In the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, Lady Whistledown, the mysterious gossip columnist, initially praises Daphne Bridgerton for her social debut but quickly turns her focus to Marina Thompson, leaving Daphne's popularity to suffer. Lady Whistledown, who is revealed to be Penelope Featherington, has personal motivations for targeting Daphne and promoting Marina.

Daphne starts her debut season with the highest praise from Queen Charlotte, who dubs her "the Incomparable." However, her fame is short-lived as her brother Antony scares off all her suitors at a ball, and he continues to discourage potential suitors from approaching Daphne, making the Bridgertons' house appear empty.

Lady Whistledown, being their neighbor Penelope, witnesses the dwindling interest in Daphne and seizes an opportunity to turn the attention to Marina, who arrives at Lady Danbury's ball.

Penelope sees Marina as a chance to redeem her family's reputation after her sister's embarrassing incident during their own presentation to the queen. Lady Whistledown publicizes Marina as the season's true "incomparable" living under the Featheringtons' roof, therefore reinstating their status and allowing them to maintain their social standing.

This move both benefits Penelope's family and subtly mocks her own mother, who is less than thrilled about Marina's newfound attention.

While Daphne's popularity suffers from Lady Whistledown's focus on Marina, she manages to subvert the gossip columnist by striking up a fake relationship with Simon, the Duke of Hastings. This unexpected alliance between Daphne and Simon catches Lady Whistledown off-guard, and she unknowingly helps promote their relationship, which drives more suitors to Daphne's door while deterring others from pursuing Simon.

Penelope's proximity to both the Bridgertons and the Featheringtons allows her to observe and manipulate events in both households.

As Lady Whistledown, she takes partial truths and spins them to suit her own agenda, often benefiting herself in the process. Her turn on Daphne inadvertently leads to her involvement in Daphne and Simon's relationship, setting the entire plot of Bridgerton into motion.

This revelation adds an intriguing layer to Penelope's character and establishes her as a key player in the intricate social dynamics of the show. With her cunning and insider knowledge, Penelope Featherington, as Lady Whistledown, proves to be a formidable force in shaping the lives and fortunes of the characters in the Regency-era drama.