Played by: Adjoa Andoh

Lady Danbury acts as a sponsor to those who are entering the social world, housing them and offering advice as they court suitors. This includes the Sharma family, who have a controversial past. Despite Kate’s rebellious nature and Edwina’s role in the spotlight, Lady Danbury has solidified her status as one of the most respectable elders in the Ton…and it shows.

Played by: Jonathan Bailey

Anthony Bridgerton let Daphne shine in season one, but in season two, he’s the star of the show. The second installment kicks off with Anthony meeting a rebellious mystery woman in the woods. At the ball, he hits it off with Edwina (the new diamond) and learns that she’s related to Kate. Although he makes several bad decisions, his intentions are good…and that’s all that matters.

Played by: Charithra Chandran

Meet Kate’s sister Edwina, who enters society under the supervision of Lady Danbury. She’s immediately paired up with Anthony Bridgerton, but she later learns that he’s already fallen for Kate. Her change in demeanor—from classy lady to revengeful sibling—is simply delightful.

Played by: Nicola Coughlan

Penelope (or “Pen”) is the underdog of Bridgerton. She’s often overlooked by suitors, but she’s far more powerful than what meets the eye. Not only does she moonlight as Lady Whistledown, but she can also change the narrative with her words (or lack thereof).

Played by: Claudia Jessie

Eloise is—hands down—the breakout star of season two, maintaining a no-nonsense attitude while addressing her privilege head on. After meeting Theo, it doesn’t take long for them to form a connection. However, Eloise soon realizes that her family’s status in society has restricted her dating pool to exclude people like Theo. Her reaction made us gain mad respect for her.