- Spratt: "Are you sure this isn't your idea? I wonder if you haven't pushed her ladyship into it so you could just show off in front of her"
- Molesley: "Certainly not!"
- Spratt: "I think it's my job you're after."
- — Spratt confronts Alfred Molesley.[src]
Mr. Spratt is Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham's butler.
In February 1922, the Dowager Countess invited Lady Shackleton to Downton, so that she can be impressed with Alfred Molesley's service skills and hire him, as Molesley had been out of a job since his employer died. Spratt, however, thought Molesley was after his own job as the butler to the Dowager, and attempted to sabotage him during luncheon: at first, he startled him so that he almost let go of his tray; and then he handed him over a very hot plate. Lady Shackleton was not impressed, and presumed Molesley had not received proper training in service.