Dear readers, the return to the ton is almost upon us! From the Bridgertons to the Sharmas and of course, the Featheringtons– the number of families in the show increases by the season. There are eight children in the Bridgerton family alone and it can be easy to confuse who’s who. So, to make it easier to follow during Bridgerton's third season, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to each family.
The Bridgertons
The Bridgertons are the starring family in the show, hence the name. Each season will follow the events laid out in Julia Quinn's eight-novel Bridgerton series, focusing on a different Bridgerton sibling. First up we followed Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), while Anthony's (Jonathan Bailey)'s quest took centre stage in season two. It's Colin's (Luke Newton)'s turn in season three and fans can't wait to see what unfolds.
Bridgerton Family Tree
Lord Edmund Bridgerton and Lady Violet Bridgerton
Violet Bridgerton played by: Ruth Gemmell Edmund Bridgerton is the late husband of Violet Bridgerton and the father to their eight children. He died at age 38 from an allergic reaction to a bee sting before his youngest child, Hyacinth, was even born. His death had a profound impact on his oldest son, Anthony, who had to take over the viscounty when he was just 18 years old. Edmund is always remembered by his family as a loving husband and father. Violet Bridgerton is headstrong and creates a very united front for her family. Throughout each season she will dedicate herself to helping her eight children find their true love matches.
Anthony Bridgerton
Played by: Jonathan Bailey Anthony is the eldest sibling of the Bridgerton family and takes on the role of Viscount in his father's absence. He tried (yet often failed) to help his younger sister Daphne find the most suitable match to marry during season one, before taking centre stage on his own journey to finding love in season two. He found his perfect match in Kate Sharma, although it took a while for them to realise how well-paired they were!
Benedict Bridgerton
Played by: Luke Thompson Second eldest sibling Benedict takes the lead in the third novel titled An Offer From A Gentleman, but will not be the focus of the third season of Bridgerton. In season two, he is disheartened to learn that he might only have gotten into art school because of a donation from Anthony.
Colin Bridgerton
Played by: Luke Newton In season one, the drama with Marina Thompson caused quite a stir for Colin, before he deepened his relationship with Penelope Featherington in season two. Fans of Julia Quinn's books fans will know that the fourth book, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, tells the story of Colin and Penelope's love, which is the premise of the third season of Bridgerton.
Daphne Bridgerton
Played by: Phoebe Dynevor Daphne was the protagonist in season one as it was all about her quest for true love. After a lustful cat and mouse chase with the Duke of Hastings – Simon and Daphne finally got together by the end of season one, and went on to get married and have a baby boy. In season two, Daphne took a backseat but she was still around to advise her brother Anthony on his quest for true love. Daphne will not star in season three.
Eloise Bridgerton
Played by: Claudia Jessie Viewers are quick to learn that the fifth Bridgerton child has no interest in being married and would much rather focus on her education. Her brash and quick-witted personality doesn't make her the most ideal 'lady', but she has certainly become a fan favourite. Despite her reluctance to love, Eloise's life changes when she gets to know Sir Phillip Crane (Chris Fulton) in the fifth book, To Sir Phillip, With Love. Her friendship with Penelope erupted last season, when Eloise discovered that it was her best friend behind the infamous Lady Whistledown persona.
Francesca Bridgerton
Played by: Ruby Stokes Not too much is known about Francesca just yet. As one of the youngest Bridgerton siblings, she has quite a while until her love story commences. She is the focus of the sixth book, When He Was Wicked, which details her later marriages to John Stirling and Michael Stirling. She will be a debutante in season three.
Gregory Bridgerton
Played by: Will Tilston Like Francesca, the first two seasons of the Netflix show doesn't give us much to go on with Gregory's character. Switching up the order slightly, he is the focus of Julia Quinn's eighth book, On the Way to the Wedding.
Hyacinth Bridgerton
Played by: Florence Hunt Hyacinth is the youngest Bridgerton and can't wait to follow in her sisters' footsteps and one day find a husband. Although she is the youngest child, she is the focus of Julia Quinn's seventh book, It's In His Kiss.
The Sharmas
The Sharma family arrive from India to debut Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran) on the marriage market. Both Edwina and her older sister Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) catch the eye of Anthony Bridgerton - for very different reasons. When Kate learns that a true love match is not on Anthony’s list of priorities, she tries everything in her power to stop the two from coming together. In doing so, however, Kate and Anthony’s connection seems undeniable — to everyone but them.
The Sharmas
Mary Sharma
Played by: Shelly Conn Mary is Edwina Sharma's birth mother and stepmother to Kate Sharma. Kate's mother died while Kate was young, and her father remarried Mary soon after. In the book series, Mary never views her stepdaughter as other; in Mary's eyes, Kate is equally her daughter as much as Edwina is. She shares a strong bond with her daughters. Mary is also a widow. As she has grieved her husband's passing, the family's finances strain significantly, so the trip to London for the season is important.
Kate Sharma
Played by: Simone Ashley Kate was the new leading lady for season two and reluctantly falls for a certain Anthony Bridgerton. According to the early season two show notes, Kate is a 'smart, headstrong young woman who suffers no fools - Anthony Bridgerton very much included.' Bridgerton author Julia Quinn said she couldn't think of anyone 'more perfect' to play Kate.
Edwina Sharma
Played by: Charitha Chandran Edwina is Mary Sharma's only biological child and the younger half-sister to Kate Sharma. She enters the ton wide-eyed and full of excitement about what it will bring her. She leans on Kate for support during her first marriage season. She is described as having 'been taught by her older sister to be the perfect debutante. She's kind-natured and endlessly endearing. But while she may be young and naive, she also knows what she wants: a true love match.'
Newton Sharma
We can't discuss the Sharmas without spotlighting the true star of the show – Newton Sharma. Their trusty Corgi belongs to Kate and while Kate is very fond of him, the rest of her family are not too keen. Newton isn't the best-behaved dog and is always up to mischief. In the trailer for Bridgerton season two, Newton is seen growling at Anthony, as well as tripping him into a lake. So, we might have Newton to thank for that wonderful picture of Jonathan Bailey getting out of the lake - cheers Newton!
The Featheringtons
The Featherington family are not hard to miss! Their outrageous outfits always make them the talk of the ball – and not in a good way… While Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) aka Lady Whistledown is a fan favourite, her two older sisters Philippa (Harriet Cains) and Prudence (Bessie Carter) are consistently awful.
The Featheringtons
Archibald Featherington and , Portia Featherington
Played by Ben Miller and Polly Walker Archibald Featherington mostly fades into the background, during the first season. However, he's known to make a bet or two in gambling circles - this habit becomes important toward the later end of the first season. Sadly, by the end of season one he dies. Portia Featherington only wants what is best for her daughters, and is desperate for them to find a suitor. However, she plays the role of the micromanaging mother and is not above creating the occasional sketchy scheme to help her girls get ahead in society.
Phillipa and Prudence Featherington
Played by: Harriet Cains and Bessie Carter Penelope's older sisters Philippa and Prudence aren't exactly the kindest siblings. They've both been attending social events to find potential suitors, without success, and in season two their quest for a match continues.
Penelope Featherington
Played by: Nicola Coughlan Penelope was thought to be a kind and quiet observer of London society, often overlooked by those around her. However, at the end of season one she was revealed to be spoiler alert the one and only Lady Whistledown. The gossip-girl of the Regency era knows the best kept secrets from the ton! She was madly in love with Colin Brigderton but as her cousin Marina grew close to him – she ruthlessly teared their relationship apart by publishing her pregnancy in a pamphlet. Penelope will be under the spotlight in season three, and we can't wait to see what's in store for her.
Marina Thompson
Played by: Ruby Barker Marina is a distant cousin of Lord Featherington and was sent from the country to live with her relatives during the social season. She caused quite the scandal whislt there. After falling in love, getting engaged and planning to run away with Colin Bridgerton, Lady Whistledown released the news that she had been pregnant the whole time. She ended up leaving the ton disgraced and with a new fiance on her arm - Phillip Cran.
The third season of Bridgerton (episodes 1-4) starts on Netflix 16 May, with the last four episodes dropping on 13 June.