The Remains of the Day characters

Also known as Stevens

Appears from the start

The long-serving English butler of Darlington Hall and the novel's narrator. Formal, exacting, and deeply invested in the dignity of his profession, he measures his life by the quality of service he gave his former employer. A rare motoring trip gives him time to reconsider the judgments and sacrifices hidden beneath that standard.

Appears from the start

The wealthy American who now owns Darlington Hall. Informal and fond of teasing Stevens, he encourages the butler to borrow his car for a holiday while he is away. His smaller modern household requires a style of service different from the grand establishment Stevens once knew.

Also known as Mrs Benn

Appears from the start

The former housekeeper of Darlington Hall, remembered by Stevens under the name she used before marriage. Energetic, capable, and willing to challenge his judgments, she worked beside him during the house's busiest years. A recent letter from her helps prompt his journey to the West Country.

Appears from the start

Stevens's late employer, an English aristocrat who used Darlington Hall for private international meetings between the world wars. Stevens remembers him as honorable and public-spirited, although his name later became associated with political disgrace and sympathy toward Nazi Germany.

Also known as Stevens senior

First appears in chapter 2

Stevens's father, himself an accomplished butler, who joins the Darlington Hall staff late in life. Severe, emotionally restrained, and committed to service, he represents the professional ideal Stevens admires even as age begins to limit his physical ability.

Also known as Senator Lewis

First appears in chapter 4

An American senator who attends Lord Darlington's international conference after the First World War. Direct and politically experienced, he opposes the gathering's attempt to soften the settlement imposed on Germany and doubts that well-meaning private gentlemen can manage international affairs.

First appears in chapter 4

A French delegate at Lord Darlington's 1923 conference. Pain from an injured foot and his suspicion of the American position add practical and diplomatic pressure to the gathering Stevens must manage.

Also known as Mr Cardinal

First appears in chapter 6

The journalist godson of Lord Darlington. Familiar with the political world surrounding the house, he is fond of his godfather but increasingly disturbed by the influence foreign agents exert over him.

First appears in chapter 6

A socialist resident of the village where Stevens is stranded for a night. Proud of ordinary citizens' political rights, he argues that dignity belongs to people who participate in public decisions, not only to gentlemen and their servants.

First appears in chapter 6

A local physician who meets Stevens after the butler spends a night among villagers who mistake him for a gentleman. His questions are courteous but penetrating, and he sees through Stevens's borrowed manner more clearly than the other guests do.

First appears in chapter 5

A young Jewish maid employed at Darlington Hall alongside her sister. Their satisfactory work becomes irrelevant when Lord Darlington orders that both women be dismissed, forcing Miss Kenton and Stevens to decide how far professional duty should accommodate an unjust command.

First appears in chapter 6

A maid hired at Darlington Hall under Miss Kenton's supervision. Her romance with another servant and eventual departure intensify Miss Kenton's awareness that her own life has narrowed to work and to an emotionally guarded colleague.