So we can all agree that we love a good period drama, particularly the men in them. These men are chivalrous, know exactly how to be romantic, and are deeply devoted to the women they love. They carry themselves with confidence and honor, making them some of the most memorable and desirable characters on screen.
Period drama men are truly swoon-worthy, coming from centuries where passion, elegance, and romance collided. There’s just something about their manners, their words, and the way they pursue love with such intensity and sincerity.
If you’re a fan of these iconic characters, I’ve ranked them here based on charm, romance, and overall appeal.
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Here are the Top 10 Best Male Characters in Period Dramas. Comment below if you agree -or if you think someone else deserves a spot on the list.
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy (Pride and Prejudice)
Both Matthew Macfadyen and Colin Firth have played this character in adaptations of Jane Austen’s 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice. He is the romantic interest of Elizabeth Bennet. Mr. Darcy is a wealthy young gentleman with an income exceeding £10,000 a year. He is mistaken for being prideful, but is a noble character at heart.
Captain Ross Poldark (Poldark)
This character is played by Aidan Turner. Scarred by war and driven by justice, Ross Poldark is the smoldering rebel with a heart of gold. He was also the husband of Demelza Poldark with whom he had five children, the late Julia Poldark, Jeremy and Clowance, Bella and Henry Poldark.
Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings (Bridgerton)
Simon Basset, aka the Duke of Hastings, is a complicated but charming character. He was first introduced in Netflix’s hit drama Bridgerton in season 1. The character is portrayed by Regé-Jean Page and is the love interest to Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), Despite his tortured past, he has undeniable chemistry with Daphne.
Tom Branson (Downton Abbey)
Tom is the former chauffeur and the current estate manager for Downton Abbey. He is an Irish socialist and a member of the Branson family. Tom is the emotional glue of Downton Abbey. He has incredible qualities, including being loyal, principled, and endlessly endearing. He proves you don’t need a title to be noble.
Sidney Parker (Sanditon)
Sidney Parker (played by Theo James) is a reluctant romantic with a fierce exterior and an even fiercely guarded heart. He is one of Sanditon’s most talked-about characters. The character is loved for his incredible wit and his undeniable chemistry with Charlotte Heywood kept viewers hooked.
Jamie Fraser (Outlander)
Played by Sam Heughan, Jamie Fraser is a rugged Highland warrior with the soul of a poet. Fiercely protective and deeply honourable, he is also endlessly romantic, never threatened by Claire’s intelligence or strength. Their fateful first meeting comes when Jamie returns to Scotland from France, setting in motion a passionate love story that would go on to hook viewers around the world.
Anthony Bridgerton (Bridgerton)
Anthony Bridgerton is the eldest of the Bridgerton clan. Portrayed by Jonathan Bailey, he is a character who often hides his true self behind duty and control, believing responsibility must always come before happiness. His love interest, Kate Sharma, is quick to challenge him constantly, and their steamy enemies-to-lovers arc – filled with passion and longing – has easily been one of the most electrifying tropes brought to the screen.
Matthew Crawley (Downton Abbey)
Portrayed by Dan Stevens, Matthew Crawley was the heir presumptive to Downton Abbey and one of the defining figures of the series’ early seasons. Appearing throughout the first three seasons, Matthew Reginald Crawley stood apart as a true gentleman – humble, principled, and quietly compassionate in a world bound by rigid tradition. Matthew’s tragic end only solidified his legacy as one of the most beloved men in period TV history.
Edmund Bertram (Mansfield Park)
Edmund Bertram is a kind and compassionate man who initially falls in love with Mary Crawford, a relationship that continually challenges his moral values and chosen vocation. Ultimately, he marries the perceptive and steadfast Fanny Price. Raised at Mansfield Park, Edmund is thoughtful, principled, and guided by a strong moral compass. In the 1999 adaptation, Edmund is portrayed by Jonny Lee Miller, while Blake Ritson takes on the role in the 2007 television film Mansfield Park.
John Thornton (North and South)
John Thornton, the brooding mill owner at the centre of North and South, is portrayed by Richard Armitage. A successful, self-made manufacturer in Milton, he becomes Margaret Hale’s eventual love interest. Around 30 years old, Thornton is described by Margaret as “neither exactly plain, nor yet handsome” and “not quite a gentleman,” reflecting his working-class roots.