In Suits, the legal dramedy that featured —among others, Meghan Markle— a character named Donna Paulsen, played by Sarah Rafferty, who was a secretary and confidante to Harvey Specter. In the series, she cuts her teeth working —more like slaving— for Louis Lift and then goes back to work for Harvey.
Sarah Rafferty’s character is one of the few that Harvey, Louis, Rachel, Jessica, and Benjamin manage to stay at Suits’s fictional law firm Pearson Specter after the Mike Ross arrest. With this background, we must ask the question concerning Sarah Rafferty’s departure from this series. Let’s put some character development story arc details and some work and contractual issues under the microscope to get to the bottom of it all.
Meet Donna Paulsen
Donna is Harvey Specter’s legal secretary. She’s his confidante, close friend, and oftentimes partner in crime. Donna is brash and self-assured, closely mimicking Harvey Specter’s demeanor, but unlike Harvey, she knows that her feelings, emotions, and intuitive grasp can result in better outcomes in her personal and professional life.
Donna always plays a crucial role when it comes to Harvey making a call and gives him insights that prevent Harvey from being too impulsive with the unwanted repercussions of such impulsiveness.
Donna is one of the best legal secretaries in New York City due to her skills and exceptional wit. She knows a lot, is a quick thinker, and she’s an indispensable asset to the law firm. With those elements, her relationship with Harvey Specter is deep-rooted and complex, marked by her ability to anticipate what he needs and thinks, making for a joyful and playful dynamic for the viewers.
Also Read: Why was Suits Canceled? The Lawyer Centered TV Show
Why Did Donna Leave Suits?
Donna’s departure from Suits takes place in Season two’s “Break Point” episode. She signs a legal paper by mistake and eventually shreds it while under pressure from outside counsel, and without knowing that, she puts the legal desk in trouble.
When that pops out, Donna gets the boot from Jessica Pearson. Donna becomes disappointed with Harvey because he did very little to fight for her to stay at the law firm, then she hires a lawyer to represent her in the legal trouble she got herself into, and from there, lots of things begin to change for her and the firm.
Eventually, Donna returns to work at the firm because Harvey puts his hands in the fire for her proving her innocence and telling her that he needs her there with him.
Further Character Story Development
Throughout the other Suits’ seasons, Donna’s character continues to evolve, and her relationships with other characters become ever more complex. Firstly, she engages in a romantic relationship with Stephen Huntley, Darby’s fixer, which triggers various emotions —from anger and jealousy to anger and hate— in Harvey.
On Donna and Harvey
Suits is a show that takes Donna’s character and delves into Donna’s past and her connection with Harvey, revealing that they had a brief romantic encounter before working together at the firm.
Donna Moved Up The Corporate Ladder
Donna’s journey involves her pursuit of a more fulfilling life. In season 7, she strives for a higher position within the firm, eventually becoming the Chief Operating Officer.
She tries to navigate her deep and complex feelings for Harvey, even as he enters a romantic relationship with his therapist Paula Agard. Donna’s unresolved emotions resurface, leading to tense moments full of introspection.
Wedding Time
In the final season, Donna and Harvey’s relationship deepens, culminating in their marriage. They decide to leave their current firm to work with Mike Ross and Rachel Zane Ross in Seattle.
Donna’s departure from “Suits” was driven by her desire for personal growth and a desire to find more meaning in her life. Throughout the series, her character showcases a blend of intelligence, wit, and emotional insight that makes her a standout figure in the show’s legal and personal dramas.
Also Read: Why Did Jessica Leave Suits? The Departure Of The Iconic Character
