We have a special treat in-store for you today as we are joined by our newest guest blogger Amy “ArtsyBookishGal” Sondova! Amy is a writer, dog lover, and blogger who runs a faith-meets-culture site called Backseat Writer and a book blog called Backseat Reader . Catch up with her on her blogs or on Twitter (@artsybookishgal.) She is a firm believer that Fred Weasley is not “dead” and has ripped page 637 out of her Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book. Welcome to the blog Amy!
One of the most delightful elements of the Harry Potter series is author J.K. Rowling’s colorful cast of supporting characters. Unlike many authors, Rowling doesn’t simply use her minor characters as props to move the plot forward, but paints them with lifelike detail. The supporting cast is as loved or even more loved that Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Therefore, I would like to introduce you to some of my favorite Harry Potter characters.
Fred and George Weasley
Without a doubt, the Weasley twins, Fred and George, are my favorite Harry Potter characters. Their antics, witty dialogue, and disregard for rules make them loveable miscreants. Two years older than their brother, Ron, the twins are also valuable to the Harry Potter tales gifting Harry with the Marauder’s Map, playing Quidditch with him for Gryffindor, and adding levity to otherwise tense times in the wizarding world. Harry gifts the twins with his winnings from the Tri-Wizard Tournament to start their joke shop, Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes. Best friends, brothers, and jokesters, Fred and George (or Gred and Forge) are two of the series’ most hilarious characters. (By the way, I am a firm believer that a wizard as fine as Fred does not die in the Battle of Hogwarts. It’s simply ridiculous and I refuse to accept it.) [Books 1-7]
Nymphadora Tonks
As soon as she first appeared in Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, I knew the auror with the spikey purple hair was destined to become one of my most beloved characters. Being a Metamorphagus (shape shifter), Tonks has the ability to change all aspects of her appearance. She is also incredibly clumsy, even tripping over her heart when she falls in love with werewolf Remus Lupin, eventually marrying him and having a baby boy named Teddy. [Books 5-7]
Luna Lovegood
She reads her paper (“The Quibbler”) upside down, wears radish earrings, and cheers for the Gryffindor Quidditch team, despite being a Ravenclaw—let’s give it up for Luna Lovegood! Luna’s about as quirky a character as they come, believing in all sorts of fantastical creatures (much like we muggles believe in aliens or bigfoot), yet her support of Harry never wavers, even when her father’s does. She possesses a sensitivity and individuality that make her an excellent supporting character. [Books 5-7]
Dobby the House-Elf
Coming to Harry’s aid in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Dobby is the Malfoys’ bonded servant. Going against his master’s commands, Dobby aids Harry several times and Harry eventually helps Dobby realize his freedom. After becoming a free elf, Dobby and his female friend, Winky, procure jobs working in the Hogwarts kitchen for wages, while the rest of the house elves work for “free.” This outrages Hermione who forms S.P.E.W (Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare). Dobby dies in Book 7 (along with almost everyone else), saving Harry and his friends from the Malfoys’ mansion. His gravestone reads, “Here lies Dobby, a free elf.” (Though I heard rumors he is alive, learned how to knit, and is opening his own sock company.) [Books 2-7]
Neville Longbottom
First seen on the Hogwarts Express chasing his escaped toad, Trevor, Neville is in the same year as Ron and Harry and lives with them in Gryffindor House, though many believe he would have been better suited for Hufflepuff. Raised by his strict grandmother, Neville flourishes at Hogwarts, except in potions class with Severus Snape. Showing himself to be loyal and dependable, Neville ends up leading Dumbledore’s Army at Hogwarts in Book 7. Eventually, Neville becomes a herbology professor at Hogwarts, a legacy worthy of the Longbottom name. [Books 1-7]
Crookshanks
Half-cat, half-kneazle, Crookshanks first appears in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, after Hermione purchases him in Diagon Alley from Magical Menagerie. The ginger-colored, bandy-legged cat is described as large and very intelligent, and takes an immediate dislike to Ron’s rat, Scabbers (who is actually Peter Pettigrew in disguise.) Crookshanks aids Sirius Black in the third book, and after that, is only mentioned here and there. By Book 7, Crookshanks is all but forgotten. Personally, I think Ginny adopted him while Hermione was off looking for the horcruxes. [Books 1-6]
Peeves
While the scheming poltergeist didn’t make it to the movies, Peeves causes havoc around the Hogwarts castle—throwing water balloons at students, blowing raspberries, and finding all sorts of pranks to play on unsuspecting students (and staff) alike. One can always count on Peeves for a random laugh here and there. [Books 1-7]
The Weird Sisters
Undoubtedly the best wizarding band of all time, The Weird Sisters are a favorite among Hogwarts students and even perform at the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Known for such hits as “Do the Hippogriff.” “Magic Works,” and “This is the Night,” their songs are in constant rotation on Wizarding Wireless Network (WWN), a radio station for the wizarding world based in Hogsmeade. The band’s eight members are all guys who have incredible hair and sport “artfully torn” robes.
These are but a few of the characters that make the Harry Potter series so memorable. Tell me, in the comments, who is your favorite supporting character?
Reflections of a Book Addict 