Catching up with ‘Downton Abbey’: What’s up with all the major characters?

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In a touching end (for now), the enchanting world of “Downton Abbey” will be drawn to a close after a total of 52 episodes and three movies. Over an extended period of 18 years, this series and its preceding films have chronicled the lives of numerous characters who inhabited both the upper echelons and servant quarters within the magnificent estate. Although we bid farewell to Lady Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham (portrayed by Maggie Smith), in the last film as she passed away onscreen with her family by her side, there are still a myriad of emotional goodbyes left to be said. Below is a recap of where some of our major characters stand as “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” graces the big screen on September 12.

Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery)

Lady Mary didn’t initially stand as the one to inherit Downton Abbey, but her unfortunate marriage to Matthew Crawley and their son George’s birth set her up as the potential leader until George was old enough. In the latter part of the series, Mary wed race car driver Henry Talbot, only for them to divorce by “The Grand Finale.” The show’s conclusion finds Mary out of favor in society. However, she demonstrates shrewd ideas for keeping Downton Abbey thriving and modernizing it as she assumes control from her father, having gradually honed her strong character throughout the series. As per Julian Fellowes’ remarks to The Times in 2022, “From the very beginning, she always had a bold personality. Over time, we’ve seen how she has learned to wield that strength, control it, and use it to achieve her goals.

Edith Pelham (Laura Carmichael)

Over a long period, Lady Edith was often overlooked as the second daughter, yet towards the end of the series, she had solidified herself as the powerful Marchioness of Hexham. Alongside her husband Herbert “Bertie” Pelham, they are contentedly nurturing two children, and Edith has emerged as a wise advisor for Mary, providing guidance to the sister who was once considered her superior. In the final episode, Edith is given a powerful moment of resilience when she defends her family, as Fellowes explains. “By the end of the story, Edith is a strong woman capable of making significant decisions,” he adds.

Robert and Cora Crawley (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern)

The main couple of the Crawley family have faced numerous trials and tribulations since the debut of “Downton Abbey”, such as the loss of their daughter Sybil, financial difficulties, and the illness of Cora in “A New Era”. They also mourned the death of Violet, whose influence remains strong in “The Grand Finale.” Although Robert nominally handed over the reins of Downton Abbey to Mary at the end of “A New Era”, he’s having a hard time adjusting to the next phase of his life. It’s left to Cora, who is always supportive and steady, to help him find his way forward.

Tom Branson (Allen Leech)

In the sequel “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” Tom Branson, who valiantly saved the day in the first movie, married Lucy Smith (Tuppence Middleton), thus providing his daughter Sybbie with a mother once more. By the film’s conclusion, they have welcomed their own baby and have moved away from Downton. Tom, having found his happily ever after, now returns to offer wisdom and support to the family. As Julian Fellowes stated in 2019, “I felt Tom Branson was the one character we hadn’t fully resolved in the series.” This has certainly been addressed now.

Daisy Mason (Sophie McShera) and Andrew Parker (Michael Fox)

Daisy initially started her life at Downton Abbey as a hardworking kitchen maid. Later, she was mentored by Mrs. Patmore, the esteemed cook of the estate. Throughout the series, she married William Mason who was ill and later found happiness with Andrew Parker, a footman who has since replaced Mr. Carson. Reflecting the emergence of the younger generation, Daisy assumes control over the kitchen in “The Grand Finale,” marking a significant milestone in her character’s development.

Isobel Crawley (Penelope Wilton)

It took Isobel a while to find her footing at Downton Abbey, but her bond with the Dowager Countess and her ties to the family proved priceless throughout the show’s run. After Matthew’s death, she wed Richard Grey and carried on her charitable work at the local hospital. Post Violet’s demise, Isobel stepped up to coordinate the county fair, a role that presents certain difficulties.

Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt) and John Bates (Brendan Coyle)

Through thick and thin, Anna Bates has remained one of Downton Abbey’s most steadfast servants and compassionate confidante to Lady Mary. In Season 3, she tied the knot with valet John Bates, experiencing many trials since then, including multiple miscarriages. However, they ultimately found their bliss in the series finale as Anna welcomed their first baby. The subsequent films have only added to their joy, and “The Grand Finale” brings another heartwarming addition to their family.

Joseph Molesley (Kevin Doyle)

In the series, Mr. Molesley won over viewers with his bumbling yet kind-hearted escapades, eventually moving from being a footman to a local school teacher. He was recognized for his talents as a writer in “A New Era,” captivating Phyllis Baxter with his work. In “The Grand Finale,” Molesley and Phyllis get married, and he’s now trying to advance his career in films, although he seems to still carry some of his Downton Abbey days with him.

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2025-09-05 13:32