Underappreciated Harry Potter Characters

Highlights

• Arthur Weasley, a father figure to Harry, played a vital role in the fight against Voldemort with the Order of the Phoenix.
• Fred & George Weasley, known for mischief, provided comedic relief and fought bravely alongside Harry in the war.
• Luna Lovegood, a loyal friend to Harry, contributed significantly to the fight against Voldemort, even joining in The Battle of Hogwarts.

In Harry Potter, the wizarding world is full of several characters who add value and depth to the story of famed wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Throughout Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s several years studying at Hogwarts, many characters come into contact with the protagonists, with many being valuable assets in the story, even though their efforts are often overlooked.

Whether it be powerful wizards or non-magic wielders, many characters in the Harry Potter franchise are underappreciated even with their countless contributions that aid Harry and his companions in their battle against Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

7 Arthur Weasley

Order Of The Phoenix Member That Acts As A Father Figure To Harry

• First Appearance: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Throughout Harry Potter, Arthur Weasley is a wizard who supports the fight against Voldemort and acts as a father figure to Harry. As Ron’s father, Arthur frequently takes Harry in as the young wizard has nowhere to go, with Arthur and the Weasleys looking after Harry intently. Besides acting as a father figure to Harry, Arthur is one of the Order of the Phoenix members, aiding Harry in the battle against Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

Arthur’s involvement with the order led to many confrontations, with Arthur being involved in The Battle of Hogwarts, which saw Voldemort suffer defeat at the hands of Harry.

6 Fred & George Weasley

Mischievous Twins Committed To Having Fun

• First Appearance: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

The treacherous twins of Fred & George Weasley were a constant form of comedic relief throughout Harry’s years at Hogwarts, with the twins being intent on creating fun for students, no matter the consequences. Like the other Weasleys, Fred & George are involved in Harry’s life, acting as big brothers at Hogwarts or the Weasley residence.

Even after their Hogwarts years ended, the twins opened up the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, a magic store that entertained many in Diagon Alley. When it came to the fight against Voldemort, the Weasley twins recognized the importance of the battle, with the twins both being heavily involved in the war, which saw Fred lose his life fighting for a good cause.

5 Luna Lovegood

Harry’s Quirky But Loyal Friend Who Contributed In The War

• First Appearance: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Despite not appearing from the very start of Harry Potter, Luna Lovegood was a Hogwarts student who had plenty of impact on Harry and the fight against Voldemort. Introduced in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Luna adds a sense of quirkiness and life to Harry Potter, with much of the story turning dark and ominous due to Voldemort’s return.

Luna’s impact goes beyond her relationship with Harry, as she provides a helping hand to Harry’s group when they head to the Ministry of Magic to rescue Sirius Black. When attempting the rescue, Luna becomes involved in a battle against dangerous foes such as Bellatrix Lestrange and Lucius Malfoy. Luna later goes on to continue the fight against Voldemort and his army as she plays an active role in The Battle of Hogwarts.

4 Minerva McGonagall

Head Of Gryffindor House And High Ranking Professor At Hogwarts

• First Appearance: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Minerva McGonagall is one of the most senior professors at Hogwarts, with McGonagall being head of Gryffindor house. As one of Albus Dumbledore’s most trusted advisors, McGonagall plays an active role in helping Harry and his companions whenever she can, with the professor always keeping an eye on the famed student due to their Gryffindor affiliation. With the death of Dumbledore, McGonagall acted as Hogwarts’s headmistress despite Severus Snape officially taking the reign once Voldemort’s dominion over the wizarding world had returned.

In The Battle of Hogwarts, McGonagall played a vital role in defending the school grounds. On the eve of battle, McGonagall used the Piertotum Locomotor spell to put a powerful shield around the school that helped protect it for a sufficient amount of time.

3 Severus Snape

Harry’s Unlikely Ally In The Shadows

• First Appearance: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Ever since Severus Snape was first introduced, Snape has been portrayed as Harry’s enemy throughout his years at Hogwarts. Whenever Snape encountered Harry, Snape would make life difficult for the Gryffindor student despite not deserving such treatment. Only during Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was it revealed that Snape’s actions were of a protective nature, with Snape looking after Harry due to his affinity for his mother, Lily Potter.

While being Harry’s staunch protector, Snape became Dumbledore’s most trusted ally, with Snape even abiding by Dumbledore’s wish to kill him in order to gain the trust of Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

2 Dobby

Harry’s House Elf Who Sacrificed Himself To Save His Friends

• First Appearance: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Dobby’s contributions throughout Harry Potter solidify the house elf as an integral character who performed incredible feats despite not getting the respect he deserved. Despite being the house elf of the Malfoy family, Dobby frequently helps Harry, with the young wizard being the only person to treat Dobby with complete respect.

Dobby’s most significant contribution in Harry Potter is when he saves Harry and his companions from the clutches of Bellatrix at Malfoy Manor. In saving the group, Dobby dies, leaving his last contribution to be the saving of his dear friend Harry, who must go on and try and defeat Voldemort.

1 Rubeus Hagrid

Friendly Gamekeeper That Is Always There As A Helping Hand

• First Appearance: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

As the Hogwarts gamekeeper, Hagrid becomes a pivotal character in the events of Harry Potter, with Hagrid being one of Harry’s closest allies. When Harry, Ron, and Hermione find a way to get into trouble, Hagrid always plays a hand in the trio’s chaotic adventures. While being an essential ally for Harry, Hagrid is also a valuable friend of Dumbledore, who always trusts Hagrid for the most critical tasks.

Dumbledore assigned Hagrid essential tasks, such as delivering Harry to the Dursley family and retrieving Harry in time for the young wizard to start his Hogwarts adventure. Hagrid is the story’s heartbeat in the franchise’s first few films, providing audiences with fun and joy despite not getting all the attention.