Penelope Featherington: A Bridgerton Heroine of Contradictions

The summer of 2024 has been consumed by Bridgerton which has caught the eye of period drama enthusiasts across the globe with its rich fantasy production design, compelling but complex characters, and sheer drama.

Penelope Featherington’s role as the mysterious Lady Whistledown has always been a source of intrigue. Yet, this season has highlighted a darker aspect of her gossiping nature. As a character, Penelope has betrayed and hurt those closest to her, including her best friend Eloise Bridgerton, all to maintain her gossip column. This betrayal is a pivotal point for many fans who feel that her actions are unforgivable. Despite causing considerable pain, the show positions her harmful gossiping as an element of "female self-empowerment," which some viewers find a bit contradictory.

One major criticism is how the narrative resolves Penelope’s transgressions. Instead of facing lasting repercussions for her betrayals, the show swiftly moves to forgiveness and redemption. This quick resolution feels anticlimactic to many viewers who have invested in the story, expecting a more substantial payoff for the build-up of her character’s misdeeds. The feeling that the conclusion of her arc was disappointing and lacked depth is a common sentiment among critics of the show.

Penelope is portrayed as an underdog, someone who is mistreated by her family and peers. Scenes where she is humiliated by characters like Cressida or admonished by Marina paint her as a sympathetic figure. However, this sympathy is at odds with her secret power as Lady Whistledown, where she wields considerable influence and uses it vindictively. Is she a victim or a powerhouse, or in truth, neither?

Another layer to Penelope’s character complexity is the portrayal by actress Nicola Coughlan. Her performance has garnered much admiration, and her likability might contribute to the audience's affection for Penelope. This has led to what some fans describe as "plot armor," where the character receives more favorable treatment and screen time than her actions might merit. The division in audience opinion is stark. On one hand, there are the "Penelope stans," who love her character and likely see her as a complex, flawed individual worthy of redemption. On the other hand, there are those who cannot overlook her betrayals and the harm she has caused. They find it difficult to support a character who remains unapologetic about her damaging actions and unwilling to relinquish this even for the one she loves the most, Colin Bridgerton.

Penelope Featherington’s character in "Bridgerton" Season 3 embodies a bundle of contradictions. Her role as an incorrigible gossip who hurts those closest to her yet is portrayed as an empowered woman and an underdog, creates a complex and often conflicting character arc. Trust Netflix to create this character perhaps just for the very reason of sparking curiosity for Season 4!