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You hit the nail on the head. Seriana Sedai Send a noteboard - 13/07/2010 12:20:19 AM
Since this is a children's book, the characters are, at this stage, very black and white. The Dursley's have no redeeming features at all, and Harry is very obviously written to garner sympathy. That said, I don't find that offputting. There's enough humour in her descriptions to prevent the characterisation from becoming heavy handed.


Indeed. They are mere sketches at this point, but she shades them later on.

Love that she uses the same things to appeal to boys and girls. Best example of this is Harry's room under the stairs. He's used to spiders, which would make the girls pity him because they think spiders are horrible, and pity's a great way to get little girls to like Harry. Whereas the boys will love that he's not scared of the spiders, which makes up for the fact that he's a dinky little wimpy thing. That lack of fear of the horrible hairy things will help boys to respect him.


Ick, the spiders. *shudder*

And before you tell me off for thinking in such glaring steroetypes: that really is how little girls and boys are. I know. I have loads of cousins around the target age of these books when they came out. That's pretty much how they react to things like that. ;)


I wasn't going to tell you off. That is definitely how I reacted to that scene.

I like also that Rowling gives something to the adults as well. The Dursleys are such social climbers, proper unpleasant middle class, and that would make a lot of grown ups chuckle a wee bit. Underneath it, though, you can see that Aunt Petunia at least does properly love her son, revolting ball of lard that he is. There's a little shade of grey there for older readers to appreciate.


Yes. I love the description of the Dursleys. It is wonderful how their middle-classness (using that as short-hand for all their traits here -- it is a stereotype which she makes the most of) makes them almost as off-putting as the Death-Eaters who kill hordes of people.

As for the wizarding types: Dumbledore's very quickly set as an eccentric with his love of sweets, but we're also introduced to his wisdom. McGonagall is clearly defined as the strong, steady, somewhat tartarish teacher, and Hagrid is the loveable scruff. Simple but effective.


Indeed. It is part of what I mean by her having the technique, if not the strength in wording. She knows how to characterise. And she keeps this up throughout the books. They are not necessarily terribly subtle sketches, but they are swift and highly effective.

Not subtle, but highly effective. I couldn't think of the right words, but you did. It is great for the first book because we are instantly familiar but there is room for them to develop. Sometimes characters like that feel forced, but I don't feel that about any of the characters in Harry Potter.
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Harry Potter Re-read: The Philosopher's Stone - Final section underway! (& next book plans) - 12/07/2010 08:27:51 AM 3026 Views
Chapters 1-3: Introducing Harry - 12/07/2010 08:28:49 AM 1603 Views
Characterisation *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:02 AM 899 Views
My thoughts, such as they are. - 12/07/2010 04:09:55 PM 1654 Views
Agree. She gave us enough to make it interesting. - 12/07/2010 06:45:46 PM 1625 Views
Re: My thoughts, such as they are. *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:43:49 PM 1615 Views
You hit the nail on the head. - 13/07/2010 12:20:19 AM 1539 Views
Re: You hit the nail on the head. - 13/07/2010 08:51:45 AM 1457 Views
Writing style *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:18 AM 884 Views
A couple of points. - 12/07/2010 04:10:20 PM 1487 Views
It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 07:18:14 PM 1670 Views
True. - 12/07/2010 07:36:49 PM 1593 Views
Re: It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 09:31:11 PM 1719 Views
Re: It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 09:51:23 PM 1417 Views
Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 04:03:26 AM 1639 Views
Re: Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 08:54:40 AM 1594 Views
Re: Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 01:14:01 PM 1657 Views
Indeed. - 13/07/2010 01:15:23 PM 1433 Views
Early themes *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:37 AM 902 Views
Strong vs weak *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:23:45 PM 1437 Views
- 12/07/2010 07:43:27 PM 1467 Views
Re: - 12/07/2010 07:44:56 PM 1423 Views
Chapters 4-10: Making Friends at Hogwarts *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:58 AM 831 Views
Impressions: thoughts about the school, the teachers, the enemies and the friends. *NM* - 14/07/2010 08:29:38 AM 874 Views
I'd forgotten how annoying Hermione was - 14/07/2010 01:48:13 PM 1510 Views
Me too. - 14/07/2010 04:30:13 PM 1467 Views
Yep. I like seeing her transformation in this story though. - 14/07/2010 04:58:04 PM 1517 Views
Some thoughts before I run off to the library again - 14/07/2010 06:11:45 PM 1647 Views
Good points - 14/07/2010 08:45:56 PM 1574 Views
What about the magic? - 14/07/2010 08:58:51 AM 1514 Views
The magic wasnt really developed at this point - 14/07/2010 02:13:41 PM 1442 Views
Re: The magic wasnt really developed at this point - 14/07/2010 08:53:08 PM 1686 Views
There was one powerful protection - 15/07/2010 01:29:49 AM 1618 Views
I agree - 15/07/2010 04:51:05 AM 1571 Views
Re: I agree - 15/07/2010 05:44:41 AM 1456 Views
Re: There was one powerful protection - 15/07/2010 08:12:40 AM 1720 Views
I think - 14/07/2010 04:34:30 PM 1446 Views
Diagon Alley - Olivander's Foreshadowing - 14/07/2010 05:11:40 PM 1731 Views
Re: Diagon Alley - Olivander's Foreshadowing - 14/07/2010 08:51:06 PM 1438 Views
Agreed. - 14/07/2010 08:57:55 PM 1485 Views
I really need a remembrall. - 14/07/2010 08:57:10 PM 1589 Views
I felt bad for Neville. - 14/07/2010 09:03:49 PM 1599 Views
Indeed. - 14/07/2010 09:05:40 PM 1468 Views
But it doesn't tell you what you've forgotten! - 15/07/2010 02:51:47 AM 1728 Views
I know, right! - 15/07/2010 06:41:01 AM 1444 Views
Exactly. - 15/07/2010 03:22:18 PM 1358 Views
Re: But it doesn't tell you what you've forgotten! - 15/07/2010 08:15:55 AM 1442 Views
Ah, see - 15/07/2010 03:23:49 PM 1418 Views
Chapters 11-17: Harry the Hero *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:30:29 AM 845 Views
What'd you think of the ending? *NM* - 15/07/2010 05:21:38 PM 811 Views
Loved it. - 15/07/2010 05:56:06 PM 1490 Views
Two separate things: - 15/07/2010 07:14:08 PM 1485 Views
I hear you - 15/07/2010 08:22:05 PM 1515 Views
Re: Two separate things: - 15/07/2010 08:48:21 PM 1505 Views
I can clarify some stuff for you - 15/07/2010 09:14:07 PM 1523 Views
One of the most sublime, wonderful moments of any book - 15/07/2010 08:18:29 PM 1357 Views
Yes! - 15/07/2010 10:39:11 PM 1538 Views
Lovely - 15/07/2010 09:00:11 PM 1570 Views
Haha - 15/07/2010 09:16:16 PM 1655 Views
Re: Haha - 15/07/2010 09:24:06 PM 1541 Views
But I thought all girls were made of sugar and spice and everything nice? - 15/07/2010 09:26:53 PM 1442 Views
Oh, we are. - 15/07/2010 09:35:17 PM 1349 Views
Ah like vodka vs. wine coolers? *NM* - 15/07/2010 09:48:26 PM 801 Views
Gin - 15/07/2010 09:49:33 PM 1468 Views
I was 16. - 15/07/2010 10:49:33 PM 1341 Views
So was I - 15/07/2010 10:54:24 PM 1389 Views
Honestly, dumbledore is a bit of an ass... - 15/07/2010 10:48:32 PM 1346 Views
Heresy! - 15/07/2010 10:55:28 PM 1396 Views
As I indicated below, I had some issues. - 16/07/2010 03:05:05 AM 1658 Views
Re: As I indicated below, I had some issues. - 16/07/2010 11:14:56 AM 1552 Views
In fairness, it's Hogwarts itself that is all but impregnable. - 26/07/2010 03:55:02 PM 1459 Views
A funny thing I noticed - 15/07/2010 09:00:42 PM 1571 Views
- 15/07/2010 09:18:08 PM 1424 Views
Overall thoughts for the book - 12/07/2010 08:31:37 AM 1528 Views
Foreshadowing and setting up the future - 12/07/2010 08:32:10 AM 1433 Views
Harry's anger management issues? - 12/07/2010 07:14:58 PM 1507 Views
Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:40:40 PM 1545 Views
Nah, not deliberate. - 12/07/2010 09:14:20 PM 1601 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. - 12/07/2010 09:55:32 PM 1510 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. - 13/07/2010 03:02:59 PM 1446 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. - 13/07/2010 03:04:42 PM 1576 Views
I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:22:54 PM 1629 Views
Re: I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:39:25 PM 1556 Views
Re: I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:45:32 PM 1544 Views
~smug~ - 13/07/2010 02:09:15 PM 1519 Views
Indeed. - 13/07/2010 02:10:41 PM 1753 Views
This response implies the experience of being both?? - 13/07/2010 03:23:29 PM 1498 Views
On Ginny: - 12/07/2010 10:36:47 PM 1573 Views
So much (chapters 1-3) *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:35:57 PM 1731 Views
Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:38:05 PM 1540 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:39:08 PM 1612 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:39:53 PM 1415 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:44:16 PM 1318 Views
Re: Hm. - 13/07/2010 04:41:12 AM 1435 Views
Re: Hm. - 13/07/2010 08:55:09 AM 1401 Views
I missed the school roof thing this time around too! Good catch there. *NM* - 12/07/2010 09:22:21 PM 823 Views
The thing that tipped me off - 12/07/2010 09:53:01 PM 1503 Views
Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 09:18:35 PM 1706 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 10:30:23 PM 1523 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 10:55:01 PM 1470 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 11:05:59 PM 1496 Views
I can answer your consistency question! - 15/07/2010 02:35:42 AM 1629 Views
You are a clever cookie. - 15/07/2010 08:14:25 AM 1500 Views
Yes - 15/07/2010 03:30:36 PM 1357 Views
Ooh, yes. - 16/07/2010 12:19:13 AM 1329 Views
More stuff (chapters 12-17) - 15/07/2010 08:55:34 PM 1384 Views
Re: More stuff (chapters 12-17) - 15/07/2010 09:19:13 PM 1454 Views
Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 04:23:15 PM 1618 Views
Re: Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 04:28:04 PM 1494 Views
Re: Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 07:12:39 PM 1745 Views
I like it. Thank you. - 20/07/2010 12:53:37 AM 1663 Views
What made this book (and the rest of the series) such a success? - 12/07/2010 08:33:00 AM 1598 Views
I have no idea *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:47:58 PM 1655 Views
I agree... - 12/07/2010 09:19:59 PM 1689 Views
It has tons of things in it that every kid dreams of doing - 14/07/2010 01:56:05 PM 1608 Views
Kid? - 14/07/2010 02:01:30 PM 1620 Views
so do I. I was just trying to act mature *NM* - 14/07/2010 02:08:01 PM 1014 Views
Not even just the super stuff Deadsy mentions. - 14/07/2010 04:38:46 PM 1732 Views
It's a simple, well-done little book. - 12/07/2010 07:46:48 PM 1593 Views
you don't read instructions, do you? - 12/07/2010 07:49:24 PM 1644 Views
Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:50:23 PM 1584 Views
Re: Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:51:40 PM 1595 Views
Awwww! - 12/07/2010 07:52:19 PM 1491 Views
- 12/07/2010 07:52:52 PM 1617 Views
Wha? - 12/07/2010 07:50:44 PM 1632 Views
Re: Wha? - 12/07/2010 07:52:21 PM 1617 Views
Pff. - 12/07/2010 07:54:54 PM 1615 Views
*NM* - 12/07/2010 07:56:03 PM 1017 Views
When did you pick up this book? - 12/07/2010 11:30:46 PM 1538 Views
I was 10. - 13/07/2010 04:13:44 AM 1686 Views
I was 16. - 13/07/2010 08:24:02 AM 1610 Views
1999 - 13/07/2010 09:03:03 AM 1601 Views
What do you mean by adult version? - 13/07/2010 02:15:40 PM 1710 Views
Re: What do you mean by adult version? - 13/07/2010 02:17:40 PM 1586 Views
Just before the first movie came out - 13/07/2010 02:17:42 PM 1759 Views
When Prisoner of Azkaban was a hardback. - 13/07/2010 02:23:57 PM 1602 Views
Just after Goblet of Fire was published. - 13/07/2010 11:50:38 PM 1664 Views
Just before Goblet of Fire came out. - 14/07/2010 04:04:21 AM 1638 Views
The first five were out, waited for HBP. - 14/07/2010 06:20:39 AM 1734 Views
You're making me want to talk about toadface - 14/07/2010 02:06:25 PM 1652 Views
Sorry! - 15/07/2010 06:36:11 AM 1687 Views
I held out quite awhile because I don't like "fads" - 14/07/2010 02:04:37 PM 1567 Views
Lol! - 14/07/2010 08:54:47 PM 1686 Views
I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 06:39:16 AM 1672 Views
Re: I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 10:01:04 AM 1858 Views
Re: I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 05:44:28 PM 1729 Views
I would have, if I had known there was hype. I know I would have. - 15/07/2010 03:28:50 PM 1694 Views
- 15/07/2010 05:47:01 PM 1747 Views
I think I was first! - 23/07/2010 07:05:08 PM 1695 Views
Aged 13 or 14 - a while before the first movie (which was Christmas 2001). *NM* - 26/07/2010 04:13:55 PM 984 Views
Jesus Christ. - 26/07/2010 05:04:46 PM 1707 Views
^That was me. *NM* - 26/07/2010 09:55:49 PM 982 Views
I was going to ask if it was. *NM* - 26/07/2010 10:04:59 PM 965 Views
Suggestions for the Re-read - 12/07/2010 08:33:25 AM 1625 Views
I like it so far - 13/07/2010 10:16:49 AM 1639 Views
I can try that for the next book. - 13/07/2010 11:21:01 PM 1616 Views
Can we get chapter discussions everyday? *NM* - 15/07/2010 06:40:30 PM 952 Views
Inconsistencies Re: the Potter's death... - 15/07/2010 05:16:45 AM 1961 Views
Because they were tricked? They considered Peter and Sirius to be brothers. - 15/07/2010 07:05:27 AM 1617 Views
That's nonsense.. - 16/07/2010 01:08:40 AM 1528 Views
Take it up with Rowling, since you don't believe me. *NM* - 16/07/2010 08:19:58 AM 899 Views
What's there to believe? - 18/07/2010 06:03:13 AM 1622 Views
Re: That's nonsense.. - 16/07/2010 09:37:59 AM 1735 Views
Also - 16/07/2010 11:17:51 AM 1967 Views
You are correct! There is no inconsistency - 17/07/2010 04:17:35 AM 1659 Views
Huh? - 18/07/2010 05:57:58 AM 1541 Views
But Camilla explained it! - 18/07/2010 09:27:55 AM 1860 Views
Correction - 18/07/2010 10:58:59 AM 1645 Views
I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 05:42:18 PM 1554 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 05:51:36 PM 1568 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 06:17:04 PM 1878 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 06:28:27 PM 1570 Views
That bothers me too. - 18/07/2010 07:17:14 PM 1635 Views
Re: That bothers me too. - 18/07/2010 07:20:44 PM 1490 Views
Yet... - 18/07/2010 07:47:56 PM 1572 Views
Re: Yet... - 18/07/2010 08:02:31 PM 1616 Views
To quote Dumbledore... - 19/07/2010 05:57:23 AM 1521 Views
Again... - 18/07/2010 07:35:10 PM 1806 Views
Re: Again... - 18/07/2010 08:00:55 PM 1593 Views
Re: Again... - 19/07/2010 06:33:13 AM 1788 Views
Re: Again... - 20/07/2010 04:45:16 PM 1607 Views
Yet another load of bosh. - 21/07/2010 01:00:14 AM 1593 Views
Then let's leave it. - 21/07/2010 06:48:45 AM 1692 Views
Re: Then let's leave it. - 21/07/2010 04:19:35 PM 1618 Views
My two cents - 19/07/2010 06:11:30 AM 1666 Views
It was just the sort of things these two daredevils would do... - 14/09/2010 12:11:20 AM 2041 Views
Re: It was just the sort of things these two daredevils would do... - 14/09/2010 09:20:46 AM 1505 Views
You have to wonder if that's actually true. - 26/07/2010 04:23:31 PM 1574 Views
Re: You have to wonder if that's actually true. - 26/07/2010 05:06:43 PM 1686 Views
I don't know that I'd call it "see through Pettigrew"... - 26/07/2010 06:22:19 PM 1602 Views
^That was me, too. Oh, dear. - 26/07/2010 09:56:43 PM 1768 Views
Since Lily and James were unable to leave the house - 18/07/2010 07:14:21 PM 1553 Views
Re: Since Lily and James were unable to leave the house - 26/07/2010 05:07:48 PM 1892 Views
^ And this, too, was me. - 26/07/2010 09:58:07 PM 1607 Views
Re: ^ And this, too, was me. - 26/07/2010 10:05:41 PM 1543 Views
- 26/07/2010 10:07:36 PM 1422 Views

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