Emperor Franz Joseph

 is a character on The Empress. He is portrayed by Philip Froissant.

Biography
Franz is the Emperor of Austria.

Throughout The Empress
Franz and his mother, Archduchess Sophie, oversaw the execution of 3 revolutionists. Sophie insisted that Franz show his face, and not save any of the men. Franz is visibly upset during the execution and deliberately hurt his hand with a cross. During a dinner, he disagreed with his mother over the execution of revolutionists. He and his mother received a taxidermy bear from the tsar of Russia, as an invitation for Austria to join Russia's war against the Ottoman Empire.

Archduchess Sophie arranged for Franz to marry Duchess Helene, as it would legitimise the Austrian Empire's claim over Bavaria.

Helene, her mother Princess Ludovika, and her sister Elisabeth travelled to Bad Ischl to meet Franz on his birthday. While Helene's family were at Bad Ischl, Franz met Helene's younger sister, Elisabeth, and fell in love with her. She reminded him of what he was like before he became Emperor. He proclaimed his intention to marry Elisabeth, to the surprise of everyone.

At a meeting, Franz heard news of wars in other countries. His mother, Sophie, wanted Franz to side with the Prussians and join their war against the Ottoman Empire. However, his brother, wanted Franz to side with the West. Franz decided that the Austria would not go to war, disappointing his family and his advisors.

During Elisabeth and Franz's dance lesson with Johann Strauss, they snuck off and kissed in a room. They were caught by Countess Esterházy.

Franz discovered Max's promiscuous ways and introduced Lieutenant Krall to him. Lieutenant Krall lost an arm while fighting for the empire. His daughters Agnes and Emilie were both impregnated by Max, who had no intention of marrying either of them. Agnes died in childbirth. Emilie attempted to kill herself by jumping off a barn, and has lived in a sanatorium since. Franz told Max off and ordered that he must follow rules.

At a party, Elisabeth met the archbishop who presided over her chastity test. She had a disagreement with him over the test, so Sophie and Franz told Elisabeth to go rest for the evening.

During Maximilian's soirée, Franz met up with Stephenson outside and asked him to build a railway line. Franz wanted to connect the people of his empire. Stephenson said that the money wasn't enough to build a railway. Franz asked for a few more days to secure the funds. Stephenson reminded Franz that going to war would be costly, but Franz was certain that they would not fight in a war.

Physical appearance
Franz has short curly brown hair.

Appearances

 * Season One


 * One's Place in the World
 * The Arrival
 * The Wedding
 * The Hunt
 * The Shoes
 * The God Who Us Has Freedom Sent

Quotes
"Cold winter, bad harvest. People are hungry and ill. That leads to riots and hatred. We cannot hang everyone who is discontent."

- Franz disagrees with his mother

"You reminded me of something today. You reminded me of how I was before becoming Emperor."

- Franz talking to Elisabeth

"I want you. Everyone's always told me what to do my whole life. I can't do that anymore. For months, I've felt dead, and... but with you, I suddenly want to celebrate my birthday."

- Franz talking to Elisabeth

"You tell the truth when no one else will and you don't see things like the others. I need someone like you."

- Franz talking to Elisabeth

Trivia

 * When he was young, he knocked his brother's tooth out and secretly kept it.
 * According to his younger brother Archduke Ludwig-Viktor, Franz wrote 44 letters to Elisabeth after their engagement.
 * In the episode, The Wedding, it is implied that Prince Vasa, from Archduchess Sophie's former affair, is the biological father of Franz.