Mad Men may have had a misleading title, as our hearts ultimately belonged to the women of the series rather than the men. While we appreciate the charm of charismatic characters like Daniel and the antics of Roger, Pete, and their counterparts, it’s the female characters who truly captured our attention and admiration. This cleverly crafted feminist narrative subtly drew in male viewers while delivering profound storylines centered around women, veiled beneath a façade of cocktails and flirtation. The show was a fascinating reflection of the radical changes of the Sixties.
As fans, we recognized that the women were the essence of Mad Men. Here’s a look back at the prominent female characters that have become our confidantes—those we’d gladly share a drink with—ranked by the depth of our impending separation anxiety as they leave our screens.
Megan
With her charming gap-toothed smile and striking style, Megan is a standout figure. Initially introduced as a sweet secretary and caretaker to Daniel’s children, her fierce desire for independence and a career outside of advertising marked her as a trailblazer. She embodies the spirit of the mid-1970s—freshly divorced, witty, and unapologetically self-actualized. We bid adieu to our stylish French-Canadian friend.
Betty
Ah, Betty—where do we even start? Many criticize her for being a flawed mother, but I see her as a product of her environment, akin to the trapped characters in classic literature. She navigates a world that values beauty over intellect, stuck in a glass jar of societal expectations. Her struggles reflect the disconnect between her desires and reality, often misdirecting her frustrations towards her loved ones. I found myself rooting for her in the series’ final episodes, hoping for her to finally break free.
Joan
Joan is a woman who has been “raised to be admired,” caught in a clash of two cultures. She uses her allure not just for attention but as a strategy to carve out her own space in a male-dominated industry. When she takes a bold stand to secure her partnership by any means necessary, viewers felt a mix of empathy and empowerment. Joan’s journey reminds us that in a world rife with inequity, she wasn’t going to wait for luck to come her way. Your fabulous hourglass figure will be missed, Joan, especially your witty nods to feminist icons.
Sally
Young Sally is the emotional core of the series, evolving from a sheltered child into a questioning teenager amidst societal upheaval. Her journey reflects the tumult of the times, from parental divorce to the chaos of the Sixties. As she grapples with her identity, we see a character whose skepticism about the world grows with each episode. Her transformation leaves us eager to know how she continues to navigate life beyond the show’s end.
Peggy
So much has been said about Peggy—the ambitious woman with a complicated past. Her journey from an inexperienced secretary to a respected copy chief resonates with many of us striving for success in our careers. Peggy’s determination to shine, coupled with her complex relationships, encapsulates the modern woman’s quest. We know she will thrive, whether at McCann-Erickson or beyond, but the thought of saying goodbye to her feels particularly poignant. Bye-bye, Peggy; go out there and conquer the world.
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In summary, the women of Mad Men have left a lasting impression on us, representing the struggles and triumphs of femininity in a changing world. Their stories resonate deeply, and as we part ways with these characters, we carry their lessons with us into our own lives.
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