The politician and activist Irina Dunn once stated that "A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle," a sentiment that the female characters in Harry Potter would agree with. Most of the prominent faces in Rowling's fantasy novels belong to men — Dumbledore, Snape, Voldemort, Sirius, Draco, and the protagonist himself.
However, the female characters' contributions to the Wizarding War effort are far from insignificant; on the contrary, it can be argued that their absence would essentially doom the Wizarding World to an era of horrifying tyranny. Despite stringently following the male narrative trope, Rowling makes it clear that the women in her stories are as important, and as intelligent, as the men.
9 Fleur Is Chosen To Represent Her School By The Goblet Of Fire
Fleur Delacour is initially introduced as part of the Beauxbatons' official team. She ends up winning the chance to take part in the Triwizard Tournament by the Goblet of the Fire, an indication of both her strength and her smarts.
Although she comes off as brusque and cocky, her character greatly softens after Harry rescues her sister during the Second Task. As a quarter-Veela, Fleur knows how to use her genetic charms to sway the minds of people opposed to her — the disadvantage is that it only works on people attracted to women.
8 Tonks Is One Of The Youngest Aurors Hired By The Ministry Of Magic
When Hermione and Ginny compare Fleur (or Phlegm) with Tonks, they note that the latter is considerably "more intelligent," because "she's an Auror." Their assessment is basically accurate — Tonks is among the youngest Aurors to be hired by the Ministry of Magic.
This demonstrates that she's more than capable of handling the broad spectrum of complexities associated with her job. More importantly, Tonks effectively weaves her Metamorphmagus gift into her work, allowing her to take on otherwise perilous stealth missions.
7 Molly Is Sharp Enough To Outmaneuver Her Twins And, Eventually, Bellatrix
Arthur Weasley goes out to work, but Molly Weasley rules the roost from the Burrow. She has a firmer grip on her children than her husband could possibly imagine having, not least for lack of trying. Molly is sharp enough to outmaneuver Fred & George, the lovable pair of miscreants who get under pretty much everyone else's skin.
Her life of domesticity is her decision; she would rather spend her life raising children and keeping a home together than run around fighting Death Eaters. And yet, it is Molly who proves to be a better fighter than most characters in the story when she kills Bellatrix.
6 Bellatrix Never Gets The Chance To Develop Her Formidable Genius
There is no doubt that Bellatrix Lestrange would have been one of the greatest magic-users of the 20th century had she not heeded Lord Voldemort's call. She's still an immensely powerful witch with an encyclopedic knowledge of the dark arts, but her fanatical faith likely stunts her potential.
Voldemort prefers that his subordinates behave like lowly servants because he likes the idea of looking down on them. In her zeal to serve her master, Bellatrix never gets the chance to develop her formidable genius. On the other hand, her inability to show compassion indicates that her mind remains closed to possibilities.
5 Ginny's Talents Encompass A Wide Range Of Fields
Ginny's fiery independence is visible from the beginning: in The Philosopher's Stone, she insists that she wants to go to Hogwarts. In The Chamber of Secrets, she befriends Tom Riddle's Horcrux fragment and keeps it a secret from the entire school, including Albus Dumbledore.
Ginny's talents encompass a wide range of fields, particularly magic and Quidditch. She illustrates a knack for dueling in the training sessions for Dumbledore's Army, and even battles Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries as well as Hogwarts.
4 Lily Excels At Practically Everything She Tried Her Hand At
Everyone who taught Lily Potter at Hogwarts has nothing but praise for her academic brilliance and leadership qualities. Professor Slughorn makes it a point to note that Lily was "one the brightest students [he] ever taught," which is saying something given that he's been a professor for over fifty years.
Lily excels at practically everything she tries her hand at, regardless of subject, explaining why she eventually becomes the Hogwarts Head Girl in her seventh year. In addition, the fact that Lily (and James) evade Voldemort on multiple occasions is a testament to her combat skills.
3 Luna's Intellectual Superiority Is Occasionally Overshadowed By Her Unorthodox Behavior
Luna emits an aura of peculiarity from every pore, one that is so overwhelming that it often obscures her spectacular shrewdness. Luna's unconventional behavior distracts only those who refuse to see her as anything other than "Looney Lovegood," but her friends openly acknowledge her as their intellectual equal, if not superior.
Despite her predilection for exaggerated conspiracies, Luna doesn't ignore her rational side, especially in serious situations. Ravenclaws are known for their "wit and learning," a feature that defines Luna in every way.
2 Professor McGonagall Is An Exceptionally Gifted Teacher And Duellist
Minerva McGonagall may not have been an incandescent prodigy like Voldemort and Dumbledore. However, her meteoric rise within the Hogwarts faculty is more than enough evidence of her towering IQ.
Professor McGonagall is a widely respected teacher and a capable duellist, a powerful combination that makes her a dangerous opponent. Although Transfiguration is her forte, McGonagall illustrates an exceptional aptitude for other branches of magic, including Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, and Herbology.
1 Hermione Is The Smartest Character In Harry Potter, Gender Notwithstanding
Nobody can deny that Hermione Granger is the smartest character in Harry Potter, gender notwithstanding. She is consistently the best student in every year, earning extraordinary marks in all her exams and ten OWLS. Hermione is the voice of reason that helps Harry and Ron see the limits of their perspective — she is the logical glue that holds the Golden Trio together.
Hermione clubs her scholarly pursuits with social activism, like her movement to free the House Elves from enslavement, further highlighting her razor-sharp perception. The story owes everything to Hermione Granger and her sensible choices.