He is in love with Miss Kenton, but he never admits it to himself or to her. He is also blind to the moral and political implications of Lord Darlington’s actions, and remains faithful to him even after his downfall. He is a tragic and sympathetic character, who represents the values and the dilemmas of a bygone era.
Miss Kenton
The former housekeeper of Darlington Hall, and the object of Stevens’ affection. She is a warm, strong-willed, and intelligent woman, who often clashes with Stevens over their different approaches to their work and their personal lives. She is also a caring and compassionate person, who tries to help and comfort Stevens, as well as the other staff and guests at Darlington Hall.
She is in love with Stevens, but she becomes frustrated and hurt by his coldness and indifference. She eventually marries Mr. Benn, a former colleague, and leaves Darlington Hall. She later regrets her decision, and writes to Stevens, hoping to rekindle their relationship. She is a complex and realistic character, who represents the possibilities and the limitations of love and happiness.
Lord Darlington
The former owner of Darlington Hall, and Stevens’ employer. He is a wealthy and influential aristocrat, who is involved in international affairs and diplomacy. He is a noble, generous, and idealistic man, who believes in the values of honor, justice, and peace.
He is also a naive, misguided, and gullible man, who is influenced and deceived by his Nazi friends, and becomes a supporter of appeasement and fascism. He is a controversial and tragic character, who represents the failures and the consequences of a misguided nobility.
Other characters include:
Mr. Farraday
The current owner of Darlington Hall, and Stevens’ new employer. He is a rich and jovial American businessman, who has a casual and friendly attitude towards Stevens and the other staff. He encourages Stevens to take a vacation and to adopt a more relaxed and humorous manner. He is a contrast and a challenge to Stevens, who represents a different culture and a different era.
Mr. Benn
Miss Kenton’s husband, and a former colleague of Stevens and Miss Kenton. He is a decent and ordinary man, who loves Miss Kenton, but also neglects and cheats on her. He leaves her for another woman, but returns to her after being diagnosed with cancer. He is a minor and ambiguous character, who represents the difficulties and the compromises of marriage.
Mr. Cardinal
Lord Darlington’s godson, and a journalist. He is a cynical and outspoken man, who opposes and exposes Lord Darlington’s involvement in Nazi appeasement.
Themes
The novel explores several themes, such as:
Love
The novel depicts the love story between Stevens and Miss Kenton, who are both deeply in love with each other, but are unable to express their feelings or act on them. Their love is hindered by their professional duties, their social norms, their personal insecurities, and their historical circumstances.
