Stevens is a meticulous, aging English butler who has dedicated his entire adult life to serving Lord Darlington at Darlington Hall. He defines himself entirely by his profession, strictly adhering to a personal code of dignity that requires complete emotional repression and stoicism. Currently working for an American employer, Mr. Farraday, Stevens struggles to adapt to informal modern expectations like bantering. He drives to the West Country on a motoring trip, using the journey to reflect on his peak years in service during the 1920s and 1930s.

Miss Kenton is the highly capable former housekeeper at Darlington Hall who worked closely alongside Stevens during the estate's most active years. She is expressive and unwilling to strictly repress her emotions, standing in sharp contrast to Stevens's stoic demeanor. During her tenure, she tries to break through Stevens's professional walls, bringing flowers into his private quarters and challenging his rigid worldview.

Lord Darlington is a wealthy British aristocrat and Stevens's long-time employer. He views international diplomacy as a gentleman's pursuit and believes strongly in honor and fairness. He hosts unofficial conferences at his estate to discuss the post-World War I political situation. His aristocratic worldview and trusting nature make him highly susceptible to political manipulation by foreign powers.

Mr. Farraday is a wealthy American businessman who purchases Darlington Hall in the 1950s. He possesses a casual, informal personality that differs heavily from the traditional English aristocracy. He frequently tries to joke and banter with his staff, expecting a level of friendly rapport that leaves Stevens highly uncomfortable.

William Stevens is Stevens's father and a highly respected former butler who instilled his strict professional ideals in his son. In his twilight years, he takes a subordinate position at Darlington Hall but struggles with failing health and arthritis. He maintains a formal, emotionally distant relationship with his son. They communicate primarily through their shared dedication to domestic service.

Reginald Cardinal is Lord Darlington's godson and a frequent visitor to the estate. He works as a journalist and maintains a close, affectionate bond with his godfather. Over time, he becomes increasingly concerned about the political figures visiting Darlington Hall and the ideological direction his godfather is taking.

Monsieur Dupont is an irritable French diplomat crucial to Lord Darlington's attempts to renegotiate the Treaty of Versailles. He suffers from painful sores on his feet, requiring constant attention from the estate's staff while he engages in tense political negotiations.

Mr. Lewis is a pragmatic American politician who observes the amateur diplomacy at Darlington Hall with deep skepticism. He actively works to counter Lord Darlington's political influence and views the British aristocrats as naive meddlers in serious international affairs.

Herr Ribbentrop is a charismatic German ambassador who frequently visits Darlington Hall in the 1930s. He takes advantage of Lord Darlington's hospitable nature and gentlemanly ideals to further his own government's political interests in Britain.

Dr. Carlisle is a perceptive medical professional living in a rural village. He gives Stevens a ride to fetch fuel and quickly realizes that Stevens is a manservant, gently allowing Stevens to drop the aristocratic facade he accidentally assumed with the locals.

Harry Smith is an outspoken, working-class villager who meets Stevens during his motoring trip. He holds passionate beliefs about democracy, arguing that true dignity comes from a citizen's ability to participate politically and express their opinions.

Lisa is a young maid who shows great professional potential under Miss Kenton's careful tutelage. Her presence at the estate highlights the differing management styles and emotional capacities of Stevens and Miss Kenton.

Carolyn Barnet is a member of the British Union of Fascists who frequently visits Darlington Hall. Her political prejudices directly influence Lord Darlington's staffing decisions at the estate.