Bridget “Maggie” Sullivan is one of the most important characters in Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story. Vicky Krieps plays the maid whose relationship with Lizzie becomes central to the show's interpretation of the murders.
What the series depicts
The Netflix drama develops a close and romantic relationship between Lizzie and Maggie and portrays them as partners in the murders. The relationship is a major part of the show's fictionalized narrative.
What is historically documented?
Bridget Sullivan was a real member of the Borden household and an important witness in the case. Historical evidence does not establish a romantic relationship between the historical Lizzie Borden and Bridget Sullivan.
Why Netflix expanded the relationship
The surviving record leaves gaps around the private lives and motivations of Lizzie and Bridget. The creators use those gaps to build a dramatic story about intimacy, repression and violence.
Quick answer
Bridget Sullivan was real, but Monster's romantic and conspiratorial portrayal of her relationship with Lizzie is a fictionalized interpretation of the historical case.
Source
Netflix Tudum historical explainer
Fact-check note
This article distinguishes the Netflix dramatization from documented history. Lizzie Borden was acquitted in 1893; claims about guilt, private relationships, motives and events not established by surviving records are described as fictionalized or disputed rather than settled fact.
Netflix Tudum: The True Story · Netflix Tudum: Ending Explained · PEOPLE: Fact vs Fiction · PEOPLE: Emma/Lizzie Fact Check
Related: Who Was Bridget Maggie Sullivan? The Real Person Behind Monster
Related: Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story Explained: Cast, Case and What Netflix Changed
