1. Devout: Mary was deeply religious and fiercely Catholic. Her reign was driven by a desire to restore Catholicism to England after the Protestant reforms of her father, Henry VIII.
2. Ruthless: Mary's strong convictions led her to persecute Protestants, earning her the moniker "Bloody Mary." She oversaw the burning of over 300 individuals at the stake.
3. Unpopular: Mary's religious zealotry and her policies alienated many of her subjects. She was known for her harsh rule and her lack of popularity.
4. Tragic: Mary's life was marked by hardship. She was denied the throne for many years, her marriage to Philip of Spain was widely unpopular, and she died without an heir.
5. Determined: Despite the many obstacles she faced, Mary was a resolute figure who steadfastly pursued her goals, even if it meant enacting brutal measures.
While some may argue other adjectives are more suitable, these five capture the most significant aspects of Queen Mary's personality and reign.