Stevens serves as both the narrator and the main character in The Remains of the Day. His gradual realization that his understanding of the past has been misguided forms the novel's central dramatic conflict. While the actual events — Stevens's journey across England — involve minor complications, it is often his interactions with various people along the way that trigger memories of his past. By the time he reunites with the former Miss Kenton in Cornwall, he can no longer deny his true personal feelings for her, feelings that transcend their professional relationship. Her admission that she has frequently wondered what life might have been like with him shatters his composed exterior.

Miss Kenton, who later becomes Mrs. Benn, is depicted primarily through Stevens's memories throughout most of the book. She is neither romanticized nor trivialized. Stevens recalls her as a strong, witty woman who was exceptionally competent as the housekeeper of Darlington Hall and his female counterpart. Her significance to both the novel and Stevens is evident from the extensive time devoted to his recollections of her and their eventual meeting, which leads Stevens to the profound realization that he has dedicated his life to the wrong pursuits.

Stevens’s former employer, Lord Darlington, and his current employer, the American Mr. Farraday, are starkly contrasted in the novel. One might argue that the self-reflection driving the narrative is sparked by the new dynamics between Stevens and Farraday. Stevens had mastered his role under the aristocratic Lord Darlington, but the expectations set by Farraday, such as engaging in banter and casual conversation, perplex him and force him to reconsider what it truly means to be an excellent butler in his new circumstances.

Lord Darlington
Lord Darlington is Stevens’s original employer, starting in the 1920s. Stevens recounts his memories of Lord Darlington throughout the novel. By the time of the novel's events, Lord Darlington has passed away, and his estate has been sold to an American. Lord Darlington is proper, reserved, determined, and well-mannered. He prefers to maintain a formal relationship with Stevens, to the extent that he pretends to be engrossed in a reference book whenever he needs to discuss something with him.

Lord Darlington firmly believes that Germany was unfairly treated by the Treaty of Versailles and decides to take action. As he becomes involved in international politics, he is manipulated by the German regime to spread propaganda in England. These actions reveal his shortsightedness, naivety, and poor judgment of character. Consequently, he gains a disgraceful reputation in England and dies in shame.

Mr. Farraday
Mr. Farraday is Stevens’s current employer. An American businessman, he has purchased Darlington Hall and wishes to keep some of the staff employed. Although most of the staff has left, he is pleased to retain Stevens, whom he considers a “real old English butler.” Mr. Farraday seems more interested in the novelty of the change rather than immersing himself in English culture. He is carefree and often jokes with or about Stevens, which makes Stevens uncomfortable. Nonetheless, Farraday is considerate and even offers to lend Stevens his car for a vacation.

Miss Kenton
Miss Kenton, who becomes Mrs. Benn after her marriage, served as the housekeeper at Darlington Hall until she left to get married. She is very professional and meticulous in her work and staff management. She initially resents the condescending manner in which Stevens speaks to her when she first arrives at Darlington Hall. Unintimidated by Stevens, she does not hesitate to voice her opinions. When Stevens informs her that he must dismiss two maids on Lord Darlington’s orders because they are Jewish, Miss...