Alright witches and wizards, now that the release of the first installment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is just a few weeks away, I thought I’d break out the butterbeer and pumpkin juice and celebrate one of the greatest series of books in history, Muggle or otherwise…
Confession. I came a bit late to the Hogwarts Express. I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in college and always planned to read the rest at some point, but Merlin’s beard people, those books are LARGE. It’s a commitment, and there were always so many other books and manuscripts that were pressing.
Well, this summer I received the boxed set for my birthday and plowed through those books faster than you can say “expecto patronum.” (By the way, my Patronus is a space monkey. In case you’re wondering).
When I read the series I was just stunned at Rowling’s talent, ambition, the depth of the world building, the immediacy of the characters, the attention to detail. To say I admire Rowling is kind of like saying Dobby sort of likes Harry. I kept putting down the books, looking at my wife, and crying, “It’s not fair. This is so good. It’s not fair.”
But rather than just talk about how awesome Harry Potter is (AND I COULD GO ON), I thought we’d delve a little deeper into some of the writerly things that make Harry Potter so great.
So stay tuned for a week of Harry Potter themed posts!
In the meantime, one of the more stunning things to me about Harry Potter, which I will talk more about tomorrow, is how much Rowling is able to accomplish with a third person limited perspective. With a few scattered exceptions, we’re only inside Harry’s head, seeing his thoughts, and seeing everyone else filtered through Harry’s perspective.
It’s astounding how many compelling, memorable, hilarious, and terrifying characters Rowling draws with that constraint. We know so much about what makes the other characters tick, and yet we’re never seeing their thoughts. Go look! Not a single “Hermione thought such and such.”
So. Before we delve into how she does it, let’s talk favorites.
Who is your favorite character??
Brent Peterson says
Minerva McGonagall. And her tartan pj's!
Karen Peterson says
This sounds like such a cop out of an answer, but I really don't have a favorite. Rowling created such amazing characters all around that I love so many of them for such different reasons.
I love Neville for being a late bloomer that became a real hero.
I love Hermione and Ron for their fierce loyalty and courage.
I love Luna's quirkiness and Dumbledore's genius and Sirius's recklessness and Lupin's trust in Harry's abilities.
I love to hate Snape and Bellatrix.
I love the gentle giant, Hagrid, and his innocence, but also his way of intimidating at just the right time.
I love Harry for being Harry.
Anonymous says
So, so many that I love…
But my absolute favorite would have to be Bellatrix. She manages to terrify me to my very core and make me laugh at the same time. Both book and movie versions of her.
Leigh says
I was just about to freak that no one said Hagrid, then finally, Quinn had some sense. Hagrid is awesome. Of course, the twins are awesome. And I kinda rooted for Dudders. The scene where Harry leaves him, possibly for good, left me crying for a good half hour. You wanted him to redeem himself, and he did!
demery bader-saye says
As the mom of three little boys, I cannot help but love Harry. I want to take him under my wing like Mrs. Weasly. 🙂
Geoff says
I am a big fan of Lupin. He is one of Harry's most influential teachers and a tragic tale in his own right. His condition and the way it worked into his relationship with Sirius and James is sort of heartbreaking yet pivotal to the development of that group – I always felt that out of everyone Lupin missed and needed that bond the most. He does so much for Harry's development that I can't help but think of him.
As far as the films go I'd have to go with Sirius because I am a huge Oldman fan and he knocks it out of the park.
Emily White says
Ginny was my favorite until the end of the last book. Then I couldn't help but love Snape the most.
Tom M Franklin says
Hagrid. No question.
— Tom
Claire MH says
It's hard to choose favorites. Of the three main ones I have to say Hermione for brilliance and guts.
For support cast it has to be Luna or Jenny. Specifically the book version of Jenny. The movies don't capture her sense of humor. Loved the twins too.
But my all time favorite villain award goes to Delores Umbridge. She was so full of herself and mean. Without her the twins wouldn't have had their brilliant departure from Hogworts.
Josin L. McQuein says
I skipped the whole Harry Potter phenomenon – both in print and on screen. Though, the sheer saturation and integration of that world into our culture made it impossible to escape all together.
From what I know:
I'd say Snape, because I love Alan Rickman's characters, and figure there was a reason he was cast.
I have a soft spot for quirky back-up players, so that would mean Luna or Tonks. They're both free spirits in their own way, both loyal and strong in their own way, and both totally crazy in their own way.
Maureen says
Hermione is definitely my favorite character. She's brilliant and a loyal friend. I love the way she is constantly stepping out her academic comfort zone to help Harry. Close runners-up are Luna and Molly Weasley. Harry may be the lead character, but he is supported every step of the way by strong females. Love JKR for that.
Elizabeth says
I see people all the time say, "Wow, I wish I could have written the Harry Potter books," and I don't understand it. I wouldn't trade places with JK Rowling for anything. I mean, think about it. Living for years knowing who's going to live and who's going to die… knowing the ending… knowing everything… I feel more blessed having gotten to read about these characters than if I'd gotten to write about them. Maybe not as wealthy, but definitely more blessed. In some ways, JK missed out on a lot.
Favorite character: Tie between Sirius Black and Arthur Weasley.
Steppe says
I'll confess to only watching the movies. Hermione is obviously the most well portrayed hard on the outside squishy and tender on the inside tomboy character since Jodie Foster was a kid.
The writing just didn't grab me although the storytelling plot lines and world building were good, it didn't suck me in the way I hoped it would. I failed to catch the contagion of it but admire Rowling's accomplishments.
kalincasey says
The character I was most interested in was Snape. There was always the underlying question as to which side he was really on, and I kept rooting for him.
I think the movies don't do as good a job of making you wonder. In the films, it seems clear that he's with Dumbledore, even after the last one.Whereas, I recall a lot of forum discussions about Snape's true allegiances after book six.
[word verification = inape / not quite "Snape," but weirdly close]
Juliette says
In the books, Lupin. I never understood why Harry was all about Sirius because his parents happened to pick Sirius as godfather, but seemed much less interested in Lupin, who was also an old friend of his father's.
(In the films, it's gotta be Snape! But that's down to alan Rickman more than anything else. And Dean Thomas. I think he's underrated and underused in both books and films.
Mystery Robin says
Ah, this post makes me so happy! I LOVE Harry Potter, too. 🙂 My favorite character? Definitely Sirius Black. Ah… I love that he's dark and edgy and mysterious and so devoted to Harry. Really, really love him.
Stephanie Garber says
I know someone already said this, but I love Sirius Black… I cried when he died. And I also love Fred and George, especially in the fifth book! That book was so dark, and they provided the perfect amount of comic relief!
KT says
Oh, man. I don't know if I can just pick one. But my first immediate three were Sirius, Lupin, and Ron. Love all these guys, and almost every character in hp!
Christina Lucas says
Harry Potter, of course! But I also have a fascination with Snape. I LOVE how he is so complex. Even after the explanation for his bad behavior, well it still isn't a totally justifiable explanation for all of his behavior; that is why he is so perfectly human.
robin says
Harry's definitely my favorite overall.
After him, I love Ron, Draco, Snape, and Lupin.
Reesha says
Nathan, at first when you mentioned you're no longer an author I thought sad thoughts.
But now I see a major upside to this. It means you're going to be talking more about the craft of writing instead of focusing more on publishing, right?
Well, maybe not all the time, but I was pleased to see you're quickly throwing off all your agent hindrances and posting the things you really want to talk about.
My favorite is Harry's godfather, Sirrius Black.
Nicole says
Well, I'd do just about anything for Harry, and I'm most like Hermione – but as a favorite character, I'd have to go with Sirius. I love his relationship with Harry. The books portrayed him so much better than the movies.
Lisa Desrochers says
Fred and George! (I put them both because they came from the same zygote!) They're my fav all time fictional characters =)
Anonymous says
Hermione! Especially in the 1st movie when she turns to Ron and says, "And you are?"
Ruth McNally Barshaw says
Steppe, try reading the first 10 pages of the first book, and see if you're pulled in by the writing. It's unfair to Rowling to say you didn't much care for the writing if you didn't read the books, but only saw the movies. The movies were a quick compilation of what's in the thick, dense books; in them, the writing is lost. (Thankfully, the adverbs are also lost…).
My favorite: Snape.
We just bought the DVD for movie #6 and I found myself lamenting the end of the series. They're promoting a couple new DVDs with behind-the-scenes info and deleted scenes. Normally I'd be cynical about it (why not put that on the regular DVD? Why not let the series die without last-gasp moneygrabbing?), but in my dismay at seeing the whole series end, I probably will buy the extra DVDs. And if she writes more books (and reviews are good), I'll buy more books.
Heather says
Luna, for sure. I can't help but smile when she shows up, and she's so loyal and wise and creative. I love her.
Though I have a very soft spot for Snape, too.
Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy says
Snape, totally Snape.
Steppe says
@Ruth
Now that the series is finished I'll take another run at it. Someone probably gave me book two or three for Christmas.
Her success is worth studying to better understand popular culture and tastes.
The movies rocked, keeping the nieces and nephews under control and not getting booted from the theater was an act of personal wizardry in and of itself.
Nicole L Rivera says
Ahhh, Harry Potter week!!!! This is so stinkin' awesome. Your post gave me an idea for and extra item on the thanksgiving dinner table. They have awesome recipes over at muggle net. (My family is going to kill me, but that's ok). On to the question/answer (I think I had too much coffee trying to get to my NaNo goal). I love, love, love Hermione. She is totally me in high school (minus the time turner and overall magic thing). But, they again I love Ron — what comedic timing! And, Harry is awesome too 😉
Remilda Graystone says
SIRIUS BLACK! This is weird, but I remember my twelve-ish year-old swooning at the mention of him. I cried when he died, so…yeah. I think what I liked most was his relationship with Harry, as short lived as it was.
I've got to say, I also like Ron a lot. He's a favorite in my house. Everyone loves Ron here.
Abby Stevens says
Harry Potter week! Now THIS is my mug of butter beer.
I truly can never pick a favorite. As soon as I try, someone else pops into my head. That being said, Harry, Hermione, and Snape are the ones most often duking it out for domination in my head, occasionally accompanied by Luna and Dobby.
Lazrina says
I would have to say that Hagrid and Dumbledore made me feel like everything was right with the world as long as they were near. Everyone needs a good protector.
midnightblooms says
All of them. Seriously. Each time I read the books, I am astounded at Rowling's ability to give life and depth to all her characters, major, minor, and barely-mentioned. I can hear them, see them, understand them to a level that I've rarely seen with other authors. Even the horrible ones (and there are many horrible people in those books) are so richly drawn readers sympathize with them well before the end of the series.
That said, Harry is by far my favorite character. Though I love the scenes with Ginny, Neville, Luna, Tonks, Lupin, Dumbledore . . . see? Everyone else ties for second place.
And now excuse me while I squee like the fangirl I am.
HARRY POTTER WEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!!!!!
Sorry, I had to get that out of my system. Carry on.
Wordy Birdie says
I so agree with you about Rowling's skill with limited third person. I regularly use HP when teaching POV, because she is just so brilliant with it.
I find it very hard to choose a character I like most. I identify with Hermione. But, I must say I am extremely fond of Luna Lovegood.
Hannah Jenny says
Oooh ooh! Much too hard. Part of me wants to say Ron, just because, well, because–but I want to *be* Luna Lovegood and I already *am* Hermione so . . .
Harry Potter week! I'm excited!
Kate Higgins says
Prof. McGonagall and Luna Lovegood. Two people who are truly who they are and comfortable with themselves.
Julie Hedlund says
This is very timely because I am re-reading the series in anticipation of Deathly Hallows Part 1 coming out. I'm on Order of the Phoenix at the moment, which happens to be my least favorite of the 7.
But oh the joy of falling under Rowling's spell again. If you've never read them one right after the other – do. It's astonishing how complicated the plot threads are and how she threads them through all the books.
That said – I'd have to go with Fred and George Weasley for the comic relief – especially when it is needed most. Of the Harry-Ron-Hermione trio, I feel the same way about Ron.
I also could not leave Dumbledore out. My favorite adult character. I also love Professor McGonagall – strict but fair, caring in her own way.
Ummm… How much space do we have for comments? LOL
mathew says
My favourite of them all is Dobby and then Hagrid.
Diana says
This is liking asking Mrs. Weasley who her favorite child is…
One thing Rowling does brilliantly is characterization. For every character in the books, I know someone in real life who is like that. They're not cliches or archetypes either, but real complex characters.
In my opinion, the adult characters are more interesting than the child characters. They're more colorful, distinct, and memorable to me than the child characters. Then again, people don't fully develop their personality until they're adults.
The most heroic character in the series is Snape. It doesn't seem like it throughout the series, but in the end when I learned the full story of what motivated Snape, I was in awe of the sacrifices that he made and the constancy of his love for Lilly Potter. I wouldn't say that Snape is my favorite character, there are many times when I would like to knock some sense of fairness into him…
Other Lisa says
I like tortured souls, so probably Sirius Black.
(yeah, I've read and owned them all! The last four or so I bought the day they came out, but when I started the first two had already been published)
Jenna L says
Dumbledore!! Though he isn't perfect, he always tries to do what is right and also battles his own personal demons, as we learn in the final book. Not only does he introduce the main message of the series in Book One but he continues to demonstrate it throughout Book Seven even after his death…Dumbledore's message: Love is the most powerful magic of all.
Other Lisa says
Oh, yeah, and Snape. How could I forget?
Suzie F. says
Thanks for Harry Potter week, Nathan!
It's so hard to pick a favorite "one" of anything related to Harry Potter (character, quote, spell, etc.).
Harry's story is what drew me in as a mother. I instantly wanted to adopt him as my fifth child. Mrs. Weasley is a close second.
But I think the most amazing character in children's lit is Severus Snape.
Anonymous says
Harry, hands down, is my favorite, with Dumbledore a close second.
Gabriela Lessa says
I got the first Harry Potter book for Christmas ten years ago and, as any 15 year old, I scoffed and thought it was for children. But my mom was so excited about having found what she considered the perfect Christmas present that I decided to give it a shot. Oh, boy. Was I hooked. I quickly became a Harry Potter addict. Rowling is as amazing as a writer can be.
Now, finding a favorite character, that's hard. I've been reading the comments and going "oh, yes, I love him too", "but, oh, I love her too", so on and so forth. But since I have a thing for strong and awesome female characters, I'll have to go with Hermione and Mrs. Weasley. Mrs. Weasley's action on the last battle made me actually hoot.
Damn, I miss those books…
fakesteph says
I've been trying to reread them all before the movie comes out and I've definitely noticed how well developed the characters are. I'm on GoF right now and we meet Ludo for only a few pages, but still we get this incredibly full picture of who he is.
As for favorite character, I've always loved Sirius. He's kind of a jerk, but I have a soft spot for "unlikeable" characters.
Jill Thomas says
I LOVE this post! Anyone who knows me or has read my blog knows of my obsession with HP and my undying devotion and awe to Jo Rowling. Okay, favorites…well, there's Harry, of course. I feel like a surrogate mother to the orphaned boy. And speaking of mother's Mrs. Weasley is one of my favorites, but behind Harry would have to be Fred Weasley. I love his humor, his goodness and his fierce devotion to his family and Harry. Broke my heart in a thousand pieces when he was killed in the seventh book. I actually had to put the book down and sob for ten minutes! Needless to say, I will be seeing the 7th movies at the midnight showings, with no make-up!
D.G. Hudson says
Not a Harry Potter fan, but I love book series that appeal to all ages.
Surprisingly, I discovered this past week that my youngest daughter is a big fan of Harry and his ilk. I believe the influx of Fantasy films (Lord of the Rings, etc.) and the technical ability of the film industry we have today feeds that love of the fantasy story. Magic stories are fun to read. I just find the HP series a bit young for my preferences.
Bravo for Rowling – she deserves all the fuss.
Nathan – will you continue to post writing information that covers more than just MG and YA?
Most of us have come to you for insight and to learn from your expertise in the field of writing. I hope that will continue.
Kelly says
Fred Weasley. Gotta love the funny, full of life guys!
One of the few books that made me bawl!
My second favorite is Sirius Black.
Rowling did such a wonderful job creating memorable characters. Every character is so unique and likable (or detested_) for different reasons.
Anonymous says
Can I say the Mandrake ?