Britt Westbourne

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Kelly Thiebaud as Britt Westbourne

Britt Westbourne is a fictional character from the popular American daytime soap opera, General Hospital. First introduced in September 2012, Britt quickly became known for her complex personality, oscillating between villainous traits and moments of vulnerability. The character is portrayed by actress Kelly Thiebaud, who initially joined the cast as a recurring character but was later promoted to a series regular due to the character's popularity and the depth of her storylines.

Character Background

Britt Westbourne is the daughter of supervillain Cesar Faison and Dr. Liesl Obrecht, making her part of a legacy of complex characters within the General Hospital universe. Her lineage explains some of her darker traits and the complicated relationship she has with her parents, especially her mother, who also has a history of villainy on the show. Britt's introduction to the series saw her as a doctor working at General Hospital, where she quickly earned the nickname "The Britch" due to her scheming nature and her initial role as a love interest for Patrick Drake, a widowed father and a prominent doctor at the hospital.

Storyline Development

Britt's storyline has seen significant development over the years, including her involvement in several key plots that intertwine with the lives of many characters in Port Charles. One of her most notable storylines was her pregnancy, which was initially used as a scheme to trap Patrick Drake into a relationship. This plot later unraveled with the revelation that the child she was carrying, Ben Westbourne, was actually biologically related to Lulu Spencer and Dante Falconeri, having been conceived via in vitro fertilization and implanted into Britt without the couple's knowledge.

Another significant aspect of Britt's character is her struggle with her moral compass, often torn between her innate tendencies towards manipulation and deceit, inherited from her parents, and her desire to reform and lead a more virtuous life. This internal conflict has led to a complex portrayal of redemption, with Britt making several attempts to make amends for her past actions, though not always successfully.

Relationships

Britt's relationships are a central part of her character development. Her romantic entanglements, most notably with Patrick Drake and Nikolas Cassadine, have been focal points of her storyline, showcasing her capacity for love and vulnerability. Her friendship with Brad Cooper, another character with a morally ambiguous background, provides insight into her loyalty and the depth of her character beyond her villainous actions.

Reception

Britt Westbourne has been a polarizing character among fans of General Hospital. Her initial portrayal as a villain garnered significant attention, with viewers and critics alike praising Kelly Thiebaud's performance. As the character evolved, so did audience perception, with many fans rooting for her redemption and admiring her resilience and complexity. Britt's journey from a one-dimensional antagonist to a multi-faceted character reflects the show's ability to develop rich backstories and emotional depth for its characters.

Impact on General Hospital

Britt's presence in General Hospital has had a lasting impact on the show's narrative landscape. Her connections to key families and characters, combined with her unique blend of villainy and vulnerability, have made her an indispensable part of the series. Her storylines have contributed to the exploration of themes such as redemption, the nature of evil, and the possibility of change, enriching the tapestry of stories General Hospital is known for.