Outlander Season 5: Who is Fanny Beardsley in The Fiery Cross?

Fanny Beardsley has been cast for Outlander Season 5. Bronwyn James will play the role, but who is the character in The Fiery Cross?

Bronwyn James has landed the role of Fanny Beardsley in Outlander Season 5. Now that we know who the actress is, it’s time to look at the role she’ll play. Just what type of character is Fanny in “The Fiery Cross?” Friend or foe to the Frasers?

It should go without saying, but there are spoilers in this post from the novel. If you want to head into Season 5 knowing very little, then I’d suggest skipping over this post. However, if you’ve read the books and just want a reminder of who this character is, then read on.

There will be many who hear the name “Fanny” and think of another character. After all, there is one who is a pre-teen in the later books who becomes an important part in Claire’s life. This isn’t the same Fanny.

A heartbreaking story

Fanny Beardsley brings a heartbreaking story to the season, so it’s not all that surprising that the storyline is going to be covered. It will create drama and suspense for at least one episode. Probably only one episode considering the way episodes are set up and this storyline could be told.

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The Frasers meet Fanny when on the rounds to build the militia. She doesn’t want to let them in, but soon realizes that them leaving isn’t an option, which is when the Frasers find out about her husband, Aaron.

Aaron Beardsley has suffered what is believed to be a stroke, but it’s soon clear that there’s more to this couple’s story. The Frasers realize that Aaron was abusive and now Fanny is getting some sort of revenge. Instead of helping Aaron recover, she tortures him to gain some sort of control.

I won’t go into the full details of the storyline after that. There is an element that touches on Aaron’s previous wives. After all, Fanny is the fifth, and none of the wives had happy lives with the man. Do the Fraser’s believe her storyline? That’s something you’ll need to watch to find out.

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Connection to the Beardsley twins

You’ll recognize the surname Beardsley in the Outlander universe. When James was cast as Fanny, Paul Gorman was confirmed as both Josiah and Keziah Beardsley. So, is there any relation?

While there’s no blood relation, the three characters are involved in the same storylines. The twins were indentured for 30 years as toddlers after their family died on the ship from Europe to the Colonies. Aaron Beardsley was the one to buy their contracts.

Due to the mistreatment of Fanny, she’s left with just Keziah to really speak to at the homestead. However, he doesn’t make great conversation, being deafened and muted due to an accident.

Next. 25 best Claire and Jamie moments in Outlander so far. dark

What are you excited to see in Outlander Season 5? Are you surprised the writers have kept Fanny’s storyline in the series? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Outlander Season 5 premieres on Feb. 16 on STARZ

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