Top 10 Greatest Downton Abbey Characters
#10: Beryl Patmore
The chief cook at Downton Abbey, Beryl Patmore, usually called “Mrs. Patmore”, despite being unmarried, runs a tight ship in her kitchen; often being frustrated with those around her, particularly her absent minded assistant cook Daisy, whom we also considered for our list. Mrs. Patmore may not be the most prominent character on the show, but she still manages to have several story-lines devoted to her and her good intentions, bossy nature, and dry, sarcastic sense of humor help to make her a memorable character nonetheless. We only wish we had the chance to try her cooking ourselves!
#9: Elsie Carson
Known throughout most of the show as Mrs. Elsie Hughes – despite being unmarried at the time – Downton Abbey’s head housekeeper may be rather reserved and strict, but she’s also a kind woman, who is always there for those in her care and her fellow employees, even when she disagrees with their choices. Mrs. Hughes is also an unusual example of a career woman in a time when the concept was relatively foreign, forgoing marriage in favor of her work at Downton, at least for most of her life. She does eventually marry the head butler, Carson, and they’re just adorable together!
#8: Robert Crawley
The Earl of Grantham and the head of household at Downton Abbey, Robert Crawley is a deeply traditional, stubborn man, who is often resistant to the modern age he finds himself in and the many of the changes it brings. Despite this, he’s hardly a static character, as he grows to become more accepting as the show goes on. Also, although he makes several questionable decisions during the show’s run, Robert is driven primarily out of concern for the welfare of his family and he’s largely a man of honor, even if he does have a few lapses.
#7: Edith Pelham
The middle daughter of the Crawley family, Edith initially feels very much like the neglected middle child stereotype. Frequently jealous of and conflicting with her elder sister Mary, Edith takes a while to find passions of her own, but she ends up developing into one of the series’ most progressive characters – getting a job at a magazine, learning to drive, and having a child out of wedlock. Her many failed attempts to find love and the fact that she’s often her own worst enemy help make Edith one of the show’s most relatable characters.
#6: Sybil Branson
The youngest Crawley daughter, Sybil is, if anything, even more of a rebel than Edith. Taking an interest in politics, as well as the chauffeur Tom Branson – whom she marries and who just narrowly missed out on being included on our list – Sybil was well on her way towards becoming the modern woman that her older sister ended up becoming. However, Sybil’s untimely death cut that development and her life tragically short. But, her earnest compassion to nearly everyone she met ensured that Sybil left a mark on many of the show’s characters even after her death, and on the fans as well.
#5: Anna & John Bates
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The world and the show kept trying to keep these two apart, but we’re not going to do that! They belong together! Anna is the loyal maid of Lady Mary, while Mr. John Bates is the valet of Lord Robert. Both of them are kind and steadfast people whose string of bad luck beggars belief. Their resilience in the face of everything from meddling coworkers to criminal charges to Anna’s assault at the hands of another man is truly astounding, and through it all we can’t help but root for Anna and Bates
#4: Matthew Crawley
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The reluctant new heir to the Crawley name, Matthew is a middle-class lawyer suddenly thrust into high society. In this way, he acts as a great surrogate for the audience, learning about aristocratic customs through him. Although his courtship with Mary is full of misunderstandings and hurdles, that makes their eventual union all the more satisfying, and Matthew’s death after the birth of their son all the more heartbreaking. Matthew’s warmth and intelligence were sorely missed from “Downton Abbey” after this and the show was never truly the same after his passing.
#3: Charles Carson
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Downton Abbey’s head butler, Charles Carson is arguably the most conservative main cast member, being even more set in his ways than many of the aristocrats on the show. In spite of his distrust of new technologies and ideologies, Carson is still a fatherly figure to many of the staff, as well as an avuncular figure to the Crawley family. Even when he disagrees with someone, he usually acts with honor and integrity, at least for a man of his time. Carson is everything you could want from a butler and more! And have we mentioned how cute he and Mrs. Hughes are together?
#2: Mary Talbot
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The Crawley’s eldest daughter, Mary at first seems cold and distant and her bickering with Edith is hardly endearing. However, there’s more to her than there seems at first, as she’s supportive of her friends, especially her maid Anna, and can be as kind and generous as anyone. Her romantic relationships bring out this side of her especially. While a flawed person, who has difficulty expressing herself and often acts before she considers the consequences, Mary is still one of the series’ most beloved characters, though not quite the best. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Joseph Molesley Thomas Barrow Cora Crawley Rose Aldridge Isobel Grey
#1: Violet Crawley
Oh, you know you all saw this coming – it’s not like she’s a weekend or something! The dowager countess of Grantham, Violet Crawley is easily a fan favorite character in “Downton Abbey” and it’s not hard to see why. Although a staunch traditionalist, the Dowager has hidden depths and is never afraid to speak her mind about nearly everything. This leads her to be among the most quotable characters in the series, as her sharp wit and sheltered upbringing lead to some truly hilarious one liners. Can we please get a prequel spin-off with her now please?!
