Warning: This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton season 2
After enduring an excruciating wait of eighteen months, fans were blessed with the much-awaited season 2 of Bridgerton this weekend. With the new season came brand new players, who engaged and entertained the ton, as well as viewers. Being that this season delved into Anthony Bridgerton's love story, his new love interest, Kate Sharma, was also someone brand new.
From the new heir of the Featherington estate to the introduction of characters who were long dead, but shown for the first time, the sophomore season of the show had it all. While there are several characters who drove the plot forward, it was these individuals who mainly captured the fans' hearts of Bridgerton worldwide.
Theo Sharpe
As theorized by fans, Bridgerton season 2 saw the debut of Eloise Bridgerton, but she predictably didn't go for any of the men in high society. Theo Sharpe, a young apprentice at the printer shop that worked for Whistledown, was the man of her affections.
Intelligent and sharp, Theo had no use for gossip or high society gimmicks in his life. He was a working-class boy who wrote about women's rights in his free time (which was quite radical in the Regency era). He was also street smart, and people can't wait to see more of him in the future either.
Kate Sharma
Fast becoming one of the best characters of Bridgerton, Kate Sheffield Sharma was the best foil for Anthony's headstrong personality. She, too, was strong-minded and individualistic, and never actually intended to marry because she preferred to be free from the "shackles" of marriage in the 19th century.
The best trait that Kate had was that she was unselfish most times, only wanting the best for her mother and sister at all times. The only time she faltered was with Anthony, but it's hard to blame her because he was her true love match.
Mary Sheffield Sharma
The mother of the Sharma sisters may have been mild-mannered and quiet, but a lot of resilience lay beneath her shy exterior. She was raised in a conservative time, but her desire to live life on her own was visible in her choices.
Unlike the other women of the ton, who married for money and status, Mary clearly had pure intentions and married for love. She also taught both her children well, as they too didn't care for anything but love while choosing a partner.
Edwina Sharma
The diamond of the season, Edwina Sharma was an unpredictable young lady. She was tactful, because she knew exactly what to say when and how to diffuse difficult situations like she did when King George interrupted the Queen, but she could also be spiteful and cruel when she wanted to be.
It is justified because she was misled and fooled by her own sister, but a very different Edwina was revealed once she uncovered Anthony and Kate's romance. In a way, she came into her own finally, which was a good thing. She found a voice and even used it to encourage Kate's happiness (which, again, showed her good intentions). Edwina also spoke what are sure to become some memorable quotes on Bridgerton.
Cousin Jack
Cousin Jack, also momentarily known as Lord Featherington, was a wily but amusing character. He entered the scene as a messiah — intent on solving the financial crisis the women were in and also very wealthy — but his true destitute identity came forth soon enough.
His fraud plans were highly comical to watch, as there was no way that he would succeed. His advances on Portia were also cringey but funny, and he provided the right amount of villainy and humor to an otherwise romantic show. It remains to be seen if he would truly disappear to America like he was banished to do.
Lord Edmund Bridgerton
Fans knew that Lord Edmund would be shown in season 2, and his depiction did not disappoint. He appeared on screen for a short period of time, but Anthony's father was a patient and loving man, who taught his children as much as he could before his unfortunate accident with the bee.
Right before his dying moments, he was picking out flowers for his wife and talking jovially to Anthony. He was ed fondly for years after his ing, which was a testament to the moral caliber of the man. Fans loved to see him in this season.
Lord And Lady Sheffield
Guests for a small but explosive segment of the show, Lord and Lady Sheffield may have been absolutely abhorrent in their behavior, but they provided important context to viewers about why Lady Mary behaved the way that she did, and why there was no relationship between the families.
They were the very worst of nobility — entitled, condescending, classist, and imposing of their own beliefs. They tried very hard to control their daughter and even granddaughter, but their obnoxious behavior couldn't be contained, even on the eve of Edwina's wedding.
Tessa
Benedict's Art Academy pal also made limited appearances, but she had some vital points to shed light on regarding the times she lived in. Women were not allowed to attend school at the time, so the only way she could get lessons was to pose nude for the class of men to assimilate some knowledge.
She was courageous to do so because it also automatically made her an outcast with others of her sex. She was ionate about her art and continued to practice despite the obstacles she faced, which was irable.
Newton
Kate's beloved pup Newton stole the scene whenever he trotted into the frame. He had a distinct little canine personality, and Kate used him as a com to determine people's personalities and intentions (which he did well).
Newton's adorable meddling caused the iconic scene where Anthony ends up in the water with Thomas Dorset, which the sisters enjoyed tremendously. Fans desperately hope to see him disrupt more Pall Mall games in future seasons of the show.