The Remains of the Day

Stevens is the central figure in The Remains of the Day. Not only is he the protagonist of the story, but he is also the narrator. Stevens is an aging figure and a fading force. He is a relic of a world gone by, someone who is ill fitted to function in modern society. However, as he looks back over his life, Stevens begins to wonder whether he ever truly fit into the world. He is a butler, and this profession defines him. The profession informs his beliefs, particularly regarding how a person should strive to seem dignified and reserved at all times. Stevens has modeled his entire personality on his idea of how a butler should operate. As such, he is quiet, discrete, and reluctant to express any emotion at all. This formal demeanor served Stevens well in his professional career and made him an excellent butler, but he begins to suspect that his dedication to the role was costly. Due to his commitment to his job, he may have missed out on the great romantic relationship of his life. Furthermore, he may have dedicated his life to the service of a man who is now publicly disgraced.