Poldark is a British historical drama TV series. It is based on the novels of the same title by Winston Graham and starring Aidan Turner in the lead role. The series was written by Debbie Horsfield for the BBC, and directed by several directors throughout its all seasons. Set between 1781 and 1801, the story follows the titular character on his return to Cornwall after the American War of Independence in 1783.
What is the series about?
In 1783, Captain Ross Vennor Poldark came back from the American War of Independence to his home of Nampara in Cornwall after three years in the army. He discovers his father Joshua has died, his estate is in ruins and in a lot of debt, and his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth is engaged to his cousin Francis.
He meets a young woman called Demelza Carne at the Truro market and hires her as a maid but they fall in love and marry in 1787. Throughout the five series, the story continues to follow the lives of Ross and Demelza, Elizabeth and Francis, and George Warleggan while they deal with their marriages, lost loves, death, the birth of their children, and war.
What are the main characters in the series?
- Aidan Turner as Captain Ross Vennor Poldark
- Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza Poldark (née Carne)
- Ruby Bentall as Verity Blamey (née Poldark)
- Caroline Blakiston as Agatha Poldark
- Phil Davis as Jud Paynter
- Beatie Edney as Prudie Paynter
- Jack Farthing as George Warleggan
- Luke Norris as Dr. Dwight Enys
- Heida Reed as Elizabeth Warleggan (previously Poldark, née Chynoweth)
- Kyle Soller as Francis Poldark
- Pip Torrens as Cary Warleggan
- Warren Clarke as Charles Poldark
- Gabriella Wilde as Caroline Enys (née Penvenen)
- John Nettles as Ray Penvenen
- Christian Brassington as Reverend Osborne “Ossie” Whitworth
- Elise Chappell as Morwenna Carne (previously Whitworth, née Chynoweth)
- Sean Gilder as Tholly Tregirls
- Harry Richardson as Drake Carne
- Josh Whitehouse as Lieutenant Hugh Armitage
- Tom York as Sam Carne
- Tim Dutton as Joseph Merceron
- Kerri McLean as Catherine “Kitty” Despard
- Vincent Regan as Colonel Edward “Ned” Despard
- Peter Sullivan as Ralph Hanson
- Tristan Sturrock as Captain Zacky Martin.