Since its debut in the UK in 2010 and its arrival in the US in 2011, *Downton Abbey* has firmly established itself in the collective consciousness of audiences around the globe. Crafted by Julian Fellowes, this historical drama set in the 20th century captivated viewers with its intricate portrayal of the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their dedicated servants. The show garnered impressive accolades, including six Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, four SAG Awards, and two BAFTA Awards during its six-season run. With a third film on the horizon, the franchise’s legacy continues to thrive. As the matriarch Violet Crawley would astutely advise, “Don’t be defeatist, dear, it’s very middle class.” So, let’s carry on! Here, we present a ranked list of the ten most memorable characters from *Downton Abbey*.
10. William Mason
Thomas Howes portrays William Mason, the second footman at Downton Abbey, who longed to work with horses. However, his mother directed him toward a life in domestic service for better prospects. A character of integrity and hard work, William frequently endured the harsh treatment of first footman Thomas Barrow. His breaking point came tragically after the passing of his mother when he retaliated by punching Thomas. In World War I, he made the ultimate sacrifice, fatally wounded while saving Matthew Crawley. In his final days at Downton’s hospice, he confessed his love to Daisy, the kitchen maid, marrying her so she could receive a widow’s pension. Though William’s on-screen presence spanned just two seasons, his legacy of bravery and compassion firmly resonates with audiences.
9. Gwen Dawson
The storyline of Gwen Dawson reflects the era’s challenges of social mobility and class barriers. Seeking a life beyond her role as a housemaid, Gwen, played by Rose Leslie, secretly enrolled in correspondence courses to train as a secretary. Encouraged by Lady Sybil Crawley, she eventually secures a position and departs from Downton in season one. A brief cameo in season six reunites her with the Crawleys, showcasing her achievement and gratitude for Lady Sybil’s influence in her transformed life.
8. Lady Rose MacClare
Lady Rose MacClare, brought to life by Lily James, represents youthful rebellion and change within the later seasons. As the great-niece of Violet Crawley, she arrives at Downton due to her parents’ disapproval of her modern ways. With her affinity for jazz and nightlife, Rose defies societal norms, dating a Black jazz singer before ultimately marrying Atticus Aldridge, a Jewish banker, and moving to New York. Her character continues to evolve in the 2019 film adaptation.
7. Lady Mary Crawley
Lady Mary Crawley, portrayed by Michelle Dockery, is often seen as the show’s central figure, with much of the plot revolving around her struggle to inherit the estate as a woman. Mary is a complex character—at once beautiful and guarded, proud yet capable of profound affection. Her romance with Matthew Crawley evolves from rivalry to love, ending tragically with his death. Through her experiences, Mary confronts societal sexism and eventually blossoms into an astute estate manager, redefining her role and remarrying Henry Talbot.
6. Anna Bates
Anna Bates, considered Mary’s trustworthy lady’s maid and brought to life by Joanne Froggatt, showcases loyalty and strength. Her unwavering support is evident when she helps Mary cover up a scandal involving the death of a Turkish diplomat. Anna’s love story with John Bates, fraught with challenges like wrongful imprisonment, underscores their commitment to one another, culminating in their journey to parenthood.
5. Tom Branson & Lady Sybil Crawley
The partnership between Tom Branson, played by Allen Leech, and Lady Sybil Crawley, played by Jessica Brown Findlay, represents one of the series’ most compelling romances. Tom, initially a chauffeur with a passion for Irish independence, captures Sybil’s heart, leading to their union against familial and societal expectations. After Sybil’s tragic death post-childbirth, Tom grapples with his dual identity, finding his place as a pivotal figure in modernizing Downton.
4. Lady Edith Crawley
Lady Edith Crawley, played by Laura Carmichael, navigates a tumultuous journey toward fulfillment despite her affluent background. Often overshadowed by her sister Mary, Edith’s path is riddled with heartbreak, including a failed engagement and the mysterious loss of her lover, Michael Gregson. Nevertheless, she rises to prominence by taking over his newspaper and eventually finds love with Bertie Pelham, becoming a Marchioness and surpassing her sister’s status.
3. Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
Robert Crawley, portrayed by Hugh Bonneville, often clings to the traditional values of his aristocratic heritage. However, his dedication to Downton’s legacy reveals his underlying compassion. As he faces the pressures of modernity and the evolving role of women in leadership, his character illustrates the potential for growth and adaptation, allowing him to embrace necessary changes to safeguard his family’s estate.
2. Charles Carson
Jim Carter’s portrayal of Mr. Carson, the steadfast butler at Downton, reveals layers of complexity behind his rigid exterior. Once a music hall performer, Carson navigates the challenges of modernizing the estate while maintaining his loyalty to Lady Mary. His developing relationship with Mrs. Hughes signifies his emotional depth and illustrates the struggle many characters face with the inevitable changes of the era.
1. Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham
No character embodies the essence of *Downton Abbey* quite like Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, spectacularly portrayed by Dame Maggie Smith. Her acerbic wit and timeless wisdom are pivotal to the series’ charm. An aristocrat navigating the complexities of modern society, Violet gradually accepts the shifting dynamics within her family, particularly in her relationships with granddaughters Mary and Edith. In her signature dry humor, she would surely remark, “At my age, one must ration one’s excitement, ” if asked about her popularity.
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