Bridgerton Season 4 has introduced a new character, Lord Penwood, played by Arthur Lee, who is the father of the protagonist Sophie Baek, portrayed by Yerin Ha. In the narrative, he is depicted as a benevolent figure who cares for Sophie, the result of his illicit relationship with a maid. Lord Penwood refers to Sophie affectionately as 'my ward' and tries to embrace his role in her life after their secret is revealed.

Throughout the season, viewers are shown flashbacks that highlight the complexities of Lord Penwood's character. After marrying Lady Araminta Gun, played by Katie Leung, he introduces Sophie to her only after the marriage, leading to significant conflict and distress in their household. Lady Araminta is unhappy with Lord Penwood for concealing Sophie's existence, resulting in her mistreatment of Sophie, which adds a layer of drama and tension to the storyline.

This plot twist has left many fans bewildered, especially those not familiar with the literary source material. The article aims to clarify Lord Penwood's role and the implications of his character's actions within the Bridgerton universe, noting that his introduction is pivotal in exploring themes of family dynamics and societal expectations during the Regency era.