Favorite Characters of Downton Abbey!

I'm always a fan of characters who have a foot in both worlds, and Tom Branson fits that! Abrasive and blunt early on, he learned how to embrace both worlds as well as find his place in them. His biggest challenge was always being accepted. He was a trailblazer, and trailblazers are among my favorite types of people.

Opinionated, a traditionalist, and someone who absolutely hated anyone standing against her, Violet is still one of my favorite characters of the show, largely due to Maggie Smith's incredible prowess. Sometimes, it took Violet a while to come around, but when she did, there was nobody better to have in your corner. And the best zingers of the show came from Violet as well!

Matthew Crawley represented the optimistic future. A man who was never going to be held by traditionalism and conformity. Matthew had a heart of gold, which was necessary to melt the ice queen's heart! He was gone too soon, and Downton was never the same after he left.

The troubled Lady Edith, always trying to find her happiness but also her place in the world. As the often-overlooked middle sister, she struggled to find her way. She was proof that sometimes waiting longer for great things means you actually get them. By the time the series ended, we all cheered for her when she finally found her happiness and her place in the world.

Mrs. Hughes is my favorite "downstairs" character. Strong, strict, but always fair and willing to help out anyone in need (even sometimes when they don't deserve it), Mrs. Hughes is the type of housekeeper anyone would want to have.

Robert Crawley may often be judgmental and stubborn, but he's also a strong man with the weight of running Downton on his shoulders. He's a loving husband and father, and the right man to steer the Downton ship!

The "rock" of the downstairs staff. Mrs. Hughes had it right when she called Mr. Carson a curmudgeon. Perhaps only Violet has a greater distaste for change and the bending of rules. Carson is steadfast in his job. While he can also be judgmental and critical, this is a man who takes great pride in his work, and his relationship and love for Lady Mary are beautiful.

Watching Violet and Mrs. Crawley spar was like watching two professional tennis players going back and forth. While she can be headstrong, Mrs. Crawley represented the "old guard" who never feared change. In fact, she embraced it. Always quick to help others without any fear for herself, Mrs. Crawley was the ideal mother.

Yes, he was nasty, vile, and loved to create problems for everyone, both upstairs and downstairs. Still, by the time the series ended, M. Thomas Barrow was the most evolved character. A gay man trying to stay afloat at the turn of the century isn't something that anyone would envy, and yet Mr. Barrow came out the other side of a very dark tunnel filled with much hope that he could finally learn to accept himself.

The unswerving Mr. Bates was like a rock! He never wavered, and while he was a very tough war veteran whom nobody would ever dare cross, his love for Anna was wholly complete and unconditional. I don't know of many women who would turn that down!

The most progressive of the Crawley sisters, Sybil was selfless and perhaps the most daring as she ended up marrying the chauffeur, Tom Branson. Becoming a WWI convalescent nurse and attending political rallies, Sybil was fearless and embraced change. The episode of her passing is still one of the toughest episodes of the series to get through.

The delightful Mrs. Patmore was the leader of the kitchen. Sharp-tongued, especially at Daisy in the early seasons, she also had a heart of gold who took great pride in her cooking.

When humor was needed, Mr. Mosely often provided it. Whether it was getting drunk before serving or dancing a Scottish jig while intoxicated, Mr. Mosely was the quiet but generous butler.

Mrs. Baxter was my favorite of the maids. A gentle and sweet woman with a dark, mysterious past. She was the only person who seemed able to ward off Thomas Barrow's stinging remarks, bullying, and criticism.

Rose was high-strung, but a woman who knew her own mind and heart. Despite the sharp bullying and criticisms of her horrible mother, Rose was the bright sunshine of the family. Always with a smile, and at times reckless, she was as pure as the driven snow, and just as delightful to be around.