The Most Famous Brontë Sister, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the sister you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 5, 2024 07:03

In the misty moors of Yorkshire, three sisters penned novels that would captivate the world for centuries. Determining which Brontë sister stands out most significantly in terms of influence and literary genius has been a subject of debate among scholars and readers alike. This listing offers a unique chance to see public opinion unfold, revealing which sister's tales and characters resonate most deeply today. By casting a vote, you contribute to a real-time ranking that could shift with each new ballot. This dynamic tally not only highlights which Brontë sister is currently capturing the hearts of contemporary audiences but also provides insight into the shifting perceptions of classic literature over time. Your participation is essential as it helps paint a clearer picture of each sister's lasting legacy in the literary world.

Who Is the Most Famous Brontë Sister?

1

75
votes

George Richmond · Public domain

Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte is the most famous Brontë sister due to her novel "Jane Eyre," which is considered a classic of English literature. Her other works include "Shirley" and "Villette."
2

27
votes

Patrick Branwell Brontë (died 1848) · Public domain

Emily Brontë

Emily is known for her novel "Wuthering Heights," which is also considered a classic of English literature. Her poetry is also highly regarded.
3

18
votes

Patrick Branwell Brontë (died 1848) · Public domain

Anne Brontë

Anne is known for her novels "Agnes Grey" and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall." Her works were more socially conscious and dealt with issues such as alcoholism and domestic abuse.
4

17
votes

Branwell Brontë

Although not a sister, Branwell was the only brother of the Brontë sisters and was also a writer and painter. He is known for his paintings and for being the inspiration for the character of Heathcliff in Emily's "Wuthering Heights."
5

14
votes
User Phrood on de.wikipedia · Public domain

Elizabeth Gaskell

Although not a Brontë sister, Gaskell was a close friend of Charlotte Brontë and wrote a biography of her after her death. She was also a prominent writer in her own right, with works such as "Cranford" and "North and South."
Elizabeth Gaskell in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Victorian novelist
6

9
votes

Mary Taylor

Taylor was a close friend of Charlotte Brontë and is believed to have been the inspiration for the character of Rose Yorke in "Shirley." She was also a feminist and a writer in her own right.
7

5
votes

Frederic Yates (1854–1919) · Public domain

Ellen Nussey

Nussey was a close friend of Charlotte Brontë and corresponded with her throughout her life. She was also a writer and a philanthropist.
8

8
votes

Richard Evans · Public domain

Harriet Martineau

Although not a Brontë sister, Martineau was a friend of Charlotte's and a prominent writer and social theorist. She is best known for her work "Illustrations of Political Economy."
9

6
votes

Koch, Eric for Anefo · CC BY-SA 3.0 nl

Margaret Smith

Smith was a biographer and literary critic who wrote extensively on the Brontë sisters. Her works include "The Letters of Charlotte Brontë" and "The Brontës: A Collection of Critical Essays."
10

5
votes

Juliet Barker

Barker is a biographer and historian who has written extensively on the Brontë family. Her works include "The Brontës" and "The Brontës: A Life in Letters."

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Ranking factors for famous sister

Literary works

The quality and popularity of the literary works of the sisters, including novels, poems, and letters.
Timelessness

The enduring appeal of their works to different generations and cultures.
Legacy

The impact of their contributions on the literary world and society.
Personal life

The influence of their personal life, including their upbringing, experiences, and relationships, on their literary works and public perception.
Popularity

The level of public recognition and fascination with their lives and works, including adaptations and media coverage.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Brontë sister. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or sister is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2086 views
184 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each sister once every 24 hours. The rank of each sister is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous brontë sister

Background Information: The Brontë sisters were a trio of 19th-century British writers who became famous for their novels that explore themes of passion, love, and family dynamics. Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë were born in Yorkshire, England, and grew up in a parsonage where their father was a clergyman. Despite the limitations placed on women in their time, the sisters pursued their passion for writing and each left behind a literary legacy. Charlotte is best known for her novel "Jane Eyre," Emily for "Wuthering Heights," and Anne for "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall." The sisters' works were groundbreaking for their time and continue to be celebrated for their unique perspectives on love and society. Today, the Brontë sisters are considered some of the most influential female writers in history.