History Characters / DowntonAbbey

A list of major and supporting characters on ''Series/DowntonAbbey''. There will be '''spoilers'''. Only spoilers for Series 4 are covered.

* [[Characters/DowntonAbbeyTheCrawleyFamily The Crawley Family]] [[note]]Listings for members of the Crawley, Branson, [=MacClare=] and Levinson branches of the family[[/note]]

* [[Characters/DowntonAbbeyTheCrawleyFamily The Crawley Family]] [[note]]Listings for members of the Crawley, [=MacClare=] and Levinson branches of the family[[/note]]

* [[Characters/DowntonAbbeyTheCrawleyFamily The Crawley Family]] [[note]]Listings for the Crawley, [=MacClare=] and Levinson branches of the family[[/note]]

* [[Characters/DowntonAbbeyRecurringAndGuestCharacters Recurring and Guest Characters]] [[note]]Listed according to the series in which they debuted[[/note]]

* [[Characters/DowntonAbbeyTheCrawleyFamily The Crawley Family]] [[note]]Listings for the Crawley, [=MacClare=] and Levinson branches of the family.[[/note]]
* [[Characters/DowntonAbbeyTheServants The Servants]] [[note]]Listed according to the series in which they debuted.[[/note]]
* [[Characters/DowntonAbbeyRecurringAndGuestCharacters Recurring and Guest Characters]] [[note]]Listed according to the series in which they debuted.[[/note]]

* [[Characters/DowntonAbbeyTheCrawleyFamily The Crawley Family]]
* [[Characters/DowntonAbbeyTheServants The Servants]]
* [[Characters/DowntonAbbeyRecurringAndGuestCharacters Recurring and Guest Characters]]

* GoldDigger: As soon as he founds out how loaded the Levinsons are, he determinately courts Martha, whilst at the same time, he rather gracelessly flings Madeleine onto her son Harold.

* ImpoverishedPatrician: A classic example. As his daughter Madeleine explains, the money has all run out and all they have left is their good name.

!!The Honourable Madeleine Allsopp [-(Poppy Drayton)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/madeleineallsopp_5359.png]]

->"''Please don't think too harshly of us. Father is frightened, he doesn't know how to live without money.''"
----

* BecomingTheMask: Over the course of the Special, her feelings for Harold appear to become more genuine, and beyond the crass fortune-hunt her father contrives.
-->'''Madeleine''': You're kind, clever and much too modest and I speak without guile because I know you have escaped my net.

* EnglishRose: She's a petite, demure little beauty and shows good character and a strong moral sense when she refuses to play along with her impoverished father's schemes.
* TheFlapper: She represents an example of the "bright young things", a sub-culture that emerged during the 20's.
* GoldDigger: Reluctantly -- her father, Lord Aysgarth, pushes her onto wealthy Harold Levinson from the very get-go.
* ImpoverishedPatrician: She and her father are titled and respectable (hence their invitation to the various London Season parties presented in the Special) but their fortune has all dried up, which is why Lord Aysgarth is so keen for her to bag Harold.
* RiteOfPassage: Like her friend, Lady Rose, she too is a young deb, and is in London to be formally presented to the King and Queen.
* TwentiesBobHaircut

!!Mrs Winifred "Freda" Dudley Ward [-(Janet Montgomery)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/fredadw_8928.png]]

->"''I can't tell you how pleased I am to have some reinforcements, he was getting rather grouchy.''"

A list of major and supporting characters on ''Series/DowntonAbbey''. There will be '''spoilers'''. Only spoilers for Series 4 are covered.

[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lordmerton_6083.png]]

* PutOnABus: To [[Series/GameOfThrones Westeros]], as mentioned above.

* AssholeVictim

* SpecialGuest

* TwoferTokenMinority: Black ''and'' American.

* [[Characters/DowntonAbbeyTheCrawleyFamily The Crawley Family]]
* [[Characters/DowntonAbbeyTheServants The Servants]]
* [[Characters/DowntonAbbeyRecurringAndGuestCharacters Recurring and Guest Characters]]

[[foldercontrol]]

!''The Crawley Family''

[[folder:The Crawleys]]

!!The Right Honourable Robert Crawley, 6th Earl of Grantham [-(Hugh Bonneville)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lordrobert_3636.png]]

->"''You see a million bricks that may crumble, a thousand gutters and pipes that may block and leak, and stone that will crack in the frost. I see my life's work.''"
----
* AesopAmnesia: How many times now has Robert learned not to underestimate his social "inferiors" when they save his bacon?
* BenevolentBoss: He presents a firm but fair approach to managing his staff.
* BerserkButton / AngerBornOfWorry: Lady Sybil's blossoming relationship with Branson, and the inherent danger she faces in his company causes him to blow his stack on several occasions.
* BigFancyHouse: ...doesn't even begin to describe his titular family seat.
* BigScrewedUpFamily: The head of it, in fact.
* BlueBlood
* TheBritishTitleSystem: An earl is a member of the British peerage, ranking below a marquess and above a viscount. A feminine form of "earl" never developed, so "countess" is used as the equivalent feminine title. Robert's title originates from a place-name (Grantham) and he is thus referred to as Lord Grantham, and his wife, Cora, as Lady Grantham.
* TheChainsOfCommanding: He made many personal sacrifices to get to where he is, and will brook no complaints from his children; these are things to be borne.
* FamilyHonor: Of the utmost importance to him.
* FantasyForbiddingFather: Sybil's liberal politics, avant-garde fashion sense, and ''particularly'' her choice of husband are utterly alien to Robert, a complete folly in fact--so much so that he threatens to cut her off financially lest she fail to toe the line. Thankfully, in Series 3, he wearily relents.
* GentlemanAndAScholar: He keeps a large library and is keen that staff, as well as his family, be allowed to borrow his books.
* GoldDigger: He married Cora purely for her fortune, in order to save his ailing estate. He subsequently came to love Cora and feels very ashamed about his motives in marrying her.
* GoodOldWays: In Series 2, he derides Sir Richard Carlisle's modernisation plans for Haxby Park, including all mod-cons and an ensuite bathroom in every bedroom, as "like living in a hotel".
* HappilyMarried: He and Cora flout convention by refusing to [[SleepingSingle sleep single]], as was usual for aristocratic couples.
-->'''Lady Mary''': I hope you know that really smart people sleep in separate rooms.
-->'''Lord Robert''': I always keep the dressing room bed made up so I at least pretend we sleep in separate rooms. Isn't that enough?
-->'''Lady Mary''': No. Never mind.
** Both he and Cora are happily married - after a brief wobble during the war and Sybil's death - after thirty three years of marriage by 1922.
* ImpoverishedPatrician: Before his marriage. This was quite common in RealLife. During the nineteenth century, many impoverished British aristocrats married American heiresses to maintain their wealth. One of these heiresses was Usefulnotes/WinstonChurchill's mother.
* LikeASonToMe: He says this to Matthew pretty much word for word.
* ManlyTears: Following Cora's miscarriage and in Series 3, firstly when he has to tell Cora that almost all her dowry is gone due to his bad investments and then when Lady Sybil dies from post-partum eclampsia.
* MistakenForServant: By his ''own mother'' hilariously, when he is forced to wear black tie after O'Brien hides his white tie to get back at Thomas.
-->'''Violet:''' Might I have a drink? Oh, I'm so sorry, I thought you were a waiter.
* NobilityMarriesMoney: He married his wealthy American wife for her dowry.
* OfficerAndAGentleman: He served in TheSecondBoerWar, prior to Series 1. In Series 2, his military role is purely symbolic, much to his chagrin.
* PapaWolf: He's incredibly protective of his daughters, but Sybil in particular.
--> '''Robert''' (To Branson): If you mistreat her, I will personally have you torn to pieces by wild dogs.
* ParentalFavoritism: Sybil is his favourite and Mary is a close second. [[TheUnfavorite Edith]] clearly brings up the rear.
* ThePatriarch: Of the Crawley clan.
* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: Most of the time.
* [[RichInDollarsPoorInSense Rich in Pounds, Poor in Sense]]: When it comes to financial matters. We get hints in the second episode; he gives Charlie Grigg twenty pounds--that's the equivalent of nearly two ''thousand'' today--to buy him off, at a stroke. He literally had that much in his pocket.[[note]]Almost reminds you of a certain [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Balotelli Italian footballer]]: "Why do you have £5000 on your person?" "[[MemeticMutation Because I am rich]]."[[/note]] This is, however, at its most evident in Series 3 -- First he loses Cora's fortune in an all-or-nothing investment (and wonders about reinvesting with "this chap called {{Ponzi}}"). Next it's revealed he's been mismanaging the estate for years, and its haemorrhaging money. Then he refuses to consider Matthew's improvements, even though Downton could be lost again if he doesn't.
* RomanticismVersusEnlightenment: In Series 3, his entrenchment to the traditional old ways of running the Estate puts him at odds with Matthew, who has plans for a more modern, efficient Downton.
* SuccessionCrisis: He has no son of his own, meaning that his first and first cousin once removed, James and Patrick, were to inherit the estate - until they were killed on the Titanic in the first episode. As a result, distant relation Matthew is the new heir, a development that drives much of the series's plot.
* SuddenlyShouting: He's generally a very even tempered sort of chap, so this only occurs when he gives his daughters a bollocking, and when Isobel's pushiness becomes too much...
-->'''Robert:''' Now I think perhaps I should make one thing clear. Downton is our house and our home and we will welcome in it any friends or relations we choose and if you do not care to accept that condition then I suggest you give orders for the nurses and the patients and the beds and the rest of it TO BE PACKED UP AND SHIPPED OUT ''AT ONCE!!''
* TeethClenchedTeamwork: Over the running of his estate -- with Matthew in Series 3, and then Mary in Series 4.
* TookALevelInJerkass: He gets an unfortunate dose in Series 3, once we learn his management of the estate (ie, the one tangible contribution his existence gives to the world) will soon run it into the ground. And it takes the entire series for him to be convinced to see reason and accept that there's a better way to run it.
** He briefly gets even worse in Series 4 when he considers hiding from Mary that she may legally own half of Downton, but comes to his senses.
* WellIntentionedExtremist: He (and Violet) can be justifiably blamed for bringing up Sir Anthony's doubts about marrying someone younger and his disability, which leads to Edith getting jilted at the altar.
* YourCheatingHeart: In Series 2, he strikes up a lustful dalliance with Jane Moorsum, a new maid, which leads to a few stolen kisses, but he soon breaks it off, following a MyGodWhatHaveIDone realization. Robert definitely HasAType -- Jane, like his wife Cora, is a brunette with piercing blue eyes who is devoted to her family.
\\

!!The Right Honourable Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham [-(Elizabeth [=McGovern=])-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/cora_768.png]]

->"''No one ever tells you about raising daughters. You think it’ll be like ''LittleWomen'', and instead they’re at each other's throats from dawn til dusk.''"
----

* AmbiguouslyJewish: Her father Isidore Levinson was Jewish but her mother, Martha Levinson, is not. Cora and her brother Harold were therefore raised as Episcopalians.
* DespairEventHorizon: Following Sybil's death in childbirth, for which she initially blames Robert, at least in part. She pleads PleaseWakeUp over and over again as poor Sybil succumbs to post-partum eclampsia.
* GoodParents: Considering her own mother is decidedly over-bearing, Cora is ostensibly a very good mum to her three girls.
* GorgeousPeriodDress: As the chatelaine, she is bedecked out in the fanciest of hats, dresses and jewellery. As a married woman, she also wears very grand tiaras for dinner and other social occasions.
* [[MamaBear Grandma Bear]]: Do ''not'' abuse Sybil's daughter when she's around.
* HappilyMarried: She even confirms it when asked by Robert. After thirty-three years - with a brief wobble during the war and another when Sybil dies - both she and Robert remain very much in love.
* HorribleJudgeOfCharacter: Stop trusting O'Brien!
* IncurableCoughOfDeath: She contracts a rather nasty bout of Spanish Flu in Series 2, and it looks like she won't make it at one point, especially after she starts [[BloodFromTheMouth coughing up blood]]. She gets better though -- as Dr Clarkson says, it's a [[TruthInTelevision strange]] disease.
* TheMatchmaker: Keen to get her daughters (especially Mary) married and settled as quickly as possible.
-->'''Mary''': How many times am I to be ordered to marry the man sitting next to me at dinner?
-->'''Cora''': As many times as it takes.
* NouveauRiche: Her father seems to have been a SelfMadeMan, though of course she exhibits none of the negative aspects associated with this trope and is consummately ladylike, fitting in perfectly with the British upper crust--although she is perhaps a bit more diplomatic than others. She's part of something that happened a fair amount at the time: he brought class and tradition older than America, she brought much-needed money to the estate.
* ParentalFavoritism: She's more diplomatic than Robert, but it's pretty clear that she too shows more interest in Sybil and Mary over Edith.
-->'''Cora:''' You were a ''great'' success in London, Sybil darling.
-->'''Edith:''' You never say anything like that to me...
-->'''Cora:''' Really? Well [[CompletelyMissingThePoint you were very helpful,]] Edith dear.
* ProperLady: She's elegant, dignified and compassionate.
* RavenHairIvorySkin: Which is where her daughters Mary and Sybil get their looks from. Edith, with her fair-hair, is ostensibly the odd one out.
* SacredHospitality: She takes her role as a gracious hostess very seriously, and is always keen to host community events at the Abbey, including the village bazaar for example.
* SilkHidingSteel
-->'''Cora:''' Don't worry about me, I'm an American -- have gun, will travel.
* SpoiledSweet: Cora's father was a dry goods millionaire from Cincinnati, making her less like the NY old guard and more like the rest of the ''Buccaneers'' - American heiresses who couldn't get into the American elite, so they came over to England and France where their wealth could be, ah, appreciated.
* SurprisePregnancy: Which ends in a tragic miscarriage -- see O'Brien's entry below.
* TextileWorkIsFeminine: She's often seen working on her embroidery sampler.
* TokenMinority: She's American, a fact that her mother-in-law and even her own daughters rarely let her forget.
-->'''Lady Mary:''' You're American, you don't understand these things.
\\

!!Lady Mary Crawley [-(Michelle Dockery)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ladymay_8281.png]]

->"''Well, it's nothing to me. I've bigger fish to fry''"
----

* AloofDarkHairedGirl: Of the Crawley girls -- she exhibits a cooler, haughtier demeanor than eager-to-please, lovelorn Edith and adorably earnest Sybil.
* AlphaCouple: Her and Matthew. From the start, the romance between them has been one of the primary focuses of the series, and the [[WillTheyOrWontThey back and forth]] nature of their relationship has served as a major conversation topic between the rest of the characters.
* TheBeautifulElite: Unashamedly so.
* BeastlyBloodsports: She's an accomplished horsewoman (as shown when she charges and leaps a hedge whilst riding ''side''-saddle), and enjoys the hunt enormously. As Edith says:
-->'''Edith:''' Oh you know Mary -- she likes to be in at the kill.
* BelligerentSexualTension: Between her and Matthew.
* BerserkButton: Downton and its survival comes first for her -- and woe betide Matthew when, in Series 3, he suggests he can't accept a huge inheritance from Lavinia's late father which could save the ailing estate.
* [[BigBrotherInstinct Big Sister Instinct]]: She exhibits this to Sybil in spades, referring to her as "my darling" most of the time and sticking up for her to their parents. ''Never'' to Edith, however.
* BirthDeathJuxtaposition: At the close of the Series 3 ChristmasSpecial, scenes of Mary happily cooing over her and Matthew's new baby (and heir) are inter-cut with Matthew speeding along in his roadster, which collides with an on-coming lorry, leaving his lifeless, blood-soaked body by the roadside.
* BlueBlood
* BreakTheHaughty: Handsome foreign house-guest Kemal Pamuk scandalously dies in her bed during an illicit encounter, after he manages to barge his way into her room. The ensuing scandal this causes throughout Series 1 & 2 (after Edith leaks the story) thoroughly shatters her confidence.
* TheBritishTitleSystem: As daughters of an Earl, Mary and her sisters are styled ''Lady'' [first name] [family name].
* CantGetAwayWithNuthin: Mary is seduced by the charming Pamuk... and in minutes [[OutWithABang is left with the problem of how to dispose of his body.]]
* ChristmasCake: She's on the cusp, and this is the reason why the family wants her (in her early 20s) to be married off as quickly as possible, "before the bloom is quite gone off the rose," as the Dowager Countess puts it.
* DefrostingIceQueen: After Matthew manages to thaw out her heart. Mary is an interesting example, as she will typically revert back to her frosty side when meeting new people (particularly men), and only drops the haughty, icy facade (or not) once she's sussed them out.
* EnglishRose: She's a statuesque, porcelain-skinned beauty and possesses the easy confidence and social charm typical to her class -- although she can, at times, reveal something of an ambitious streak and is ''definitely'' quite the contrarian.
* EstablishingCharacterMoment:
-->'''Mary:''' Do I have to be [[ForgottenFallenFriend in full mourning?]]
* FairytaleWeddingDress: 1920's style -- a close fitting, drop-waist number all in purest white.
* FallenPrincess: Following the Pamuk scandal, detailed above.
* FamilyHonor: Her number one priority -- protecting and preserving the family's status and position.
* FemmeFatale: Men find her intriguing, beguiling and sexy, and seem to enjoy her playful, slightly dangerous side -- which she of course encourages.
* TheGloriousWarOfSisterlyRivalry: She appears very close with Sybil, but Mary and Edith are at each other's throats constantly.
-->'''Edith:''' Why was Cousin Matthew in such a ''hurry'' to get away?
-->'''Mary:''' Don't be stupid.
-->'''Edith:''' I suppose you didn't want him when he wanted you. And now it's the other way round... You have to admit, it's quite funny.
-->'''Mary:''' I'll admit that if I ever wanted to attract a man, I'd steer clear of those clothes and that hat.
* GorgeousPeriodDress: Including OfCorsetsSexy and OperaGloves every evening for dinner.
* HeroicBSOD: After losing Matthew, she almost completely shuts down and ices over for nearly six months. In the Series 4 premiere, a slight nudge from other members of Downton (against her father's wishes) is all it takes for her icy exterior to shatter and cause her to start sobbing hysterically.
* KissingCousins: She was [[ArrangedMarriage engaged]] to Patrick Crawley, her 2nd cousin, and Matthew is her 4th cousin.
* LadyInRed: Her signature colour throughout Series 1-3. However in Series 4, she becomes a WomanInBlack due to wearing appropriate mourning colours for the loss of Matthew. She has moved on to the purple shades of half-mourning by the time of the [[ShipTease pig rescue in episode seven]].
* {{Leitmotif}}: Like most couples (and some individuals) in the series, she and Matthew have a [[LoveTheme piece of music]] to accompany significant scenes. Their's forms one of the main orchestral themes of the series.
* LightFeminineDarkFeminine: Sybil and Mary share a strong sisterly bond, and represent pure, innocent femininity (the light) and sexy, sultry femininity (the dark) respectively.
* LineageComesFromTheFather: She sees herself as English through and through, and often condescends her own mother's American background without any hint of irony. In explaining her extraordinary efforts to stay at Downton Abbey, when her mother is resigned to downsizing in Series 3, she remarks, ‘I am English -- ''you'' are American’. Which seemingly sums up their entire relationship.
* LoveTriangle / DudeMagnet: Or rather, quadrilateral, as in Series 4, she is the subject of the affections of no less than ''three'' potential suitors -- Anthony Foyle, Charles Blake and Evelyn Napier.
-->'''Rose''': What's the group noun for "suitors"?
* MasterOfTheMixedMessage: She seems to want what she can't have. If a suitor suddenly becomes available, Mary finds a reason to break it off.
* TheMourningAfter: As Series 4 begins, set 6 months after Matthew's death at the close of Series 3, she is still in a deep depression and wracked with grief.
-->'''Violet:''' You have a straightforward choice before you. You must choose either death... or ''life''.
-->'''Mary:''' And you think I should choose life?
* MySignificanceSenseIsTingling: In the [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarOne war years]] of Series 2, a dramatic scene of Matthew (and William) getting caught in an explosion quickly cuts to Mary back at Downton, who drops her tea-cup in alarm.
* MySisterIsOffLimits: Her protective instinct towards Sybil is fully shown when she begins to notice the relationship forming between her and Branson.
* PropheticName: The old Hebrew translation of Mary includes "bitterness" and "rebelliousness." There's also the old nursery rhyme - "Mary, Mary, quite ''contrary''", which seems appropriate in her case.
* ProudBeauty: Oh yes.
* RavenHairIvorySkin: Just like her mum.
* RebelliousSpirit: Mary does not crave advice, and exhibits a defiantly cavalier attitude.
-->'''Mary:''' [derisively] Have you seen the new boy's haircuts the ladies are wearing in Paris?\\
'''Matthew:''' I hope ''you'' won't try that.\\
'''Mary:''' '''[[HypocriticalHumor I might!]]'''
* RichBitch: Mary can be quite the snob, and is quick to pick up on (and deride) any social blunders.
-->'''Mary''': You can't be serious? I don't have to think about it. Marry a man who can barely hold his knife like a gentleman?
* SingleWomanSeeksGoodMan: Sort of. Mary is nothing if not picky. At least, until the Pamuk scandal, when she starts to think she has to settle for Sir Richard.
* SlapSlapKiss: With Matthew, ''especially'' in Series 3.
* SpiritedYoungLady: She's elegant, sophisticated and knows the rules of Society implicitly, even if she doesn't always play by them.
* StatuesqueStunner: Standing at 5'9".
* SuddenPrincipledStand: A rather jarring example occurs in the Series 4 Christmas Day Special. Mary has a sudden, uncharacteristic attack of scruples when evidence (a train ticket) comes to light that implicates Bates in [[spoiler: Green's murder]], and she is initially insistent that she cannot keep said evidence from the authorities. This seems at odds with Mary's character throughout the series as a rather cavalier, non-conformist -- particularly as she knew what Green had done to Anna. In the end, her loyalty to the couple wins through and she burns the ticket.
* TallDarkAndSnarky: She's a statuesque, raven-haired beauty and possesses an imperiously dry sense of humour.
* TemptingFate: Mary says that she wants the trip to Duneagle to be Matthew's "last treat before Fatherhood claims him" -- Matthew, distracted by the happy news of his son's birth, dies when his roadster collides with an on-coming lorry.
* TookALevelInKindness: In Series 2 -- mostly due to the humbling affect the War years have on her.
* UpperClassWit: She appears to have inherited something of her grandmother's rapier wit .
* UsedToBeASweetKid: According to Carson, who dotes on her.
* VolleyingInsults: With her sister Edith, constantly.
* WantingIsBetterThanHaving: Has an instinctual aversion to the most available man.
* WillTheyOrWontThey: With Matthew -- TheyDo, at the start of Series 3.
* WidowWoman: From Series 4 onwards, following Matthew's death at the close of Series 3.
\\

!!Lady Edith Crawley [-(Laura Carmichael)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ladyedith_4024.png]]

->"''Am I to be the maiden aunt? Isn't this what they do? Arrange presents for their prettier relations?''"
----

* BlondesAreEvil: Well, not exactly evil, but certainly sullen and malicious. Her fair hair serves to compound the differences between her and her mother and sisters, who are raven-haired beauties -- she's the odd one out at a casual glance.
* BlueBlood
* ChekhovsSkill: After honing her skills on one of the estate farms during the war years of Series 2, her ability to drive comes in handy when she races north with Mary and Anna, in pursuit of Sybil and Branson when they elope to Gretna Green.
* ChristmasCake: She sees herself as this, which is why she is so pursuant of Sir Anthony, resolutely deciding he's her last chance at marriage.
* ClingyJealousGirl: She exhibits this with Matthew, and later even more so with Sir Anthony.
* DatingWhatDaddyHates: Robert definitely ''likes'' Sir Anthony Strallan, he's just not too thrilled about him dating his much younger daughter.
* ADayInTheLimelight: Her (planned) wedding to Sir Anthony Strallan -- she even remarks that she can't believe an event at the house is all about her...
* DespairEventHorizon: Following Sir Anthony's decision to call off their wedding, which he does so as they meet at the ''altar''. Edith is left [[BrokenTears broken]] and inconsolable.
* TheDogBitesBack: Having endured Mary's taunts for most of the early part of Series 1, she takes revenge by writing to the Turkish Embassy to explain Mary's direct involvement in the circumstances surrounding the Kemal Pamuk scandal.
-->'''Edith''': I think she who laughs last, laughs the longest.
* DrivenByEnvy: In Series 1 especially -- it's all she's got.
* TheGloriousWarOfSisterlyRivalry: Her and Mary. Whereas Mary is derisive about Edith's appearance and fashion sense, Edith is as equally snide and disapproving of Mary's behavior and attitude.
--> '''Mary:'''... I don’t think I would have gotten down, no matter how lame the horse.
--> '''Edith:''' No, I don’t believe you would.
* GoingForTheBigScoop: In Series 3, she makes a big splash as the rebellious daughter of Lord Grantham who publishes articles in ''The Sketch'' in support of women's liberation. (To her father's displeasure.)
* GreenEyedMonster: Oh yes, especially with regard to Mary, and to a lesser extent, Sybil.
* IJustWantToBeSpecial: She's desperate to find her place in the world.
* LaserGuidedKarma: Edith loses her best chance with Sir Anthony in Series one as a direct result of spreading the story of Mary and Pamuk's sexual encounter and then spitefully admitting it to Mary's face.
* {{Leitmotif}}: As life starts to improve for Edith (learning to drive, being with Sir Anthony etc), her time on screen is often accompanied by a cheerily hopeful, upbeat strings arrangement. It gets a DarkReprise when she bursts back into Downton in her wedding dress, after being jilted at the altar.
* LookingForLoveInAllTheWrongPlaces: Where to start? First, it was her cousin Patrick (who was engaged to Mary), then she developed feelings for Matthew (clearly unrequited), then in Series 2 she's snogging a (married) farm-hand (and is busted by his wife), then in Series 3, she takes up with Sir Anthony Strallan again, who is a quarter of a century older than her and ends up breaking her heart by leaving her at the altar (albeit for gallant reasons). Finally, she enjoys a flirtation towards the end of Series 3 with her new editor, Michael Gregson who turns out to be trapped in marriage with a mental patient.
* MaliciousSlander: Disseminating scurrilous rumours about her own sister's sex-ploits with Kemal Pamuk takes the cake.
* ManipulativeBitch: She extracts the above gossip from an unwitting Daisy, under the guise of concern for her welfare.
* MiddleChildSyndrome: She's over-looked by her parents and sandwiched between her confident, beautiful sisters.
* MayDecemberRomance: With Sir Anthony Strallan during Series 1 and rekindled (perhaps) as of the Christmas Special. As of the Series 3 premiere, she's actively pursuing him, complete with inviting him to sit next to her at Mary and Matthew's wedding and kissing him on the cheek after a dinner party. Sadly, his hesitations get the better of him and he jilts her at the altar.
* MiseryBuildsCharacter: Her mother tells her this in an attempt to comfort her after she is jilted.
* NamingConventions: In keeping with her character, "Edith" is a rather staid, disharmonic, typical [[OldMaid old maid]] name -- at least compared to Mary (a classic main character/heroine name) and Sybil (a relatively unusual, phonetically silvery name).
* OldMaid: She believes she is damned to this life especially after being left at the altar. She broken-heartedly accepts it the day afterwards.
* OutdoorsyGal: As much as an Edwardian Lady can be of course, but Edith genuinely found a new passion for driving the family cars, tractors and helping out on the estate farm during the War, much to the horror of her grandmother...
-->'''Violet:''' Edith! You're a Lady, not [[TheWindInTheWillows Toad of Toad Hall!]]
* PlainJane: Probably the politest way to describe Edith.
* RejectionAffection: Edith pursues her neighbor Sir Anthony Strallan aggressively even though her family AND Strallan are against the match. She finally gets the hint when he leaves her at the alter.
* SlidingScaleOfBeauty: While not exactly ''ugly'', poor Edith isn't a patch on sexy, sultry Mary and downright adorable Sybil.
* [[SourPrudes Sour Prude]]: Oh yes - Especially where Mary is concerned.
* SpiritedYoungLady: After Sybil's death in Series 3, it seems her plotline in this regard was transferred to Edith, who suddenly takes an interest in writing about her support for women's suffrage and other political issues to a newspaper.
* SlutShaming: Her own sister, Mary.
* [[spoiler: SurprisePregnancy / MySecretPregnancy: Following a night of passion with Michael Gregson mid-way through Series 4, she discovers she's pregnant. With Michael seemingly vanished into thin air, so traumatised is Edith that she makes an appointment at a BackAlleyDoctor for an illegal termination. However, once at the clinic, she [[GoodGirlsAvoidAbortion can't bring herself to go through with it]] and makes plans to carry her baby to term by [[StigmaticPregnancyEuphemism disguising it as a long French-improvement trip]] to [[UsefulNotes/{{Switzerland}} Geneva]] with her Aunt Rosamund, with the plan being to give up the baby to a Swiss family. In the Series 4 Christmas Day Special, it is revealed Edith has had her baby daughter, but is so wracked with guilt that she plans to retrieve the child from Switzerland and secretly hand it over to Tim Drewe, a local tenant farmer, so she can at least have a chance of seeing the child.]]
* ThrowTheDogABone: Series 2 episode 3 has a moment where Edith is finally given praise by General Sir Herbert Strutt for her actions to help the recuperating veterans at the convalescent home. Although this is something she has been doing on the quiet, the other officers have noted and appreciated all the help she has provided them with. The entire table is shocked and impressed, with her mother even giving her a warm smile. The look on Edith's face afterwards is [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments heartwarming]].
* TookALevelInKindness: Of all the characters in the series, Edith has gone through the most striking CharacterDevelopment process. In Series 1, she is an [[SourPrude embittered]], badly-dressed shrew and ''definitely'' the family trouble-maker. But after proving her worth during the War years of Series 2, she begins the journey [[TookALevelInKindness to becoming a nicer person]] -- her sister Sybil even remarks on it. In Series 3, following Sybil's death, she supplants her as the SpiritedYoungLady of the family by beginning a career in journalism, becoming something of a [[TheFashionista fashionista]] (witness the risqué ensemble she wears to The Criterion), and taking up with a dashing (but married) lover, Michael Gregson. By Series 4, her [[spoiler: SurprisePregnancy]] storyline provides the greatest evidence of development, presenting Edith as a compassionate, morally strong young woman in a manner that is ''completely'' different from her Series 1 persona. Edith still [[CharacterCheck retains something of a sharp-tongue]], but the overall change across the four series is palpable.
* TwentiesBobHaircut: From Series 3 on-wards -- she sports the classic "Marcel Wave".
* TheUnfavourite: Particularly evident with this exchange:
--> '''Robert:''' Poor old Edith, we never seem to talk about her.
--> '''Cora:''' I'm afraid Edith will be the one to care for us in our old age.
--> '''Robert:''' What a ghastly prospect.
* VolleyingInsults: With Mary.
* WillTheyOrWontThey: With Sir Anthony. They don't. All ''seems'' fine up until the wedding day itself, but Sir Anthony calls it all off. Poor Edith.
* YankTheDogsChain: Just when it looks like things are finally working out for her, she's left jilted and sobbing at the altar.
\\

!!Lady Sybil Branson (née Crawley) [-(Jessica Brown-Findlay)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/syybil_1321.png]]

->"''No one ever learned anything from a governess except for French, and how to curtsy.''"
----

* BeautyEqualsGoodness: The loveliest character in the series in ''both'' senses of the word.
* TheBeautifulElite: By birth and ''definitely'' in appearance, although her sweet personality is democratically unpatrician.
* BirdsOfAFeather: Initially drawn to Branson due to their shared interest in politics. Later episodes reveal their rebellious natures.
* BlueBlood
* BrainyBrunette: In terms of her sociopolitical interests.
* TheBritishTitleSystem: When she marries Branson (a commoner), as opposed to becoming simply "Mrs Branson", Sybil retains the style of "Lady" because her title is ''suo jure'' -- that is, by right of birth.
* DatingWhatDaddyHates: Her relationship with Branson.
* DeathByChildbirth: She dies after contracting eclampsia following the birth of her daughter mid-way through Series 3.
* {{Elopement}}: In the dead of night, she and Branson race to Gretna Green to wed -- until they're intercepted by Mary, Edith and Anna.
* EnglishRose: Sybil is a true natural beauty, and with her bee-stung lips, wavy brown hair and alabaster complexion, as well as her politeness and strong moral sense, she ''perfectly'' exhibits the desired qualities of a true English Rose.
* GorgeousPeriodDress: She wears beautiful dresses, and OfCorsetHurts.
* GutPunch: Her death. Series 3 is just as melodramatic as the previous two, but the graphic, gasping death scene of one of the main family members, who had just become a mother ''and'' is one of the nicest characters on the show was unprecedented and shocking. William's death was [[PeacefulInDeath noble, drawn out and sweet]]; Lavinia was perhaps [[DisposableLoveInterest destined to die]] -- but Sybil's death was [[DarkerAndEdgier frantic, quick and horrifying.]] Never before had the show been so shocking to watch.
* TheHeart: Of the Crawley clan.
* HospitalHottie: During the War years in Series 2.
* HundredPercentAdorationRating: She is unanimously beloved by ''everyone'' at Downton, family and staff alike, and even ''Thomas'' sobs when she dies.
-->'''Thomas''': In my life, not many have been kind to me. She was one of the few.
* IndifferentBeauty: Although she's probably the most beautiful female in the series, Sybil never uses her looks to get her own way or manipulate people -- her kindness, intelligence and passion do the talking.
* InnocentBlueEyes
* {{Leitmotif}}: Her (and Branson's) theme is evocative and longingly romantic in tone and quality. It gets its DarkReprise in the scenes following her death.
* LightFeminineDarkFeminine: Sybil and Mary share a strong sisterly bond, and represent pure, innocent femininity (the light) and sexy, sultry femininity (the dark) respectively.
* LongHairIsFeminine: In the early part of Series 1, she's only just 16 and so still often wears her waist-length hair down -- usually decorated with a [[HairDecorations large bow and pretty slides or pins]]. Her sisters are older, and have already had their first "Season", so always pin their hair up to signify they are ready for marriage.
* TheLostLenore: After her death she becomes Lost Lenore for Branson.
* NiceToTheWaiter: She's ''particularly'' kind to the household staff, especially Gwen, her maid.
-->'''Sybil:''' ''(to Gwen)'' Your dream is my dream now, and I'll make it come true.
* OutOfCharacterMoment: A surprising, throwaway example occurs in the first series -- O'Brien is setting Sybil's hair for the day when Gwen enters her room. After Sybil thanks O'Brien and signals she may leave, she remarks to Gwen "odious woman". Sure, O'Brien is a nasty piece of work but it's surprising that Sybil, who never normally has a bad word to say about ''anyone'', says this without any clear, immediate provocation.
* PurityPersonified: One of the nicest characters on the show.
* RavenHairIvorySkin: In appearance, she takes after her mum.
* RebelliousPrincess: Well, rebellious daughter of an earl.
* RichesToRags: When she decides to marry Branson, although it's played-with: Sybil sees the change as a positive, and Lord Grantham eventually caves and gives her a small dowry, though still warning her about the very different life she'll lead.
* RiteOfPassage: Mid-way through Series 1, Sybil does her first "Season" -- a series of [[DancesAndBalls balls and parties]] provided as an opportunity for noble young women who have reached marriageable age to be launched into society.
* SpiritedYoungLady: When it comes to politics, and fashion - the harem-style culottes she has tailored ''shock'' her family and in Series 2 she goes so far as to--''shudder''--actually get a ''job'' as a nurse.
* SpoiledSweet: She's sweet, kind and considerate. Like mother, like daughter, one supposes.
* TooGoodForThisSinfulEarth
-->'''Mrs Hughes''': She was a sweet, kind person and a real beauty, both inside and out.
* TrueBlueFemininity: Her colour of choice, most of her outfits are blue of some shade.
* UptownGirl: For Branson.
* WideEyedIdealist: Despite her position of privilege, she is determined to pursue her political interests, champion women's rights and actually ''work'' for a living.
-->'''Sybil''': I know what it is to work now. To have a full day, to be tired in a good way. I don't want to start dress fittings or paying calls or standing behind the guns.
* WillTheyOrWontThey: With Branson -- TheyDo.
\\

!!The Right Honourable Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham [-(Dame Maggie Smith)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/violet_crawley_8301.png]]

->"''No Englishman would dream of dying in someone else's house, especially someone they didn't even know.''"
----

* BlueBlood
* BritishStuffiness: Played with ''magnificent'' aplomb.
* TheBritishTitleSystem: As the widow of a peer, Violet may continue to use the style she had during her husband's lifetime with the added prefix ''Dowager'', which recognises and respects her previous role as chatelaine.
* BrutalHonesty: She doesn't beat around the bush so much as hack straight through it.
* TheComicallySerious: She's the master of dry, po-faced badinage, but is also unknowingly funny in her imperious, aghast reaction to any concept that offends her staunch patrician ideals.
* CoolOldLady: Possesses a ''rapier'' wit and perfect comic timing.
* DeadpanSnarker: The finest in the series.
-->'''Violet:''' So put that in your pipe and smoke it.
* FamilyHonor: Like her granddaughter Mary, maintaining the family's position and status is her raison d'être.
* [[GentlemanSnarker Gentlewoman Snarker]]: The absolute ''queen'' of the pithy, biting one-liner.
* GoodOldWays: She even backs away in horror from electric lighting.
-->'''Violet:''' First electricity, now telephones. Sometimes I feel as if I was living in a Creator/HGWells novel.
* GorgeousPeriodDress: Though she does wear rather {{Outdated Outfit}}s -- In the first series, her outfits are more in line with the 1900s than the 1910s, and by the time she starts wearing the high-waisted, un-corseted looks of 1912-4 in the second season, it's UsefulNotes/WorldWarOne and the other ladies are moving on to barrel skirts and proto-flapper looks. Even in 1920, she's still dressing like [[TheHouseOfWindsor Queen Alexandra]], wearing an "s-bend" corset and floor-length gowns. This is in stark contrast to her American counter-part Martha, who is seen to embrace the new style of shapeless dresses, drop-waists and far higher hemlines.
* GracefulLadiesLikePurple: It's her signature colour -- she even shares her name with a shade of purple.
* GrandeDame: She provides a definitive example.
* HopelessWithTech: And HOW! The Countess is baffled even by a [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2bfYw1B_Ww swivel chair]]!
* HypocriticalHumor: She can be as stuffy, snide and sarcastic as she wants, but she will not allow Robert (of all people) to be stuffy to anyone. She always makes sure to be the first to pull him down from his high horse.
* ICantBelieveImSayingThis: Violet's conversation with Mary, following Matthew's death, culminates in her saying that she loves her. This is the first time that Violet has ''ever'' said these words onscreen to anyone in her family, and she lacks all of her usual self-assurance when expressing such emotion. The scene is all the more powerful for that very fact.
* IllTakeThatAsACompliment: How she deals with most insults vollied her way.
* IntergenerationalFriendship: Violet takes a vested interest in her great-niece Lady Rose, and insists she stay with her at the Dower House when she visits Downton in 1920. In the Series 3 Christmas Special, she steers Rose away and comforts her after another berating from her mother, Susan.
* IronicName: Violet is certainly no ShrinkingViolet.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold:
** As seen at the village flower show, where rather than accepting a horticultural award she wins ''every'' year by default, she graciously presents the prize to Molesley's father, Bill.
** Also evidenced with the [[MamaBear protective attitude]] she displays towards William, especially with regard to arranging his repatriation to Downton after he is mortally wounded at Amiens; she even threatens TheVicar when he initially refuses to conduct William's last request to marry Daisy.
** Her kind advice to Daisy when she is feeling guilty about marrying William when she did not love him as much is another example.
* TheMatchmaker: She (surprisingly) pushes for the match between Mary and Matthew in Series 1, mostly to secure her granddaughter's position, and to ensure some measure of control over the Estate remains within the immediate family.
-->'''Violet''': I didn't run Downton for 30 years to see it go, lock, stock and barrel, to a stranger from ''GOD'' knows where!
* [[MeddlingParents Meddling (Grand) Parent]]: As family matriarch, she makes everyone's business ''her'' business.
* MysteriousProtector: Violet has a special soft spot for William (and Molseley), so when the call-up comes during the [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarOne War years]] of Series 2, she uses her considerable influence behind the scenes to ensure both lads are exempt from conscription. That is, until her plan is busted by the wily Isobel.
* NeverMessWithGranny: EVER.
-->'''Violet:''' We can't have him assassinated....I suppose.
* NiceHat: Violet adores hats -- a particular favourite appears to be a broad, purple number incorporating a bunch of fake silken ''grapes.''
* NotSoStoic: She is usually the epitome of indomitable Victorian reserve, so her faltering, heart-broken reaction to the death of her granddaughter Lady Sybil, with hidden tears as she slowly walks from the foyer to the drawing room, is all the more powerful in its subtlety.
* PassiveAggressiveKombat: With her rival family matriarch and American opposite, Martha. The pair trade some real zingers during their time on screen together.
-->'''Martha''': If I'm going to the theatre, I ought to change.
-->'''Violet''': ''(looking her up and down)'' Yes, I should.
* PatrioticFervor: She is a ''very'' proud Brit.
-->'''Violet:''' ''(to Cora)'' I'm so looking forward to seeing your mother again. When I'm with her, I'm reminded of the virtues of the English.
-->'''Matthew:''' But isn't she American?
-->'''Violet:''' Exactly.
* QuitYourWhining: Her own special brand of (grand) parenting is harsh, but well-meaning.
* [[ScrewPolitenessImASenior Screw Politeness, I'm a Senior!]]: Violet is beyond propriety.
* ScrewTheRulesIHaveMoney / ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections: Violet is an aristocrat to the core and views her position of power as a pre-ordained right, so is ''never'' above using her patrician authority to get her own way --
** After her plan to keep him safe from conscription fails, she uses her contact at the Foreign Office (her own nephew, Shrimpie Flintshire) to arrange William's repatriation to Downton, despite Dr Clarkson insisting it would be impossible.
** She also threatens the ''vicar'' with sanctions, both financial and social, if he refuses to carry out William's last request -- that he marry Daisy before he dies.
** After the War is over, she uses her manipulative skills to boot Isobel from the house by suggesting that her organisational abilities would be far better put to use helping War refugees (as opposed to meddling in the running of the Abbey).
** It's also thanks to her connections that Branson becomes a journalist.
* StealthInsult: Her specialty, usually delivered with a serenely smug countenance.
* ToughLove: She clearly loves her family, but her Victorian temperance precludes her from being affectionate or grandmotherly in a modern sense. This is exemplified in Series 4 when she backs away in ''horror'' from her great-grandson George when he starts bawling his little head off -- likely due to her being horribly unfamiliar with such a brouhaha, having had an army of nannies raise her own children.
* VolleyingInsults: She loves a verbal battle with Isobel, and ''especially'' Martha. The badinage between the three matriarchs provides some of the finest comedic scenes in the series.
* WellIntentionedExtremist: She and Robert can be justifiably blamed for bringing up Sir Anthony's doubts about marrying someone younger and his disability, which leads to Edith getting jilted at the altar. The episode before, she even told him to "stop the Strallan nonsense."
* YouRemindMeOfMyself: Violet may see something of her younger-self in her exuberant great-niece Rose, particularly with regard to Rose's rather risqué fashion sense.
--> '''Violet:''' Oh, my dear, in my day I wore the crinoline, the bustle, and the leg-of-mutton sleeves; I am not in a strong position to criticize.
\\

!!Matthew Crawley, Esquire [-(Dan Stevens)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/matthewcrawley_4764.png]]

->"''When it comes to cousin Mary, she is quite capable of doing her own flinging, I assure you.''"
----

* AudienceSurrogate: As he experiences the particulars and peculiarities of the English aristocracy, so do we.
* BelligerentSexualTension: Between him and Lady Mary.
* BirthDeathJuxtaposition: In the Series 3 Christmas Special, scenes of Mary happily cooing over their new baby (and heir) are inter-cut with Matthew speeding along in his roadster, which [[DiabolusExMachina collides with an on-coming lorry]], leaving his lifeless, blood-soaked body by the roadside.
* BestFriendsInLaw: With Tom.
* TheBritishTitleSystem: As an untitled member of the middle-class, but also an Earl-in-waiting, he is styled ''Esquire'', a title of respect accorded to men of higher social rank.
* CommonalityConnection: He and Branson bond and find mutual support over their both marrying Crawley girls, as well as the fact that Matthew understands what it's like to be an outsider at Downton.
-->'''Matthew:''' If we're mad enough to take on the Crawley girls, we have to stick together.
* DoggedNiceGuy: When it comes to Mary.
* FeeFiFauxPas: Initially.
* FishOutOfWater: Amongst his upper-class relations.
* FriendshipMoment: He leaps to Branson's defense when he is humiliated at a family dinner party, asking him there and then if he'll be his best man.
* HeirClubForMen: Although only a distant cousin, he is the direct heir to the Crawley estate.
* HelloAttorney: When introduced, he is a solicitor specializing in industrial law.
* TheHero: Through Series 1 to 3, until his untimely death.
* HollywoodHealing: He shakes off the below-the-waist paralysis he suffers from an explosion at [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarOne Amiens]] in the space of an episode. However, this series allows months, or even years, to pass between episodes, so it appears more dramatic than it should.
* HonestAdvisor: For Robert, over the running of the Estate, although he's not exactly thrilled with Matthew's rather frank approach.
* HonourBeforeReason: He's an incredibly principled chap, with high-minded ideals that sometimes cause friction between himself and the more traditionally entrenched members of the Crawley clan -- his wife included.
* HurtingHero: As seen following Mary's contrariness with regards to their relationship, a genuinely terrible time in the trenches of UsefulNotes/WorldWarOne, his suffering temporary paralysis below the waist, the death of William, his servant in battle and then Lavinia Swire, his betrothed. Poor chap.
* InadequateInheritor: In Series 1, he's viewed as this by most of the Crawleys, at least to begin with, because he is a ''middle''-class solicitor from Manchester. Inverted in Series 3, where Matthew finds out he's due to [[UnexpectedInheritance inherit money]] from Reggie Swire and considers ''himself'' an inadequate inheritor, because he broke Lavinia's heart and he thinks that Reggie didn't know. Turns out he actually did, and still wants Matthew to have the money.
* KissingCousins: With Lady Mary.
* TheMourningAfter: He is devastated by Lavinia's death from Spanish Flu, feeling it somehow his fault after she witnessed him share a dance and a kiss with Mary. It is a real MoralDilemma for him to finally allow himself to be happy with Mary.
* OfficerAndAGentleman: In Series 2, he's a captain in the British Army during UsefulNotes/WorldWarOne.
* RagsToRoyalty: He goes from being a Mancunian lawyer to the heir of the Earl of Grantham and his estate. Not that he's thrilled about it at first.
* RomanticismVersusEnlightenment: After his investment in the Estate in Series 3, some of the less traditionally-minded people at Downton appeal to Matthew for his support. This becomes a bone of contention between himself and Robert, whose instinctive response to change is to soft-pedal it.
* ScrewTheMoneyIHaveRules: When it is revealed in Series 3 that Lord Robert has lost almost all of Cora's money through bad investments, Matthew is given the opportunity to save the estate via a huge inheritance bequeathed to him by his ex-fiancée Lavinia's late father. He is resolute in not wanting to accept the money, suggesting it would be "stealing" as he feels he broke Lavinia's heart. This causes huge tensions between him and Mary.
* SecondEpisodeIntroduction: We don't meet Matthew (and Isobel) until the very last minute of the first episode, where they have a single very short scene.
* SelfMadeMan: In his capacity as a solicitor.
* SlapSlapKiss: With Mary, ''especially'' after their marriage.
* TeethClenchedTeamwork: Him and Robert in Series 3, as mentioned above.
* ThrowingOffTheDisability: See HollywoodHealing, above.
* UnexpectedSuccessor: Heir to the Grantham estate, thanks to a couple of casualties in the line of succession and the current Earl's lack of a male child.
* WhatTheHellHero: His initial behavior towards the Crawleys on finding out he is the new heir is flippantly ungracious, especially his treatment of Moseley, which was dismissive and lacked empathy. He soon warms up to the situation though.
* WillTheyOrWontThey: With Mary -- TheyDo.
\\

!!Mrs Isobel Crawley [-(Penelope Wilton)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/isobelcrawley_6202.png]]

->"''It would be foolish to accuse you of being unprofessional, since you've never had a profession in your life.''"
----

* ControlFreak: Present in Series 1, but by the 4th episode of Series 2, her bossy attitude reaches its zenith and causes huge ructions between her and Cora, which sees her up sticks and leave for France.
* DecemberDecemberRomance: Set in motion between her and Dr Clarkson during the Series 3 Christmas Special.
* [[DontCallMeSir Don't Call Me Milady]]: Played for laughs when earnest young gardener Pegg consistantly refers to her as "Your Ladyship". She keeps correcting him (she would be correctly referred to as "Madam"), but after the fourth or fifth time, she wearily relents.
-->'''Isobel''': I'm not Your Ladysh--oh never mind.
* FeeFiFauxPas: Although determined not to let herself and Matthew down socially when she first meets the Crawleys, this exchange with the Dowager Countess puts her well and truly in her place:
-->'''Isobel:''' Well then, what should we call each other?
-->'''Lady Grantham:''' Well, we could always start with Mrs Crawley and Lady Grantham.
* GoodSamaritan: She's a bit of a meddler, but at the same time she's an undeniably charitable woman -- helping Dr Clarkson at the village surgery, traveling to France with the Red Cross during the War, working at a refuge for [[TheOldestProfession fallen women]], offering Ethel (now a prostitute) work in her house, taking unfortunate scoundrel Charlie Grigg into her care and doggedly nursing a ''very'' ungrateful Violet back to health when she contracts bronchitis.
-->'''Isobel:''' If I am to live in this village, I must have an occupation.
* IDontWantToRuinOurFriendship: Manages to give this speech to Dr Clarkson ''without realising she's giving it''.
* [[MeddlingParents Meddling Parent]]: To Matthew, on occasion.
* MyBelovedSmother: A relatively mild example, but Matthew is often confounded by her pushiness.
* NonIdleRich: While it would be easy to dismiss Isobel as a Chardonnay Socialist, she really does walk her walk.
* NosyNeighbor: She can't help interfering in the family's business, especially if said business offends her liberal ideals.
* NurseWithGoodIntentions: She's actually a surprisingly good ''nurse'', when it comes down to it - she just sometimes seems to think she's a ''doctor'', which she's not.
* ObliviousToLove: Utterly oblivious to Dr Clarkson's interest in her -- see IDontWantToRuinOurFriendship above. Isobel is generally a clever woman, but that takes a special kind of obliviousness.
* OnlySaneMan: She sees herself as this amongst the family.
* OutlivingOnesOffspring: At the start of Series 4, set 6 months are after her son Matthew's death, she's paralysed by grief and rarely leaves the house.
* PassiveAggressiveKombat: She's just about the only person who will challenge the Dowager Countess. On some occasions she actually ''wins''.
-->'''Violet''': I have never known such reforming zeal.
* TheRival: For the Dowager Countess.
* SamaritanSyndrome: Which the Dowager Countess [[ExploitedTrope exploits]] to boot her from the house by suggesting that her organisational skills would be far better put to use helping War refugees (as opposed to meddling in the running of the Abbey).
* ScheduleFanatic: Exemplified in Series 2, whilst Downton functions as a convalescent home for injured soldiers.
* SecondEpisodeIntroduction: We don't meet Isobel (and Matthew) until the very last minute of the first episode, where they have a single very short scene.
\\

!!Lady Rosamund Painswick (née Crawley) [-(Samantha Bond)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rosamund_8775.png]]

->"''Mary, be sensible. Can you really see yourself dawdling your life away as the wife of a...country solicitor?''"
----

* AbsenteeActor: As Mary and Edith's interfering aunt, she is conspicuous by her absence from both girls' weddings during Series 3. Unavoidable, due to Samantha Bond's theatre commitments.
* BlueBlood: She's Lord Robert's younger sister.
* BreakTheHaughty: Having meddled in Mary's relationship (below), she gets a taste of her own medicine when her suitor, Lord Hepworth, is found to be sleeping with her own Lady's Maid!
-->'''Rosamund:''' I so hate it when Mama is proved right.
* TheBritishTitleSystem: When Richard Carlisle mistakenly refers to her as "Lady Painswick", it raises an interesting point about correct styles of address. In simple terms, Rosamund would only be "Lady Painswick" if her husband was knighted or had a title; he wasn't knighted -- rich yes, but only a mere banker -- so Rosamund retains the style she was born with; "Lady Rosamund".
* BrutalHonesty: She always says whatever is on her mind, which greatly annoys her mother, even though it's undoubtedly an inherited trait...
* CoolAunt: Single, childless and still young enough to head out dancing, Rosamund provides her nieces and young cousin Rose with a London crash-pad when they are in town.
* TheConfidant: For her niece Edith in particular, especially with regard to her relationship with Michael Gregson and resulting [[spoiler: SurprisePregnancy]] in Series 4.
* FieryRedhead
* GorgeousPeriodDress: With a penchant for a NiceHat.
* MealTicket: For Lord Hepworth.
* [[MeddlingParents Meddling Aunt]]: Her advice to Mary in Series 1 -- make Matthew wait until it was known whether lady Grantham's baby was a potential male heir before she accepted his proposal, which caused him to call it all off and shack up with Lavinia.
* WidowWoman: Her husband Marmaduke died some time before Series 1.
\\

!! Miss Sybil "Sybbie" Branson [-(Ava Mann / Fifi Hart)-]
[[quoteright:180:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sybbie_2570.png]]

->"''All we can do for her now is to cherish her bairn.''" -- Mrs Hughes
----

* BabiesMakeEverythingBetter: After Lady Sybil's tragic death, a shared sense of responsibility for baby Sybil's welfare helps the family come together -- Branson agrees to stick around as Estate Manager, much to everyone's relief.
* BirthDeathJuxtaposition: Her mother, Lady Sybil, dies shortly after she's born from post-partum eclampsia. The infant's cry from the nursery breaks the horrified silence of the family gathered around the death bed.
* TheBritishTitleSystem: Whilst her mother would have always been styled ''Lady'' despite marrying a commoner, young Sybbie couldn't have inherited the title because her ''father'' was a commoner, hence she's styled ''Miss''.
* BlueBlood: From her mother's side.
* DeadGuyJunior: Is named for her late mother.
* DeniedFoodAsPunishment: The shocking discovery that Nanny West has been abusing Sybbie is subtly foreshadowed earlier in the episode by the fact that she was apparently denying her food --
-->'''Nanny West''': Can you tell Mrs Patmore I won't want the scrambled egg for Miss Sybbie's tea.
* RaisedCatholic: Branson insists his daughter be raised as such, which causes friction with his in-laws, the Anglican Crawleys.
* [[SomeoneToRememberHimBy Someone To Remember Her By]]
* VictimOfTheWeek: In the Series 4 premiere, poor Sybbie is subject to secret abuse at the hands of [[MonsterOfTheWeek Nanny West]] due to her mixed heritage (part English [[BlueBlood aristocracy]], part Irish working-class).
\\

!! Master George Crawley [-(Carl & Logan Weston)-]
[[quoteright:180:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/georgecrawley_78.png]]

->"''We've done our duty, Downton is safe.''" -- Lady Mary
----

* BabiesMakeEverythingBetter
* BirthDeathJuxtaposition: At the close of the Series 3 Christmas Special, scenes of Mary happily cooing over her and Matthew's new baby (and heir) are inter-cut with Matthew speeding along in his roadster, which collides with an on-coming lorry, leaving his lifeless, blood-soaked body by the roadside.
* BlueBlood
* TheBritishTitleSystem: The heir to the Earldom of Grantham would be styled "Viscount Downton", and this is what Robert was known as before his own father died. However, courtesy titles may only be used by ''direct'' male-line descendants of the present holder of the title. As George is not a direct male-line descendant of Robert (because George is Robert's grandson through his daughter Mary, not a son of his own, and even then George is heir to the title not because he is Robert's grandson, but through his deceased father Matthew, making him Robert's male-line third cousin twice removed), he will never be able to use the courtesy title of "Viscount Downton" before he inherits the earldom.
* HeirClubForMen: He is the male heir the family ''finally'' produces to ensure the survival of the Estate.
* LivingMacGuffin: His very ''absence'' and eventual, longed-for conception drives much of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd series' plots. His birth also helped to ensure that Matthew's death didn't force another SuccessionCrisis.
* SailorFuku: As is typical of the English middle and upper classes (even nowadays), young children are often dressed in naval-themed outfits. [[note]]The Japanese trend for Sailor fuku uniforms is actually based on late Victorian/early 20th-century European "[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_dress_reform rational dress]]" [[http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/File:Science_ofDress101Fig6.png girl's fashions]] (themselves based on European naval uniforms).[[/note]]
* SomeoneToRememberHimBy: For Mary and Isobel especially, George provides an important link to the late Matthew.
\\

!![[spoiler: Miss Gregson]]

->"''It has to be a complete secret from my family.''" -- [[spoiler: Lady Edith]]
----

* BlueBlood: On her mother's side.
* DarkSecret: [[spoiler: She represents this for her mother, Edith. In 1923 a child conceived and born out of wed-lock would create a ''huge'' scandal, which is why Edith is so keen to ensure the child's identity remains an iron-clad secret.]]
* DisappearedDad: [[spoiler: Her father, Michael Gregson, disappeared mid-way through Series 4 in Germany and his fate has yet to be explained.]]
* [[GiveHimANormalLife Give Her A Normal Life]]: In the 1920's, adoption would be the child's only chance at having any kind of normal life.
* ParentalAbandonment: [[spoiler: Initially -- with Michael gone, Edith is cajoled by her aunt Rosamund into leaving her daughter with a Swiss family so as to avoid a scandal. However, her unbearable guilt at abandoning her baby abroad spurs Edith into convincing Tim Drewe, a local farmer, to adopt the child himself so she can at least have ''some'' chance at seeing her.]]
* SecretIdentity: She is to be raised as a commoner and member of the Drewe family. Only a select few [[note]]Rosamund, Violet and Tim Drewe[[/note]] know her true parentage and identity.
\\

!!Isis & Pharaoh
[[quoteright:188:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/isisandpharaoh_6685.png]]

->"''Look after my girls...especially Isis.''" -- Lord Robert
----

* CanineCompanion: The family dogs are usually to be found at Robert's side.
* NonHumanSidekick: For Lord Robert.
* MeaningfulName: Both dogs' names are references to AncientEgypt, and were likely chosen in tribute to the Earl of Carnarvon (real life owner of Highclere Castle AKA the Abbey) who financed Howard Carter's expedition.
* RescueArc: Thomas, hoping to impress Lord Grantham, kidnaps Isis in the Series 1 Christmas Special and chains her up in a shed, hoping to miraculously reveal he's found her when it's realized she's missing.
* UnwittingPawn: In Thomas' scheme to curry favour with Lord Robert.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:The [=MacClares=]]]

!!The Most Honourable Hugh "Shrimpie" [=MacClare=], Marquess of Flintshire [-(Peter Egan)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/shrimpy_1249.png]]

->"''Love is like riding or speaking French. If you don’t learn it young, it’s hard to get the trick of it later.''"
----

* AwfulWeddedLife: He and wife Susan do ''not'' get on.
* BigFancyHouse: His family seat of Duneagle Castle exhibits typically Scottish conical turrets.
* BlueBlood: His title actually ranks him higher in the peerage than Robert -- a Marquess outranks an Earl.
* BritishAccents: Shrimpie (and his daughter Rose) speak in a refined RP accent, more commonly associated with England than Scotland. However, it should be pointed out that Shrimpie is still a Scotsman born and bred, it's just that people of his class, no matter where they are from in the UK, ''always'' have RP accents, never regional ones. It's down to [[BoardingSchool schooling]] and immediate family/peer influences.
* TheBritishEmpire[=/=]TheBritishRaj: He is a member of the Foreign Service, and in the Christmas Special he has just been assigned to a high-ranking colonial position in Bombay. He regards it as [[ReassignedToAntarctica an annoyance]], but it does put him in line to become the Viceroy after a promotion or two.
* TheBritishTitleSystem: Marquesses use a special title to distinguish them from other peers -- "The ''Most'' Honourable".
* UsefulNotes/BritishPoliticalSystem: He works for the Foreign Office.
* CallBack: Not seen until the end of Series 3, he was mentioned as early as Episode Six of Series 1, in which certain salient details (his position in the Foreign Office and his wife's relationship to Robert) were brought up when Carson hands Lady Grantham Lord Flintshire's letter saying, in essence, "The Turks know everything about the Pamuk affair."
* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: He is introduced in the Series 3 Christmas Day Special, which is set at his ancestral castle in Scotland.
* ImpoverishedPatrician: Despite the fairytale splendor of Duneagle, he reveals to Robert that, like him, he has suffered great financial troubles since the War and is looking to sell up.
* EmbarrassingNickname: He's universally known as "Shrimpie", and even the ''King'' refers to him as such in the Series 4 Christmas Special.
* ManInAKilt: As a native Scotsman, he wears traditional Highland dress.
* ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections: It was he who, on Violet's command, pulled strings to have William moved from the infirmary in Leeds to Downton Abbey.
\\

!!The Most Honourable Susan [=MacClare=], Marchioness of Flintshire [-(Phoebe Nicholls)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sumacclare_947.png]]

->"''Stand up Rose, you're slouching like a fieldhand.''"
----

* AbusiveParents: She does care about Rose, but is ''incredibly'' hard on her, and constantly snipes at even seemingly innocuous, enthusiastic comments.
* AngerBornOfWorry: Her justification for the hard line approach she takes with Rose.
-->'''Susan''': Sometimes I find myself worrying about Rose before I open my eyes in the morning.
* AwfulWeddedLife: ....and she appears to be the primary cause.
* BlueBlood: She is Robert's first cousin on his mother Violet's side -- she is the daughter of Violet's sister, Roberta.
* BritishStuffiness: Her stern influence permeates right through Duneagle, where the atmosphere is more formal than at Downton.
* CallBack: Like her husband, she is also mentioned in Episode Six of Series 1, where, after Lady Grantham has read out how Susan is "sorry" that Shrimpie has heard about the Pamuk affair, the Dowager Countess has this to say about her niece's personality:
-->'''The Dowager Countess''': Sorry? She's ''thrilled!''
* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: She makes her debut in the Series 3 Christmas Day Special.
* GrumpyBear: Whilst everyone around her is having a jolly time of it, she maintains a puckered facade.
* ItMustBeMine: Having found out during the Crawley's trip to Duneagle that O'Brien is a far better stylist than her own lady's maid, in Series 4 we learn that Susan has poached O'Brien out from underneath Lady Cora.
* IceQueen: Without a hint of defrosting.
* MyBelovedSmother: To poor Rose.
* [[SourPrudes Sour Prude]]: She's a brisk, waspish woman, and exhibits fractured relationships with both her husband and daughter.
-->'''Susan:''' Rose, you are not wearing that dress and that is final! She looks like a ''slut!''
-->'''Violet:''' Heavens, that’s not a word you often hear among the heather.
* StiffUpperLip: Despite her pugnacious nature, she understands duty and is resigned to "soldiering on" with her marriage to Shrimpie, despite their problems.
\\

!!Lady Rose [=MacClare=] [-(Lily James)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ladyrose_7978.png]]

->"''But Princess Mary has one just like it! It's the fashion now!''"
----

* TheBeautifulElite: She grew up in a positively fairytale castle and is undoubtedly very pretty, although she's a little kookier and less elegant than her cousins Mary and Sybil.
* BlueBlood
* BrattyTeenageDaughter: Oh yes.
* TheBritishTitleSystem: As the daughter of a Marquess, she outranks her cousins and even Cora (who is the ''wife'' of a peer, not a peeress in her own right) in Society. In fact, the only person within the Downton Abbey household who is socially superior to her is Lord Grantham himself.
* CantGetAwayWithNuthin: After being busted by Matthew, Edith and Rosamund on her debauched night out at the [[DenOfIniquity Blue Dragon club]] in Soho, she thinks she's got away with it scot-free -- until Violet finds out and conspires to pack her off up to Scotland to stay with an ancient aunt.
* CousinOliver: The [=MacClare=] arm of the family was ''mentioned'' as far back as Series 1, but she otherwise fits. Introduced in the [[LastEpisodeNewCharacter final episode]] of Series 3, she ends up being a BrattyTeenageDaughter who runs away from her chaperones, takes up with a married man, throws a tantrum when she gets caught, and generally makes a complete nuisance of herself. Perhaps meant to be the embodiment of TheRoaringTwenties, she is more bearable in Series 4 after CharacterDevelopment kicks in.
* DumbBlonde: To a degree -- she certainly exhibits the giddy, naive aspects of this trope.
* TheFlapper: With her fashionable curly bob, headband, ''knee''-length dress and partying habits, she represents the new breed of "Bright Young Things", who delighted in shocking society with their antics.
-->'''Lady Mary''': Your niece is a flapper -- accept it.
* ForbiddenFriendship: In Series 4, Rose takes a requited shine to Jack Ross, but the idea that a Marquess's daughter (no matter how rebellious she may be) could take part in a ''romantic'' relationship with a black man (let alone a jazz singer) in the early 1920's is nothing short of ''unthinkable''. On the night of Robert's birthday, Mary is visibly unnerved when she [[SorryToInterrupt catches Jack and her young cousin in a passionate clinch]] below-stairs. By the finale, she's convinced that she's going to marry him -- although mostly just to [[DatingWhatDaddyHates piss her mother off]].
* GenkiGirl: The rest of the family tends to find her indefatigable pep slightly exhausting.
* GoodBadGirl: She's cheeky, spirited and exuberant, and her rebellious nature is hardly surprising given the tense relationship with her over-bearing mother.
* GoodSmokingEvilSmoking: Played quite sympathetically as a form of relatively innocent rebellion.
* HardDrinkingPartyGirl: Rose can't be more than 17 or 18 when first introduced (she hasn't done her first Season), but she's already quite the party animal.
* TheHedonist: She lives to party.
* IntergenerationalFriendship: Violet is close to her great-niece, and insists Rose stay with her at the Dower House when she visits Downton in 1920.
* LastEpisodeNewCharacter: She makes her debut in Episode 8 of Series 3.
* LonelyRichKid: She practically bursts with excitement when her cousins arrive at Duneagle during the Series 3 Christmas Special, and probably views her palatial family home as something of a GildedCage.
* NaughtyIsGood: Although her mischief regularly lands her in hot water, she's not exactly discouraged either.
-->'''Lord Robert''': Rose, I'm leaving you in charge of fun.
* QuirkyCurls: She sports a mop of bouncy, blonde curls in a classic TwentiesBobHaircut.
* RiteOfPassage: In the Series 4 Christmas Special, Rose has her [[DancesAndBalls "coming out"]] -- that is, she is formally presented to [[TheHouseOfWindsor His Majesty King George V and Queen Mary]]. All young women of aristocratic lineage (known as debutantes) were [[EveryProperLadyShouldCurtsey presented]] to the Sovereign in this manner to signify their transition into adulthood and marriageable status. As can be seen from Rose's outfit, ALL debs were [[RoyalDecree required]] to wear the same court-uniform of a beautiful white [[PimpedOutDress evening gown]], and three [[FluffyFashionFeathers ostrich feathers]] in their hair. Rose catches the eye of the Prince of Wales himself, and they share a dance at her coming-out ball.
* TheRoaringTwenties: Personified.
* [[SeeminglyWholesomeFiftiesGirl Seemingly Wholesome 20's Girl]]: She looks the part of a demure debutante, the reality however is that she has a fondness for seedy [[LondonTown Soho]] clubs and married men.
* SexyBacklessOutfit: As seen at the Gillies Ball... which leads to a bollocking from her mother.
* SpannerInTheWorks: After O'Brien leaves, Rose decides to put an ad in the local shop for a new lady's maid for Cora. The person who responds turns out to be Edna Braithwaite, who had been fired from Downton for being too forward with Tom Branson.
* [[TheUglyGuysHotDaughter The Ugly Gal's Hot Daughter]]: As can be seen from her profile pic above, Susan [=MacClare=] could be best described as having a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp -- her daughter Rose on the other hand, is an absolute ''peach''.
* UpperClassTwit: A relatively rare female example.
* WigDressAccent: In Episode 2 of Series 4, Rose poses as a servant to gatecrash a party for domestic staff and labourers. There she meets the handsome Sam Thawley, a gardener on a neighboring estate, and indulges in a passionate kiss. She is then forced to [[FawltyTowersPlot continue the deception]] and dress up as a maid when the besotted Thawley follows her back to Downton.
* WholePlotReference: The above inevitably draws comparisons with LadyChatterleysLover, D H Lawrence’s once-banned 1928 novel about the sexual relationship between the married Constance Chatterley and her husband’s gardener, Oliver Mellors.
* ZanyScheme: Which usually blow up in her face.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:The Levinsons]]

!!Mrs Martha Levinson [-(Creator/ShirleyMacLaine)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/martha_4086.png]]

->"''It seems so strange to think of the English embracing change.''"
----

* BlitheSpirit: In her capacity as a modernist American amongst her traditionalist English in-laws.
* CoolOldLady: She's witty, observant, and genuinely doesn't give a fig about what people think of her. She's also shown to be a supportive, compassionate grandmother when required.
* ConspicuousConsumption: We knew Cora's mother was rich, but it's the outfits, furs and [[CoolCar fabulous white-rimmed Cadillac]] (which even Robert is impressed by) that sell it in.
* CultureClash: Personified.
* {{Eagleland}}: She provides a [[TakeAThirdOption Mixed]] example. On the (type) one hand, she is forward-thinking, likeably exuberant and full of advice and energy in a very positive, modern way. But on the other, she rides roughshod over Downton's upper-class English traditions without provocation from the very get-go for no real reason other than to be bawdry and derisive.
* EstablishingCharacterMoment: On greeting her granddaughters:
-->'''Martha:''' Sybil! Tell me all about the arrangements for the birth, we do these things so much better in the States. Edith! Still no one special? Well, never mind, you must take a tip from a modern American girl. Mary! Dearest Mary, now you'll tell me all your wedding plans and I'll see what I can do to improve them.
* {{Foil}}: She's the sassy, abrasive American to Violet's staid, imperious Brit. [[WordOfGod Julian Fellowes]] stated that he wanted Martha's arrival to be "like a visitation from another planet".
* GrandeDame: Though she certainly isn't humourless -- she's actually quite cheeky, even slightly smutty at times.
* HamToHamCombat: Although Dame Maggie Smith isn't all that hammy, the point was to put the two ladies in a room together and watch the big cats share a cage.
* IAmWhatIAm: She's totally at ease with herself, and is well aware that the English upper-class find her "[[NationalStereotypes loud, opinionated and common]]", but doesn't give a stuff. This is most evident in the Series 4 Christmas Special, where despite Lord Aysgarth's best efforts at wooing her, she has no wish to join her daughter amongst the ranks of the aristocracy.
-->'''Martha''': I have no desire to be a "great Lady".
* LargeHam: All hail Creator/ShirleyMacLaine!
* MealTicket: Following Robert's financial crisis, Mary and the Dowager Countess attempt to (not so subtly) convince her to inject more money into the estate to avoid having sell up. She can't -- it's revealed the rest of her fortune is tied up.
** Also seen in the Series 4 Christmas Special, where impoverished Lord Aysgarth attempts to [[RomancingTheWidow romance her]] purely for her fortune.
* NouveauRiche: Her late husband made his fortune in the dry-goods business, and she's probably one of the wealthiest characters depicted in the series, bar the very highest echelons of the aristocracy.
* PassiveAggressiveKombat: She seems to be the new rival for the Dowager Countess.
--> '''Violet:''' You Americans never understand the importance of tradition.
--> '''Martha:''' Yes we do. We just don't give it power over us. Maybe you should think about letting go of its hand?
* PickyEater: Her maid Reed is quick to point out a full list of what she ''won't'' eat upon her arrival -- boiled water only, no fats, no crab and ''nothing'' from the marrow family.
* PretendPrejudice: For all her opinionated blather about the stuffiness of the English upper-class, [[AllThereInTheManual supplementary materials]] support the notion that she's the one who pushed and encouraged her daughter Cora to travel to England, land an Earl and thus join the ranks of the aristocracy. Also, in the Series 4 Christmas Special, she informs Cora that she "wants to see one last London Season before she dies" -- so it would seem that deep down, she has a fondness for the institution she is so quick to verbally bash.
* PrettyInMink: Her outfits incorporate very full, sumptuous fur neck-lines and cuffs.
* RichBitch: Though she's not a snob, just very demanding and opinionated.
* TheRival: For the Dowager Countess
* RollOutTheRedCarpet: For her arrival at Downton.
* [[ScrewPolitenessImASenior Screw Politeness, I'm a Senior!]]: Her frank manner and twinkly-eyed raillery sets Robert and Violet's teeth on edge.
* ThemeSongReveal: As an exceptionally splendid car sweeps up the Downton drive-way, accompanied by a suitably majestic, exuberant piece of introductory music, it is obvious who is about to make a grand entrance.
* TheThingThatWouldNotLeave: How Robert and Violet view her visit.
* TheBusCameBack: Following her appearance in Series 3, she returns to England for the Series 4 Christmas Special.
* TimeForPlanB / RousingSpeech: After the kitchen range packs up right before a huge dinner party, she steps in just in time, organizing a cold picnic supper and even an [[CrowdSong impromptu sing-along]] in the drawing room, much to the Dowager Countess's ([[HilarityEnsues hilarious]]) discomfort.
-->'''Martha:''' (singing ''at'' Violet) ''Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in loooove with you...''
* WidowWoman: She is the milionairess American widow of Isidore Levinson.
\\

!!Mr Harold Levinson [-(Creator/PaulGiamatti)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/haroldl_1047.png]]

->"''I'm well prepared for cold baths, warm drinks and most of all...the food.''"
----

* BlitheSpirit: As per his mother, above.
* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: He makes his debut in the Fourth Series Christmas Day Special.
* ConspicuousConsumption: Like his mother Martha, he is decked out in opulent fur-trimmed clothes.
* CultureClash: He openly admits to hate leaving the USA and the life he is accustomed to, and views his visit to England and all implicit cultural idiosyncrasies as a bother.
* [[DefrostingIceQueen Defrosting Ice King]]: He comes across as rather fatigued and unenthusiastic when he first arrives in England, viewing the visit (and those he meets) with a kind of half-hearted, snide cynicism. He soon warms up as the Special progresses, mostly because of his interest in Madeleine Allsopp and her genuine reciprocity. Turns out, he's actually rather a NiceGuy underneath, although he doesn't seem to see it himself.
* {{Eagleland}}: Less so than his mother, but he still exhibits some of her plain-speaking and at times boorish behavior.
* GondorCallsForAid: Due to some dodgy dealings in oil exploration (he was peripherally involved in the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teapot_Dome_scandal Teapot Dome scandal]]), Martha calls on Robert to come to America and vouch for Harold's character.
* TheHedonist
* LoveInterest: For beautiful young debutante Madeleine Allsopp, who appears to be interested in him for more than just his money. His feelings also seem to be mutual:
-->'''Harold''': I like you very much Miss Allsopp, more than any lady I have ever known, if I may use the term.
* MillionairePlayboy: His niece Mary describes him as being as "rich as Croesus", and he openly admits to a fondness for "pretty girls".
* NouveauRiche: 2nd generation. He's a bit of a walking stereotype, with his short, portly frame, flashy clothes and big, fat cigars.
* PickyEater: Just like his mum. In fact, he's thoroughly ''shocked'' that he finds Daisy's [[NationalStereotypes English cooking palatable]], nay delicious. So much so that he asks her to come work for him.
* WealthyYachtOwner: As his mother Martha tells us:
-->'''Martha:''' "His ''idée fixe'' is yachts. Bigger yachts, faster yachts. Something with yachts."

[[/folder]]

!''The Servants''

[[folder:Introduced in Series 1]]

!!Mr Charles Carson, the Butler [-(Jim Carter)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/carson_4919.png]]

->"''Downton is a great house, and the Crawleys are a great family. We live by certain standards and those standards can at first seem daunting.''"
----

* BadassBaritone: He speaks with a booming, bass rumble.
* BritishStuffiness: He's ''incredibly'' strait-laced, and views any kind of frivolous behavior or modernity with deep suspicion, disapproval, and occasionally, outright ''horror''.
* TheComicallySerious: His stuffy nature can become so excessive that it's an inside joke among some of Downton's other residents. Among his more memorable moments include his epic rivalry with the [[HopelessWithTech new telephone]], and the reveal of his shameful past as a stage performer, which to him seems to be on a par with ''murdering'' someone. There's this lovely little exchange too:
-->'''Carson:''' We may have to have a maid in the dining room.
-->'''Lord Robert:''' Cheer up, Carson. There are worse things happening in the world.
-->'''Carson:''' Not worse than a ''maid'' serving a duke.
* ConsummateProfessional: He has a very strict code of conduct to which he adheres meticulously, and expects all the staff to follow his example.
* DarkSecret: He used to be a music hall performer. And doesn't pine for those days in the slightest -- he can still carry a tune, though!
* DeadpanSnarker: Deadpan everything, actually.
* TheEeyore
* EnragedByIdiocy: ....and any ''hint'' of sloppiness.
* GoodOldWays: He always looks to the past for comfort and reference.
* GrumpyBear: He's a model of somber sobriety, rarely smiles, and finds any sort of frivolity an absolute anathema.
* TheJeeves: He's the most senior servant at Downton, and exhibits the loyalty, dignity and authority required to be the perfect English butler.
* MarriedToTheJob: The Crawleys are all the family he has.
-->'''Carson:''' I had thought I would die in Downton -- and haunt it ever-after.
* MilhollandRelationshipMoment: Carson's former stage partner Charlie Grigg turns up at Downton to blackmail him with his music-hall past. Lord Robert, far from being horrified is actually ''impressed''.
* NobleBigot: When Thomas' sexuality is made public in Series 3, he makes it quite clear that he finds the whole matter "revolting". Arguably, he knew already, but having it made public required him to actually confront and deal with the issue head-on.
* OldRetainer: He's the longest serving member of staff, and has been with the family since before the Crawley girls were born.
* PapaWolf: For Alfred -- as Jimmy comes to find out.
* ParentalSubstitute: Having grown up with him her whole life, Lady Mary is very close to Carson (and he to her) and she often comes to him for advice and a confidence boost (and even a hug!) when she can't approach her parents.
* PlatonicLifePartners: With Mrs Hughes. His compassion for her is fully revealed during her Series 3 cancer-scare. And in the Series 4 Christmas Day Special, they share a lovely moment holding hands on the beach as the episode closes.
* PrinciplesZealot: Carson's the enforcer of old-style etiquette and social class.
* RenownedSelectiveMentor: Although he is initially flapped by Alfred's inexperience, he comes to admire the earnest newcomer's respectful manner and takes him under his wing, showing him the tricks of the servant trade. This is unusual for Carson, and Thomas can't hide his jealousy...
-->'''Thomas:''' You’re taking a lot of trouble with Alfred. I feel quite jealous.
-->'''Carson:''' I don’t know why. He asked for help. ''You'' never did.
* ScrewTheMoneyIHaveRules: When Sir Richard dangles a fat salary over his head.
* SugarAndIcePersonality: He's incredibly stiff most of the time, but demonstrates a softer side with certain people and/or when no one will find out. For instance, he refuses to go to the fair with the rest of the staff, just because they'd feel the need to be on their best behavior if he was there, and instead spends the day with baby Sybbie.
* UndyingLoyalty: To the Crawley family, especially Lady Mary, his favourite.
\\

!!Mrs Elsie Hughes, the Housekeeper [-(Phyllis Logan)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mrshughes_9482.png]]

->"''Don't push your luck Thomas. Now, tea's over. Back to work.''"
----

* BraveScot: She has her moments throughout the series, but locking herself in a room with [[spoiler: Anna's rapist and threatening him to keep his mouth shut if ''he values his life'']] probably takes the cake. DontTryThisAtHome.
* TheConfidant: Throughout the series, most of the staff have confided in her with their problems -- Thomas, Anna, Tom and even Carson appreciate her sympathetic ear and solid advice, knowing she can keep a secret. Taken UpToEleven in Series 4.
* KindlyHousekeeper: As Housekeeper, she is the second most senior servant, after Carson.
* {{Leitmotif}}: Her theme is sentimental and nostalgic in quality and tone.
* OldMaid: The "Mrs." is a courtesy title, because the housekeeper is ''always'' a "Mrs." She could have had a chance at marital bliss, though...see TheStoic, below.
* OldRetainer: She's not been around as long as Carson (he mentions that she didn't know Mary as a child) but her tenure is still loyally impressive.
* PlatonicLifePartners: With Mr Carson. In the Series 4 Christmas Day Special, they share a lovely moment holding hands on the beach as the episode closes.
* UsefulNotes/{{Scotland}}: She's a farmer's daughter from Argyll.
* StiffUpperLip: If any staff member can be relied on to keep their act together in a crisis, it's her.
* TheStoic: She sacrifices her own personal happiness when given the opportunity of marriage to continue serving the family.
--> '''William:''' You're a kind woman Mrs Hughes. I don't know how this house would run without you.
* [[TeamMom Team Mum]]: To the staff.
* ThatWasntARequest: She's a decidedly decent sort, but doesn't stand for ''any'' back-chat from her staff.
* TheTopicOfCancer: Early on in Series 3, she finds a lump on her breast and meets with Dr Clarkson for diagnosis. She asks Mrs Patmore to tell Carson that the lump is benign, but it is left unclear as to whether she tells him this so as [[StiffUpperLip not to cause a fuss]] and worry him.
* TryingNotToCry: Her professional cool is rarely shattered, but when [[TearsOfFear it is...]]
* WomenAreWiser: She's sensible, grounded, calm and usually impartial to the mayhem surrounding her.
\\

!!Mrs Beryl Patmore, the Cook [-(Lesley Nicol)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mrspat_3275.png]]

->"''Daisy! What's happened to you? I said you could go for a drink of water, not a trip up the Nile.''"
----

* ApronMatron: She runs the kitchen with a rod of iron.
* BlindMistake: She's diagnosed with cataracts in Series 1, which causes her to make mistakes in the kitchen... and exacerbates her temper.
* DoubleStandard
-->'''Jimmy:''' Ow! I've jiggered my bloody wrist.
-->'''Mrs Patmore:''' Erm! I'll have no swear-words in here thank you very much, unless ''I'm'' doing the swearing.
* FieryRedhead: A definitive example.
* {{Gaydar}}: She's well aware of Thomas's preference... unlike poor Daisy.
* HairTriggerTemper: Her work is hot, stressful and requires perfect timing, so woe betide any staff who muck about or indulge in idle chatter when she's got hot salvers ready to be taken upstairs.
* HopelessWithTech: PlayedForDrama in the Series 4 premiere. After a disastrous run-in with the new electric mixer, she lets it slip to Mrs. Hughes that she's afraid all the new electrical kitchen gadgets will make her job unnecessary, saying it makes Daisy look like part of the future and leaves her stuck in the past.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Despite her tempestuous temper, she does care about the other staff (William in particular), and definitely cools off a bit after her eye surgery at the end of Series 1.
* KickTheDog: She's fairly beastly to poor Daisy in the early series.
--> '''Mrs Patmore:''' Take those kidneys up to the servery before I knock you down and serve your brains as fritters!
* TheMatchmaker: A personal loss (her nephew was shot for ''cowardice'') renders her meddlesome and tenacious in her belief that soldiers should not be denied hope, so she frantically encourages Daisy to agree to be William's sweetheart before he leaves for war.
* MealTicket: Literally, for lecherous local supplier Jos Tufton, who wooed her purely for her tasty cooking.
* [[MetaGuy Meta Gal]]: Type B. Her take on the Series 3 love quadrilateral:
-->'''Mrs Patmore:''' You know the trouble with you lot? You're all in love with the wrong people!
* OldMaid: Like housekeepers, cooks are always "Mrs" as a courtesy title.
* OldRetainer: She mentions she's worked with O'Brien for 20 years.
* RantInducingSlight: Daisy is always on the receiving end of these, being blamed for real but more often imagined mistakes she makes whilst struggling to manage her worsening sight.
* SarcasticDevotee: Having autonomous authority over her kitchen domain means she's unafraid to tell it like it is, and as the series has progressed, her quips and witticisms have become a more prevalent character trait.
* TamperingWithFoodAndDrink: When Mrs Bird temporarily takes over her role whilst she undergoes eye-surgery, she gets Daisy to sabotage her menu, so the family and staff won't prefer Bird's cooking.
* TeamChef: She and her team work laborious hours to provide up to 8 hot meals daily, staggered throughout the day for the family, and the servants.
* TeethClenchedTeamwork: Cooks were notoriously protective of the running their kitchens and she clashes with Mrs Hughes on occasion with regard to access to the food storage (controlled by the housekeeper).
\\

!!Mr John Bates, Lord Grantham's Valet [-(Brendan Coyle)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/bates_4686.png]]

->"''You can change your life if you want to. Sometimes you have to be hard on yourself, but you can change it completely -- I know.''"
----

* TheAtoner: For his unsavory past as a quick-tempered drunk.
* BattleButler: He served under Lord Grantham in the Boer War as his batman -- that is, as his military valet/gofer/bodyguard.
* BeAllMySinsRemembered: He doesn't take praise easily, and seems to take the view that he doesn't deserve the kindness meted out to him at Downton -- mostly due to his rather shady past.
* BeingGoodSucks: And how!
* BerserkButton: The persecution of those less able to defend themselves causes him to see the metaphorical red mist, so woe betide those caught being mean to William or Daisy. He also gets his buttons pressed in Series 2 when his estranged wife Vera threatens to ruin the Earl's reputation, as well as the Earl's family and Anna, if he doesn't return to her.
** In Series 4, he forces Mrs Hughes to tell him the details of [[spoiler: Anna's rape ordeal]]. She lies about the culprit's identity on Anna's request ([[spoiler: it was Green]]), but he suspects, and is perhaps the [[TranquilFury angriest]] we have ''ever'' seen him, darkly threatening to have revenge on the perpetrator. It goes very well for him -- see PayEvilUntoEvil below.
-->'''Bates:''' Nothing is over and done with Mrs Hughes. I won't press you but be aware: Nothing is over. Nothing is done with.
* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor
-->'''Bates:''' I wish she was the former Mrs Bates, or better still the late...
* BewareTheNiceOnes: On the surface, he's an incredibly polite, softly spoken man who walks with a limp. However, woe betide those who forget that he served in South Africa during the Boer War, and that he was at one time a man with both a drinking problem and a temper, or he might remind you that, bad leg and all, he could easily ''kill'' you. Both Thomas and his surly Series 3 cellmate learn this the hard way. Also seen in Series 4, when he finds out about [[spoiler: Anna's rape]].
* {{Blackmail}}: He is forced to come back to his wife when she finds out about the Kemal Pamuk scandal. Yes, he's blackmailed with someone else's dirty secret.
* BullyHunter: At one point he ''slams'' Thomas into a wall in William's defense.
--> '''Bates:''' You listen to me, you filthy little rat: if you don’t lay off I will punch your shining teeth straight through the back of your skull.
* CannotSpitItOut: For a variety of reasons, the man refuses to explain ''anything''.
* CantStayNormal: Attempted to correct his limp, but the prosthetic proved rather less effective than advertised.
* DontYouDarePityMe: He pretty much says this word for word to Anna.
* {{Frameup}}: As Series 2 concludes, he is carted off by the police, following his estranged wife Vera's last desperate act of revenge -- framing him for her murder, when she had in fact killed herself.
* HandicappedBadass: He walks with a pronounced limp.
* HellHolePrison: At the start of Series 3, he is incarcerated in a particularly grim prison, serving a life sentence for the murder of his ex-wife Vera.
* HonorBeforeReason: God yes. Bates displays a homeric level of compassion, even towards those who treat him far less sympathetically.
* InsecureLoveInterest: To Anna, especially whilst he is incarcerated in Series 3.
* ItsNotYouItsMyEnemies: Bates to Anna. She essentially tells him where he can shove it, and they get married anyway as she refuses to have no legal standing in his life, whatever happens.
* {{Leitmotif}}: A sad, mournful piano/violin piece usually accompanies his time on-screen.
* ManlyTears: Especially when he finds out about [[spoiler: Anna's rape]].
* MayDecemberRomance: With Anna, who is perhaps at least 15 years his junior.
* MiscarriageOfJustice: See FrameUp above -- this forms the basis of his character arc from the end of Series 2, right through Series 3.
* MysteriousPast: Which is only revealed midway through Series 1, where it is revealed that he was imprisioned for theft.
* OopsIForgotIWasMarried: Everyone is pretty shocked when the vile Vera turns up at Downton, looking to drag her "Batesy" back home.
* ThePardon: By Series 3 Episode 6, Anna's sleuthing finally pays off and he is cleared of Vera's murder. By Episode 7, HesBack at Downton and receives a hero's welcome.
* PayEvilUntoEvil: In the Series 4 Christmas Day Special, it's strongly implied that he is responsible [[spoiler: for Green's mysterious death.]] A train ticket in his coat pocket places him in London on the day of the murder, which luckily Lady Mary burns before it can be used to implicate him.
* TheStoic: The StoicWoobie, seen when he is initially asked to leave Lord Grantham's service.
* StrangeBedfellows: Despite years of rivalry throughout Series 1 & 2, he's one of the few people to come to Thomas's aid in Series 3, following O'Brien's plan to out him and get him sacked without reference. After Thomas tells him O'Brien's own dark secret (just 3 little words - "Her Ladyship's soap"), Bates uses it to blackmail her into calling off her unrelenting scheming against the defeated valet. However, he comes to [[BeingGoodSucks regret being so charitable]] when Thomas is kept on by Lord Robert -- as Under-Butler.
* SympathyForTheDevil: It seems if there's ''one'' person who Bates can't stand more than Thomas, it's Sarah O'Brien, and his sense of justice will ''not'' let her get away with scheming against an already [[JerkassWoobie broken man]]. His time in prison has given him compassion for those with absolutely no power, as he explains.
* TeamDad: To the younger staff.
* WillTheyOrWontThey: With Anna -- TheyDo, in a sweet, simple ceremony towards the end of Series 2.
* YouDidntAsk: As said when the staff are surprised to find out his comrades-in-arms relationship with Lord Robert.
\\

!!Miss Sarah O'Brien, Lady Grantham's Lady's Maid [-(Siobhan Finneran)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/brien_5330.png]]

->"''He’ll be lucky if he gets a civil word out of me.''"
----

* TheAtoner: After she causes Cora's miscarriage.
* CardCarryingVillain: Ostensibly, with Thomas.
* ChronicBackstabbingDisorder: Culminating in her stealthy Series 4 exit, detailed below.
* ChronicVillainy: Despite a few brief [[HazyFeelTurn Hazy Feel Turns]], and one genuine MyGodWhatHaveIDone incident in Series 1 (see below), over the course of her tenure on the series, she ''never'' loses her predisposition for malevolence.
* ConsummateLiar: O'Brien's all honey around Cora. ...and arsenic with everyone else.
* DangerouslyGenreSavvy: During the Series 3 Christmas Special, she meets Lady Flintshire's maid, Miss Wilkins and sees in her a kindred spirit. When O'Brien inadvertently pisses Wilkins off, she decides to retaliate by spiking her drink during the Gillies Ball. O'Brien initially ''insists'' that Wilkins needn't bother getting her a drink, and after carefully tasting it, she immediately sets it down.
* DarkSecret: She's furious after she overhears gossip and [[MotiveMisidentification mistakenly thinks]] Cora is going to sack her, so plants a well-placed bar of soap on her bathroom floor, causing her to slip and miscarry her baby. This comes back to haunt her in Series 3 -- see below.
* DeadpanSnarker
-->'''O'Brien:''' If she's got a boyfriend, [[AndImTheQueenOfSheba I'm a giraffe]].
* DidntSeeThatComing: A reckless plan to save her job turned into a Type 5 situation. After miscarrying, Cora's baby was revealed to be male. Furthermore, Cora had planned to keep O'Brien on anyway. And Downton is in just as bad financial shape as its ever been. Type 2 occurs when she summons Vera to collect Bates. Instead of focusing her wrath on Bates himself, Vera finds out about Mary's dalliance with Kemal Pamuk and threatens to tell the newspapers. Mary is forced to accept Sir Richard's proposal of marriage in order to kill the story. Whoops.
* DirtySocialTricks: Exhibits a practiced knack for humiliating her enemies, both socially and professionally.
* DrivenByEnvy: So it would appear -- she hates her lot in life.
* EvilDuo: With Thomas.
* EvilMentor: For her bumbling nephew Alfred, having managed to blag him a job as a footman at the start of Series 3. This blatant {{Nepotism}} angers Thomas, as he feels he had to ''fight'' to be promoted to Footman.
* EvenEvilHasLovedOnes: Mess with her nephew at [[RevengeBeforeReason your peril]]...
* EvilVersusEvil: In Series 3, O'Brien's championing of Alfred leads to an almighty fallout between her and Thomas, easily her closest companion at Downton and perhaps in life generally. See RevengeBeforeReason below for detail.
-->'''Thomas:''' ''(smirking)'' Everything alright, Miss O'Brien?
-->'''O'Brien:''' Oh everything's alright with me, but it'll be all wrong with you before too long, mark my words.
* FagHag: For Thomas.
* ForTheEvulz: Some of her malice is inexplicable, such as disseminating info about Mary's sexual dalliances to Edith. It's possible that O'Brien enjoys the game of exploiting secrets for its own sake.
* GoodSmokingEvilSmoking: The two evil characters frequently plot whilst having a sneaky fag.
* [[GossipyHens Gossipy Hen]]: With Thomas.
* HateSink: Especially in Series 1, although she's still a highly complex, interesting character.
* HazyFeelTurn: The business with the soap obviously preys on her, and she does soften up a bit in Series 2, but by Series 3 she's back on form as the scheming old cow we know and love (to hate).
* JerkWithAHeartOfJerk: She appears to show a kinder side after Cora's miscarriage, but it doesn't last and for the most part her motives are selfish and petty, and unlike Thomas, has no excuse for being so nasty.
* KarmaHoudini: Cunningly, she has remained Cora's most beloved and trusted servant, despite the fact that the rest of the Crawley family appear to know exactly what she's like -- even [[PurityPersonified Sybil]], who never has a bad word to say about ''anybody'' refers to O'Brien as an "odious woman".
* {{Maid}}: As a highly skilled Lady's Maid, she represents the professional zenith of the {{Maid}} world.
* MaidenAunt: Having no children of her own (or any chance at having any), she seems to treat Alfred as something of a surrogate son.
* MaliciousSlander: Her specialty.
* [[ManipulativeBastard Manipulative Bitch]]: Her schemes include: trying to get Bates fired and to expose Lady Mary's affair with Pamuk, riling Cora up against Sybil becoming a nurse, repeatedly sending Ethel on fool's errands, getting Thomas transferred to the Downton hospital, and then getting him placed in charge of the convalescents in order to take Isobel down a peg, trying to get Mrs. Bird and Mrs. Patmore in trouble for feeding the indigent veterans and telling Vera that Bates is back at Downton. Then in the third series, after her falling out with Thomas over Alfred's arrival, she does what she can to advance his crush on the new, pretty footman, Jimmy. She manipulates Jimmy so he won't confront Thomas about his unwelcome advances, but tells Thomas that Jimmy ''is'' interested, all as part of a twisted plot to get Thomas outed and sacked... So far.
* MirrorMonologue: Briefly, just before she regretfully realizes the implications of placing a bar of soap on the floor of Lady Cora's bathroom...
-->'''O'Brien:''' Sarah O'Brien, this is not who you are.
* MoralityPet: As of Series 2, O'Brien gets a few PetTheDog moments when she's the only one to really sympathise with ShellShockedVeteran Lang, as her brother went through the same thing. Lady Cora becomes one for her as well after Cora's miscarriage, though O'Brien is still not above underhanded schemes to protect her.
* MyGodWhatHaveIDone
** O'Brien first only seems to show moderate guilt when she knows that she is the direct cause of her mistress' miscarriage, but the look of this trope is truly visible on her face when she learns that Cora [[MotiveMisidentification had never intended to get rid of her]] and she's now caused them exquisite pain for no reason whatsoever.
** During her testimony at Bates' trial, she's clearly regretful of how bad it makes Bates look; apparently sending him to the gallows for murder is a bit beyond how vindictive she felt toward him.
* OldMaid: She's in her 40's, and unlike fellow old maids Mrs Hughes and Mrs Patmore, she shows (and is shown) no romantic interest whatsoever. [[JerkWithAHeartOfJerk Unsurprisingly]].
* PerpetualFrowner: It's ''very'' rare to see her crack a smile -- but if she does, it likely denotes some sort of self-satisfying scheming is afoot.
* PoliticallyIncorrectVillain: Thomas sneers at Bates's limp, too. But O'Brien is the one who kicks Bates's cane out from under him.
* {{Resenter}}: Despite her skills, it's clear that a life serving her social superiors has rendered her embittered and underhand.
* RevengeBeforeReason: What starts out as a petty squabble between her and Thomas over the arrival of Alfred in Series 3 escalates into a dangerous series of pranks and retaliations at each other's expense. This back and forth reaches its alarming zenith in episode 7, when she convinces Thomas that his feelings for Jimmy are mutual, leading to him enter Jimmy's bedroom for a midnight kiss. Alfred walks in at the most inopportune moment and witnesses the resulting fallout. It isn't long before O'Brien is whispering in her nephew's ear, encouraging him to report the incident to Mr Carson. Thomas is publicly outed and her revenge is complete. In the Series 3 finale, her [[VillainBall plan to ruin Thomas is foiled]] when Bates (surprisingly) comes to Thomas' aid, by threatening to reveal her own darkest secret -- "Her Ladyship's soap" (see above), is all he needs to whisper in her ear to frighten her into backing down.
* SneakyDeparture: Siobhan Finneran confirmed she would not return in Series 4, and as the series begins, we see O'Brien (in shadow and played by a stand-in) up and leave in the middle of the night, having accepted a post with Robert's cousin, the acidic Lady Susan Flintshire!
* ThickerThanWater: Despite his obvious flaws and inexperience, she's got Alfred's back covered at all times and always leaps to his defense.
-->'''O'Brien:''' Pay no attention. You've a nice manner Alfred, you're not VAIN like Thomas.
* TwoRightsMakeAWrong: For all her lecturing at Thomas about playing it smart, O'Brien's schemes have an uncanny knack of blowing up in her face.
* UltimateJobSecurity: Carson comes down a lot harder on other servants for smaller offenses. Mrs. Hughes catches O'Brien ransacking her room in search of a stolen snuff box, which seems pretty damming, but nothing comes of it. This is because Lady's Maids were answerable ''only'' to their mistress -- Mrs Hughes can forcefully ''ask'' O'Brien for her cooperation, but only Cora can hire/fire her, which doesn't seem likely, given Cora's blindness to O'Brien's malicious side.
* WomanInBlack: It's her uniform of course, but it still adds to her menace.
* WouldHurtAChild: Deliberately facilitating the death of Cora's unborn baby is easily her [[MoralEventHorizon most monstrous moment]] during her tenure as the series's lead villainess.
\\

!!Thomas Barrow, the First Footman [-(Rob James-Collier)-]
[[quoteright:209:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/thomasdownton_7964.png]]

->"''This isn't her territory. We can say what we like down here.''"
----

* AllLoveIsUnrequited: He appears genuinely crushed in Series 1 when Crowborough spurns his affections, dismissing him as no more than a "youthful dalliance". In Series 3, he falls head over heels for pretty new footman Jimmy, and is [[HandsOnApproach clumsily flirtatious]], despite Jimmy's clear discomfort and unreciprocal reaction -- see LuredIntoATrap below for full detail.
* {{Blackmail}}: In Series 4, he offers up Phyllis Baxter as a candidate to replace Edna as Lady Cora's Lady's Maid, with the sole purpose of using his knowledge of her apparently [[DarkSecret shady past]] to force her to act as his [[TheMole eyes and ears]] below stairs. Even by the end of Series 4, we still don't exactly ''what'' he knows about her, or their connection -- we'll have to wait for Series 5.
* TheBully: To William (Series 1), Alfred (Series 3) and Miss Baxter (Series 4).
* ButNotTooGay: In Series 1 and 2. The pilot episode showed that Thomas certainly was able to have a love life, but he'd only had brief crushes for the next two seasons. His attraction to Jimmy Kent in Series 3, however, ended this by making his sexual orientation a bigger part of the plot.
* CardCarryingVillain: Ostensibly, with O'Brien.
* ChronicVillainy: According to an interview with Rob James-Collier, Thomas [[AesopAmnesia didn't learn a damn thing]] from the [[http://cartermatt.com/86615/downton-abbey-season-4-spoilers-rob-james-collier-teases-thomas-new-twisted-ways/ events of Series 3,]] and is still as scheming and conniving as ever. This shines through in the first episode of Series 4, when he conspires to get Nanny West fired for simply giving him attitude -- see her entry below for full detail.
* {{Cricket}}: He's a skilled batsman, and scores a century in the Village vs House match during the Series 3 finale.
* DeadpanSnarker:
-->'''Daisy''' (on Mrs Patmore's love-life): Why not? She's a woman isn't she?
-->'''Thomas''': Only technically.
* DepravedHomosexual: His encounters with Pamuk, Crowborough and in Series 3, Jimmy.
* DesperatelyCravesAffection: He's cold, haughty and is shown to be an incorrigible bastard on many occasions, but his unsubtle flirtations with men he finds attractive (Pamuk, Jimmy) reveal a side to him we rarely see -- that of a desperately lonely man in a world where he can never fully be himself.
* DirtySocialTricks: He gets a real kick out of humiliating his colleagues, and uses a number of nasty techniques to do so.
* DrivenByEnvy: Mrs Hughes thinks he's just jealous because everyone likes William.
* DrunkWithPower: He's on the make, to put it lightly.
* [[DudeHesLikeInAComa Dude! He's Like, in a Coma!]]: He plants a kiss on Jimmy's lips whilst he sleeps, during a midnight visit to the young footman's bedroom. All hell breaks loose, as mentioned below.
* EstablishingCharacterMoment / BitchAlert:
--> '''Thomas:''' You're late when '''I''' say you're late.
* EvilDuo: With O'Brien through Series 1-2.
* EvenEvilHasStandards:
** He disapproves of the hospital's ill-treatment of William ([[HypocriticalHeartwarming whom he hates]]), causing the entire staff to look at him, stunned.
--->'''Thomas:''' I'm a working class lad and so is he. And I get fed up of seeing how our lot always get shafted.
** He tells O'Brien she shouldn't have written to Vera, telling the latter Bates was back at Downton, and genuinely doesn't seem to want to see Bates hanged for Vera's murder.
** He is fond of Lady Sybil due to their work at the hospital during the war, and is genuinely shattered when she dies in childbirth. In Series 4, it's shown that he has a soft spot for baby Sybbie. It's implied that his fondness for Lady Sybil is why he doesn't hesitate to call Edna a manipulative witch after her attempt to force Tom to marry her fails.
* EvilIsPetty:
** He's constantly trying to get Bates fired (admittedly, he was after Bates' job at the time), and [[IncompatibleOrientation flirts with Daisy]], just to hurt William.
** With Bates in prison, he shifts his cross-hairs to Alfred, the new footman. Not only is Thomas protective of his position as Valet, but he kicks out the ladder to prevent ''anyone'' else from following him.
* EvilMentor: In Series 3, he busily grooms his new protégé Jimmy to become 1st Footman, whilst simultaneously sabotaging rival candidate Alfred's chances.
* EvilVersusEvil: In Series 3, he and O'Brien have an almighty falling-out over the arrival of her nephew Alfred as the new footman, which causes huge damage to their once tight friendship. See LuredIntoATrap below for detail.
* FoolForLove: Although the opportunity for him to have a same-sex relationship in the Edwardian era is both slim and more importantly [[BuryYourGays dangerous]], Thomas is shown to take ''great'' risks in the pursuit of love, and is not shy about coming on to men (Kemal Pamuk, Jimmy) he finds attractive, despite the obvious jeopardy this puts him in. Exemplified during the Series 3 Christmas Day Special, where despite Jimmy's previous rebuttal and attempts to get him ''sacked'', Thomas still jumps to his aid when the young footman is attacked by thugs at the village fair and is left beaten black and blue for his efforts.
-->'''Jimmy:''' Why were you following me?
-->'''Thomas:''' You know ''why''...
* FreudianExcuse: He was picked on for being "different," hence the rather large chip on his shoulder.
* {{Gayngst}}:
** This is fully revealed when his [[BeneathTheMask mask]] slips a little during his chat with Lieutenant Courtenay.
-->'''Thomas:''' All my life they've pushed me around just cos I'm ''different''...
** Also when he confesses to Bates he envies him -- he can never experience being a part of a happy couple that everyone supports.
* GoodSmokingEvilSmoking: The two evil characters frequently plot whilst having a sneaky fag.
* [[GossipyHens Gossipy Hen]]: With O'Brien.
* HandsomeDevil: As dishy as he is devious.
* HandsOnApproach: With Jimmy, when showing him how to wind and set the house clocks properly.
* HasAType: Selfish, manipulative [[PrettyBoy Pretty Boys]] like the Duke of Crowborough, Pamuk and Jimmy are his preference. Worthy, earnest nice guys don't float his boat -- as seen when the prospect of looking after "Mr Matthew" causes him to throw a strop, let alone Tom Branson, for whom he outright ''refuses'' to act as valet.
* HateAtFirstSight: Bates in Series 1, Nanny West in Series 4.
* HateSink: Especially in Series 1, where he's an utter ''bastard'' to William and Bates, although less so in later series, where the [[FreudianExcuse complex emotional side]] to his character has been further explored and presented.
* IAmWhatIAm: Despite exhibiting {{Gayngst}}, it's clear that this is directed at ''society's'' condemnation of homosexuality, as opposed to self-loathing, and in fact he's readily prepared to defend his orientation:
-->'''Thomas''': I'm not "foul" Mr Carson. I'm not the same as you, but I'm ''not'' foul.
* IcyBlueEyes
* ImpaledPalm: [[DeliberateInjuryGambit Intentionally got his hand shot]] by a German sharpshooter in order to be shipped back home. Although, considering what stretcher-bearers went through on the Front, you can't blame him.
* ItAmusedMe: While it's never been directly addressed in series, Rob James-Collier has said he feels that Barrow's motivations for being such a Jerkass is this, saying that since his job is the exact same thing every single day, he occasionally kicks the hornet's nest just to alleviate the soul-crushing '''boredom''' of his life. He might also occasionally waltz over the line into ForTheEvulz.
* {{Jerkass}}: He's obnoxious to ''everyone'' he works with, except O'Brien (until their Series 3 fall-out), and there's a definite EnforcedColdWar between them and the other staff.
* JerkJustifications: Subscribes to types 1 & 2.
* JerkAssWoobie: Considering the time period and his orientation, it's hard not to (''sometimes'') feel sorry for him, for all his nastiness.
* JerkassHasAPoint: In Series 4, after he is offended by Nanny West, he takes umbrage and conspires to have her sacked. As it turns out Thomas was [[RightForTheWrongReasons right about her, albeit inadvertently]], when it is revealed that she has been verbally abusing young Sybbie.
* {{Leitmotif}}: Significant scenes between he and Jimmy (the midnight kiss, making friends etc) are accompanied by a sad, ominous, rather tense piano piece.
* LookingForLoveInAllTheWrongPlaces: Practically no one was ''openly'' gay in the late Edwardian era, and Thomas must look for the signs that signify reciprocity -- unfortunately, he's rather green in that regard. To compound matters, the [[HasAType type]] of men he likes are ''entirely'' [[ItsAllAboutMe unsuited]] to loving relationships.
* LuredIntoATrap: In Series 3, he exhibits an uncharacteristic lack of self-preservation when he [[IdiotBall falls for O'Brien's lies]] that his feelings for Jimmy are mutual, leading to him enter Jimmy's bedroom for a midnight kiss. [[InterruptedIntimacy Alfred walks in at the most inopportune moment]], witnesses the resulting fallout and is encouraged by O'Brien to report the incident to Mr Carson. Thomas is publicly outed and O'Brien's revenge is complete. By the Series 3 finale, he is reduced to a [[BrokenTears tearful]], defeated shell by O'Brien's plan. That is, until he (with [[StrangeBedfellows Bates']] help) [[TheDogBitesBack recalls her ''one'' vital weakness]] -- the fact that she caused Cora's miscarriage, and rather foolishly relayed this to Thomas. Bates only has to whisper "her Ladyship's soap" in her ear (not knowing what that means) to see her backing down in terror.
* MaliciousSlander: His speciality.
* ManipulativeBastard: Eager to be promoted to butler or valet as soon as possible, even if it means kidnapping pets.
* MilhollandRelationshipMoment: In Series 3, Thomas expects to "shock and disgust" Mrs. Hughes with the revelation that he is gay. She is in fact understanding, most probably due to the [[OpenSecret below]].
* OpenSecret: Carson admits everyone already knew Thomas was gay, but it wasn't '''official''' until the scandal with Jimmy, so he didn't have to do anything about it.
* OutGambitted: By the Duke, who steals and burns his love letters before he tries to {{Blackmail}} him with them.
* PhotoOpWithTheDog: Literally. He contrives a mad scheme to impress Lord Robert -- kidnapping his beloved labrador Isis, with the plan being to heroically "find" her and thus fall into his Lordship's good graces. Although the scheme initially backfires (Isis is found by a village child before Thomas can return her), Robert is impressed by the fact that Thomas has apparently run himself ragged looking for her. This action directly leads to his promotion to Valet.
* RankUp: As of Series 3, he is promoted to Lord Grantham's valet, whilst Bates languishes in prison. He's then made Under-Butler by the finale, when Bates returns.
* RedRightHand / ScarsAreForever: Wears a black glove on his injured hand.
* {{Schemer}}: One of his more obvious character traits, Thomas is constantly formulating plans to advance his career, get one over on his enemies, or make a quick couple of quid.
* SmugSnake: Not nearly as smart as he thinks he is.
* StalkerWithACrush: Towards Jimmy in the third Series.
* StraightGay: In general, he's not in the least bit camp, and his sexuality is only apparent during scenes involving his encounters with other men.
* SubordinateExcuse: It's not only his ambition that made him want to be the Duke of Crowborough's valet.
* SugaryMalice: In the Series 4 Christmas Day Special, his resentment at having to wait on Tom Branson (whom he considers a chancer who got lucky in marrying Lady Sybil) bubbles over, and his polite, but dryly aggravating tone (all delivered with a smug smile) smacks of this trope.
* TallDarkAndSnarky: He's tall, has jet-black hair, and possesses a dark, sneering sense of humour.
* TransparentCloset: In the Series 3 finale, most people's reaction to being told that he's gay is "it's not like we didn't know that already." Even Robert knew.
* TyrantTakesTheHelm: Promoted to House Manager during Downton's spell as a convalescent home during the War years of Series 2, and again in the Series 3 finale, when he's promoted to Under-Butler, which gives him authority over every staff member except for Carson.
* UltimateJobSecurity: Can be as rude as he pleases, and no one bats an eyelash. Bates catches him stealing wine, but [[GoodIsDumb can't bring himself]] to have Thomas fired. So what does Thomas do? Pin the stolen wine on Bates! After Thomas is outed in Series 3, rather than being horrified like Carson, Lord Robert exhibits a uniquely upper-class, blasé attitude towards sexuality -- he went to [[BoardingSchool Eton]] after all, where one doesn't bat an eyelid over this sort of thing.
-->'''Robert:''' If I screamed blue-murder every time someone tried to kiss me at Eton, I'd have gone hoarse in a month.
* VillainousBreakdown: As seen when the [[BlackMarket black market comestibles]] he plans to profit from turn out to be inedible, leading him to trash his storage shed in a tearful, blind rage.
* VillainousCheekbones
* ZanyScheme: Which mostly blow up in his face.
\\

!!William Mason, the Second Footman [-(Thomas Howes)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/williammason_4007.png]]

->"''My mum was so excited when I came here. They're proud of me, and I'd hate to spoil that.''"
----

* {{Adorkable}}: He really is.
* AnyoneCanDie: Having bravely saved the life of Matthew by shielding him from an explosion during the final push at [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarOne Amiens.]]
* BattleButler: He serves as Matthew's batman in France, and dies from injuries sustained saving his life at Amiens.
* BerserkButton: He gives Thomas a much needed thrashing after he insults his late mother.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: Despite his sweet nature, he can definitely handle himself in a scrap.
* BreakTheCutie: He tries to be positive, but Thomas's cruel teasing eventually causes him to snap.
* DoggedNiceGuy: He's clearly in love with Daisy although she doesn't want to know with Thomas in the picture. She eventually does see it, once she gets over Thomas, and while she doesn't feel for him ''quite'' as intensely, she agrees to marry him [[AltarTheSpeed in a rushed death-bed service]] right before he dies.
* DramaticIrony: He repeatedly insists that he should be allowed to fight in the Great War, as he believes so much in the British cause. This for what is now recognized as one of the most pointless and wasteful wars in history.
* TheDutifulSon: He'd rather be working with horses at the family farm, but took the role of Footman to ''please'' his parents, so it's a bit of an inversion in his case.
* GoodOldFisticuffs: Thomas vs. William and our Will valiantly carries the day.
* HairOfGoldHeartOfGold: Easily one of the warmest characters in the series, with a heart as golden as his flaxen hair.
* HeroicWannabe: At the start of Series 2, he's desperate to sign up to the army.
* JumpedAtTheCall: When he is finally called up, he can't wait to do his duty for King and country.
* NaiveNewcomer: Earnest, sweet and vulnerable, he's perfect bullying-fodder for Thomas.
* NiceGuy: And a complete {{Foil}} to his devious fellow footman, Thomas.
* TakingTheBullet: For Matthew at Amiens.
* TooGoodForThisSinfulEarth: His angelic death scene, surrounded by the staff and family united in grief, is particularly upsetting.
\\

!!Anna Bates (née Smith), the Head Housemaid [-(Joanne Froggatt)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/annasmith_7090.png]]

->"''It’s always sad when you love someone who doesn’t love you back, no matter who you are.''"
----

* AmateurSleuth: In her efforts to prove Bates' innocence.
* BigNo: At Bates' trial, when the guilty verdict is read out.
* BreakTheCutie: Following her Series 4 [[spoiler: rape ordeal]] detailed below, the normally confident, vivacious Anna becomes (understandably) withdrawn and full of self-loathing.
* BullyHunter: She will always tenaciously leap to the defense of anyone being harassed or picked on -- even [[TheBully Thomas and O'Brien]] keep her at a respectful arms-length, never targeting her ''directly''.
* TheConfidant: For Lady Mary, who leans on Anna a lot. Along with her mother, she is the only one she can trust when Kemal Pamuk scandalously dies in her bed.
* ClearTheirName: Her quest throughout Series 3 is to help prove Bates' innocence. By episode 6, she manages to coerce Vera's friend Audrey Bartlett into giving a testimony, which clears his name and secures his release.
* GoodIsNotSoft: Although she's sweet, kind and compassionate, Anna is absolutely ''not'' a walk-over and doesn't take any shit from Thomas or O'Brien, frequently calling them out on their dreadful behavior.
-->'''Anna:''' Fight fire with fire, that's what my mum says.
* IWillWaitForYou: Confirms this to Bates.
* {{Maid}} / NinjaMaid: Anna takes to the role of plucky girl detective like a duck to water.
* MayDecemberRomance: With Bates.
* NiceGirl: She's well liked and respected by the family and staff alike.
* PluckyGirl: Anna flatly refuses to have "no proper place" in Mr Bates' life when Vera's final scheme takes effect, and orders him to marry her despite his protests. He doesn't want to drag her into his troubles, but she swears that they "will face [this crisis] as man and wife" and finally lays down the law.
* RankUp: As of Series 3 Episode 5, she is officially promoted to Lady Mary's lady's maid. This change heralds a simpler, more mature style of dress for her, more akin to the plain black outfits of Mrs Hughes and O'Brien.
* [[spoiler: RapeAsDrama: In Series 4, she is attacked and raped by Green, Lord Gillingham's valet, in [[DarkerAndEdgier harrowing scenes]] whilst the rest of the household is distracted upstairs during the Nellie Melba concert. After Mrs Hughes finds her in a [[BrokenTears broken, sobbing]] state, Anna insists [[DarkSecret she must tell no one]]. The repercussions for her marriage are clear when Bates turns up (not knowing what has happened) and she [[HatesBeingTouched won't let him touch her]] or walk her home. Even when he does find out the truth, Anna suggests that she is DefiledForever, and it takes some time for her to be comfortable with Bates again.]]
* SingleWomanSeeksGoodMan: John Bates fits the bill perfectly, luckily for her.
* [[TeamMom Team Mum]]: For the younger staff.
* TurnTheOtherCheek: Despite the fact that Thomas actively tried to get Bates fired all throughout Series 1 & 2, she is shown to possess a dignified level of compassion, lending him a shoulder to cry on and hushing Alfred when he insensitively tells him to cheer up following Sybil's death.
* WillTheyOrWontThey: With Bates. TheyDo -- ''finally''.
\\

!!Gwen Dawson, a Housemaid [-(Rose Leslie)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/gwend_6744.png]]

->"''Dad will think I'm a fool to leave a good place and Mum will say I'm getting above myself, but... but I don't believe that.''"
----

* EarnYourHappyEnding: As mentioned below.
* HappilyMarried: In the second episode of Series 4, Mrs Hughes [[CallBack receives a letter from her]], and apparently she's doing well and married.
* IJustWantToBeSpecial: She's determined to make a better life for herself as a secretary.
-->'''Gwen:''' We're not like that. We don't think our dreams are bound to come true... because they almost never do.
* {{Maid}}
* OddFriendship: With Lady Sybil, who goes far beyond what an Earl's daughter would normally do to help her maid ''leave'' her father's service.
* PluckyGirl: She even shows something of a FieryRedhead nature, especially when O'Brien steals her type-writer and presents it to Carson.
-->'''Gwen''': Why's that down here? Who's been in my room? They had no right!
* PutOnABus: To [[Series/GameOfThrones Westeros]], as mentioned above.
* SmallTownBoredom
* WishFulfillment: Towards to the end of Series 1, her determination (and Sybil's support) pays off, and she lands the position of secretary for a fledgling telephone company.
* YouGoGirl: She’s breaking every rule -- In 1912, women were not expected or encouraged to have a profession and work in an office, so she represents the pioneering new wave of female independence coming through at that time.
\\

!!Daisy Mason (née Robinson), a Kitchen/Scullery Maid [-(Sophie [=McShera=])-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/daisymason_3495.png]]

->"''Thomas is lovely in every way. He’s funny and handsome, and he’s got such lovely teeth.''"
----

* AllGirlsWantBadBoys: Her crush on Thomas early in the series (which he exploits to make William jealous).
* BecauseYouWereNiceToMe: She (following initial reservations - see below) bonds with Mr Mason, William's widowed father after he tells her how special she is to him following William's death.
* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor: In Series 3, she bugs Mrs. Patmore to hire a kitchen maid for months. Just when she's [[CannotSpitItOut finally about to tell Alfred that she fancies him]], she's introduced to new kitchen maid Ivy, who he ''immediately'' starts flirting with.
* BetterAsFriends: She and Alfred, although it's a tough, upsetting decision for her as she did love him.
* BreakTheCutie: A couple of instances cause her great upset -- notably the guilt she felt at marrying William on his death-bed, and in Series 3, Alfred's disinterest in her and pursuit of Ivy breaks her heart.
* ButtMonkey: Due to being one of the youngest, most junior staff members, and for having a rather gullible personality.
* CannotSpitItOut: Where Alfred is concerned, but in ''general'' she has this problem on most matters.
* HerosMuse: For William, who always says he will bear anything if she is with him.
* HorribleJudgeOfCharacter: In Series 1, she's in love with ''Thomas'' of all people, which seems less forgivable in light of the revelation in Series 3 that just about ''everyone else'' knew that Thomas was gay.
* GreenEyedEpiphany: In Series 3, her interest in newcomer Alfred is only piqued when she sees him enjoying Miss Reed's attentions.
* GreenEyedMonster: She's furious that Ivy is the subject of Alfred's affections, and takes her anger out on the poor girl.
* HistoryRepeats:
** In Series 3, her aggressive attitude towards junior member of staff Ivy draws parallels with her own poor treatment at the hands of Mrs Patmore during Series 1.
** Jimmy flirting with Ivy, supposedly to bully Alfred who is genuinely interested in her, parallels the former LoveTriangle between Daisy, William and Thomas. Especially if we consider Jimmy as ArmouredClosetGay...
* LimitedAdvancementOpportunities: It's likely down to the series's ComicBookTime, but she remains a lowly scullery maid for a good 8 ''years'' before she is promoted to Assistant Cook. She has to complain to make it happen.
* LiteralMinded: Not quite as extreme as the trope usually suggests, but she does get ridiculously stuck on the fact that she didn't quite feel for William what he felt for her, and acting like that completely invalidates their marriage. There's also the fact that, as the Dowager Countess points out to her later, her marrying him in order to "keep his spirits up at the end" was actually a very strong expression of love.
* LoveTriangle: In Series 3, she's part of the Love Quadrilateral of herself -> Alfred -> Ivy -> Jimmy, with Thomas also making his own moves on the latter.
* MySignificanceSenseIsTingling: In the [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarOne war years]] of Series 2, a dramatic scene of William (and Matthew) getting caught in an explosion quickly cuts to Daisy back at Downton, who is visibly shaken and falters mid-task.
* RankUp: As of Series 3, she is promoted to Assistant Cook.
* RearWindowWitness: Whilst up early to light the bedroom fires, she catches Lady Mary, her mother and Anna moving Pamuk's body across the landing back to his own room in the bachelor's corridor, after he has scandalously died in Mary's bed.
* SculleryMaid
* [[HeKnowsTooMuch She Knows Too Much]]: Having witnessed the corpse-related escapade above, it plays on her mind, and in the end it is she who informs Edith (after coaxing) of Mary's bedroom antics, thus starting the whole Kemal Pamuk scandal.
* UnwittingPawn: In Thomas's Series 1 plan to get Bates sacked. The scheming footman [[DistractedByTheSexy convinces her]] to give a false report to Carson, incriminating Bates in the theft of wine.
* WidowWoman: Becomes one after William's death, only a few hours after their marriage.
\\

!!Tom Branson, the Chauffeur [-(Allen Leech)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/tomb_7821.png]]

->"''Sometimes a hard sacrifice must be made for a future that's worth having.''"
----

* BestFriendsInLaw: With Matthew.
* BirdsOfAFeather: Begins a friendship with Sybil based on their shared interest in politics and women's rights. Later episodes reveal their rebellious natures and disregard for society's class divisions.
* BloodOnTheDebateFloor: His conversations on political reform impress Lady Sybil, but land her in a dangerous situation at an aggressive rally in Ripon. (He's absolutely aghast when Sybil is injured; his anguished "Oh no, please God no" is the first overt clue to his feelings for her.)
* CommonalityConnection: He and Matthew bond and find mutual support over their both marrying Crawley girls, as well as the fact that Matthew recognizes that he, like Branson, was once an outsider at Downton.
-->'''Matthew''': If we're mad enough to take on the Crawley girls, we've got to stick together.
* DoggedNiceGuy: He's ''really'' determined to win Lady Sybil, having fallen head over heels in love, and spends a great deal of time trying to convince her that she should do the same.
* FanService: His medical exam for entrance to the army features three! whole! buttons undone on his shirt. (Hey, you take what you can get with these period pieces.) And in the Series 3 Christmas Special, he is actually [[ShirtlessScene shirtless]] for roughly three seconds.
* FeeFiFauxPas: Once married to Lady Sybil, he makes loads, from not changing for dinner to using the wrong forms of address -- not that he gives a shit.
-->'''Violet:''' He's still dressed as the man from the Prudential I see.
* FishOutOfWater: In Series 4, whilst attending a particularly glitzy party at the Abbey, he describes himself as such word-for-word.
* UsefulNotes/{{Ireland}}: He hails from Bray in County Wicklow.
* TheIrishQuestion: His storyline addresses this the most. He's very active in Irish Nationalism (although, as he points out, he's hardly limited to that in his politics) and he had a cousin killed in the Easter Rising. There's also a moment where he and Sybil spar over it when she doesn't understand (due to mostly being given the English side of things) why Tom has such a strong dislike of the English government and military.
* KissingUnderTheInfluence / SexForSolace: He enjoys an illicit one-night encounter with Edna in Series 4, but is quick to tell her the next day that ItDoesntMeanAnything. She of course, has other ideas...
* NoGoodDeedGoesUnpunished: After Edna is fired for coming on to him in Series 3, Tom asks Mrs. Hughes to write her a good reference, out of guilt that he may have led her on. This comes back to bite both of them hard in the fourth Series premiere, when Edna uses that reference to get herself back into Downton when Cora interviews her.
* NotHelpingYourCase: He doesn't exactly receive a red-carpet welcome (perhaps understandably) when he revisits Downton as Lady Sybil's husband, but he doesn't help himself with his tetchy, chippy attitude and over-zealous politicking. Matthew even calls him out on it:
-->'''Matthew:''' You don't make it easy for them. D'you really think you can recruit Cousin Robert for Sinn Féin?
* PanickyExpectantFather: As seen whilst Sybil is in labour -- with good reason.
* PleaseDontLeaveMe: Says this to Sybil over and over again as she dies of post-partum eclampsia.
* PrinciplesZealot: His high-minded ideals are admirable, if a little too inflexible.
-->'''Branson:''' ''(on wearing morning dress)'' You see I don't approve of these costumes, I see them as the uniform of oppression and I should be uncomfortable wearing them.
-->'''Violet:''' Have you quite finished?
* PromotionToOpeningTitles: In Series 3, finally.
* RagsToRoyalty: He starts out as the family chauffeur, but through dogged perseverence, he ends up married to Lady Sybil and a member of the noble Crawley family.
* RankUp: As of Series 3 Episode 7 he is made Estate Manager for Downton.
* RantInducingSlight: ''Don't'' bring up politics over dinner.
* ScrewTheMoneyIHaveRules: When Robert offers him money to forget about Sybil, he refuses.
* [[SomeoneToRememberHimBy Someone To Remember Her By]]: Baby Sybil.
* StarCrossedLovers: Due to the veritable class-chasm between he and Lady Sybil.
* StrawmanPolitical: Used as a PlotDevice to encourage Sybil's rebellious streak.
* TokenMinority: To some degree, a token Irishman. There might well be other Irish servants, and there are certainly Irish-descended ones (O'Brien for one, and Bates' mother was apparently Irish), but he's the only one who is a member of the [[TheIrishQuestion Irish Nationalist movement]].
* {{Tsundere}}: Privately, Sybil reveals to Mary that he really isn't as anti their family as he appears to be -- in fact, he's hoping for their approval.
-->'''Sybil:''' He puts a tough face on it and says things that make everyone angry, but he so wants your good opinion. I can't tell you how much.
* WhatTheHellHero: Mid-way through Series 3, his revolutionary ideals [[BombThrowingAnarchists turn ugly]] and he arrives at Downton on the run from Ireland, having been present at the ransacking and burning of a noble Anglo-Irish family's castle. The Crawleys are disgusted, especially as he left the ''heavily pregnant'' Lady Sybil behind.
* WillTheyOrWontThey: With Sybil -- TheyDo.
* YouCantGoHomeAgain: Following the above, Lord Grantham uses his influence to call off the authorities, on the condition he does not set foot on Irish soil.
\\

!!Mr Joseph Molesley, Matthew Crawley's Butler [-(Kevin Doyle)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/molesley_2541.png]]

->"''"I'll do this," he says. "I'll take the other. I'll tie that."... I'm just stood there like a chump, watching a man get dressed.''"
----

* AlwaysSomeoneBetter: Especially with regard to his career.
* ButtMonkey: Poor old Molesley, he never seems to catch a break.
* CantHoldHisLiquor: While waiting on the family, he takes ill... from sampling too much of the wine.
* [[DraftDodging Draft Dodger]]: He's petrified of heading off to the [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarOne trenches in Series 2]], and when Isobel busts the Dowager's plan to keep him safe, he is forced to concoct a lung condition, which Dr Clarkson finally accepts as grounds for exemption.
* DropInCharacter: He doesn't work at the Abbey, but often pops in to see the other staff.
* HopelessSuitor: Nice try, Molesley, but Anna's taken.
* IWillProtectHer: In Series 4, he shows uncharacteristic pluck when he leaps to the defense of Miss Baxter, after he witnesses Thomas's attempts at blackmailing her (see her entry for more detail).
* TheJeeves: For Crawley House, the home of Isobel and Matthew.
* TheMunchausen: The hilarious self-promotion of his batting skills during the build up of the Series 3 finale cricket match predictably ends in disaster -- when he's out for a duck.
-->'''Molesley:''' ''Cherish'' the ball -- ''don't'' crush it.
* PromotionToOpeningTitles: As of Series 3.
* SeriesContinuityError: A mild example, but prior to Series 4, his given name was noted as being "Alfred" in the scripts and series companion books. However, in Episode 6 of Series 4, he reveals his first name is in fact Joseph.
* SlippingAMickey: He makes an absolute tit of himself at the Gillies Ball during the Series 3 Christmas Special thanks to a drugged drink.
* WhyDoYouKeepChangingJobs: In Series 4 -- road-worker, delivery boy, fill-in footman etc, following the death of his employer, Matthew.
* YankTheDogsChain: Every time he gets ahead, something happens to pull him back down.
\\

!!Mrs May Bird, Matthew Crawley's Cook [-(Christine Lohr)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mrsbird_4948.png]]

->"''I do not believe it is part of my duties to wait on the likes of her.''"
----

* ApronMatron
* DeadpanSnarker
-->'''Mrs Bird:''' ...If you want your garden party to be run by Blind Pew.
* DidntSeeThatComing: She's shocked when Isobel gives her her notice in Series 3, after she refuses to work with ex-prostitute Ethel.
* OldMaid: Cooks are always "Mrs" as a courtesy.
* TheRival: Initially for Mrs Patmore, who was ''very'' worried the family would prefer Bird's cooking whilst she was away in London for her eye-surgery. They eventually discover they are NotSoDifferent, and bond through shared exasperation over Mrs Hughes' control of the food store.
* ServileSnarker
* SourSupporter: She's a bit of an old grump, but does mellow a little.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Introduced in Series 2]]

!!Ethel Parks, a Housemaid [-(Amy Nuttall)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ethelp_4132.png]]

->"''I want the best, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.''"
----

* BreakTheHaughty: Goes from a cocky, self-assured maid to being pregnant and bare-foot in the space of an episode.
* DefiledForever
-->'''Mrs Hughes''': You've broken the rules, my girl, and it's no good pretending they're easily mended.
* FalseWidow: How she explains away her illegitimate child, Baby Charlie. Luckily, this is the late 1910s, the era of UsefulNotes/WorldWarOne and the Spanish flu - both providing good excuses for the existence of young single mothers. Ethel chooses the latter, as it also explains why she isn't getting a war widow's pension.
* FieryRedhead: Well, definitely ''gobby'' redhead.
* InferioritySuperiorityComplex: She appears to have very little sense of propriety, given her lowly position in the staff pecking order.
* InterruptedIntimacy: Mrs Hughes bursts in on her and Major Bryant getting it on in an unused room -- which leads to her immediate dismissal, and SurprisePregnancy.
* LethalChef: In Series 3, Isobel's charitable act of taking her on as a cook/housekeeper blows up in her face when she finds out just how bad a cook Ethel actually is.
* {{Maid}}
* TheOldestProfession: As Series 3 begins, it is confirmed she is working as a [[SingleMomStripper prostitute]], after Isobel spots her at the charitable centre for 'ladies of the night' she is supporting. This ultimate fall from grace finally convinces her to [[GiveHimANormalLife hand Baby Charlie over]] to Mr & Mrs Bryant (his paternal grandparents) in heart-breaking scenes mid-way through Series 3.
* RebelliousSpirit: As O'Brien says:
-->'''O'Brien:''' You've got a cheek for your first day.
* ServileSnarker: Amongst the cheekiest of the staff.
* SmallNameBigEgo: She is convinced she's going to make it big as a movie star, for no apparent reason.
* SmallTownBoredom: Which likely motivates her rather rash behaviour and poor judgement.
* StigmaticPregnancyEuphemism: She admits to Mrs Hughes that she's been telling people Baby Charlie's father "died from Spanish Flu", so as to avoid any further scandal.
* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: Let's see, an ambitious redhead that doesn't want to stay in service but go out and make it big. Hmm. Where have we heard that before? Though the show is quick to differentiate her from Gwen; Gwen has a more realistic goal (becoming a secretary) and is also willing to do the work it takes to achieve that goal, whereas Ethel expects glory to just be handed to her.
* TheTease: With the officers convalescing at Downton, which leads to a SurprisePregnancy -- her illegitimate son with Major Bryant is born mid-way through Series 2.
* TrashTalk: Easily amongst the gobbiest of the staff.
* WhatWereYouThinking: Shacking up with random men (and getting pregnant) was a ''massive'' no-no in the Edwardian era.
\\

!!Jane Moorsum, a Housemaid [-(Clare Calbraith)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/janemoorsum_8809.png]]

->"''I want to be with you. Let me.''"
----

* {{Leitmotif}}: Scenes of the dalliance between her and Lord Robert are accompanied by a rather melancholy theme.
* {{Maid}}
* TheMistress: Grantham considers an affair with her, and they share an illicit, passionate kiss.
* PutOnABus: She leaves Downton before the affair gets out of hand.
* RavenHairIvorySkin
* ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections: Has no shame in asking Lord Grantham to influence a prestigious grammar school to award her son a place. After breaking off an attempted affair with her, Robert then uses his connections to set up Jane's son in future employment after he leaves school.
* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: For another SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute, Ethel. She also looks startling similar to Cora.
* WidowWoman: Her husband was killed in the War.
* WillTheyOrWontThey: With Robert -- They don't.
\\

!!Mr Henry Lang, Lord Grantham's (temporary) Valet [-(Cal Macaninch)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/henryl_9183.png]]

->"''Have you any idea how scared they are? How scared they all are?''"
----

* BadDreams
* CatapultNightmare: He is shown to suffer from vivid night-terrors due to his experiences in the War and bursts from his bed screaming, terrified that he will have to go back to the trenches.
* MoralityPet: For O'Brien, whose brother suffered similar trauma.
* PutOnABus: Suffering from shell shock, he is dismissed after his condition makes employment in a private house impossible.
* TheQuietOne: He's ''very'' softly spoken, so much so that Lord Grantham has to angrily ask him to speak up at one point.
* ShellShockedVeteran: Following his horrific experiences of trench warfare.
* ThereAreNoTherapists: More or less true at the time.
* WarIsHell: One of the characters used to fully embody this trope.
\\

!!Miss Marigold Shore, Lady Rosamund's Lady's Maid [-(Sharon Small)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/missshore_4142.png]]

->"''Is Mr Bates the one Lady Rosamund told me about? The murderer?''"
----

* AdviceFromLibby: She's a complete stirrer, and is shown to have rather loose morals (see below), but she does advise and encourage Daisy to stand up for herself and demand career advancement, even if the approach she suggests is unsuitably petulant.
* BackstabbingTheAlphaBitch
* BodyguardBetrayal: She is revealed to be having an affair with Rosamund's suitor Lord Hepworth, and presumably leaves her service soon after.
* BrutalHonesty: Like her mistress, she tends to rub other people up the wrong way.
* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: Her sole appearance was in the Second Series Christmas Day Special.
* InterruptedIntimacy: After being tipped off by Anna, she and Hepworth are caught in the act by Mary and Rosamund.
* {{Maid}}
* TheMistress: For Lord Hepworth.
* UsefulNotes/{{Scotland}}: Small uses her own accent for the part.
* ServileSnarker: For a visiting servant, she's very assertive with her opinions.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Introduced in Series 3]]

!!Miss Reed, Martha Levinson's Lady's Maid [-(Lucille Sharp)-]
[[quoteright:202:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Reed_7368.png]]

->"''Mrs Levinson knows you make fun of her -- but she makes fun of you.''"
----

* BigOlEyebrows
* BlitheSpirit: Her brash, American ways unnerve the Downton servants.
-->'''Miss Reed:''' I'm American, Alfred. And this is 19''20''. Time to live a little!
* FemmeFatale
* GiveGeeksAChance: In a move that would be considered ''highly'' improper and pretty shocking in 1920, she [[ForcefulKiss kisses]] Alfred on the ''mouth'' to cheer him up after he is the victim of Thomas's schemes.
* {{Maid}}
* [[SeeminglyWholesomeFiftiesGirl Seemingly Wholesome 20's Girl]]: She looks the part of a demure maid, the reality however...
* TheTease: To Alfred.
\\

!!Alfred Nugent, a Footman [-(Matt Milne)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/alfrednugent_8965.png]]

->"''Tea spoon, egg spoon... melon spoon, grapefruit spoon, jam spoon...''"
----

* TheApprentice: His scheming aunt [[EvilMentor O'Brien]] quickly takes him under her protection.
* TheBigGuy: He's 6'4", which causes the Dowager Duchess to remark that she thought he was "walking on stilts" whilst waiting at table.
-->'''Carson:''' You're too tall to be a footman - no footman should be over six foot one!
* DoggedNiceGuy: In his pursuit of Ivy.
* FeeFiFauxPas: His lack of experience and using incorrect "silver service" style at dinner anger Carson when he first arrives.
* GentleGiant: He's a naive, earnest sort of chap -- so nothing at all like his auntie.
* IJustWantToBeSpecial: In Series 4, he's determined to better himself by becoming a chef, and heads to London to take the culinary exams for a placement at the Ritz. He comes in fifth with only 4 places on offer, but [[EarnYourHappyEnding manages to scrape a place]] when the fourth-placed candidate drops out.
* LoveInterest: He piques Daisy's interest, particularly after [[GreenEyedEpiphany she sees him enjoying]] Miss Reed's attention.
* LoveTriangle: In Series 3, he's part of the Love Quadrilateral of Daisy -> himself -> Ivy -> Jimmy, with Thomas also making his own moves on the latter.
* NaiveNewcomer: He has NO experience working in a private house, which is instantly apparent when he joins the below-stairs team.
* {{Nephewism}}: His close familial connection to O'Brien was required to justify her epic Series 3 fall-out with Thomas. Only something as personal as the bullying of a family member could spur O'Brien into going MamaBear on Thomas, her only friend and ally.
* NiceGuy
* OneHeadTaller: Than pretty much ''everyone'' else at Downton. He's a clear ''foot'' taller than Ivy, his crush.
* PutOnABus: To the Ritz Hotel, Mid-way through Series 4, as mentioned above.
* TheReliableOne: Carson definitely comes to see him as such, once he has helped him find his feet, and is quick to point out his diligence and good work ethic when rival footman Jimmy's praises are being sung.
* TheRival: With Jimmy -- for the position of First Footman.
* ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections: Despite having little experience working in a private house, he is O'Brien's nephew, which helped land him the position as Footman.
* SorryToInterrupt: He bursts in on Thomas' unsolicited midnight call to Jimmy's room and is shocked to find them (apparently) kissing. O'Brien then coerces him into telling Carson.
* SpannerInTheWorks: Unknowingly of course, but his very presence at Downton drives an unprecedented wedge between firm allies Thomas and O'Brien.
* ThickerThanWater: His aunt is usually the ''first'' person to criticise sloppy work and is a dangerous enemy to have below stairs -- luckily for him, he's her beloved nephew.
* UnluckyEverydude
\\

!!James "Jimmy" Kent, a Footman [-(Ed Speleers)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/jimmykent_1801.png]]

->"''It's not what you think!!''"
----

* TheCharmer: He has a natural air of confidence and grace that Alfred does not possess, and so sees the role of First Footman as his natural right.
* CantGetAwayWithNuthin: Carson has his number, and gives him a ''severe'' bollocking on more than one occasion for picking on Alfred, who he has firmly taken under his powerful wing.
* DeceptiveDisciple: [[EvilMentor Thomas]] is very quick to take Jimmy under his wing and “teaches” him how to win Carson over -- by sabotaging Alfred. Cordial relations are fleetingly short, however, as Thomas' [[HandsOnApproach unwelcome flirting]] starts to grate...
* DirtySocialTricks: As Series 3 progresses, he does whatever he can to discredit [[TheRival Alfred]], both socially and professionally, in his goal to be First Footman -- as shown when he sabotages Alfred's service, causing him to slop langoustines all over the Dowager Countess.
* DoNotCallMePaul: He's not happy at all that Carson ''insists'' he go by his proper name "James" when in presence of the Crawley family.
-->'''Carson''': I don't care if you were Father Christmas to Lady Anstruther, here you are "James".
* GoodSmokingEvilSmoking: Indulges in a quick smoke and cards with Thomas & Alfred in Series 4.
* HiredForTheirLooks: Footmen were employed to be noticed, with good looks and poise that brought pride to the family they served. Carson has to concede that Jimmy fits the bill perfectly.
* HoneyTrap: Unknowingly, as part of O'Brien's plan to out Thomas.
* IncompatibleOrientation: In Series 3, Thomas falls for O'Brien's lies that his feelings for Jimmy are mutual, leading to him enter the young footman's bedroom for a midnight kiss. Jimmy angrily rebuffs his unexpected advances and barks it's NotWhatItLooksLike at Alfred, after he [[InterruptedIntimacy witnesses]] the resulting fall-out. Jimmy then gets a bad case of HaveIMentionedIAmHeterosexualToday the next morning, after O'Brien frightens him into aggressively convincing Carson to refuse Thomas a reference, by suggesting that his silence on the matter may imply compliance....and enjoyment. (Some fans think he might be ArmouredClosetGay instead of IncompatibleOrientation, due to his reactions.)
-->'''Jimmy:''' Can’t a [[SuspiciouslySpecificDenial red blooded man]] compliment a pretty girl?
* LaserGuidedKarma: He walks in and insults Alfred's attempt to learn to dance with Daisy, while also shooting down Daisy's hopes that Alfred's interested in her rather than Ivy. He then starts to dance with Daisy himself... only for Carson to walk in and start berating him for it, specifically comparing him to Alfred who is ''not'' dancing.
* LoveTriangle: In Series 3, he's part of the Love Quadrilateral of Daisy -> Alfred -> Ivy -> himself. He also finds himself on the receiving end of Thomas' [[HandsOnApproach not-so-subtle advances]].
* LustObject: Thomas welcomes him with a beaming smile and clearly takes an instant shine to the handsome newcomer.
* MeetTheNewBoss: Essentially, Jimmy is a rebooted Thomas, with Alfred as the new William.
* MistakenForGay: By Thomas, thanks to O'Brien's meddling.
* MrFanservice: In-universe. He causes quite the frisson of excitement amongst the ladies below stairs, and even Lady Mary is impressed.
-->'''Lady Mary:''' Well done, Carson, that must have cheered up the maids.
* PrettyBoy: With his curly blonde hair and cheeky, cherubic face.
* RankUp: As of the Series 3 finale, he finally gets his way and is promoted to First Footman.
* RelationshipSalvagingDisaster: During the Series 3 Christmas Special, he is attacked by thugs at the village fair and Thomas leaps to his defense, ending up beaten black and blue in the process. This spurs Jimmy into making peace with Thomas, although he insists he can never give him the ''romantic'' relationship he is looking for.
* TheRival: With Alfred -- for the position of First Footman.
* ShirtlessScene: Within 10 minutes of his arrival, Thomas catches him en déshabillé.
* TheSocialDarwinist: As Series 3 progresses, it becomes clear he is something of a lone wolf, and is not above using underhand actions to achieve what his sees as his natural right -- the role of First Footman.
* UnwittingPawn: In O'Brien's scheming to bring down Thomas.
\\

!!Ivy Stuart, a Kitchen/Scullery Maid [-(Cara Theobold)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ivystuart_6112.png]]

->"''I hope we’re going to get on.''"
----

* AllLoveIsUnrequited: She's infatuated with Jimmy, and he ''mildly'' flirts with her, but doesn't seem interested in pursuing anything serious, much to her chagrin.
* HelloNurse: Alfred takes an instant shine to her, and poor Daisy is jealous of her looks and popularity.
* LoveTriangle: In Series 3, she's part of the Love Quadrilateral of Daisy -> Alfred -> herself -> Jimmy, with Thomas also making his own moves on the latter.
* MakeUpIsEvil: Mrs Patmore is ''furious'' when she catches Ivy wearing rouge (no doubt to impress the chaps), and demands she scrub it off immediately.
-->'''Mrs Patmore:''' Not in this house, Miss Hussy!
* NaiveEverygirl: She's fundamentally sweet-natured, but rather clutzy in her flirting with the male staff.
* PutOnABus: At the end of Series 4, she's preparing to leave for America to become Harold Levinson's cook.
* TheRival: For Daisy.
* SculleryMaid: She replaces Daisy after she moves up to assistant cook.
\\

!!Edna Braithwaite, a Housemaid [-(Myanna Buring)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/edna_b_8297.png]]

->"''Must I? I said I'd meet Tom Branson for lunch in the village.''"
----

* AllLoveIsUnrequited: Her plan to win Branson's heart never comes to fruition.
* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: She makes her debut in the Series 3 Christmas Day Special.
* EvilMakeover / BreakoutVillain: In the Series 3 Christmas Special, Edna is blonde, very pretty and merely something of a DoggedNiceGirl in her flirtations with Branson. However, when she returns to Downton in Series 4, she is given a ''far'' more [[http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8827316.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/myanno.jpg severe look, dark hair, pallid skin and an all-black outfit]], which all helps to accentuate her newly upgraded role as the lead female {{Schemer}} below-stairs.
* EvilDuo: Thomas briefly takes her under his wing in Episode 2 of Series 4.
* FanserviceWithASmile: For a housemaid, Edna is ''hot''.
* ForbiddenFriendship: Headstrong and determined, she immediately sets her sights on Tom Branson, even going so far as to given him a ForcefulKiss whilst he is undressing.
* GigglingVillain: She has an evil chuckle to herself when Anna, having actually done ''nothing'' wrong, gets a slapped wrist for being overly aggressive towards her.
* IgnoredEnamoredUnderling: Try as she might, Branson's heart still belongs to his late wife, Lady Sybil.
* {{Leitmotif}}: Edna has her own slinky, serpentine theme to accompany her time on-screen in Series 4.
* {{Maid}}
* PutOnABus: Following her clear interest in Tom Branson, Mrs Hughes finally decides that she's probably not cut out for life as a maid and [[DeliberateValuesDissonance dismisses her without warning]]. Tom, feeling guilty that he may in some way have lead her on, asks Mrs Hughes to give her a good reference. TheBusCameBack in Series 4 to the horror of Carson and Mrs Hughes.
* RankUp: She has honed her skills following an unceremonious sacking in Series 3, and trained (so she says) as a Lady's Maid.
* {{Schemer}}: In Series 4, when the opportunity presents itself to return to Downton, she cleverly manoeuvres herself into the position of Lady Cora's new Lady's Maid behind Mrs Hughes' back, knowing full well she would ''never'' be allowed back to Downtown otherwise.
* SocialClimber: Her ultimate goal is to become a member of the Crawley family, and sets her sights on Tom Branson to achieve this, considering that he's baby Sybbie's father.
* TheSocialDarwinist: She'll do anything necessary to advance her career.
* StalkerWithACrush: On Branson -- mild and [[DoggedNiceGirl relatively harmless]] in Series 3, but [[VillainousCrush ramped right up]] upon her return to Downton in Series 4.
* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: Yet another lustful maid (following Ethel, then Jane) who can't keep her hands off those upstairs.
* VillainousCheekbones
* VillainousCrush / BabyTrap: In Series 4, her determination to win Tom escalates, and following a [[KissingUnderTheInfluence drunken one-night stand]], her immediate response is to say AndNowYouMustMarryMe and suggest she's [[TheBabyTrap pregnant]].
* VillainBall: Mrs Hughes comes to Tom's aid, following the above, by confronting Edna with a copy of Marie Stopes' birth-control manual she has found in her room -- the implication being that Edna isn't pregnant at all and is looking to trap Tom. Her planned foiled, Edna immediately leaves Downton in high-dudgeon......again.
-->'''Mrs Hughes''': The truth is, we were mad as hatters to let her back in the house.
* VillainessesWantHeroes: Her pursuit of Branson.
\\

!!Miss Wilkins, Lady Flintshire's Lady's Maid [-(Simone Lahbib)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/wilkins_9741.png]]

->"''It's a treat to have a kindred spirit come to stay, it really is.''"
----

* BeleagueredAssistant: To the acidic Lady Flintshire.
* BitchInSheepsClothing: O'Brien finds a kindred spirit in her opposite number.
* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: She makes her debut in the Third Series Christmas Day Special.
* GreenEyedMonster: Wilkins is furious that her mistress Susan gushingly praises O'Brien's hair-dressing skills whilst dismissing her own, and sets out to humiliate her opposite number.
* {{Maid}}
* OldMaid: Just like O'Brien.
* PrimAndProperBun: Which adds to her austere, dour character.
* SimilarSquad: Stern, dour, resentful and envious, she's a literal north-of-the-border facsimile of O'Brien.
* SlippingAMickey: She tries to spike O'Brien's drink with whiskey in an attempt to humiliate her at the Gillies Ball. She fails -- O'Brien is far too GenreSavvy to fall for one of TheOldestTricksInTheBook.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Introduced in Series 4]]

!!Nanny West [-(Di Botcher)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/nannywest_6561.png]]

->"''Please don't touch the children, not without my permission.''"
----

* AdultFear: Incarnate...
* ApronMatron
* BabysitterFromHell: Of the incredibly dark variety.
* BitchInSheepsClothing: Friendly and jolly to the family -- viciously sneering to poor Sybbie behind their backs.
* BullyingADragon: Bossing Thomas around is never a good idea, and he conspires to have her sacked.
* ControlFreak: She is very controlling with her young charges, and when Thomas shows a soft spot for Sybbie, she tells him to back off politely, but very firmly. She also won't even let Isobel see her grandson when she pays a call, citing unsuitable timing.
* DrunkWithPower: The position of Nanny is unique in that it falls somewhere ''between'' the family and the servants, but doesn't really belong to either group. She doesn't report to Carson or Mrs Hughes like the other staff, and enjoys an elevated autonomy, which is why she feels she can boss Thomas about.
-->'''Nanny West''': You're a member of staff, and the orders I give are to be obeyed.
-->'''Thomas''': And aren't ''you'' a member of staff?
-->'''Nanny West''': Not in that way.
* EvilAllAlong: Throughout her episode she's full of bluster and very bossy to Thomas (which he probably deserves) but she appears to be good with the children, so initially it's even possible to feel slightly sorry for her when Thomas gives a false report on her actions to Cora out of spite. However, it's ''genuinely'' shocking when, just before the episode finishes, Cora catches her calling Sybbie a "chauffeur's daughter" and a "wicked little cross-breed" in chillingly [[EvilSoundsDeep aggressive tones]] -- an offense which leads to her [[LaserGuidedKarma immediate dismissal]]. Turns out Thomas was inadvertently right.
* HateAtFirstSight: Thomas -- and it's mutual.
* MonsterOfTheWeek: Downton-style.
* ParentalSubstitute: As expected of the English aristocracy, the Crawleys employ a nanny to take care of young Master George and his cousin, Sybbie.
* PoliticallyIncorrectVillain: Has no trouble bullying and starving a two year-old.
* VillainBall: A few ill-timed, particularly nasty words are her undoing.
\\

!!Mr Spratt, the Dowager Countess's Butler [-(Jeremy Swift)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/spratt_616.png]]

->''"I'm perfectly capable of serving luncheon to three ladies, so why are you here? I think it's my job you're after."''
----

* BritishAccents: The series's first Geordie.
* TheBully: To poor Molesley.
* CreepyMonotone: He addresses Molesley in a quiet, threatening voice...
* DeathGlare: ...whilst fixing him with a vaguely psychotic gaze.
* DirtySocialTricks: Worried when he thinks Molesley is after his job at the Dower House, he sets out to sabotage his service by instructing him to pick up a boiling salver, which he drops in screaming, inappropriate surprise in front of his prospective employer, Lady Shackleton.
* TheJeeves: For the Dower House, home of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess.
* NorthEastEngland: His accent reveals his home-region.
* TranquilFury: Never once raises his voice -- and is all the more menacing for it.
\\

!!Sam Thawley, a Gardener [-(Jonathan Howard)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/samthawley_2973.png]]

->''"I had to come. I had to see you....were, you know, all right after that ruckus."''
----

* BoyMeetsGirl: He's instantly smitten with Lady Rose, having met her whilst she was posing as a maid to gatecrash a tea-dance organised for local servants (he's a gardener on the neighbouring Easingwold estate).
* DoggedNiceGuy / LoveConfession: He follows Rose back to the Abbey in the hopes of pursuing a romantic relationship, convinced she is a fellow servant.
* TheDulcineaEffect: He gets into a huge fight protecting Rose from a thuggish type who tries to force her to dance with him.
* ForbiddenFriendship: Rose does genuinely like him, and they make a handsome couple, but the class-chasm between them precludes her from taking it further.
* GenreBlindness: With her cut-glass RP accent, Rose is quite clearly ''not'' a maid.
* {{Hunk}}: For Rose, Sam is clearly a handsome "bit of rough".
* UnresolvedSexualTension: After he turns up at the Abbey, Rose, feeling guilty for leading him on, borrows Anna's [[WigDressAccent old maid uniform]] so as to keep up the pretense, and let's him down gently by saying she is already betrothed to a local farmer.
\\

!!Mr Green, Lord Gillingham's Valet [-(Nigel Harman)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mrgreen_1757.png]]

->"''You’re not telling me that sad old cripple keeps you happy?''"
----

* [[spoiler: AssholeVictim: By the Series 4 finale, he's reported dead, having supposedly slipped and fallen in front of traffic on London's Piccadilly. The Series 4 Christmas Day Special strongly implies Bates was the responsible party, exacting vengeance for Anna.]]
* BaitTheDog: He uses his jocular charm to lull Anna (and the audience) into a false sense of security, whilst biding his time to strike (see below).
* BitchInSheepsClothing: Harman states his character is "too good to be true and has absolutely no redeeming qualities" -- he's right.
* TheCharmer: Shamelessly flirts with Anna upon his arrival at Downton, to Bates's chagrin.
* EvilAllAlong: As detailed below.
* TheHedonist: He organises a frantic game of cards for the staff during the upstairs dinner party.
* HotGuysAreBastards: Complete and ''utter'' bastards, as it turns out.
* IHaveYouNowMyPretty: Before he strikes, he pens [[spoiler: Anna]] off in the kitchen and toys with her awhile.
* [[spoiler: RapeIsASpecialKindOfEvil: His true colours are revealed when he forcefully attacks and rapes Anna downstairs in the boot-room during Dame Nellie's concert. He is utterly remorseless afterwards, and when [[BraveScot challenged by Mrs Hughes]], he tries to slime his way out of it by suggesting both he ''and'' Anna were to blame.]]
* TheSlacker: During the entire episode, he doesn't actually do ''any'' work.
* TheSociopath: Ticks most of the boxes...
* TallDarkAndHandsome
* VillainyDiscretionShot: [[spoiler: We're spared seeing him actually sexually assault Anna, but her screams betray his actions.]]
* WeaselCoWorker: He loves having a good time and a laugh and quite often palms off his work to other people so he can spend time hanging around.
\\

!!Miss Phyllis Baxter, Lady Grantham's Lady's Maid [-(Raquel Cassidy)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/missbxter_8226.png]]

->"''I'm grateful for this job Thomas and we both know why, but what's this all about?''"
----

* DarkSecret: Thomas knows something she wants to keep secret about her background and uses it to his advantage. As of the Series 4 Christmas Day Special, we still don't know exactly ''what'' information Thomas has on her -- we'll have to wait until Series 5.
* DirtyBusiness: She's clearly uncomfortable having to act as Thomas' below-stairs spy.
* ForcedIntoEvil: Well, not exactly ''evil'', but certainly she's forced into duplicity by Thomas.
* {{Maid}}
* TheMole: Because of the hold he has over her, she is coerced into acting as Thomas' eyes and ears below stairs, and befriends the staff to gain their trust.
* MysteriousPast: About which only Thomas knows....so far.
* TheQuietOne: She speaks in a very soft voice and mostly just observes conversations rather than be involved -- likely because of the above.
* TextileWorkIsFeminine: She's a dab hand with her sewing-machine.
\\

!!Mr Ethan Slade, Harold Levinson's Valet [-(Michael Benz)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ethanslade_8394.png]]

->"''Would you care for one of these? I think they're quite nice!''"
----

* {{Adorkable}}: Very much so.
* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: He makes his debut in the Series 4 Christmas Day Special.
* CultureClash / EnthusiasmVersusStoicism: American exuberance meets British equanimity head on.
* FishOutOfWater: As an American servant, he doesn't quite ''get'' the English manner of service and is far more perky and over-familiar than Carson would stand for.
-->'''Carson''': Have you lost mind? You're a footman, not a traveling salesman! Please keep your opinions on the catering to yourself!
* {{Keet}}: He's marvelously sweet and friendly -- you half expect him to blurt out "[[TheAllAmericanBoy gee whiz, mister!]]" at any moment.
* LoveAtFirstSight: He's instantly taken with Daisy.
* NaiveNewcomer: He seems quite young and inexperienced to be a valet.
* NiceGuy: Perhaps a little over-nice in Carson's opinion.

[[/folder]]

!''Recurring and Guest Characters''

[[folder:Introduced in Series 1]]

!!Doctor Richard Clarkson [-(David Robb)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/doctorc_2128.png]]

->"''At the risk of being impertinent... on your own head be it...''"
----

* BirdsOfAFeather: Takes quite a shine to Isobel Crawley despite their constantly butting heads, remarking that she understands him and his work in a way no one else can. Isobel, however, remains [[ObliviousToLove oblivious]]... so far.
-->'''Clarkson:''' I sometimes forget, when we meet in the splendour of the Abbey, that you were a doctor's wife. That you know what my life consists of in a way that no-one else can -- at any rate, not around here.
-->'''Isobel:''' I know. It's a relief to be able to talk without having to explain oneself, isn't it?
-->'''Clarkson:''' A relief... and a privilege.
* BrutalHonesty: He'll tell the absolute truth. He just might not tell you ''all'' of it.
* DecemberDecemberRomance: Set in motion between he and Isobel during the Series 3 Christmas Special.
* DrJerk: He won't give a patient one grain of hope if it contradicts his medical dogmas.
* DressedToHeal: In his lab-coat.
* IgnoredExpert: If Lord Grantham had actually listened to his warnings, he ''may'' have prevented Lady Sybil's death from post-birth eclampsia. However, he did [[CryingWolf get quite a few diagnoses wrong]] in the first two series (he initially refused John Drake life-saving treatment for dropsy, failed to spot Lieutenant Courtenay's suicidal state of depression, and most significantly for the family, suggested Matthew's paralysis was ''permanent''), so that by the time he finally gets one ''right'' in Series 3, Robert has perhaps understandably lost faith in him and poor Sybil pays the price.
* InnocentBystander: He's often caught between the warring Crawley women, which leads to FacePalm, constantly.
* UsefulNotes/{{Scotland}}: David Robb is Scottish, and uses his native accent.
* SilverFox: He's a rather dashing older gent.
* ToBeLawfulOrGood: After an impassioned plea from Violet in the third series, he bends as far as he can in order to minimize the possibility that intervention could have saved Sybil from eclampsia and heal a rift in Robert and Cora's marriage.
\\

!!Mr George Murray, Lord Grantham's lawyer [-(Jonathan Coy)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/s_lawyer_457.png]]

->"''As you well know...''"
----

* AsYouKnow: During the pilot, when the ominous "entail" is finally explained to those not familiar with archaic inheritance laws, he uses almost this exact language, "as you well know..." Yes, Lord Grantham would know about how his money, his real estate, his title, and his life's work will descend upon his death and need not have this basic information conveyed back to him.
* BearerOfBadNews: In Series 3, he breaks the news of Robert's bad investment choices and Downton's impending ruin...
* ClearTheirName: He works with Anna in Series 3 to help secure Bates' release from prison.
* TheConfidant: For Lord Robert.
* FacePalm: Due to being frequently caught up in Robert's self-inflicted financial woes.
* GoodLawyersGoodClients
* MrExposition: His role is mostly to explain (for the audience's benefit) the complicated legislation that drives some of the series' plots.
\\

!!The Most Noble Philip, Duke of Crowborough [-(Charlie Cox)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/dukeofcrow_1949.png]]

->"''And who will believe a greedy footman over the words of a duke? If you're not careful, you'll end up behind bars.''"
----

* AristocratsAreEvil
* BiTheWay: He dismisses his love affair with Thomas as a mere " youthful dalliance". Considering the time period, he may just be gay and [[TheBeard feigning interest in women]]; the fact that he seems to be selecting them purely based on money/connections doesn't help matters.
* BlueBlood
* TheBritishTitleSystem: As a Duke, he is the highest ranking non-royal peer to appear in the series so far. Dukes use a special title to distinguish themselves from other peers -- "The Most ''Noble''".
* DestroyTheEvidence: Having flirted with Mary to gain access to the servants' quarters, he retrieves potentially scandalous letters he has written to Thomas, his lover, from the valet's room. He then burns said letters in a handy bedroom fireplace before Thomas can snatch them out of his hands.
-->'''Crowborough''': You know, my mother's always telling me, never put anything in writing. And now, thanks to you, I never will again.
* EntitledBastard: Because of his lofty station, he sees nothing wrong with snooping about in the servants' private rooms, and views Thomas as nothing more than a disposable play-thing.
* EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep: His actual name is never used on-screen -- he is only ever referred to as "Your Grace" or simply "Duke". [[AllThereInTheManual The scripts indicate that his first name is Philip.]]
* ExperimentedInCollege: An older variant of this -- see BiTheWay above.
* GuiltyPleasure: Thomas, for him.
* ManipulativeBastard: He flirts with Mary ''purely'' to gain access to the servants' corridor so he can retrieve the above mentioned love-letters.
\\

!!Charles "Charlie" Grigg [-(Nicky Henson)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/charliegrigg_1411.png]]

->"''Oh, I'm a little more than that, aren't I, Charlie? We're like brothers, him and me.''"
----

* {{Blackmail}}: Having worked as a Vaudeville double-act with Carson in the 1890's, he turns up at Downton out of the blue, asking Carson for a place to hide and money, threatening to expose his past to make him a laughing stock.
* TheBusCameBack: After his appearance in Series 1, he returns to the show in Series 4 in a sorry state, having been [[BreakTheHaughty forced into the work-house.]]
* DarkSecret: He represents this for Carson, who is horrified that his dignity and position could be compromised by his past as a performer.
* IncurableCoughOfDeath: Gets one from his time in the workhouse, described as having air full of mould.
* LowerClassLout: He rudely pushes his way into the library when he arrives at Downton, and parks himself smugly in Lord Grantham's own chair, demanding an audience.
* SmugSnake: Initially...
* StickyFingers: He couldn't keep his hands out of the till, which is why he and Carson split and why he turns up at Downton -- he's on the run.
* {{Vaudeville}}: He and Carson performed together as "The Cheerful Charlies" -- a song and dance duo. A StraightManAndWiseGuy act, one supposes.
* VillainBall: His plan to extract money from Carson is foiled when Lord Robert, rather than being horrified, is actually ''impressed'' by Carson's Vaudeville past, and he's sent packing with £20.
\\

!!Sayın Kemal Pamuk [-(Theo James)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kemalpamuk_6272.png]]

->"''You can still be a virgin for your husband. Trust me.''"
----

* AssholeVictim: He's a slimy git, despite the charming facade.
* DiesWideOpen: Whilst shagging Lady Mary.
* ForeignFanservice: The downstairs staff are intrigued and beguiled by the exotic, foreign house-guest.
-->'''Anna:''' I think he's beautiful.
* GoOutWithABang: It's apparent his heart gives out mid-coitus.
* HandsomeLech: He pushes his way into Mary's room in a manner that would be unthinkably inappropriate in 1912, and wantonly cajoles her into going to bed with him.
* {{Hunk}}: Despite his lecherous nature, he's undoubtedly a bit of a dish.
* IKissYourHand: Which adds to his exotic charm.
* MrFanservice: In-universe example.
* TallDarkAndHandsome
* TechnicalVirgin: During their brief encounter, Pamuk promises Mary she'll still be a virgin for her husband. ''God'' only knows what kind of sexual frippery occurs that causes him to keel over and ''die'' in her bed.
** [[AllThereInTheManual According to the script book]], they cut out the line, Pamuk: "[[ConsummationCounterfeit Or mine. But a little imagination, a phial of blood hidden beneath your pillow. You wouldn't be the first]]." According to his commentary, Julian Fellows deeply regrets this cut and never intended for there to be anything unimaginable happen to Mary.
* TemporaryLoveInterest: ''Very'' temporary, for Lady Mary.
* TurksWithTroops: He is an Ottoman Empire Embassy attaché and the honourific "sayın", meaning "the esteemed", would be used in his case.
\\

!!The Honourable Evelyn Napier [-(Brendan Patricks)-]
[[quoteright:202:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/evelyn_2645.png]]

->"''A truly successful marriage should be based on love, at least at the start.''"
----

* AlwaysSomeoneBetter: He's left in the shadow of his handsome friend, Kemal Pamuk, during their visit to Downton.
* BearerOfBadNews: He is the first person to alert Lady Mary of a rumour circulating about her and Pamuk and to tell her that the source of these rumours is her own sister, Edith.
* BlueBlood
* TheBusCameBack: Returns in Series 4, last seen in Series 1. As it turns out, he's working with Charles Blake as part of a Government scheme to assess the fortunes of England's estates.
* DoggedNiceGuy: Where Lady Mary is concerned -- he's still [[RomancingTheWidow in love with her years later]] in Series 4.
* GenderBlenderName: A unusual example, as Evelyn is almost universally used for females only in England, but this reflects a cultural shift since the time of the series; at the time, Evelyn was more commonly a masculine name (observe, for instance, Creator/EvelynWaugh, born 1903, or about eight years after Lady Sybil, and of a somewhat similar background), but was shifting towards becoming a feminine one.
* LoveLetterLunacy: We first hear about him when Edith snoops around in Mary's room, finding his letters - simply signed "E.N"
* OfficerAndAGentleman: During the First World War.
\\

!!Sir Anthony Strallan, Baronet [-(Robert Bathurst)-]
[[quoteright:202:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sIRANTHONY_6182.png]]

->"''You look very nice. Have you done something jolly with your hair?''"
----

* BigFancyHouse: A gorgeous Queen Anne mansion.
* BlueBlood
* CareerEndingInjury: Not that he had an actual ''career'', of course, but the War injury that knocked out the use of his left arm was a big factor in his decision to pull away from Edith.
* IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy: He clearly still has feelings for Edith, but declares that Edith is too young and pretty to spend her life as his nurse (his arm was injured in the war). She's not impressed by this argument, and their storyline is left inconclusive in the Christmas special. In Series 3, his doubts come back to haunt him and he jilts poor Edith at the altar.
* MayDecemberRomance: With Edith during Series 1 and rekindled (perhaps) as of the Christmas Special, but dashed as of Series 3.
* RunawayGroom: He looks utterly haunted as he stumbles out of the church, having abandoned the hapless Edith at the altar.
-->'''Strallan''': I can't do it. We both know it's wrong.
* SecondHandStorytelling: Mary rather cruelly puts him off proposing to Edith in Series 1, relaying to him (untruthfully) how her sister mentioned "some stuffy old bore that won't leave her alone" in clear reference to his courting of Edith.
* UpperClassTwit: Somewhat, he's a subtle example, but his grinning exuberance and jolly attitude qualify him.
* WillTheyOrWontThey: With Lady Edith -- sadly, its not to be and his hesitations get the better of him.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Introduced in Series 2]]

!!Miss Lavinia Swire [-(Zoe Boyle)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lavinia_3194.png]]

->"''I mean it, Matthew. Don't ever let me be a nuisance. Don't ever let me get in the way, please.''"
----

* DarkSecret: Revealed when she admits to having stolen papers from her uncle, who was in the government, and giving them to a reporter to clear her father's debts to Richard Carlisle.
* DeathOfTheHypotenuse: Her tragic death frees up Mary and Matthew (after initial resistance) to recommence their love affair once again.
* DeathByDespair: Matthew is convinced Lavinia "died of a broken heart" after finding out that he still loves Mary. It turns out in the third series that she wrote to her father shortly before her death, telling him of Matthew's kindness and nobility, so probably not. It was just the flu.
* EnglishRose: Lavinia certainly fits the bill -- she's sweet-natured, gentle, naturally beautiful and has a tragic, Victorian-heroine style death bed scene.
* FragileFlower: She's gentle, timid and softly-spoken.
* HairOfGoldHeartOfGold: On the strawberry-blonde side.
* IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy: After hearing that Violet wanted Matthew to marry Mary and then seeing them kiss, Lavinia tries to convince him to go back to Mary for that reason, but [[DeathOfTheHypotenuse she dies of Spanish flu]] before Matthew can argue with her.
* MysteriousPast: Her shady relationship with Carlisle is only revealed when she works up the courage to come clean to Matthew -- see DarkSecret above.
* PhoneCallFromTheDead: Rather fancifully, it is implied in the Christmas Special that her spirit "talks" to Anna and Daisy through a OuijaBoard and writes the words "May they be happy. With my love" in reference to Matthew and Mary.
* ReplacementLoveInterest: For Matthew, following Lady Mary's dithering over his proposal.
* RomanticFalseLead: Though for many viewers this was probably something of a ForegoneConclusion.
* TooGoodForThisSinfulEarth: She dies angelically in bed, like the heroine of some Victorian novel.
\\

!!Sir Richard Carlisle [-(Iain Glen)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sirrichard_1136.png]]

->"''How smooth you are. What a model of manners and elegance. I wonder if you’ll be quite so serene when the papers are full of your eldest daughter’s exploits.''"
----

* {{Blackmail}}: Angry at Mary's seeming reluctance to stay away from Matthew, he threatens to reveal and publish the Kemal Pamuk scandal, should she not toe the line and obey him.
* BlondGuysAreEvil
* DaEditor: He is the powerful owner/publisher of several British newspapers.
* DarkSecret: Lavinia's father owed him large sums of money, so in order to clear his debts, he forced Lavinia to steal confidential government papers.
* DisposableFiance: He was obviously set up to be this from the get-go; after all, Mary was only with him to keep him from leaking the Pamuk scandal.
* FeeFiFauxPas: He makes a few, betraying his bourgeois origins.
-->'''Carlisle:''' Ah, Lady Painswick.\\
'''Rosamund:''' Lady ''Rosamund''.
* GutturalGrowler: Has a voice like gravel.
* IDubTheeSirKnight: His "Sir" title is not hereditary.
* MysteriousPast: His shady relationship with Lavinia is only revealed when she works up the courage to come clean to Matthew -- see DarkSecret above.
* NouveauRiche: His poor manners and his condescension toward the lower classes are contrasted frequently with the superior breeding of the Crawley family; see TheScrooge below for an example.
* OldMediaAreEvil: His influence runs throughout England like an oil slick.
* ReplacementLoveInterest: For Lady Mary. It doesn't stick.
* RomanticFalseLead: Though the show did play with this a bit; everyone expected Mary to leave him after Lavinia's death, but she still stayed with him for over half a year before finally ending it.
* TheScrooge: Sir Richard doesn't see any reason to give the staff time off for Christmas, and it's clear he feels forcibly dragooned into the Crawley's festive traditions.
* SelfMadeMan: He made his fortune in newspapers.
* SmugSnake
* TheSpymaster: How he made his fortune in newspapers: he has an extensive network of informants, which gives him scoops, which sells papers, which he uses to get more informants, and so on and so forth. He consequently knows everything going on in London and elsewhere in Britain, as well. Mary explicitly refers to him as such, when Carson reveals that Carlisle had approached Anna and requested she report on her mistress's actions.
* StrawCharacter: Not fond of Liberals, or liberals more generally. Not surprising, considering he had broken a major scandal in the Liberal government.
\\

!!Mrs Vera Bates [-(Maria Doyle Kennedy)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/verabates_9651.png]]

->"''You see, if you don't come back to me, I'm going to the newspapers with a cracking story, and I'd like to bet the Granthams won't survive it.''"
----

* AbhorrentAdmirer: For Bates.
* AndYourLittleDogToo: Bates' new love Anna is immediately drawn into Vera's firing line.
* AssholeVictim
* CardCarryingVillain: From the minute she arrives at Downton, it's clear she is going to be ''big'' trouble.
* EvilLaugh
-->'''Vera:''' Ahaaahaahaaaha!... As ''if''.
* {{Greed}}: Mr. Bates' [[UnexpectedInheritance inheritance]] brings Vera out of the woodwork.
* ILied: Vera's response to Bates when he reminds her of their deal -- that she would accept a large pay-off to get out of his life.
* IWillPunishYourFriendForYourFailure: When threats of exposing Bates's past fail to dislodge him from Downton, Vera decides to ruin Mary's name and destroy the whole family. Why not?
* ManipulativeBitch: She suddenly appears at Downton Abbey to {{Blackmail}} Mr. Bates into coming back to her.
* [[PsychoExGirlfriend Psycho Ex-Wife]]
* ThanatosGambit: After all of her nefarious blackmailing schemes fail, she takes her own life in order to frame Bates, as a last desperate act of revenge.
* WomanScorned: Hell hath no fury....
\\

!!The Reverend Albert Travis [-(Michael Cochrane)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/revt_2568.png]]

->"''Isn't there something rather un-English about the Roman church?''"
----

* AgainstMyReligion: As an Anglican, he finds the concept of Sybbie being baptised into the Catholic faith uncomfortable -- and isn't afraid to say so.
* BullyingADragon: He has a rather suspicious nature, and questions Violet over the intentions behind William's deathbed wedding to Daisy, suspecting she might be seeking to gain a widow's pension. Violet well and truly puts him in his place, by reminding him that his whole lifestyle is entirely in Lord Grantham's gift. He naturally backs down.
* TheChurch: He is the Reverend of Downton village and as such has presided over a few key religious events in the series, notably; William's death-bed wedding to Daisy, Lavinia's funeral, and the marriage of Matthew and Mary.
* CondescendingCompassion: His general attitude.
* EgocentricallyReligious: He shows his dark side by insulting the Catholic faith, feeling there is "something un-English" about it and describing its traditions as "pagan" which he feels do not please God. He also believes God prefers the worship of the Anglicans over others.
* MoralGuardians
* TheVicar: Of the prim, disapproving variety, as opposed to the "rich tea and sympathy" type.
\\

!!Lieutenant Edward Courtenay [-(Lachlan Nieboer)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/courtne_9348.png]]

->"''Please. Don't send me away. Not yet...''"
----

* BlindMistake: He was blinded by mustard-gas during the [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarOne trench warfare]] depicted in Series 2.
* BuryYourDisabled
* CareerEndingInjury: Having lost his sight, he is repatriated to Downton for convalescence.
* TheConfidant: For Thomas -- during a heart-to-heart chat, Thomas is uncharacteristically warm and ''almost'' [[ComingOutStory comes out]] to him.
-->'''Thomas:''' All my life they've pushed me around just cos I'm different...
-->'''Edward:''' How? Why are you different?
-->'''Thomas:''' *hesitates*...Never mind. Look... look, I don't know if you're going to see again or not. But I do know you have to fight back.
* DrivenToSuicide: He is distraught when Dr Clarkson insists he be moved to Farley Hall, away from Downton, and slashes his own wrists when Clarkson won't budge.
* LoveInterest: Thomas sees him as such, and they share a tender moment holding hands. Thomas is also utterly crushed after Edward commits suicide.
* OfficerAndAGentleman: He's an elegant, dignified young man.
* PleaseDontLeaveMe: Says this to Thomas and Sybil, after both comforted him and helped with his rehab.
* WarIsHell: He's one of the characters used to fully exemplify this.
\\

!!"Patrick Crawley" AKA Patrick/Peter Gordon [-(Trevor White)-]
[[quoteright:202:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/PatCRAW_9409.png]]

->"''Am I really a stranger? Do you not recognise me at all? It feels very odd to be talking so formally.''"
----

* CanadaEh: So much for recognizing him by voice alone.
* DeadPersonImpersonation: It's left ambiguous, but he appears to have taken on the identity of Lord Grantham's heir, Patrick Crawley.
* EasyAmnesia: Or so he claims.
* FaceRevealingTurn: Combined with RuleOfCreepy.
* TheGrotesque: His deformed face, mad staring eyes, the strange finger gesture that Lord Grantham observes him make, and the bouts of rage he exhibits are all more than a little unsettling.
* LineOfSightName: According to him, he picked up the name Gordon from a bottle of gin.
* MoralityPet: For Lady Edith, who is the only one it seems to believe his story.
* MysteryOfTheWeek: He turns up out of the blue, with a badly deformed face and Canadian accent, claiming to be Lord Grantham's cousin (and heir), despite having supposedly drowned on the Titanic...
* NeverFoundTheBody: The basis for his story, true or not.
* QuestForIdentity: The reason he gives for turning up at Downton.
* SpotTheImposter: Lord Grantham and Lady Mary in particular are not taken in by his claims to be Patrick ''Crawley'', believing him to have [[GrandTheftMe taken on the identity]] of Patrick sometime after the Titanic disaster.
* YouHaveToBelieveMe: He's almost manic in his claims to be Patrick.
\\

!!Major Charles Bryant [-(Daniel Pirrie)-]
[[quoteright:202:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/majorb_4181.png]]

->"''The last thing I'd wish to be is rude, but in this case, I really must be left to my own devices.''"
----

* AssholeVictim: Having recuperated at Downton, he was sent to the Italian Front, where he was killed during the Battle of Vittorio Veneto.
* TheCasanova: Within minutes of his arrival at the Abbey, he's flirting with the female staff.
* HandsomeLech: Whilst convalescing at Downton during the War, he flirts shamelessly with Ethel, which leads to Ethel getting sacked ''and'' [[SurprisePregnancy pregnant.]]
* InterruptedIntimacy: Mrs Hughes bursts in on him and Ethel getting it on in an unused room -- which leads to her immediate dismissal.
* IHaveNoSon: He refuses to have anything to do with Ethel, or his child after he learns she is pregnant.
* {{Jerkass}}
* LackOfEmpathy: He couldn't give a stuff about Ethel's plight.
* LustObject: For Ethel.
* PornStache
* StrongFamilyResemblance: To his equally {{Jerkass}} father, below.
\\

!!Mr Horace Bryant [-(Kevin R. [=McNally=])-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/horace_8994.png]]

->"''No, no, no. Don't you see? We want to raise him as our grandson, not as a housemaid's bastard.''"
----

* {{Angrish}}: Following the death of his son.
* FiveStagesOfGrief: He's very much in the ''angry'' stage, having lost his son Major Bryant on the Italian Front, mere weeks before Armistice Day.
* HairTriggerTemper: He is utterly furious most of the time he's on screen.
* {{Jerkass}}
* [[MyGirlIsNotASlut My Son Is Not A Cad]]: Initially, he is in utter denial about his son's caddish nature and insists that if Charles had got Ethel pregnant, he'd have taken responsibility. Which is of course complete bollocks.
* OutlivingOnesOffspring
* PornStache
* PrecisionFStrike: He refers to baby Charlie as a "bastard" -- twice. Everyone is horrified.
* [[IHaveNoSon I Have No Grandson]]: He fully refutes Ethel's claim that baby Charlie is his grandson and leaves Downton in a fury when she confronts him with the child. He soon relents, but tries to [[AnOfferYouCantRefuse buy Ethel off]] on the understanding that he and his wife will raise the child and she will have nothing to do with her baby's upbringing -- she refuses (initially).
\\

!!Mrs Daphne Bryant [-(Christine Mackie)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/daphnebryant_4568.png]]

->"''He's afraid of his own grief. That's why he behaves as he does. He's terrified of his own grief.''"
----

* ExtremeDoormat: Unsurprisingly, given her husband's explosive temper.
* FragileFlower: She's a far kinder soul than her husband.
* IWantGrandkids: Following the death of her only son, it is not surprising she pushes to have a relationship with her grandson.
* MenUseViolenceWomenUseCommunication: Her husband is like a bull in a china shop -- she is far more open to discussion.
* OutlivingOnesOffspring
* StrongFamilyResemblance: She comments on Baby Charlie's strong likeness to her late son.
* WomenAreWiser: Off-screen, it is she who manages to convince Horace to acknowledge baby Charlie.
\\

!!Mr Mason, William's father [-(Paul Copley)-]
[[quoteright:202:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mrmason_6422.png]]

->"''So, will you be my daughter? Let me take you into my heart, make you special?''"
----

* CoolOldGuy: He's wise, caring, and generous.
* GoodShepherd: He takes Daisy, his daughter in law, under his wing during the Christmas special, following William's death.
* MentorArchetype: For Daisy.
* OlderAndWiser: He helps Daisy pluck up the courage to ask Mrs Patmore for a promotion properly.
* OutlivingOnesOffspring: He loses his only child when William dies from internal injuries sustained during the trench war-fare depicted in Series 2.
* ParentalSubstitute: For Daisy.
-->'''Mr Mason:''' Without you [Daisy] I'd have no one to pray for.
* SpotOfTea: His cosy farmhouse provides Daisy with a welcome sanctuary -- and an all important cuppa.
\\

!!Lord "Jinx" Hepworth [-(Nigel Havers)-]
[[quoteright:202:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lordhep_2740.png]]

->"''My dear this is....isn't what it seems.''"
----

* BlueBlood
* TheCharmer: Inevitably, when played by Nigel Havers.
* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: He makes his sole appearance in the first Christmas Day Special.
* GoldDigger: He's Lady Rosamund's suitor, and the Dowager Duchess suspects he's only after her fortune -- turns out she's right.
* ImpoverishedPatrician: He is in debt and has had to sell off his family estates, Hatton Park and Loch Earle, and heavily mortgage Hepworth House, his London home.
* InSeriesNickname: Known as "Jinx" to the Crawleys -- which suggests that he's trouble.
* InterruptedIntimacy: Tipped off by Anna, Mary and Rosamund burst in on him and Lady Rosamund's maid Shore getting it on, thus revealing their affair.
* RomancingTheWidow: He is introduced as a new suitor of Rosamund's, whose late husband left her a considerable fortune.
* YourCheatingHeart: It turns out he has been sleeping with Lady Rosamund's maid.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Introduced in Series 3]]

!!Lord Merton [-(Douglas Reith)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lordmerton_6083.png]]

->"''I apologise for my son, Mr Branson. Unreservedly. I only hope you'll recover before the wedding.''"
----

* AscendedExtra: He appears very briefly at a dinner party in Episode 1 of Series 3, but returns to the series right at the end of Series 4 in an expanded role.
* BlueBlood
* TheBritishTitleSystem: "Merton" is his baronial title, not his family name. The fifth degree of the Peerage (ranking just below viscount), baron is always referred to, both verbally and in correspondence, as Lord (Merton) rather than Baron (Merton). The title baron is never used, except in formal or legal documents.
* DecemberDecemberRomance: After Isobel gives Dr Clarkson the brush off at the end of Series 3, she finds herself the subject of Lord Merton's affections at the end of Series 4.
* DoggedNiceGuy: He's clearly very interested in Isobel, and turns up at her house unannounced to pay a call -- something that would be considered rather forward at the time.
* LastNameBasis: His first name has yet to be revealed, but we know his family name is Grey.
* SilenceYouFool: After his son, Larry, spikes Tom Branson's drink and then refers to him as a "grubby little chauffeur chappie", he stands bolt upright and angrily shuts him up.
-->'''Lord Merton''': BE SILENT SIR!

!!Sir Philip Tapsell [-(Tim Pigott-Smith)-]
[[quoteright:202:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/drtapsel_2560.png]]

->"''She had quite a time when she was first married, but I said to her: 'Never fear, Duchess, I'll get a baby out of you one way or another'.''"
----

* BritishStuffiness: He provides a very negative example, and his manner is stiff, pompous and arrogant.
* ControlFreak: He's also very controlling and blind to the advice of others.
* DrJerk: He's drafted in to oversee Sybil's labour at Robert's behest, and won't have his medical opinions questioned.
* IDubTheeSirKnight: Cora mentions that he has been knighted, and is thus not titled by birth.
* KnowNothingKnowItAll: With deadly consequences...
-->'''Lord Grantham:''' You were '''SO SURE!'''\\
'''Sir Phillip:''' Th--the, uh, [[NeverMyfault the human life is unpredictable...]]
* WorstAid: Tragically, Sybil dies of post-partum eclampsia in his charge, but if he hadn't been too proud to listen to Dr Clarkson's pleas to transfer her to the village hospital, her death ''may'' have been avoided.
* YesMan: He appears to be more concerned with appearing correct in front of Lord Grantham, than admitting his patient was in danger.
\\

!!Kieran Branson [-(Ruairi Conaghan)-]
[[quoteright:202:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/keiran_5473.png]]

->"''You got any beer??''"
----

* TheAlcoholic: He's described as a "drunkard" in press materials.
* ArmorPiercingQuestion: He clearly knows how to touch a nerve with his younger brother.
-->'''Kieran:''' Come on, Tommy. Come and eat down here. They seem like a nice lot. What’s the matter? Are you too ''grand'' for them now?
* BlitheSpirit: A plain-speaking Irish country lad thrust into the glamorous, highly regimented atmosphere of a dinner party at the Abbey makes for an amusing scenario.
* FishOutOfWater: Even Tom seems like a pro amongst the aristocratic Crawleys compared to his bucolic big bro.
* TheFunnyGuy: Upon arrival, he has the downstairs staff in stitches.
* {{Oireland}}: A little -- he's a cheeky, funny inebriate with a knowing sense of humour and a complete lack of propriety.
* PornStache
* SeparatedAtBirthCasting: Ruairi Conaghan is particularly well-cast as Tom's older brother, and shares similar features, the same sandy hair colour and even the same pale blond eyebrow colour with his on-screen sibling.
\\

!!Mr Michael Gregson, Editor of ''The Sketch'' [-(Charles Edwards)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mikeg_7197.png]]

->"''Edith, the basic fact is that I’m in love with you. You know that already.''"
----

* BenevolentBoss: In Series 3, when Edith lands a job on [[BritishNewspapers The Sketch]], he takes an instant shine to her.
* BritishNewspapers: ''The Sketch'' was an illustrated newspaper weekly, which focused on high society and the aristocracy.
* TheCharmer: Luncheon at ''Roules'' anyone?
* DarkSecret: As Edith uncovers in the Series 3 finale, his wife has been sectioned and he's trapped, unable to divorce her.
* GrandRomanticGesture: So desperate is he to be with Edith, that he suggests he will petition to become a German citizen, a country where divorce on the grounds of mental instability ''is'' allowed. It doesn't sound like much, but at the time (1922), Germans were, as Edith says, the most hated race in Europe -- so in fact, it's a ''huge'' deal.
* IntrepidReporter: As an Editor, he sees the value of having a "toff" like Edith on board to lend his publication cachet.
* LoveInterest: He makes it quite clear that he's interested in Edith from the very get-go.
* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: With his friendly, grinning exuberance and jolly attitude, he's definitely channelling Sir Anthony Strallan -- he's even ''physically'' similar to Rob Bathurst. Bit of a running theme for Edith, what with Strallan, Drake and Gregson all being capable, cheerful older men who are kind, attentive and most ''definitely'' not like [[FreudianExcuse her father]].
* ThoseWackyNazis: In Series 4, a "[[BlackShirt known gang of toughs in brown shirts]]...preaching the most awful things" are responsible for his disappearance in Munich in 1922.
* UncertainDoom: He goes missing in the early part of Series 4 as mentioned above, and as of the Christmas Special (the series finale), we still don't know whether he's dead or alive....
\\

!!Jos Tufton [-(John Henshaw)-]
[[quoteright:201:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/jostufton_7566.png]]

->"''Tufton's at your service. Good afternoon, ladies.''"
----

* BigEater: He munches away in most of his scenes, and is decidedly paunchy.
* TheCasanova: Although not physically attractive, he makes up for it with a bumptious manner and free-flowing compliments.
* ChivalrousPervert: Always polite to the ladies... whilst offering them a sneaky pat on the bottom.
* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: His sole appearance was in the Third Series Christmas Day Special.
* [[FatSweatySouthernerInAWhiteSuit Fat Sweaty Northerner In A White Suit]]
* InLoveWithLove: By his own admittance -- he says this word-for-word.
* LoveInterest: His bumptious manner initially sparks Mrs Patmore's interest, and he requests to "squire" her around the village fair.
* TheMunchausen: He brags about everything at the drop of a hat.
* RomanticFalseLead: It soon becomes clear that he's an incorrigible flirt, and only interested in Mrs P for her cooking.
* OldWindbag: Talks a considerable amount of flanneling bollocks.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Introduced in Series 4]]

!!Lady Shackleton [-(Dame Harriet Walter)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ladyshack_6090.png]]

->"''I do find it very hard these days to see how many men are forced to take employment for which they are quite unsuited.''"
----

* BlueBlood
* GorgeousPeriodDress: Complete with a rather fabulous [[NiceHat feathered hat]].
* GrandeDame
* PolitenessJudo: As one of her oldest friends, she can more than hold her own against the imperious Dowager Countess.
* RememberTheNewGuy: She's the Dowager Countess's "old friend", but it's taken 4 series for her to make an appearance.
* SpecialGuest: A celebrated stage and screen actress, Walter makes her Downton debut in a neat cameo during Episode 1 of the Series 4.
* UnwittingPawn: In Violet's scheme to find Molesley a new job as her butler.
\\

!!The Right Honourable Anthony Foyle, Viscount Gillingham [-(Tom Cullen)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lord_ant_5139.png]]

->"''How lucky you are, you've known a great love -- doesn't that enrich any life?''"
----

* BlueBlood
* TheBritishTitleSystem: A Viscount ranks one step below an Earl in the British peerage system.
* TheCharmer: Dashing and charming, he's the first person to get Mary to laugh following Matthew's death.
* {{Hunk}}
* IWillWaitForYou / LoveConfession: He's prepared to sack off his engagement to Mable Lane-Fox to wait for Mary, despite her frank, non-committal response to his marriage proposal.
* {{Leitmotif}}: He and Mary share a new theme for their scenes in Series 4.
* RememberTheNewGuy: He knew Mary from childhood, and first appears at a party thrown by the family "to help lift Lady Mary's spirit" -- it is the first time Mary has seen him since they were young.
* ReplacementLoveInterest: He and Charles Blake both represent potential suitors for the widowed Lady Mary.
* TheRival: For Charles Blake, with Lady Mary as the prize.
* RomancingTheWidow: He comes back into Mary's life 6 months after Matthew's death, and is instantly smitten.
* TallDarkAndHandsome
* WillTheyOrWontThey: He and Mary in Series 4.
\\

!!Her Grace the Duchess of Yeovil [-(Joanna David)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/duchessofyeovil_6564.png]]

->"''You must miss darling Sybil so dreadfully.''"
----

* BlueBlood
* TheBritishTitleSystem: As a Duchess, she is the highest ranking peer presented by the series so far, along with the Duke of Crowborough in Series 1.
* GorgeousPeriodDress: Complete with a very grand [[CoolCrown tiara]].
* GrandeDame: Sort of. She's actually a lot less grand than the Dowager Countess, despite being far higher ranked, and seems to genuinely sympathise with Tom Branson. Despite her well-meaning but insensitive remarks (see below), she actually does give Tom some good advice about coping with the death of a beloved spouse.
* InnocentlyInsensitive: The above quote, said to Tom Branson of all people, was well meaning but a little ill-timed. She also assumes Tom is entirely familiar with various Anglo-Irish aristocrats she counts as friends without the faintest notion that he has ''no idea'' who she is talking about.
* WidowWoman
-->'''The Duchess:''' I love to dance, but these days I haven't got a partner.
\\

!!Sir John Bullock, Baronet [-(Andrew Alexander)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/johnbullock_2612.png]]

->"''I'd jolly well like to dance, if it's with you.''"
----

* TheAlcoholic: It's clear he enjoys a drink....
* BlueBlood
* TheBritishTitleSystem: A baronetcy is the only hereditary honour which is not a peerage. A baronet is styled "Sir" like a knight, but ranks above all knighthoods except for the Orders of the Garter and the Thistle. However, the baronetage as a class is considered a member of the gentry and ranks above the knightage.
* CantHoldHisLiquor: He gets completely wankered at the Lotus Club, and rushes to the loo to puke....in the middle of dancing with Lady Rose.
* DerailingLoveInterests: He and Rose seemed to be headed for a pairing, but his drunken antics put even her off.
* TheHedonist: Out-parties even Lady Rose.
* UpperClassTwit: A classic nice-but-dim representative of the upper-class.
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!!Mr Terence Sampson [-(Patrick Kennedy)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sampson_7062.png]]

->"''Interesting, or it would be if he plays cards. They're absolutely made of money.''"
----

* TheBarnum: He's a complete cad, and swindles Lord Robert and his house-guests out of considerable sums of money via a loaded deck.
* CardSharp: Michael Gregson refers to him as such directly.
* FixingTheGame
* TheGambler: Specialises in (trick) cards.
* GentlemanThief: His (perhaps faked) status as a gentleman allows him access to a pool of the wealthiest marks in England.
* MockMillionaire: When Mary, Rose and Charles Blake access his flat (see below), all three are shocked at how humble and ill-appointed his lodgings are.
-->'''Mary''': It's rather sad, to see the truth behind Mr Sampson's smooth facade.
-->'''Charles''': Cheating at cards can't be very lucrative after all.
* OutGambitted: In both his appearances. In Series 4, Michael Gregson discovers his trickery at cards and threatens to reveal that he had swindled the others (which would bar him from society) lest he hand the money back. The second occurrence is detailed below.
* StickyFingers: In the Series 4 Christmas Day Special, whilst at a society party, he pilfers incriminating love letters from the evening bag of Freda Dudley-Ward, the mistress of the Prince of Wales. After Mary, Rose and Charles break into his flat, but fail to find the letters, Bates manages to pick-pocket them from his jacket and thus prevent a royal scandal.
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!!Dame Nellie Melba [-(Dame Kiri Te Kanawa)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/nelliem_1643.png]]

->"''I'd like to dedicate this to love, and to lovers.''"
----

* AtTheOperaTonight: She is invited to Downton to sing at a party thrown to lift Lady Mary's spirits following Matthew's death.
* TheBritishTitleSystem: Her title is not hereditary -- Melba was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1918.
* GlamorousWartimeSinger: One of the original examples, she was decorated, as mentioned above, for "services in organising patriotic work" during UsefulNotes/WorldWarOne.
* GorgeousPeriodDress: She sports a beautiful, sapphire-coloured cape-dress for her performance.
* HistoricalDomainCharacter: Helen "Nellie" Porter Mitchell was one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian Era and the early 20th century. She was the first Australian to achieve international recognition as a classical musician. Her appearance marks the first time the series has ever depicted real people.
* LandDownUnder: Carson presumes that she'll be some sort of vulgarian, and organizes for her to eat alone in her room during the pre-concert dinner. However, once she is invited back downstairs by Lady Cora, she shows herself to be something of a [[HiddenDepths claret connoisseur]], much to Lord Robert's surprise and relief.
-->'''Carson:''' An ''Australian'' singer? Eating with her ladyship? Never mind the Duchess, no I do not!
* {{Opera}}: A soprano, to be precise.
* SpecialGuest
\\

!!Jack Ross [-(Gary Carr)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/jackross_5649.png]]

->"''And why should I go to Africa Mr Carson? I'm no more African than you are. Well, not much more.''"
----

* UsefulNotes/{{Chicago}}: His origin, before moving to London.
* {{Expy}}: He seems largely inspired by Leslie Hutchinson, a successful black singer whose career was destroyed by his affair with an aristocratic woman.
* FishOutOfWater: In 1922, he's likely one of few black people many of the series's characters (especially servants like Daisy) would have seen in real life, and the staff are taken aback when he visits the servant's hall. Carson especially is so shocked that he almost smashes his tea-cup!
* ForbiddenFriendship: With Lady Rose -- see below.
* {{Jazz}}: He's a jazz singer at a time when the genre first gained worldwide popularity.
* LoungeLizard: He performs at [[CoolestClubEver The Lotus Club]] in London with his band ''Jack Ross & Orchestra''.
* PoliticallyCorrectHistory: The idea that a Marquess's daughter (no matter how rebellious she may be) could take part in a romantic [[http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130701135403/downtonabbey/images/9/95/Lily_James_Series_4.jpg relationship]] with a black man in the early 1920's is nothing short of unthinkable.
* TokenMinority: He represents the show's first black character.
* TwoferTokenMinority: Black ''and'' American.
* VerySpecialEpisode: His storyline addresses race-relations in the 1920's.
-->'''Lady Edith''': Who is this singer and how did he get here? Granny, is it really suitable that Rose has brought this man here?
* WhereDaWhiteWomenAt: He takes a requited, yet ''highly'' [[ValuesDissonance controversial]] shine to young Lady Rose, and when his band plays at Downton for Robert's birthday, Mary catches he and Rose in a passionate embrace below stairs. Luckily, he's sensible enough to realise the consequences of their relationship and breaks it off.
\\

!!Mr Timothy Drewe [-(Andrew Scarborough)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/timdrewe_3134.png]]

->"''I tell you what; I think it should be our secret Milady. Ours, and no one else's.''"
----

* TheConfidant: For Edith. [[spoiler: Following her SurprisePregnancy and having given up her child to a Swiss family, she decides she cannot bear being apart from her daughter, so she decides to approach Drewe, hoping he'll adopt the baby. At first, she does not fully explain the situation, but Drewe figures it out and agrees to keep her secret. He plans to make up a story about the child's origins so not even his wife will know.]]
* GoodSamaritan: He selflessly agrees to [[spoiler: raise Edith's daughter]] after hearing her story almost immediately.
* LegacyOfService: His family has been tenants, according to Lord Grantham, since the reign of King George III.
* OldRetainer: As mentioned above.
* ParentalSubstitute: [[spoiler: To Edith's daughter.]]
* TheStoic: He's softly-spoken and rather grim, but is a decidedly decent chap.
* UndyingLoyalty: To the Crawley family, as his own family's long service testifies.
* WorkOffTheDebt: The rent on his farm hasn't been paid for ages, but Lord Robert agrees to let him take on the tenancy (and thus pay him back over time) based on his loyal service.
\\

!!Charles Blake, Esquire [-(Julian Ovenden)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/charlesblake_2832.png]]

->"''[[DavidLloydGeorge Mr Lloyd George]] is more concerned with feeding the population than rescuing the aristocracy. That doesn't seem mean-spirited to me.''"
----

* CategoryTraitor: Mary considers him one, as even though he is a member of the British Aristocracy, the collapse of estates like Downton isn't something he wishes to stop.
* BlueBlood: In the Series 4 Christmas Special, he reveals to Mary that he's the heir to a rich Northern Irish baronetcy.
* UsefulNotes/BritishPoliticalSystem: He works for the Government with his friend [[TheBusCameBack Evelyn Napier]], and is tasked with undertaking a study to examine estates like Downton and others in North Yorkshire that may be facing difficulties in a changing society, and how those difficulties may affect the country's food supply.
* TheBritishTitleSystem: An heir to a baronetcy does not have any special title, but to reflect his status, he would be styled "Esquire" like Matthew. Once he takes over the baronetcy, he would be officially styled "Sir Charles Blake, Baronet".
* FireForgedFriends: Following an emergency on one of the estate farms involving some sickly pigs, he and Mary bond when she must necessarily muck-in (literally) to save the livestock. Mary even ''cooks'' for him (scrambled eggs--the only recipe she knows, albeit they do look well-done) back at the Abbey later on.
* ReplacementLoveInterest: Potentially (as with Gillingham above), for Lady Mary.
* TheRival: For Tony Gillingham, with Lady Mary as the prize.
* RomancingTheWidow: After a rocky start, Mary's charms gradually beguile him and he begins actively pursuing her affections.
* SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids: Mary assumes he will help her to secure Downton's future. However Blake quickly makes it clear that while he is examining the collapse of estates like Downton, he does not necessarily wish to prevent it.
* TallDarkAndHandsome
* TeethClenchedTeamwork: With Blake seemingly opposed to everything the Crawleys stand for, there is initial antagonism between him and Mary.
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!!Miss Sarah Bunting [-(Daisy Lewis)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/missbunting_724.png]]

->"''As a rule, I don't really warm to their type.''"
----

* CommonalityConnection: She and Tom are like-minded when it comes to politics, and first meet at a talk in Ripon given by a liberal political candidate. The above quote reveals her disapproval of the aristocracy.
* DistressedDamsel: A very mild example lacking in peril, but every time she and Branson meet, he is required to step in and help her out -- her friend fails to turn up at a political chat so he steps in to accompany her. Her car break down, he stops to fix it. In the village, she drops her school-books and he is there to help her to pick them up.
* ImprobablyCoolCar: We don't know the full details, but it's highly unlikely that a single woman on a teacher's salary would have her own car in the UK during the early 1920's. Cars were the preserve of the wealthy, and only became accessible to most people from the 1960's onwards.
* ReplacementLoveInterest: For Tom.
* SchoolMarm: She's the schoolmistress of Downton village.
\\

!!The Honourable Madeleine Allsopp [-(Poppy Drayton)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/madeleineallsopp_5359.png]]

->"''Please don't think too harshly of us. Father is frightened, he doesn't know how to live without money.''"
----

* BecomingTheMask: Over the course of the Special, her feelings for Harold appear to become more genuine, and beyond the crass fortune-hunt her father contrives.
-->'''Madeleine''': You're kind, clever and much too modest and I speak without guile because I know you have escaped my net.
* BlueBlood
* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: Debuts in the Series 4 Christmas Day Special.
* EnglishRose: She's a petite, demure little beauty and shows good character and a strong moral sense when she refuses to play along with her impoverished father's schemes.
* TheFlapper: She represents an example of the "bright young things", a sub-culture that emerged during the 20's.
* GoldDigger: Reluctantly -- her father, Lord Aysgarth, pushes her onto wealthy Harold Levinson from the very get-go.
* ImpoverishedPatrician: She and her father are titled and respectable (hence their invitation to the various London Season parties presented in the Special) but their fortune has all dried up, which is why Lord Aysgarth is so keen for her to bag Harold.
* RiteOfPassage: Like her friend, Lady Rose, she too is a young deb, and is in London to be formally presented to the King and Queen.
* TwentiesBobHaircut
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!!Mrs Winifred "Freda" Dudley Ward [-(Janet Montgomery)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/fredadw_8928.png]]

->"''I can't tell you how pleased I am to have some reinforcements, he was getting rather grouchy.''"
----

* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: She appears in the Series 4 Christmas Day Special.
* HistoricalDomainCharacter: She was an English socialite best known for being a mistress of the Prince of Wales.
* HotConsort: For the Prince.
* LoveLetterLunacy: A clumsy attempt at impressing Rose and Madeleine with her correspondence from the Prince almost ends in disaster when said letters fall into the hands of the caddish Terence Sampson -- luckily Bates retrieves them before a scandal ensues.
* TheMistress: Of the Prince himself. Their relationship lasted some 15 years -- until he dumped her for his most famous consort, Wallis Simpson, in 1934.
* ProudBeauty: Her profile portrait says it all.
* {{Socialite}}: The ParisHilton of her day. And like Ms Hilton, she was not an actual BlueBlood -- her family made their fortune in the Nottingham lace industry.
* YourCheatingHeart: She was married to William Dudley Ward throughout most of her affair with the Prince.
\\

!!Lord Chamberlain of the Household [-(Alastair Bruce)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lord_chamberlain_8430.png]]

->"''The Countess of Grantham presenting the Lady Rose [=MacClare=].''"
----

* BlueBlood
* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: He appears in the Series 4 Christmas Day Special.
* CreatorCameo: He is played by Alastair Bruce, the series' historical advisor.
* HistoricalDomainCharacter: The Right Honourable Rowland Thomas Baring, 2nd Earl of Cromer (29 November 1877 – 13 May 1953), was a British diplomat and courtier. As Lord Chamberlain, he was the chief functionary of the court and responsible for organising all court functions. He was considered the "senior official" of the Royal Household. In-series, he announces Lady Rose before she is presented to King George V and Queen Mary.
* OfficerAndAGentleman: During WorldWarOne, he served as a subaltern in the Grenadier Guards.
* StaffOfAuthority
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!!His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales [-(Oliver Dimsdale)-]
[[quoteright:350:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/princeofwalesdownton_5913.png]]

->"''Would you permit me to open the ball?''"
----

* BlueBlood: Bluest of the blue.
* BlingOfWar
* BritishRoyalFamily / TheHouseOfWindsor: He was the current [[HMTheQueen Queen's]] uncle.
* TheCasanova: Had a reputation as a womaniser, and the beautiful Lady Rose catches his roving eye when she attends the Palace for her coming-out party.
* Main/CallForward: After Bates saves Prince Edward's bacon by retrieving his scandalous love letters to Freda from Sampson's jacket, Mary makes a snarky comment about how Edward, given his character, will probably get himself in a mess again. Edward did just that with the Wallis Simpson affair.
* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: He appears in the Series 4 Christmas Day Special.
* HistoricalDomainCharacter: Prince Edward Albert Christian George Patrick Andrew David, styled commonly as HRH Edward, Prince of Wales, (23 June, 1894 – 28 May, 1972) was the eldest son of King George V and Queen Mary. He was named Prince of Wales on his sixteenth birthday. He became King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth, and Emperor of India, from 20 January 1936 until his abdication on 11 December 1936.
* LoveLetterLunacy: In-series, his affair with Freda Dudley-Ward is almost revealed when the caddish Terence Sampson pilfers love-letters from Freda's purse--it's down to Bates to retrieve the letters and prevent the scandal.
* RebelPrince: The classic real-life example.
* RequisiteRoyalRegalia: As was (and still is) the custom, senior male royals wear military dress for state and special occasions.
* SketchySuccessor: His father, George V, was a solid, reliable, conservative monarch -- he on the other hand, was universally thought of as a flighty, selfish womaniser whose later affair with divorced commoner Wallis Simpson and subsequent [[AbdicateTheThrone abdication]] caused a constitutional crisis. Even the much more discreet affair with Mrs Dudley-Ward (which we see) was still more or less public knowledge, and was viewed with foreboding even at the time (the public's reaction being, in essence, "''that guy'' is going to succeed good old King George?").
\\

!!His Most Gracious Majesty King George V [-(Guy Williams)-] & Her Majesty Queen Mary [-(Madge French)-]
[[quoteright:350:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/georgemary_5881.png]]

->"''The Prince is never short of....popularity.''"
----

* BlueBlood: Well, they are the actual ''King & Queen''
* BlingOfWar
* BritishRoyalFamily / TheHouseOfWindsor: They were the current [[HMTheQueen Queen's]] grandparents.
* TheBritishEmpire: By 1922, he held sway over about 458 million subjects, one-fifth of the world's population at the time. The Empire covered more than 13,012,000 square miles, almost a quarter of the Earth's total land area.
* [[ChristmasEpisode Christmas Special]]: They appear in the Series 4 Christmas Day Special when Rose is formally presented.
* TheGoodKing: One of the most popular British monarchs, George V was seen as solid, reliable and dignified. Queen Mary was similarly staid, if a little chilly.
* TheEmperor: George V was styled as "Emperor of India" and was sometimes referred to as "King-Emperor" of TheBritishEmpire.
* HistoricalDomainCharacter: George V (George Frederick Ernest Albert; 3 June 1865 – 20 January 1936) ruled the United Kingdom and its dominions from 6 May 1910 until his death. Mary was his queen consort.
* IceQueen: Queen Mary -- who was the embodiment of Victorian reserve.
* PornStache
* RequisiteRoyalRegalia: As was (and still is) the custom, senior male royals wear military dress for state and special occasions.
* RoyalDecree: In-series, they appear when Lady Rose is formally presented at Buckingham Palace in 1923. By royal decree, those who wanted to be presented at court were required to apply for permission to do so, and would be sent a royal summons from the Lord Chamberlain if successful.
* TryToFitThatOnABusinessCard: He is fully styled as: ''His Majesty George V, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India''.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Introduced in Series 5]]

!!Mr Simon Bricker [-(RichardEGrant)-]
[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/richardegrantdownton_1266.png]]

----

* GentlemanAndAScholar: He's an art historian.
* IWantYouToMeetAnOldFriendOfMine: It's a world Grant is quite familiar with, having demonstrated his footman skills in 2001's GosfordPark, which was penned by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.
* RememberTheNewGuy: He's stated to be an "old friend of the Crawley family".
\\
\\
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!!The Dowager Lady Anstruther [-(Anna Chancellor)-]

----

* BlueBlood
* CallBack: She's Jimmy's previous employer, and has been mentioned a couple of times since his Series 3 debut.
* MrsRobinson: Based on a few suggestive remarks he makes, and the fact that he sent her a Valentine's card in Series 4, it's implied she and Jimmy shared an ''interesting'' working relationship.
\\

!!Kuragin [-(Rade Sherbedzija)-]

----
* {{Foreshadowing}}: In the Series 4 Christmas Special, Anna and Mrs Hughes discuss and organise the donation of clothing to help the Russian refugees.
* RomanovsAndRevolutions: A native Russian, he fled his homeland following the Revolution of 1917.
* RussianGuySuffersMost
* WarRefugees: Displaced by the Revolution, he travels to England.

[[/folder]]

* HeyItsThatGuy: Nigel Havers, the go-to guy for upper-class English characters.

* HeyItsThatGuy: Good Lord, it's [[FourWeddingsAndAFuneral Duckface!]]

* HeyItsThatGuy: Phoebe Nicholls's guest appearance underlines the ancestry of the series, and its direct descent from the eighties classic ''Literature/BridesheadRevisited'' adaptation, where she originally made her debut.

* HamToHamCombat: Although Dame Maggie Smith isn't all that hammy, StuntCasting below shows the entire point was to put the two ladies in a room together and watch the big cats share a cage.

* StuntCasting: For all the right reasons -- what other American actress could possibly go head-to-head with Dame Maggie Smith in the battle of the matriarchs?

* HeyItsThatGuy: It's Ygritte from ''GameOfThrones''!

* HeyItsThatGuy: It's DS Barbara Havers from ''TheInspectorLynleyMysteries'' and Trudi Malloy from ''Mistresses''.

* StuntCasting: Inevitable. When you've got one of the greatest living operatic sopranos in the world on your show, what else are you going to do?

* FakeAmerican: Gary Carr is English -- and unfortunately his rather stage-school attempt at a generic American accent makes this obvious.

* StuntCasting: Downton adds yet more big names to its cast list, following the news that Grant has signed up for Series 5.

A list of major and supporting characters on ''DowntonAbbey''. There will be '''spoilers'''. Only spoilers for Series 4 are covered.

* McLeaned: Sybil was killed off because Jessica Brown-Findlay wanted to leave to pursue her film career.

* McLeaned: An even more obvious case than Sybil's, because there'd been buzz for months before his character's death about Dan Stevens possibly leaving the show. The writers have since admitted that they would have preferred not to kill off Matthew.

* TheOtherDarrin: Fifi Hart replaces Ava Mann for Series 5.

* PayEvilUntoEvil: In the Fourth Series Christmas Special, it's strongly implied that he is responsible [[spoiler: for Green's mysterious death.]] A train ticket in his coat pocket places him in London on the day of the murder, which luckily Lady Mary burns before it can be used to implicate him.

* [[spoiler: AssholeVictim: By the Series 4 finale, he's reported dead, having supposedly slipped and fallen in front of traffic on London's Piccadilly. The Fourth Series Christmas Day Special strongly implies Bates was the responsible party, exacting vengeance for Anna.]]

[[quoteright:201:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/samthawley_7491.png]]