Fans quickly fell in love with J.K. Rowling's fantastical Wizarding World, and the multi-faceted characters that make up the Harry Potter universe. A master of character development, many of Rowling's characters were misunderstood until the end when their true intentions were revealed.
Fans find joy in watching their favorite characters change and grow, for better or for worse. Given each book is hundreds of pages long, the movies were forced to cut scenes. While every character was brilliantly brought to life on the big screen, many were misunderstood by characters and fans alike, as major pieces of information didn't translate to the screen.
It’s important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. CBR supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love, and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find CBR’s continuing coverage on Rowling here. (https://www.cbr.com/tag/jk-rowling/)
10 Harry Potter
Upon Harry Potter's return to the Wizarding World, he was met with excitement, questions, and countless stares. Everywhere he went people knew who he was, and wanted to meet "the boy who lived." Harry garnered a reputation of enjoying the attention, and in return, received flack from those who didn't care to bask in his glory.
Despite other characters believing he enjoys the fame, Harry didn't ask for any of this, nor did he want it. He never found joy in the constant questioning, the pictures, people asking for autographs, or being at the center of Voldemort's resurrection. He was just a kid who wanted to know where he came from. Unfortunately, most people knew more about Harry's history than he did.
9 Neville Longbottom
Neville Longbottom was a target from the second he entered Hogwarts. Seen as dumb, and clumsy by many of his classmates, and his grandmother, Neville constantly tried to earn other's respect. Later on in the series, fans learn Neville and Harry have much in common, both being part of a prophecy to defeat Voldemort, unknown to their peers.
While it takes Neville years to gain respect, he becomes an incredibly brave wizard, cementing the fact that he is a Gryffindor. Neville never knew his parents, as they were tortured into insanity by Death Eaters, and have been in St. Mungo's Hospital ever since. As a result, his grandmother's anger with him not living up to his family name hurts more than he lets on.
8 Hermione Granger
Hermione Granger was part of "the golden trio," being one of the main characters from the series. Coming from a Muggle family, Hermione was pleasantly surprised to discover she was a witch, and took it upon herself to learn everything she could before her first year at Hogwarts.
Upon her arrival, she was labeled as an "insufferable know-it-all," simply because she knew more than most of her pure, and half-blood peers. Over time, Hermione became less pretentious, allowing students to warm up to her. Hermione's "know-it-all" attitude stemmed from a need to fit in. Coming from a non-wizarding family, Hermione became a bookworm to keep up.
7 Rubeus Hagrid
Rubeus Hagrid is a giant half-wizard, and the gamekeeper of Hogwarts. After delivering Harry's Hogwarts acceptance letter, Hagrid continues to play a vital role in the remainder of the series. As fans learn more about Hagrid, it becomes clear that he was vastly misunderstood by students and teachers alike.
Hagrid attended Hogwarts in 1940, but was expelled in his third year, after being framed by Tom Riddle for opening the Chamber of Secrets, and using Aragog to attack, and even kill, Muggle-born students. Despite many believing the rumors, Dumbledore knew otherwise, granting Hagrid the opportunity to remain at Hogwarts, though not as a student. Thankfully, Hagrid's name is rightfully cleared, and he becomes a professor.
6 Percy Weasley
Percy Weasley, known as "Percy The Prefect" by his brothers, is seen as uptight, boring, and the golden child. Since his brothers don't share the same passion, his ambition is considered a flaw. Throughout the films, audiences see Percy holding his family at Hogwarts together. At Hogwarts, Percy becomes a father figure who receives too much flack.
Percy makes sure Ginny takes Pepperup potion, sees that Ron's okay after being saved during the Tri-Wizard tournament, and constantly tries keeping Fred and George in line, and from expulsion. Though Percy betrays his family out of doubt regarding Voldemort's return, he does so for the betterment of the wizarding community, not to further his career in the Ministry.
5 Sirius Black
Sirius Black, also known as Padfoot thanks to his Animagus form, is Harry Potter's godfather. Black was sent to Azkaban after being framed for killing 12 muggles, and betraying Harry's parents. Harry first learned of Black after his escape from Azkaban. Most of the wizarding community was fearful of his escape, but Harry learned the truth of his innocence, and worked to clear his innocence.
Azkaban tarnished Black's reputation, and he became despised by most of the wizarding community. Pettigrew's return proved Black's innocence, allowing Harry to discover the truth. Black didn't have long to get to know Harry, as Bellatrix Lestrange killed him before he could enjoy his cleared charges. Black's death was one of the saddest in the series.
4 Luna Lovegood
Luna Lovegood stands out among other Harry Potter characters. Often bullied for her strange behaviors, students gave her the nickname "Loony Lovegood." Her eccentric and quirky charm is unique compared to other witches, and wizards, and her curiosity consumes most of her time, oftentimes leaving her alone.
Though ostracized, she forms a fast friendship with Harry during their fifth year at Hogwarts. Her wit and bravery often go unnoticed, and she never quite receives the attention she deserves. Luna might be a bit different, but her eye for the unusual and unnoticed, as well as her commitment to Dumbledore's Army, reminds audiences that she's more brilliant, and braver than many think.
3 Remus Lupin
Remus Lupin is a wizard and a werewolf. Part of the Marauders, Lupin found himself alone as he grew older, as his friends were either killed, banished to Azkaban, or in hiding. Lupin becomes one of Harry's best teachers at Hogwarts after he teaches him to perform the Patronus charm.
With full moons comes Lupin's lyncanthropy turning him into a vicious wolf. Snape creates a potion to help tame Lupin, though forgetting to take it puts Harry and Hermione in danger. Upon parents learning there was a werewolf teacher, Lupin resigns from his position. However, Lupin is nothing but loyal, and dies while fighting Voldemort and his followers in the Second Wizarding War.
2 Severus Snape
Despite Severus Snape's brief screen time throughout the series, he makes some of the biggest waves. In the beginning, Snape is a bully, especially to Harry and other Gryffindor's, though he's later revealed to have been a double agent, juggling the Death Eaters, and the greater good.
Through flashbacks, audiences learn that Snape loves Potter's late-mother, Lily. After Voldemort murders Lily, Snape becomes a double agent for Dumbledore. Though Harry believes Snape hates him, Snape protects him his entire life, making it one of the best villain redemption arcs. Harry even names his eldest son Albus Severus Potter in honor of Snape.
1 Draco Malfoy
Draco Malfoy is a pure-blood wizard, and the son of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, two of Voldemort's most loyal Death Eaters. Raised by parents who believe pure-blood is superior, Draco openly professes these views to non-Slytherin's, especially Hermione Granger. After Harry decides he doesn't want to be Draco's friend, Draco spends the next few years bullying Harry, and his friends.
With Voldemort's return, Draco's parents were on bad terms with the dark lord, tasking Draco with killing Dumbledore to redeem them. In a heartbreaking moment, audiences watch Draco unable to kill Dumbledore as he'd grown to care for him. Draco may be ruthless, but he was just a boy raised in an impossible situation trying to make his family proud.