The Remains of the day, Kazuo Ishiguro( characters)

Stevens

Stevens is one of the most beloved characters in modern literature because his emotional arc is so clear. At the beginning of the novel, he is hopeful and anticipatory of a new adventure - one that he hopes will bring him personal fulfillment. By the end, he finds his dream quashed, and limps back to his old life to bear out the 'remains of his day.' Stevens very much owns every cell of Ishiguro's creation. He is the sole narrator and has full domain over every assumption, assertion, and thought. At no point can we question Stevens' veracity or retelling of events because there is no arbiter of truth in the novel, aside from his own recollections and comprehension of his own memories. Indeed, Stevens is so self-aware and clear about his own shortcomings and mistakes that we fully trust his rendition of events. At the same time, we're also clearly aware of Stevens' shortcomings in self-analysis. He is terribly blind to his own repression and inability to let go of work and pursue his own human desire. As the novel progresses, Stevens becomes a prisoner of his own fear, ultimately destroying his chance for true love. By the time he finally comes to terms with his own weaknesses, it is, in fact, far too late.

Miss Kenton

Miss Kenton is Stevens' object of desire, despite his inability to truly confess it. Miss Kenton, when the novel opens, has long left Darlington Hall. Indeed, the book begins nearly twenty years after her departure, which came before the start of World War II. The book, then, is Stevens' recollection of his time working alongside her as he begins his journey to go meet her. Miss Kenton clearly harbored her own affections for Stevens and tried deeply to get him to admit his affections for her. And yet, Stevens never could. As a result, Miss Kenton ends up marrying a man that she does not even love, it seems. The pivotal moment of her own personal journey comes when she tells Stevens of her engagement, hoping it seems that he might stop her. He doesn't, and as a result, twenty years later, when he arrives at her door, it's too late. She's already committed to a loveless marriage - one that she's grown accustomed to and settled for.

Lord Darlington

Lord Darlington is Stevens' and Miss Kenton's employer in the years leading up to World War II. Darlington, himself, appears to be a German-sympathizer - specifically a Hitler sympathizer, as he seeks to keep Germany from falling apart in the wake of the Treaty of Versailles. That said, Darlington is a gentle man and treats Stevens and his staff delicately - except for one moment when he does fire two Jewish maids because of his German sympathies. Ultimately, Darlington is considered honorable by Stevens and a man worthy of deep respect.

Stevens' Father (William Stevens)

Stevens' father works at Darlington Hall with Stevens and Miss Kenton up until his death. Stevens' father is even more dutiful and devoted to his profession than Stevens. Indeed, Stevens refers to him as a great butler because of his prodigious skill and commitment. But his relationship with his son suffers greatly because of this devout dedication to work.

Mr. Farraday

Mr. Farraday is an American aristocrat who takes over from Lord Darlington upon his death, and thus becomes Steves' employer. Compared to Lord Darlington, Mr. Farraday is nowhere near as formal -- and teases Stevens at his inability to be more casual and relaxed.