Harry Potter Characters
Harry Potter
As you might guess, is the series' protagonist. Rowling's seven books focus on the magical and often perilous adventures of this young bespectacled boy who is the son of James and Lily Potter. He was orphaned as a baby and forced to live with his maternal aunt, Petunia, and her husband Vernon Dursley and cousin Dudley. Despite the Dursleys' attempts to hide his true identity, Harry finally learns of his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday when he is summoned to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Once there, Harry quickly learns of his fame in the magical community, as he is easily recognizable by the lightning bolt-shaped scar on his forehead.
Lord Voldemort
(a.k.a. Tom Riddle) was once himself a student at Hogwarts. He was a singularly gifted pupil of magic; however, he became obsessed with studying the dark arts, leading him to become the most feared wizard of all time. As the series' main antagonist, Voldemort is responsible for many deaths in the magical community, including those of Harry's parents. This early encounter with the dark wizard is what gave Harry his telltale scar and the nickname 'The Boy who Lived.'
Hermione Granger
Is Ron and Harry's closest companion. Though she is 'Muggle-born,' she is a consummate student quickly on her way to becoming a first-rate witch. Although she never quite approves of the boys' misadventures, Hermione's quick wit is often to thank for saving the friends from certain doom.
Ron Weasley
Is Harry's best friend and the youngest son of Arthur and Molly Weasley. Given his red hair and penchant for mischief, Ron is unmistakably a member of this very old magical family and must often cope with the reputation of his five older brothers while at Hogwarts.
Albus Dumbledore
Is headmaster during Harry's stay at Hogwarts and is responsible for hiding the boy following his parents' deaths. A very old and wise wizard, Dumbledore becomes one of Harry's closest advisers whose unwavering faith in Harry helps him achieve his potential as a truly powerful wizard.
Severus snape
Severus Snape was Potions Master, Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, and Head of Slytherin House at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; he succeeded Albus Dumbledore as Headmaster. He was personally killed by Lord Voldemort and his snake, Nagini.