Anthony Bridgerton is a very complicated character. At times hard to root for, he comes off as very old-fashioned on certain aspects, particularly those concerning family and reputation. He's not one for tradition, though, and resents his position as the older brother of an illustrious family.
His overprotective nature comes from feelings of love and concern that he simply doesn't know how to effectively communicate or express. His actions can often seem stubborn or simply annoying, but he is shown to truly care for his family. Proud and hot-headed, he needs to do a lot of growing up before he truly becomes the Viscount, because if season one proved anything, it's that for every good decision Anthony takes, he makes an equally careless one.
Bad Older Brother: Being Selfish & Stubborn
Anthony believes he knows best, but the reasons behind this are never either explained nor shown. He makes a lot of really terrible decisions, both in his romantic life and as head of the Bridgerton family. In the end, he receives a good dressing down from nearly every woman in his life, something that makes him snap out of his problematic cycle.
Because of the heavily patriarchal and sexist society in which he lives, Anthony's behavior is not only excused, but encouraged. Yet, his selfishness almost brings ruin to his family, proving why he is most definitely not ready to fully assume the role of Viscount just yet.
Good Older Brother: Being Honest With Daphne
When Daphne asks him about the Duke's reasons for not wanting to get married, Anthony immediately shuts her down, telling her those things are not for her to know. Realizing he can still be honest with her without telling her the more provocative details, he reveals the Duke's troubled childhood, and his confrontational relationship with his father.
It's a perfect example of him finding common ground with his sister. Anthony's main problem is that he sees his sister as a porcelain doll that can break at any time, when she proves time and again that she might be stronger than Anthony himself.
Bad Older Brother: Resenting His Role
Most of Anthony's difficulties come from the fact he has a victim complex. He sees himself as a prisoner of circumstance, unable to pursue his true love and live up to his full potential. Yet, he makes no effort to actually use his vast wealth and influence to find his true happiness.
In truth, not a single soul sees Anthony as a victim. And while it's indeed sad that he can't have a proper relationship with Siena, it's debatable if this is even love, or just lust. A lot of times, Anthony comes off as a child, spoiled and stubborn, unable to it the enormous privilege he has as not only a Viscount, but a man.
Good Older Brother: Protecting The Honor Of Those He Loves
True to his spirited, act-first-think-second attitude, Anthony proves himself willing to do everything it takes to protect his loved ones. Honor and a pristine reputation were not only important in 19th century London, they were imperative, and this Anthony knew.
Always ready to jump out and defend the Bridgerton family name, Anthony's methods may be at times extreme, but considering the time he lived in, are they really irrational? And while his smothering behavior is objectively terrible, his willingness to step up and defend his family is irable, even if it's also a tad over-the-top.
Bad Older Brother: Underestimating His Mother & Sisters
Because of the sexism that dominated the Regency Era, Anthony does not consider his mother or sisters equals. Instead, he sees them as unable to even have the slightest say in their lives, vulnerable and even weak creatures he has to protect, act and decide for.
By the end of the season, he has realized that not only are Violet and Daphne stronger than he thought, but also far more intelligent, which makes him have a newfound respect for them. However, whether this change of heart will lead to anything more permanent remains to be seen.
Good Older Brother: Trusting His Two Younger Brothers
When it comes to Benedict and Colin, Anthony assumes a completely different behavior, and it's safe to say he's a very good older brother to them. He is more open with them, openly telling them the truth without any kind of embellishments.
Obviously this is because they're men, but it also has to do with the fact they're closer in age to each other. He still very much commands and bosses them around, but their relationship is friendlier and less stiff. It's safe to say Anthony told Benedict, and probably Colin too, about his affair with Siena, which proves how he not only sees himself as a friend to them, but a mentor figure.
Bad Older Brother: That Ridiculous Duel
Anthony challenging Simon to a duel has to be the single worst, most ill-conceived decision in the entire season. And while duels weren't uncommon in the 18th century, they were ultimately pretty stupid, not to mention illegal.
Anthony's challenge is especially egregious because it's soon revealed he has ulterior motives to do it. He hopes to win it and use it as an excuse to forsake his responsibilities and run away with Siena. It's also a blatant display of brute power on his part, one of many, and another way of exercising his control over Daphne. Luckily for him, his sister once again proves to be smarter, and manages to stop the whole thing before someone actually gets hurt.
Good Older Brother: Being Willing To Listen And Change
Once Anthony understands his mother and sister are more capable than he believed, he's actually shown to be willing to truly listen to what they have to say. He also becomes less absolutist and somewhat mellows down, although he seems to be back in full stern mode by the season's end.
Still, if he could do it once, he can do it again. Fan-favorite character Kate Sheffield is probably coming to Bridgerton in season 2, and she'll be the final push Anthony needs to truly become less of a hot-head. And frankly, it can't happen soon enough.
Bad Older Brother: Forcing Daphne To Marry Nigel
Anthony's stubbornness and lack of trust in his sister almost forces her to get married to a creep. Because he believes he knows best, he judges a man's character only by reputation, and instead chooses to ignore what is obviously in front of his eyes.
Once he realizes Nigel's true character, he tries to break the engagement, only to fail spectacularly. If Anthony truly expects to be a good leader for the Bridgerton clan, he needs to learn how to listen to others. And he needs to work on his perception, because it's pretty clear he's a terrible judge of character.
Good Older Brother: Finally Coming To With His Position
By the season's final episode, Anthony thinks he's found a way to reconcile his personal feelings with his moral obligations. He tries to pursue a real relationship with Siena, only to discover she's not willing to risk everything for an affair that will most likely never go past being just that.
Understanding her position, he finally gives up on her and decides to marry for convenience. Arranged marriages were the norm in Regency Era London, so Anthony is just doing what's expected of him. And while his bitter mood is telling, both Simon and Daphne have faith he'll eventually find somebody to love. Anthony might not be entirely happy with his duty, but at least he accepts it for what it is, and that's pretty much half the work. Now all he needs is a wife, and somewhere in London, one Kate Sheffield is just waiting for her chance to go toe-to-toe with him.