Who is Francesca Bridgerton? Everything to know about this new character

Following in her sister Daphne's footsteps, Francesca Bridgerton becomes the belle of the ball in Netflix's Bridgerton season 3. With Part 1 having been released on May 16, 2024, this season sees Francesca stepping into the marriage market in search of her life partner.

However, viewers may feel surprised to see a new face grace their screens. The Bridgerton siblings have been part of the show since season 1, but the character of Francesca seen this time may confuse fans who have been following the series.

This is because a new actress has taken up the mantle of portraying Francesca. While Ruby Stokes played the young teen in previous seasons with very little screen time, actress Hannah Dodd is slipping into her corset with a bigger role in season 3. While her character was not explored much earlier, the upcoming season puts Francesca in the spotlight.

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Francesca Bridgerton's character, explored

Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton (Image via Netflix)

The sixth Bridgerton child, Francesca, is 18 years old and making her debut in society in season 3. A shy girl with a musical proclivity, she differs significantly from her older siblings when it comes to societal engagements.

Depicted as a reserved and quiet character in the Netflix series, Francesca prefers to be on the sidelines rather than the center of attention. The beginning of the third season sees her having just arrived from her aunt Winnie's in Bath. Unlike her sister Eloise, she does not fight against being married off but simply accepts the fact.

Actress Hannah Dodd said in an interview with Netflix Tudum:

"She doesn’t always feel like she needs to be in the center of the fun and definitely never the center of attention."

Francesca and her siblings (Image via Netflix)

However, she finds herself catching the eye of the ton when she is named the season's "diamond" by Queen Charlotte. While her social skills may not be as efficient as those of other ladies, she finds herself surrounded by suitors eager to take a wife.

On her part, Francesca resigns herself to her elders' whims and seems content with a practical match. When Queen Charlotte introduces her to Lord Samadani, she engages in polite conversation with the man. However, their connection may not move beyond that, as another gentleman enters the picture and captures Francesca's attention.

Dodd continued in her interview:

"There’s definitely an air of innocence about her... She’s not fighting it. She’s going to these balls. She is trying to find a husband. I think the difference is that she’s not excited about it. She’s not spent her entire life dreaming about what her wedding day will look like and what her husband’s going to be. She just knows it’s her time and this is part of life, and here we go."

Francesca and Lord Sterling (Image via Netflix)

Although Francesca may have entered the marriage market with a practical head, her heart seems to be leading her toward a romantic match. Part 1 ended without confirming her choice of partner, but season 3 part 2 is expected to reveal her husband-to-be.

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All episodes of Bridgerton season 3 part 1 are available to watch on Netflix. The second half of the season will be released on June 13, 2024.