Daphne Bassett

Grew up… in London high society. Daphne is the fourth eldest in her family, raised in a large home in the early 1800s. Edmund, her father, died young, leaving his wife Violet to raise eight polite yet opinionated children. Daphne was afforded every luxury as a child, but her family sheltered her from many of the world's realities.

Living… in her family home, in one of the wealthier London neighborhoods. All but one Bridgerton lives in the house, but they usually keep to their separate lives. Daphne’s eldest brother Anthony is a Viscount, which casts the public eye on Daphne as she enters her first social season. When Anthony takes it upon himself to find Daphne a groom, Daphne’s life changes drastically.

Profession… acting in the London social season, hoping to catch the eye of potential suitors. Daphne is named the season’s Incomparable on night one, with the Queen of England calling her “flawless.” Unfortunately, when Anthony begins meddling in her affairs, things take a turn for the worse. When things look hopeless, she takes matters into her own hands, with the assistance of a handsome Duke.

Interests…  art, family, and piano. Daphne’s place in society set her up to enjoy the finer things in life. She enjoys art but has a talent for the piano. When she isn’t entertaining suitors, she spends much of her time practicing new music, even writing original compositions. Daphne’s primary focus is her family. Her mother is her rock, and her younger siblings inspired a love of children, which she hopes to have someday soon. 

Relationship status… fake dating the Duke of Hastings in order to gain interest from real suitors. The Duke, or Simon as he tells Daphne to call him, aids in her ploy to improve his reputation as a rakish bachelor. However, Daphne finds herself looking a little too deeply into Simon’s eyes, even though Anthony warns her sternly to stay away. 

Challenge… finding happiness when the world has predetermined her life. Daphne wants love more than anything after seeing the way her parents loved each other, but her options are quite limited. As she spends more time with Simon, she grows frustrated with his vow never to marry, especially as strong feelings between them start to develop.

Personality… picture perfect, but with hidden depths. Daphne has crafted a lovely, charming personality to succeed in her first social season, but she isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Daphne might look like a porcelain doll, but she is willing to do whatever it takes to get what she needs.