The Quartermaine family is at war, and the battle lines are drawn over Veronica “Ronnie” Bard, the mysterious sister of the late Monica Quartermaine. Since her arrival in Port Charles, Ronnie has been gifted the family mansion, driven a wedge between Tracy Quartermaine and her relatives, and left fans questioning her true motives. Is she a sweet woman reconnecting with her family or a skilled con artist executing an elaborate scheme?
Who is Ronnie Bard?
Ronnie Bard, played by daytime television legend Erika Slezak, arrived in Port Charles following the death of her sister, Monica. She was introduced as a long-lost sibling from Monica’s biological family, the Bards. Ronnie explained that she and Monica were separated as children and had only recently reconnected after Monica initiated contact through a letter. According to Ronnie, they had been corresponding for about a year before Monica’s passing.
Monica Quartermaine, born Monica Bard, had a difficult childhood. She was raised in an orphanage and later by foster parents, and rarely spoke of her biological family. This history makes Ronnie’s sudden appearance both plausible and suspicious. Ronnie claims she never wanted anything from her sister and is simply in Port Charles to pay her respects. However, her actions quickly cast doubt on her sincerity.
The Great Quartermaine Betrayal
The conflict escalated dramatically when Monica’s will was read. In a shocking turn of events, Monica left the iconic Quartermaine mansion to Ronnie, completely bypassing Tracy Quartermaine, who has been the family’s steadfast matriarch. This decision stunned both the family and viewers, as the mansion’s ownership has been a long-running point of contention between the sisters-in-law.
The situation worsened during a tea party that Brook Lynn Quartermaine had planned for Ronnie. When Ronnie became ill and accused Tracy of poisoning her, several family members, including Brook Lynn and Olivia, took Ronnie’s side. Olivia even told Tracy she was not welcome at the Metro Court Hotel. Ronnie then exercised her new ownership of the house by kicking Tracy out of the mansion, with no one defending the longtime family pillar. This complete betrayal of Tracy by her own family has become a central point of fan anger.
Fan Reactions: Standing With Tracy
General Hospital fans have been vocal on social media about the unfair treatment of Tracy Quartermaine and their suspicions of Ronnie.
One fan declared their allegiance, stating, > “Jane Elliott, I bow down to you. What they are doing to Tracy after all she’s down for the Quartermaines is a joke.”
Another viewer expressed fury at Olivia’s behavior, saying, > “Olivia saying, ‘I don’t want you at the Metro Court’ literally has me furious. Who are you? How dare you! They never have her back, and Tracy would burn the world down for family.”
The sentiment was echoed by another fan who sympathized with Tracy’s position: > “Tracy: I cannot believe that my own family is siding with a con artist whom I did not drug. Poor Tracy. Jane is amazing.”
Even the character Gio, whom Tracy had treated well, joined Team Ronnie, leaving one fan to comment, > “Even Gio is team Ronnie? Tracy was so good to him. There’s been no reason for him to keep his anger for her before, and for him to not give her the benefit of the doubt either is infuriating.”
Evidence of a Con Artist
Several factors point to Ronnie potentially being a con artist. Her timing is highly suspicious—appearing only after Monica’s death when inheritance matters are being settled. Her story about reconnecting with Monica relies solely on her word, with no other witnesses to their correspondence.
The rapid alienation of Tracy from her own family seems strategically convenient for someone claiming to want no conflict. Additionally, Ronnie’s calm demeanor while upending the entire Quartermaine dynamic shows a remarkable composure for someone supposedly grieving a newly rediscovered sister.
There is strong speculation that Martin Grey might be involved in a scheme with Ronnie. The previews for November sweeps suggest that Ronnie knows something crucial that will come out during the will reading, and headwriters Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten have confirmed that Ronnie will “challenge the status quo in Port Charles” and has “mysterious ties to others on the canvas.”
The Case for Ronnie’s Innocence
Despite the mounting evidence against her, there are reasons to believe Ronnie might be genuine. Her portrayal by esteemed actress Erika Slezak, known for playing heroic characters like Viki Lord on One Life to Live, makes a full villain turn less likely. Ronnie has consistently maintained that she wants nothing from the Quartermaines and seems genuinely interested in connecting with her late sister’s world.
Some fans appreciate the dynamic she brings to the show. The tension between Tracy and Ronnie has created compelling drama, and Ronnie’s calm presence offers a contrast to Tracy’s more fiery personality. The show’s writers may be deliberately misleading viewers with red herrings before revealing Ronnie’s true, honorable intentions.
A Classic Soap Opera Mystery
The mystery of Ronnie Bard represents classic General Hospital storytelling. The show has a history of introducing mysterious characters with questionable backgrounds who disrupt established family dynamics. Whether Ronnie is ultimately revealed to be a conniving schemer or a wrongly suspected relative, her presence has already significantly impacted Port Charles.
The Quartermaine family has turned on one of their own, and Tracy Quartermaine finds herself isolated for the first time. As November sweeps approach, promises of revealed lies and dramatic confrontations suggest the truth about Ronnie will soon surface. For now, the question remains: Is Ronnie Bard the ultimate con artist or simply a wrongfully judged woman seeking family connection?
