When I think of character development in the Harry Potter Series, I think of the main character, Harry Potter. Growing up as the wizard who survived Voldemort’s Killing Curse causes him to mature in the spotlight without loving parents to guide him during his early years. He does remarkably well adapting to the wizardry world with the help of mentors including, Dumbledore, Sirius Black, Hagrid and his friends who surround him with love.
Unfortunately at the beginning of Order of the Phoenix, Harry feels alone, bringing out a darker, angrier Harry. His best friends, Ron and Hermione, did not communicate with him over break. Dumbledore, Ron, and Hermione also kept news of Voldemort’s return a secret from Harry. Harry has just lost his friend Cedric at the end of Goblet of Fire. This trauma makes Harry carry a sense of guilt that Cedric got pulled along with him to Voldemort. Harry also witnesses Bellatrix kill his godfather, Sirius Black, as he falls into the veil, traumatically impacting Harry.
In most novels, the hero’s mentor is killed, which is shown with Harry’s reaction to Dumbledore’s passing. In regards to the coming of age theme, Harry may not feel like a real adult until his parental figures are gone. Harry views death as abandonment. Harry experiences a feeling of frustration over Dumbledore’s absence starting in the Order of the Phoenix, which is elevated with him being physically gone at the end of The Half-Blood Prince.
Considering the trauma and baggage throughout Harry’s childhood, he stays grounded as an extremely brave, loyal, selfless person who possesses incredible strength of individuality. He would go to great lengths to help a friend out because he values their support. Even though he is prone to mood swings during his teenage years, especially toward authoritative figures like Snape, deep down this is untrue of Harry’s character.
No comments:
Post a Comment