Active Users:231 Time:29/03/2024 01:10:53 AM
Good points aria Send a noteboard - 14/07/2010 08:45:56 PM
Hagrid:

the more I think about it, the more problematic the first introduction of him is. Primarily turning Dudley into a pig. That is what Death Eaters do. It is funny in the context, because the Dursleys are at that point set up as the baddies who deserver to be put down, but in the wider context of the later books it is deeply problematic. Especially as he punishes Dudley, not Vernon for Vernon's provocation.

That said, his division of the world is clearly people he respects vs people he doesn't, and that dictates his actions. But I still find that first meeting a little off key, considering.


I never really gave much thought to Hagrid's actions when he met the Dursleys. Probably because I disliked them so much and I found the whole pig tail pretty funny. But you make a really good point. Hagrid is one of the "good" guys and picking on muggles is a favorite past time of the death-eaters. I think it just shows the gray scale of the characters. The "good" guys aren't always good and the "bad" guys aren't always bad. I really like it when authors characters have that depth because it makes them more real. Not so one-dimensional. And at least his heart was in the right place. Standing up for Harry and not just because he can.

Draco:

The comparison to Dudley sets him up as distasteful. But it is strange to see how everything he says in the first meeting is so clearly just a repetition of what he has heard from others (his father, mainly, I suppose). He is saying "the right thing" based on the circles he is used to, and does not seem aware that it is not on outside of that circle. He is trying to bond with Harry and is rejected.

And then he is rejected again in the train, while his lackeys are standing by. Like what she does with Dumbledore, Rowling gives the character first, then the background information: Ron only tells us Draco's family is Bad after Draco has shown himself to be bad, or at least contemptible, on his own.

The Weasleys:

That really is Rowling at her best. She gives such a wonderfully vivid snapshot of that family. They are nice, poor, happy, with a bustling, fussy mother, a shy sister, twins who play practical jokes and the stuck up Percy (how did he get into Gryffindor? Talk about not living up to his potential). And then Ron's description of his brothers serves not only to gives us the Weasley brothers in a nutshell, but also defines him as a character for … well, most of the books, really.


I know. Percy should have been in Hufflepuff.

Dumbledore:

I like what Rowling did with the chocolate frog cards. We have already met Dumbledore, of course, but all we have are his character (eccentric, fan of weird candy, wise old man) -- here are his credentials. And I like how Grindewald is introduced this early, considering his importance to the last book. It reinforces the eccentricities in mentioning his enjoyment of chamber music (fairly normal) and tenpin baling (not so much?). The chocolate frog card is really quite well packed. The first time I read the book I was impressed that she had introduced Nicholas Flamel that early (my expectations were low), but now I am even more impressed.

And then there is Dumbledore's speech in the first banquet. It is glorious. "Before we begin the banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"


Dumbledore's speeches are awesome!

Hermione:

I would say I love her if that wouldn't be tantamount to saying I love me as a child. She has all the bad habits that I have (had? maybe?) when insecure: make sure everyone knows you have read everything. She is so insecure in the beginning, and like Draco she reacts by pretending to have complete control. I haven't noticed that similarity between the two, before. Of course their ways of pretending to have control are what separates them.

She gets a little insufferable there for a while, but it is all good. "killed -- or worse, expelled". But the mountain troll episode redeems her (yes, I am stating the obvious today).


I had a soft spot for Hermione from the beginning. Even when she was being obnoxiously smart. I could relate to her too, I guess.

I love Ollivander.

Neville:

Poor Neville. He is just plain pathetic in the beginning. Of course, that is what makes him so brilliantly wonderful later on. Why does he love that toad? Does it have a significance that I have forgotten? Or does he just fear his grandmother?

Scabbers:

It is uncharacteristic of Pettigrew to show courage. I am wondering why he bit Goyle. Do we ever get to know? I suppose it might be some resentment because he has to hide as a rat while other ex-Death Eaters' children get to bully people and eat chocolate.


Pettigrew is a coward but he does have some self-preservation skills or he wouldn't have been alive that long. So I think he was just afraid Goyle would squish him.

Snape:

So sinister. I like how Rowling makes use of our assumption that correlation implies causation in order to make Snape scary from the beginning (the pain in the scar just as he looks at Harry). And then the potions class…

The first time I read it, I swallowed the red herring whole (yes, I mixed the expressions on purpose). I was so sure he was the bad guy… But once that was disproved, I never believed Snape was evil again. :|

McGonnagall:

Her character is really only drawn when she reacts to Harry's flying without permission. Before that she is very two-dimensional: strict teacher who expects the rules to be followed. Suddenly she is revealed as someone who is able to prioritise. This is (and her lack of being Evil) is what sets her apart from Umbridge later on.

Wood:

Ok, he is two-dimensional, but I don't care. His enthusiasm for Quidditch is the only reason I care about the game.

Filch:

The more I think about it, the more I must say I am impressed with him. He has no magic ability, yet he works in that school which is full of magical students who hate him with a passion. Never mind the scary things that show up later.

Hogwarts:

I feel the school itself should be mentioned if we are talking about characterisation. It is clearly a living thing with quirks of its own. Especially in the beginning of chapter eight, but it keeps propping up throughout (ending with the Room of Requirement later on).
Reply to message
Harry Potter Re-read: The Philosopher's Stone - Final section underway! (& next book plans) - 12/07/2010 08:27:51 AM 2918 Views
Chapters 1-3: Introducing Harry - 12/07/2010 08:28:49 AM 1490 Views
Characterisation *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:02 AM 855 Views
My thoughts, such as they are. - 12/07/2010 04:09:55 PM 1545 Views
Agree. She gave us enough to make it interesting. - 12/07/2010 06:45:46 PM 1522 Views
Re: My thoughts, such as they are. *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:43:49 PM 1509 Views
You hit the nail on the head. - 13/07/2010 12:20:19 AM 1428 Views
Re: You hit the nail on the head. - 13/07/2010 08:51:45 AM 1356 Views
Writing style *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:18 AM 834 Views
A couple of points. - 12/07/2010 04:10:20 PM 1387 Views
It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 07:18:14 PM 1559 Views
True. - 12/07/2010 07:36:49 PM 1490 Views
Re: It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 09:31:11 PM 1615 Views
Re: It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 09:51:23 PM 1315 Views
Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 04:03:26 AM 1540 Views
Re: Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 08:54:40 AM 1485 Views
Re: Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 01:14:01 PM 1555 Views
Indeed. - 13/07/2010 01:15:23 PM 1333 Views
Early themes *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:37 AM 860 Views
Strong vs weak *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:23:45 PM 1333 Views
- 12/07/2010 07:43:27 PM 1365 Views
Re: - 12/07/2010 07:44:56 PM 1321 Views
Chapters 4-10: Making Friends at Hogwarts *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:58 AM 782 Views
Impressions: thoughts about the school, the teachers, the enemies and the friends. *NM* - 14/07/2010 08:29:38 AM 827 Views
I'd forgotten how annoying Hermione was - 14/07/2010 01:48:13 PM 1412 Views
Me too. - 14/07/2010 04:30:13 PM 1363 Views
Yep. I like seeing her transformation in this story though. - 14/07/2010 04:58:04 PM 1413 Views
Some thoughts before I run off to the library again - 14/07/2010 06:11:45 PM 1547 Views
Good points - 14/07/2010 08:45:56 PM 1463 Views
What about the magic? - 14/07/2010 08:58:51 AM 1420 Views
The magic wasnt really developed at this point - 14/07/2010 02:13:41 PM 1335 Views
Re: The magic wasnt really developed at this point - 14/07/2010 08:53:08 PM 1572 Views
There was one powerful protection - 15/07/2010 01:29:49 AM 1518 Views
I agree - 15/07/2010 04:51:05 AM 1463 Views
Re: I agree - 15/07/2010 05:44:41 AM 1350 Views
Re: There was one powerful protection - 15/07/2010 08:12:40 AM 1615 Views
I think - 14/07/2010 04:34:30 PM 1342 Views
Diagon Alley - Olivander's Foreshadowing - 14/07/2010 05:11:40 PM 1621 Views
Re: Diagon Alley - Olivander's Foreshadowing - 14/07/2010 08:51:06 PM 1332 Views
Agreed. - 14/07/2010 08:57:55 PM 1385 Views
I really need a remembrall. - 14/07/2010 08:57:10 PM 1446 Views
I felt bad for Neville. - 14/07/2010 09:03:49 PM 1489 Views
Indeed. - 14/07/2010 09:05:40 PM 1362 Views
But it doesn't tell you what you've forgotten! - 15/07/2010 02:51:47 AM 1621 Views
I know, right! - 15/07/2010 06:41:01 AM 1337 Views
Exactly. - 15/07/2010 03:22:18 PM 1261 Views
Re: But it doesn't tell you what you've forgotten! - 15/07/2010 08:15:55 AM 1337 Views
Ah, see - 15/07/2010 03:23:49 PM 1322 Views
Chapters 11-17: Harry the Hero *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:30:29 AM 803 Views
What'd you think of the ending? *NM* - 15/07/2010 05:21:38 PM 768 Views
Loved it. - 15/07/2010 05:56:06 PM 1383 Views
Two separate things: - 15/07/2010 07:14:08 PM 1386 Views
I hear you - 15/07/2010 08:22:05 PM 1406 Views
Re: Two separate things: - 15/07/2010 08:48:21 PM 1403 Views
I can clarify some stuff for you - 15/07/2010 09:14:07 PM 1422 Views
One of the most sublime, wonderful moments of any book - 15/07/2010 08:18:29 PM 1258 Views
Yes! - 15/07/2010 10:39:11 PM 1445 Views
Lovely - 15/07/2010 09:00:11 PM 1467 Views
Haha - 15/07/2010 09:16:16 PM 1552 Views
Re: Haha - 15/07/2010 09:24:06 PM 1446 Views
But I thought all girls were made of sugar and spice and everything nice? - 15/07/2010 09:26:53 PM 1350 Views
Oh, we are. - 15/07/2010 09:35:17 PM 1254 Views
Ah like vodka vs. wine coolers? *NM* - 15/07/2010 09:48:26 PM 766 Views
Gin - 15/07/2010 09:49:33 PM 1377 Views
I was 16. - 15/07/2010 10:49:33 PM 1253 Views
So was I - 15/07/2010 10:54:24 PM 1298 Views
Honestly, dumbledore is a bit of an ass... - 15/07/2010 10:48:32 PM 1253 Views
Heresy! - 15/07/2010 10:55:28 PM 1308 Views
As I indicated below, I had some issues. - 16/07/2010 03:05:05 AM 1566 Views
Re: As I indicated below, I had some issues. - 16/07/2010 11:14:56 AM 1455 Views
In fairness, it's Hogwarts itself that is all but impregnable. - 26/07/2010 03:55:02 PM 1372 Views
A funny thing I noticed - 15/07/2010 09:00:42 PM 1474 Views
- 15/07/2010 09:18:08 PM 1329 Views
Overall thoughts for the book - 12/07/2010 08:31:37 AM 1419 Views
Foreshadowing and setting up the future - 12/07/2010 08:32:10 AM 1338 Views
Harry's anger management issues? - 12/07/2010 07:14:58 PM 1411 Views
Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:40:40 PM 1453 Views
Nah, not deliberate. - 12/07/2010 09:14:20 PM 1512 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. - 12/07/2010 09:55:32 PM 1418 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. - 13/07/2010 03:02:59 PM 1352 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. - 13/07/2010 03:04:42 PM 1482 Views
I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:22:54 PM 1531 Views
Re: I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:39:25 PM 1463 Views
Re: I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:45:32 PM 1448 Views
~smug~ - 13/07/2010 02:09:15 PM 1426 Views
Indeed. - 13/07/2010 02:10:41 PM 1663 Views
This response implies the experience of being both?? - 13/07/2010 03:23:29 PM 1399 Views
On Ginny: - 12/07/2010 10:36:47 PM 1472 Views
So much (chapters 1-3) *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:35:57 PM 1628 Views
Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:38:05 PM 1447 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:39:08 PM 1520 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:39:53 PM 1333 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:44:16 PM 1233 Views
Re: Hm. - 13/07/2010 04:41:12 AM 1347 Views
Re: Hm. - 13/07/2010 08:55:09 AM 1307 Views
I missed the school roof thing this time around too! Good catch there. *NM* - 12/07/2010 09:22:21 PM 785 Views
The thing that tipped me off - 12/07/2010 09:53:01 PM 1408 Views
Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 09:18:35 PM 1606 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 10:30:23 PM 1406 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 10:55:01 PM 1371 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 11:05:59 PM 1401 Views
I can answer your consistency question! - 15/07/2010 02:35:42 AM 1534 Views
You are a clever cookie. - 15/07/2010 08:14:25 AM 1406 Views
Yes - 15/07/2010 03:30:36 PM 1262 Views
Ooh, yes. - 16/07/2010 12:19:13 AM 1237 Views
More stuff (chapters 12-17) - 15/07/2010 08:55:34 PM 1289 Views
Re: More stuff (chapters 12-17) - 15/07/2010 09:19:13 PM 1367 Views
Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 04:23:15 PM 1523 Views
Re: Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 04:28:04 PM 1398 Views
Re: Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 07:12:39 PM 1655 Views
I like it. Thank you. - 20/07/2010 12:53:37 AM 1567 Views
What made this book (and the rest of the series) such a success? - 12/07/2010 08:33:00 AM 1502 Views
I have no idea *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:47:58 PM 1562 Views
I agree... - 12/07/2010 09:19:59 PM 1591 Views
It has tons of things in it that every kid dreams of doing - 14/07/2010 01:56:05 PM 1508 Views
Kid? - 14/07/2010 02:01:30 PM 1524 Views
so do I. I was just trying to act mature *NM* - 14/07/2010 02:08:01 PM 974 Views
Not even just the super stuff Deadsy mentions. - 14/07/2010 04:38:46 PM 1633 Views
It's a simple, well-done little book. - 12/07/2010 07:46:48 PM 1508 Views
you don't read instructions, do you? - 12/07/2010 07:49:24 PM 1540 Views
Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:50:23 PM 1497 Views
Re: Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:51:40 PM 1500 Views
Awwww! - 12/07/2010 07:52:19 PM 1390 Views
- 12/07/2010 07:52:52 PM 1520 Views
Wha? - 12/07/2010 07:50:44 PM 1532 Views
Re: Wha? - 12/07/2010 07:52:21 PM 1536 Views
Pff. - 12/07/2010 07:54:54 PM 1521 Views
*NM* - 12/07/2010 07:56:03 PM 979 Views
When did you pick up this book? - 12/07/2010 11:30:46 PM 1435 Views
I was 10. - 13/07/2010 04:13:44 AM 1587 Views
I was 16. - 13/07/2010 08:24:02 AM 1511 Views
1999 - 13/07/2010 09:03:03 AM 1510 Views
What do you mean by adult version? - 13/07/2010 02:15:40 PM 1612 Views
Re: What do you mean by adult version? - 13/07/2010 02:17:40 PM 1490 Views
Just before the first movie came out - 13/07/2010 02:17:42 PM 1661 Views
When Prisoner of Azkaban was a hardback. - 13/07/2010 02:23:57 PM 1507 Views
Just after Goblet of Fire was published. - 13/07/2010 11:50:38 PM 1571 Views
Just before Goblet of Fire came out. - 14/07/2010 04:04:21 AM 1540 Views
The first five were out, waited for HBP. - 14/07/2010 06:20:39 AM 1634 Views
You're making me want to talk about toadface - 14/07/2010 02:06:25 PM 1564 Views
Sorry! - 15/07/2010 06:36:11 AM 1583 Views
I held out quite awhile because I don't like "fads" - 14/07/2010 02:04:37 PM 1482 Views
Lol! - 14/07/2010 08:54:47 PM 1589 Views
I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 06:39:16 AM 1578 Views
Re: I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 10:01:04 AM 1763 Views
Re: I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 05:44:28 PM 1633 Views
I would have, if I had known there was hype. I know I would have. - 15/07/2010 03:28:50 PM 1600 Views
- 15/07/2010 05:47:01 PM 1652 Views
I think I was first! - 23/07/2010 07:05:08 PM 1598 Views
Aged 13 or 14 - a while before the first movie (which was Christmas 2001). *NM* - 26/07/2010 04:13:55 PM 947 Views
Jesus Christ. - 26/07/2010 05:04:46 PM 1609 Views
^That was me. *NM* - 26/07/2010 09:55:49 PM 941 Views
I was going to ask if it was. *NM* - 26/07/2010 10:04:59 PM 927 Views
Suggestions for the Re-read - 12/07/2010 08:33:25 AM 1538 Views
I like it so far - 13/07/2010 10:16:49 AM 1545 Views
I can try that for the next book. - 13/07/2010 11:21:01 PM 1526 Views
Can we get chapter discussions everyday? *NM* - 15/07/2010 06:40:30 PM 915 Views
Inconsistencies Re: the Potter's death... - 15/07/2010 05:16:45 AM 1861 Views
Because they were tricked? They considered Peter and Sirius to be brothers. - 15/07/2010 07:05:27 AM 1516 Views
That's nonsense.. - 16/07/2010 01:08:40 AM 1434 Views
Take it up with Rowling, since you don't believe me. *NM* - 16/07/2010 08:19:58 AM 862 Views
What's there to believe? - 18/07/2010 06:03:13 AM 1524 Views
Re: That's nonsense.. - 16/07/2010 09:37:59 AM 1649 Views
Also - 16/07/2010 11:17:51 AM 1880 Views
You are correct! There is no inconsistency - 17/07/2010 04:17:35 AM 1562 Views
Huh? - 18/07/2010 05:57:58 AM 1448 Views
But Camilla explained it! - 18/07/2010 09:27:55 AM 1761 Views
Correction - 18/07/2010 10:58:59 AM 1552 Views
I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 05:42:18 PM 1461 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 05:51:36 PM 1476 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 06:17:04 PM 1780 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 06:28:27 PM 1473 Views
That bothers me too. - 18/07/2010 07:17:14 PM 1544 Views
Re: That bothers me too. - 18/07/2010 07:20:44 PM 1393 Views
Yet... - 18/07/2010 07:47:56 PM 1466 Views
Re: Yet... - 18/07/2010 08:02:31 PM 1520 Views
To quote Dumbledore... - 19/07/2010 05:57:23 AM 1422 Views
Again... - 18/07/2010 07:35:10 PM 1705 Views
Re: Again... - 18/07/2010 08:00:55 PM 1499 Views
Re: Again... - 19/07/2010 06:33:13 AM 1694 Views
Re: Again... - 20/07/2010 04:45:16 PM 1509 Views
Yet another load of bosh. - 21/07/2010 01:00:14 AM 1498 Views
Then let's leave it. - 21/07/2010 06:48:45 AM 1593 Views
Re: Then let's leave it. - 21/07/2010 04:19:35 PM 1517 Views
My two cents - 19/07/2010 06:11:30 AM 1565 Views
It was just the sort of things these two daredevils would do... - 14/09/2010 12:11:20 AM 1949 Views
Re: It was just the sort of things these two daredevils would do... - 14/09/2010 09:20:46 AM 1408 Views
You have to wonder if that's actually true. - 26/07/2010 04:23:31 PM 1492 Views
Re: You have to wonder if that's actually true. - 26/07/2010 05:06:43 PM 1593 Views
I don't know that I'd call it "see through Pettigrew"... - 26/07/2010 06:22:19 PM 1507 Views
^That was me, too. Oh, dear. - 26/07/2010 09:56:43 PM 1680 Views
Since Lily and James were unable to leave the house - 18/07/2010 07:14:21 PM 1455 Views
Re: Since Lily and James were unable to leave the house - 26/07/2010 05:07:48 PM 1797 Views
^ And this, too, was me. - 26/07/2010 09:58:07 PM 1517 Views
Re: ^ And this, too, was me. - 26/07/2010 10:05:41 PM 1447 Views
- 26/07/2010 10:07:36 PM 1331 Views

Reply to Message