By Scott Weinberg
Harry Potter -- The son of two well-regarded and now-deceased wizard parents, Harry is a kind-hearted and decent young chap who simply wants to enjoy his years at Hogwarts, pal around with his friends, play his favorite sport, Quidditch, and have a trouble-free young life. Needless to say, this never seems to happen. As a one year-old baby, Harry was able to defeat the legendary villain Lord Voldemort (He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named) thanks to his self-sacrificing mother, who gave her life and magic to shield Harry from Voldemort's attack. Subsequently, Harry became known as "the boy who lived," recognizable to all by the lightning bolt-shaped scar Voldemort left on his forehead. Harry Potter is played by Daniel Radcliffe.
Ron Weasley -- Youngest of six brothers, Ron is a chess expert, a rat-owner, a spider-hater, a candy-lover, and an all-around great guy to have as a best friend. Loyal, honest, and brave (when he has to be), Ron is a pure-blood wizard -- although his family is not exactly the wealthiest clan around. The wacky antics of the Weasley household provide both amusement and warmth to Harry, who had gone eleven years without a loving family. Ron Weasley is played by Rupert Grint.
Hermione Granger -- An only child born to non-wizard parents, Hermione is a seriously smart young lady, always prepared to study hard and earn a few brownie points with her instructors. Occasionally bossy and just a little arrogant, Hermione is also a sweet girl and a devoted comrade. Eager to impress, she quickly becomes a walking encyclopedia on all things magical. Her quick thinking and intelligence come in very handy as she helps Harry and Ron through their various adventures, although she's also prone to stage fright and insecurity at the worst possible moments. Hermione Granger is played by Emma Watson.
Hagrid -- Devoted Hogwarts groundskeeper and an expert on magical beasts, Hagrid is one of the few constant allies that our heroes have throughout their adventures. A hulking giant of a man, Hagrid is as warm and lovable as a teddy bear -- albeit a teddy bear who loves to get a little drunk from time to time. Sort of a surrogate father to Harry, Hagrid is precisely the sort of ally any boy would love: He's huge and strong, but also as gentle
as a lamb; he's funny and kind-hearted, but absent-minded, and possesses a strange affection for dragons, hippogriffs, and other dangerous animals. It was Hagrid who was assigned the task of bringing Harry to Hogwarts, and that connection has since bloomed into a give-and-take friendship that's among the movies' sweetest assets. Hagrid is played by Robbie Coltrane.
Albus Dumbledore -- There's a powerful wizard hidden beneath the aged exterior of the Hogwarts headmaster, although you might not recognize it, given his occasionally senile behavior. Well aware of Harry Potter's tragic history and esteemed lineage, Dumbledore is often known to give the student a break where rules are concerned. A stunningly impressive wizard in his earlier years, Albus Dumbledore still has more than a few tricks up his sleeve. Dumbledore was played by the late Richard Harris in the first two films, and by Michael Gambon since.
The Dursleys -- Generally considered inconsequential buffoons, the Dursleys represent the gray, colorless, and unimaginative world of those who refuse to appreciate the special things in life. Petunia Dursley is the sister of Harry's late mother. Married to a chubby dolt named Vernon and mother to an obnoxious clod named Dudley, Petunia allowed her nephew to live in her home following the death of his parents. However, the Dursleys are not exactly saints. They allowed Harry to grow up in a room beneath the stairwell with nothing but the bare essentials and insisted that Harry have nothing to do with magic in general. The Dursleys are played by Richard Griffiths as Uncle Vernon, Fiona Shaw as Aunt Petunia, and Harry Melling as Dudley.
Draco Malfoy -- Blonde, nasty, and perpetually jealous of Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy is the son of Lucius Malfoy. Draco is the school bully who's entirely intolerant of "mixed-blood" students. Draco has a side that could best be described as ignorant, mildly racist, and more than a little snobbish. True to bullying form, Draco often cowers and cries when subjected to things dangerous and/or scary. Draco is played by Tom Felton.
Minerva McGonagall -- Stern and demanding, but also compassionate and fair-minded, McGonagall is the deputy headmistress at Hogwarts and a strict disciplinarian should you happen to cross her. Expert educator on the fine art of Transfiguration, McGonagall has given our heroes more than a few lessons that have proven handy, and she's one of the most powerful witches in the series. McGonagall is played by Maggie Smith.
Severus Snape -- Although wrongly suspected to be the villain of the first film, Potions Master Severus Snape could never be mistaken for a good guy. Often smugly dismissive of Harry Potter's skills and dedication to the magical arts, Snape has been known to reluctantly protect the boy on occasion. Indeed, in Year Two he managed to save Harry from a nasty fall from his broom, and even stepped up to save the young wizard from a werewolf attack. Alas, Snape somehow seems destined for a fate dedicated to "the dark side," and as such, Severus Snape is played in the films by the wonderfully oily Alan Rickman.
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