In the context of a romance novel, a rake is a lovable scoundrel who has been around and has had a number of relationships. He is usually handsome and charming, and can be funny and clever on the page. In Bridgerton, Simon is considered a rake, but he lands on the nicer end of the spectrum. The term "rake" is used to describe a man who is promiscuous and has a reputation for being a womanizer. In the show, the phrase is first mentioned in episode one, during the Dukes dinner with Daphne at her lavish home. Rakes are often the primary male love interest in romance novels, but its also common for the best friend to be a rake. The term "reforming the rake" refers to the story breaking patriarchy down to a place where women can stand equally with men.