I, along with many others, was swept away with Bridgerton when it came out in 2020. After this summer's return with season 3, I finally delved into the books, and was intrigued to see how different it was from the show. After reading all 8 books, and some more in the universe, I felt like I understood the characters of Bridgerton much more. So, here's my ranking of the Bridgerton siblings!
1. Francesca
I rank Francesca highly because I found her to be relatable. She's very reserved, but under her shell is someone who's opinionated and funny, which was something I could see in myself. I also just felt a lot of sympathy for what she went through, and admired her courage and vulnerability to put herself out in the world while she was still in the process of healing.
2. Eloise
Eloise was a big surprise to me while reading the books! She's very caring, mischievous, and witty, which made her stand out with her sense of impulsiveness and anxiety. Eloise felt fleshed out and vulnerable in her own way, which made me like her more. Plus, the way she interacts with other characters (being vague for spoilers) amplifies her best qualities.
3. Colin
I like Colin as he showcases someone who's breaking the mold of what's expected of them. Colin is much more vulnerable and has different aspirations than his brothers. It's unfortunate that some of his self-discovery is at the expense of his relationship with Penelope, but the way it's handled doesn't detract from his growth into someone with confidence, purpose, and love.
4. Gregory
As the second youngest, Gregory has the benefit of seeing the mistakes and triumphs of all of his siblings. Gregory is a romantic since he's seen seven successful love stories. This culminates in Gregory being perhaps a bit foolish, but also incredibly caring and determined. He's willing to fight for those he loves.
5. Anthony
Anthony reminds me of the opening of Pride and Prejudice: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." It starts him off as very stubborn and unyielding, with ideals that are appropriate for the time. However, his vulnerabilities are very emotionally evoking and sympathetic, and I appreciate the growth and family-oriented nature make him more likeable.
6. Hyacinth
Hyacinth is very much the youngest child. She's very opinionated, spunky, cheeky, mischievous, determined, but, she's not without her vulnerabilities either. There was something about Hyacinth, and I think it may have to do with the plot of It's in His Kiss, that reminded me a lot of Eloise. Because some of it felt familiar, that's the main reason she's not rated more highly.
7. Benedict
Benedict is a bit of a complicated one for me because he is very understanding and caring towards others, but when it came to An Offer From a Gentlemen, I saw a side to his personally that I didn't like. It felt like he just kept saying the wrong thing about Sophie or her situation, and it felt very frustrating. That's primarily why Benedict is ranked lowly.
8. Daphne
Maybe it's because The Duke and I was the first book, or I just dislike the writing, but Daphne felt extremely flat and one-dimensional. Throughout the book, there is little growth and not a lot to her outside of her relationship with Simon. I didn't particularly care for her character, or the decisions she made, which is why she's ranked last.
Conclusion
If I were ranking the entire Bridgerton family, Violet would be my number one. It's interesting to separate the individual sibling from their couples, because it's easy to think of their intertwined journeys versus them as individuals. It was fun to ponder while waiting for Season 4!