Daphne’s “replacement” in Bridgerton season 3 is actually the complete opposite of Daphne character-wise, which is a good thing for the series.

Daphne’s “replacement” in Bridgerton season 3 is, in fact, the complete opposite of her character, which is a good thing for both of their storylines. Season 3 of the series is set to focus on Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) but many of the other characters will have separate but fascinating arcs during the social season. However, one particular arc has garnered a lot of interest and debate: the fate of Francesca’s debut to the ton.

Due to the minimal characterization audiences have seen from Francesca in previous seasons, there has been some speculation that she will tackle her debut in a similar way to Daphne, who will not be returning in Bridgerton season 3. The two characters seem to share many similarities, such as their temperament and dedication to family. However, Francesca is also, in many ways, the opposite of Daphne, which her characterization and approach to her debut make apparent.

Francesca Is The Opposite Of Daphne In Bridgerton Season 3

Francesca Does Not Share Daphne’s Desire For Attention In Bridgerton

Francesca and Daphne’s opposing approaches to their debut in Bridgerton, despite their surface similarities, would not only keep season 3 interesting but would also add new elements to Francesca’s story later on. Daphne, during her debut in season 1, is excited and dedicated to making her debut a success, which seems to be working when she is named the Diamond of the season. When that plan hit a snag, Daphne and Simon’s fake dating story ensued, a plan that was designed to bring more attention to Daphne and put her back into the spotlight.

Francesca’s shyer nature and other hints at her inner struggle to live up to Daphne makes Francesca more than Daphne’s replacement.

Francesca, by contrast, does not share Daphne’s need for the spotlight, though she is just as dedicated to making her season a success. Francesca asking Anthony for a moment away showcased her shy nature, one of her defining traits from the series. However, she also seems determined to make her family proud, as seen in her replicating Daphne’s debut to the Queen. Francesca’s reserved nature and hints at her inner struggle to live up to Daphne make Francesca more than Daphne’s replacement, which will make her current and future Bridgerton storyline stronger in the end.

Why Francesca Being So Different Is Good For Bridgerton Season 3

Francesca Deserves To Have Her Own Story In Season 3 And Beyond

Image via Netflix

Francesca’s character arc in Bridgerton season 3 should highlight these differences to Daphne, as it will enrich not only Francesca’s story, but the series as a whole. If the series focuses on having Francesca mimic Daphne’s story, it will further weaken Francesca’s already minimally established character as she will be viewed as simply a copycat to compensate for Daphne’s absence. It could also make audiences less excited for future seasons of the series, as they may assume the younger siblings’ stories will mimic their elders, making it less fun to watch.

Allowing Francesca to have her own struggles ensures that her story in Bridgerton will engage audiences, as it can chart how her nervousness affects her search for love and identity. If Francesca is the next lead after season 3, then having her shy nature play a large role can showcase a different road to connection that her more extroverted siblings have not experienced. It would give Francesca more depth and, if her storyline from the books gets carried over, it would make her story more bittersweet as that struggle pairs with the less idyllic factors in her search for love.