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Downton Abbey is a show that takes us all the way back to the 1900s in England, with its characters, era, clothing, speech, etc. However, while we're at it, it's also very important to talk about the very people who make this show work.
We must speak of the people who give these characters their voices, their personality traits, and their many ambitions in the show.
Therefore, if you want to know which actor has played what role and why the characters matter, what their story is, and why each one of these characters is so vital to Downton Abbey, then be here because we've got all the tea you need!
Keep reading to find out more.
Downton Abbey cast and character guide
1) Robert Crawley, The Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville)
In Downton Abbey, Robert Crawley is the one who leads the house of Crawley, and he tries in every way to maintain the stability that he likes to see in the family. At first, he is not willing to change, as the very concept gives him an uncertain feeling. If anything, the idea of change in his family unnerves him.
As the years go by, he warms up to change and is not as stern and stuck up in his old ways as he used to be. He also evolves into a better father as he learns to respect the decisions that his daughters make, even when he is not the one to make them.
His character arc in Downton Abbey is bumpy in the beginning, but then it levels out and is a straightforward one to track. He opens up gradually, not immediately. Bonneville truly makes Robert one of the show's central grounding forces in Downton Abbey.
Hugh Bonneville is also known for: Notting Hill & Paddington.
2) Cora Crawley, The Countess of Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern)
Cora Crawley in Downton Abbey is always there to support her daughters. She listens to her kids, she understands them and their aspirations and their dreams, even when her husband Robert does not seem to get it right.
In the show, she is seen to be having a lot of intense scenes; however, her kindness in turning her home into a space for recovering soldiers during the time of war is a highlight.
Elizabeth McGovern is also known for: Once Upon a Time in America & The Commuter.
3) Violet Crawley, The Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith)
Violet Crawley was played by the late Maggie Smith. She is someone who always gets away with stealing the spotlight every time she's on screen in Downton Abbey.
Violet is someone who does not seem to stray away from her principles but is secretly very devoted and loving towards her family. Her character is nicely balanced as she is funny. However, she can also be very stern.
Smith’s iconic presence makes Violet a wonderful character who guides the family in times of trouble. Violet is a character you certainly will not forget in Downton Abbey.
Maggie Smith is also known for: Sister Act (1 & 2) & The Harry Potter franchise
4) Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery)
Mary, as a character, is serious and driven. On the outside, Mary can seem very distant, but there is a lot going on inside her.
After losing Matthew, she only doubles down and takes on the even bigger responsibility of managing the estate.
She has a no retreat, no surrender attitude when it comes to the problems she has to deal with.
Michelle Dockery is also known for: The Gentlemen & Anatomy of a Scandal
5) Edith Pelham (Laura Carmichael)
Edith Crawley is someone who always felt overshadowed. Laura Carmichael as Edith in Downton Abbey is a character who, although she might get her share of hardships, never ceases to fight. She is a person who grows wiser, makes progress, and continues her journey even when the situation is dire.
Her story in Downton Abbey is crucial because she builds on a life that is based on her very own choices. And when someone becomes the Marchioness of Hexham, it feels like a long-earned victory.
Laura Carmichael is also known for: The Spanish Princess & Madame Bovary
6) Lady Sybil Branson (Jessica Brown Findlay)
Lady Sybil is played by Jessica Brown Findlay, who plays her in a bright and open way. Sybil is someone who always wants to help people out and act on what she believes is right.
She trains as a nurse during the Civil War and forms a connection with Tom Branson. Their relationship is sincere. Sybil's death in Downton Abbey is also one of the harshest scenes in the show because she was someone who brought so much light to the family.
Jessica Brown Findlay is also known for: Harlots & This Beautiful Fantastic
7) Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens)
Matthew Crawley brings a fresher tone to Downton Abbey. Matthew does not come from the same world as the Crawleys do, which helps him see things differently.
When he becomes the heir, the story shifts. His relationship with Mary develops slowly, and once they come together, they work together to improve the estate.
Matthew works to solve financial issues and becomes a vital force at Downton Abbey. His sudden death changes the story's trajectory.
Dan Stevens is also known for: The Guest & Marshall.
8) Isobel Grey, Lady Merton (Penelope Wilton)
Isobel Grey is compassionate and determined. Penelope Wilton makes sure to give her a strong sense of purpose. Isobel wants to help people who are overlooked and does not hesitate when it's time to speak up.
Her constant disagreements with Violet are entertaining, but underneath it all, the arguments they have, there is respect. Isobel's work in the community shows her drive to make things better, and this naturally makes her fit into the world of Downton Abbey.
Penelope Wilton is also known for: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel & Calendar Girls
9) Tom Branson (Allen Leech)
Tom Branson initially serves as the chauffeur for the Downton Abbey family, and later he is turned into one of the most significant members of the Crawley circle. Tom is a person who challenges the environment intellectually, but he also finds comfort and direction through his relationship with Sybil.
After Sybil's death, he stays with the family and becomes involved in running the estate, proving his worth.
Allen Leech is also known for: Too Good To Be True & The Vanishing Triangle
10) Charles Carson (Jim Carter)
Carson runs the servants’ hall with a whole lot of focus. Carson wants everything to be done correctly and expects everyone to follow the rules. He also cares about the family he serves, even if he tries not to show it too openly.
Jim Carter is also known for: The Little Vampire & The Good Liar.
11) Elsie Carson (Phyllis Logan)
Mrs Hughes, later Elsie Carson, is also the steady heart of the downstairs staff in Downton Abbey. She is someone who listens, guides, and solves problems without causing much drama.
Her relationship with Carson grows slowly and naturally, giving the show a soft and emotional thread. In Downton Abbey, Mrs Hughes supports the younger staff members and helps them build their confidence.
Phyllis Logan is also known for: Murder Most Puzzling & The Last Bus.
12) John Bates (Brendan Coyle)
John Bates carries a complicated past in Downton Abbey. Bates is loyal to Lord Grantham and takes his work seriously. His relationship with Anna becomes one of the show's significant emotional arcs.
They face legal trouble, personal pain, and many challenges, but Bates remains committed to building a peaceful life. Coyle gives Bates a restrained but powerful presence.
Brendan Coyle is also known for: Lark Rise to Candleford & Mary Queen of Scots.
13) Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt)
Anna is a kindhearted and calm person. Anna initially works as a housemaid in Downton Abbey, and by her perseverance and good nature, she rises.
She goes through a variety of personal tragedies, but she never loses her drive.
She deals with many personal difficulties but never stops moving forward. Froggatt makes Anna feel hopeful and honest.
Joanne Froggatt is also known for: MobLand & North Shore
14) Mrs Beryl Patmore (Lesley Nicol)
Mrs Patmore runs the kitchen with high energy. She pushes hard for good results but cares deeply for Daisy and supports her growth.
Mrs Patmore also faces personal challenges, including issues with her eyesight and family matters. Her later decision to run a business shows her practical strength.
Lesley Nicol is also known for: Joy - Christmas With the Tabernacle Choir & Beecham House
15) Joseph Molesley (Kevin Doyle)
In Downton Abbey, Molesley is awkward at first, but Kevin Doyle plays him with a whole lot of charm. At first, he is a character on the show who, time and time again, struggles with his career path, shifting between jobs before discovering a real talent for teaching.
Watching Molesey gain his confidence is one of the more uplifting parts of Downton Abbey. His relationship with Baxter also adds lots of warmth to his story. Doyle makes him easy to support.
Kevin Doyle is also known for: The Crimson Field & Happy Valley.
The cast of Downton Abbey helped build a world that feels solid. Each of the actors has added something distinct to the show, making the house and the people inside it feel complete.
The cast and their performances have helped shape a story that fans keep returning to because it feels so full of life.
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