Bridget Jones's Diary characters

Appears from the start

A thirty-something single woman in London who records her weight, habits, work, friendships, and romantic hopes in a year-long diary. Self-critical and prone to comic mishaps, she is also observant, resilient, and determined to build a life that is not measured solely by other people's expectations.

Appears from the start

A successful barrister and the divorced son of family friends, introduced to Bridget at a New Year's gathering while wearing an unfortunate festive sweater. His reserved manner and blunt response to her mother's matchmaking make him seem proud and dismissive.

Appears from the start

Bridget's charming boss at a London publishing house. His teasing messages and attention encourage her long-standing attraction to him, though the imbalance between manager and employee complicates their flirtation.

Also known as Mum

Appears from the start

Bridget's energetic mother, who treats her daughter's single status as a problem to solve. Restless after decades of marriage, she begins pursuing independence with the same enthusiasm she applies to social plans and family matchmaking.

Also known as Dad

Appears from the start

Bridget's gentle father, who is bewildered by his wife's new dissatisfaction and turns to Bridget for emotional support. His hurt exposes the cost of the Jones family's domestic upheaval.

Appears from the start

One of Bridget's closest friends, a successful professional whose recurring troubles with her partner provide a parallel to Bridget's romantic uncertainty. She is a regular source of urgent phone calls, advice, and solidarity.

Also known as Shaz

Appears from the start

Bridget's outspoken friend, quick to challenge selfish behavior and the pressures placed on single women. Her forceful analysis and loyalty make her an essential member of Bridget's support circle.

Appears from the start

Bridget's close gay friend, equally ready to discuss his own romantic crises and to help interpret hers. He combines theatrical pessimism with dependable affection.

Appears from the start

A family friend whose annual turkey-curry gathering brings Bridget and Mark together. She shares Pamela's enthusiasm for matchmaking and assumes familiarity with Bridget's private life.

Appears from the start

A polished lawyer associated with Mark Darcy. Her confidence and compatibility with Mark intensify Bridget's immediate sense that she does not belong in his professional world.

First appears in chapter 4

A flamboyant Portuguese television personality who encourages Pamela's reinvention and becomes her lover. His attention and glamorous plans draw her further away from her old domestic life.

First appears in chapter 7

A demanding television-news executive who hires Bridget after she leaves publishing. He values sensational footage and sends her into unfamiliar reporting situations with little patience for mistakes.

Appears from the start

A senior figure at Bridget's publishing office whose officious manner and workplace expectations make her part of the professional environment Bridget wants to escape.