Character Development

One of my favorite aspects of Rowling's writing in the Harry Potter series is how she develops her characters throughout the series. One of my favorite examples is Hermione and how she transforms from being a no-risk goody-two-shoes to one of the bravest students in Gryffindor. In the beginning of the series, she is constantly trying to talk Harry and Ron out of doing things that will get them into trouble. However, as situations become more dire, Hermione begins to justify breaking rules because it is necessary. It is originally Hermione’s idea to form Dumbledore’s Army despite Umbridge’s rules, and it is because she sees the need to break them. The evil that is spreading throughout the wizarding world forces Hermione to break out of her shell, and do what needs to be done.

         Harry also develops interestingly throughout the series when you consider all the trauma he has witnessed and been a part of. His traumatic experiences, such as the murders of his parents, Cedric Diggory, and Sirius could have changed him for the worse, and at one point, they almost did. After Bellatrix kills Sirius in The Order of the Phoenix, Harry attempts to use the Cruciatus curse on Bellatrix. In a moment of weakness, Harry wants to hurt Bellatrix as badly as he can by using an Unforgivable curse. However, after that instance passes, he remembers what he holds dear to him such as love and friendship. The development of his character is interesting because despite all of his traumatic experiences, he very rarely loses himself or loses sight of what is important to him.