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Re: You hit the nail on the head. Camilla Send a noteboard - 13/07/2010 08:51:45 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.


That is because she also understands suggestion, which allows the reader quite a bit of freedom in imagining the characters. Because of that, some of her characters feel more real than many very neuanced and conventionally more well written characters.
*MySmiley*
structured procrastinator
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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 3116 Views
Chapters 1-3: Introducing Harry - 12/07/2010 08:28:49 AM 1693 Views
Characterisation *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:02 AM 941 Views
My thoughts, such as they are. - 12/07/2010 04:09:55 PM 1742 Views
Agree. She gave us enough to make it interesting. - 12/07/2010 06:45:46 PM 1710 Views
Re: My thoughts, such as they are. *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:43:49 PM 1680 Views
You hit the nail on the head. - 13/07/2010 12:20:19 AM 1639 Views
Re: You hit the nail on the head. - 13/07/2010 08:51:45 AM 1555 Views
Writing style *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:18 AM 929 Views
A couple of points. - 12/07/2010 04:10:20 PM 1571 Views
It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 07:18:14 PM 1760 Views
True. - 12/07/2010 07:36:49 PM 1685 Views
Re: It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 09:31:11 PM 1807 Views
Re: It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 09:51:23 PM 1511 Views
Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 04:03:26 AM 1736 Views
Re: Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 08:54:40 AM 1691 Views
Re: Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 01:14:01 PM 1747 Views
Indeed. - 13/07/2010 01:15:23 PM 1514 Views
Early themes *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:37 AM 955 Views
Strong vs weak *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:23:45 PM 1528 Views
- 12/07/2010 07:43:27 PM 1566 Views
Re: - 12/07/2010 07:44:56 PM 1510 Views
Chapters 4-10: Making Friends at Hogwarts *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:58 AM 869 Views
Impressions: thoughts about the school, the teachers, the enemies and the friends. *NM* - 14/07/2010 08:29:38 AM 912 Views
I'd forgotten how annoying Hermione was - 14/07/2010 01:48:13 PM 1609 Views
Me too. - 14/07/2010 04:30:13 PM 1546 Views
Yep. I like seeing her transformation in this story though. - 14/07/2010 04:58:04 PM 1603 Views
Some thoughts before I run off to the library again - 14/07/2010 06:11:45 PM 1737 Views
Good points - 14/07/2010 08:45:56 PM 1674 Views
What about the magic? - 14/07/2010 08:58:51 AM 1609 Views
The magic wasnt really developed at this point - 14/07/2010 02:13:41 PM 1538 Views
Re: The magic wasnt really developed at this point - 14/07/2010 08:53:08 PM 1776 Views
There was one powerful protection - 15/07/2010 01:29:49 AM 1711 Views
I agree - 15/07/2010 04:51:05 AM 1667 Views
Re: I agree - 15/07/2010 05:44:41 AM 1542 Views
Re: There was one powerful protection - 15/07/2010 08:12:40 AM 1819 Views
I think - 14/07/2010 04:34:30 PM 1537 Views
Diagon Alley - Olivander's Foreshadowing - 14/07/2010 05:11:40 PM 1824 Views
Re: Diagon Alley - Olivander's Foreshadowing - 14/07/2010 08:51:06 PM 1524 Views
Agreed. - 14/07/2010 08:57:55 PM 1572 Views
I really need a remembrall. - 14/07/2010 08:57:10 PM 1687 Views
I felt bad for Neville. - 14/07/2010 09:03:49 PM 1691 Views
Indeed. - 14/07/2010 09:05:40 PM 1553 Views
But it doesn't tell you what you've forgotten! - 15/07/2010 02:51:47 AM 1821 Views
I know, right! - 15/07/2010 06:41:01 AM 1535 Views
Exactly. - 15/07/2010 03:22:18 PM 1439 Views
Re: But it doesn't tell you what you've forgotten! - 15/07/2010 08:15:55 AM 1542 Views
Ah, see - 15/07/2010 03:23:49 PM 1504 Views
Chapters 11-17: Harry the Hero *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:30:29 AM 891 Views
What'd you think of the ending? *NM* - 15/07/2010 05:21:38 PM 851 Views
Loved it. - 15/07/2010 05:56:06 PM 1591 Views
Two separate things: - 15/07/2010 07:14:08 PM 1586 Views
I hear you - 15/07/2010 08:22:05 PM 1607 Views
Re: Two separate things: - 15/07/2010 08:48:21 PM 1584 Views
I can clarify some stuff for you - 15/07/2010 09:14:07 PM 1610 Views
One of the most sublime, wonderful moments of any book - 15/07/2010 08:18:29 PM 1452 Views
Yes! - 15/07/2010 10:39:11 PM 1624 Views
Lovely - 15/07/2010 09:00:11 PM 1650 Views
Haha - 15/07/2010 09:16:16 PM 1748 Views
Re: Haha - 15/07/2010 09:24:06 PM 1628 Views
But I thought all girls were made of sugar and spice and everything nice? - 15/07/2010 09:26:53 PM 1539 Views
Oh, we are. - 15/07/2010 09:35:17 PM 1433 Views
Ah like vodka vs. wine coolers? *NM* - 15/07/2010 09:48:26 PM 841 Views
Gin - 15/07/2010 09:49:33 PM 1551 Views
I was 16. - 15/07/2010 10:49:33 PM 1441 Views
So was I - 15/07/2010 10:54:24 PM 1483 Views
Honestly, dumbledore is a bit of an ass... - 15/07/2010 10:48:32 PM 1445 Views
Heresy! - 15/07/2010 10:55:28 PM 1483 Views
As I indicated below, I had some issues. - 16/07/2010 03:05:05 AM 1742 Views
Re: As I indicated below, I had some issues. - 16/07/2010 11:14:56 AM 1621 Views
In fairness, it's Hogwarts itself that is all but impregnable. - 26/07/2010 03:55:02 PM 1561 Views
A funny thing I noticed - 15/07/2010 09:00:42 PM 1667 Views
- 15/07/2010 09:18:08 PM 1525 Views
Overall thoughts for the book - 12/07/2010 08:31:37 AM 1622 Views
Foreshadowing and setting up the future - 12/07/2010 08:32:10 AM 1536 Views
Harry's anger management issues? - 12/07/2010 07:14:58 PM 1590 Views
Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:40:40 PM 1632 Views
Nah, not deliberate. - 12/07/2010 09:14:20 PM 1691 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. - 12/07/2010 09:55:32 PM 1605 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. - 13/07/2010 03:02:59 PM 1544 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. - 13/07/2010 03:04:42 PM 1668 Views
I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:22:54 PM 1716 Views
Re: I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:39:25 PM 1659 Views
Re: I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:45:32 PM 1635 Views
~smug~ - 13/07/2010 02:09:15 PM 1610 Views
Indeed. - 13/07/2010 02:10:41 PM 1844 Views
This response implies the experience of being both?? - 13/07/2010 03:23:29 PM 1585 Views
On Ginny: - 12/07/2010 10:36:47 PM 1661 Views
So much (chapters 1-3) *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:35:57 PM 1826 Views
Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:38:05 PM 1643 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:39:08 PM 1699 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:39:53 PM 1503 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:44:16 PM 1408 Views
Re: Hm. - 13/07/2010 04:41:12 AM 1520 Views
Re: Hm. - 13/07/2010 08:55:09 AM 1492 Views
I missed the school roof thing this time around too! Good catch there. *NM* - 12/07/2010 09:22:21 PM 861 Views
The thing that tipped me off - 12/07/2010 09:53:01 PM 1598 Views
Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 09:18:35 PM 1789 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 10:30:23 PM 1613 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 10:55:01 PM 1564 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 11:05:59 PM 1587 Views
I can answer your consistency question! - 15/07/2010 02:35:42 AM 1726 Views
You are a clever cookie. - 15/07/2010 08:14:25 AM 1593 Views
Yes - 15/07/2010 03:30:36 PM 1441 Views
Ooh, yes. - 16/07/2010 12:19:13 AM 1414 Views
More stuff (chapters 12-17) - 15/07/2010 08:55:34 PM 1481 Views
Re: More stuff (chapters 12-17) - 15/07/2010 09:19:13 PM 1541 Views
Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 04:23:15 PM 1675 Views
Re: Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 04:28:04 PM 1586 Views
Re: Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 07:12:39 PM 1838 Views
I like it. Thank you. - 20/07/2010 12:53:37 AM 1743 Views
What made this book (and the rest of the series) such a success? - 12/07/2010 08:33:00 AM 1692 Views
I have no idea *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:47:58 PM 1748 Views
I agree... - 12/07/2010 09:19:59 PM 1774 Views
It has tons of things in it that every kid dreams of doing - 14/07/2010 01:56:05 PM 1698 Views
Kid? - 14/07/2010 02:01:30 PM 1710 Views
so do I. I was just trying to act mature *NM* - 14/07/2010 02:08:01 PM 1047 Views
Not even just the super stuff Deadsy mentions. - 14/07/2010 04:38:46 PM 1834 Views
It's a simple, well-done little book. - 12/07/2010 07:46:48 PM 1683 Views
you don't read instructions, do you? - 12/07/2010 07:49:24 PM 1747 Views
Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:50:23 PM 1668 Views
Re: Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:51:40 PM 1681 Views
Awwww! - 12/07/2010 07:52:19 PM 1580 Views
- 12/07/2010 07:52:52 PM 1701 Views
Wha? - 12/07/2010 07:50:44 PM 1727 Views
Re: Wha? - 12/07/2010 07:52:21 PM 1712 Views
Pff. - 12/07/2010 07:54:54 PM 1700 Views
*NM* - 12/07/2010 07:56:03 PM 1048 Views
When did you pick up this book? - 12/07/2010 11:30:46 PM 1622 Views
I was 10. - 13/07/2010 04:13:44 AM 1779 Views
I was 16. - 13/07/2010 08:24:02 AM 1700 Views
1999 - 13/07/2010 09:03:03 AM 1687 Views
What do you mean by adult version? - 13/07/2010 02:15:40 PM 1809 Views
Re: What do you mean by adult version? - 13/07/2010 02:17:40 PM 1677 Views
Just before the first movie came out - 13/07/2010 02:17:42 PM 1847 Views
When Prisoner of Azkaban was a hardback. - 13/07/2010 02:23:57 PM 1695 Views
Just after Goblet of Fire was published. - 13/07/2010 11:50:38 PM 1758 Views
Just before Goblet of Fire came out. - 14/07/2010 04:04:21 AM 1721 Views
The first five were out, waited for HBP. - 14/07/2010 06:20:39 AM 1845 Views
You're making me want to talk about toadface - 14/07/2010 02:06:25 PM 1739 Views
Sorry! - 15/07/2010 06:36:11 AM 1774 Views
I held out quite awhile because I don't like "fads" - 14/07/2010 02:04:37 PM 1653 Views
Lol! - 14/07/2010 08:54:47 PM 1774 Views
I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 06:39:16 AM 1768 Views
Re: I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 10:01:04 AM 1945 Views
Re: I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 05:44:28 PM 1824 Views
I would have, if I had known there was hype. I know I would have. - 15/07/2010 03:28:50 PM 1792 Views
- 15/07/2010 05:47:01 PM 1836 Views
I think I was first! - 23/07/2010 07:05:08 PM 1789 Views
Aged 13 or 14 - a while before the first movie (which was Christmas 2001). *NM* - 26/07/2010 04:13:55 PM 1026 Views
Jesus Christ. - 26/07/2010 05:04:46 PM 1795 Views
^That was me. *NM* - 26/07/2010 09:55:49 PM 1021 Views
I was going to ask if it was. *NM* - 26/07/2010 10:04:59 PM 1006 Views
Suggestions for the Re-read - 12/07/2010 08:33:25 AM 1724 Views
I like it so far - 13/07/2010 10:16:49 AM 1731 Views
I can try that for the next book. - 13/07/2010 11:21:01 PM 1707 Views
Can we get chapter discussions everyday? *NM* - 15/07/2010 06:40:30 PM 990 Views
Inconsistencies Re: the Potter's death... - 15/07/2010 05:16:45 AM 2047 Views
Because they were tricked? They considered Peter and Sirius to be brothers. - 15/07/2010 07:05:27 AM 1700 Views
That's nonsense.. - 16/07/2010 01:08:40 AM 1623 Views
Take it up with Rowling, since you don't believe me. *NM* - 16/07/2010 08:19:58 AM 943 Views
What's there to believe? - 18/07/2010 06:03:13 AM 1710 Views
Re: That's nonsense.. - 16/07/2010 09:37:59 AM 1838 Views
Also - 16/07/2010 11:17:51 AM 2054 Views
You are correct! There is no inconsistency - 17/07/2010 04:17:35 AM 1755 Views
Huh? - 18/07/2010 05:57:58 AM 1630 Views
But Camilla explained it! - 18/07/2010 09:27:55 AM 1956 Views
Correction - 18/07/2010 10:58:59 AM 1741 Views
I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 05:42:18 PM 1646 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 05:51:36 PM 1663 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 06:17:04 PM 1962 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 06:28:27 PM 1656 Views
That bothers me too. - 18/07/2010 07:17:14 PM 1728 Views
Re: That bothers me too. - 18/07/2010 07:20:44 PM 1594 Views
Yet... - 18/07/2010 07:47:56 PM 1666 Views
Re: Yet... - 18/07/2010 08:02:31 PM 1711 Views
To quote Dumbledore... - 19/07/2010 05:57:23 AM 1599 Views
Again... - 18/07/2010 07:35:10 PM 1902 Views
Re: Again... - 18/07/2010 08:00:55 PM 1688 Views
Re: Again... - 19/07/2010 06:33:13 AM 1887 Views
Re: Again... - 20/07/2010 04:45:16 PM 1703 Views
Yet another load of bosh. - 21/07/2010 01:00:14 AM 1688 Views
Then let's leave it. - 21/07/2010 06:48:45 AM 1789 Views
Re: Then let's leave it. - 21/07/2010 04:19:35 PM 1707 Views
My two cents - 19/07/2010 06:11:30 AM 1761 Views
It was just the sort of things these two daredevils would do... - 14/09/2010 12:11:20 AM 2135 Views
Re: It was just the sort of things these two daredevils would do... - 14/09/2010 09:20:46 AM 1597 Views
You have to wonder if that's actually true. - 26/07/2010 04:23:31 PM 1665 Views
Re: You have to wonder if that's actually true. - 26/07/2010 05:06:43 PM 1777 Views
I don't know that I'd call it "see through Pettigrew"... - 26/07/2010 06:22:19 PM 1685 Views
^That was me, too. Oh, dear. - 26/07/2010 09:56:43 PM 1850 Views
Since Lily and James were unable to leave the house - 18/07/2010 07:14:21 PM 1650 Views
Re: Since Lily and James were unable to leave the house - 26/07/2010 05:07:48 PM 1972 Views
^ And this, too, was me. - 26/07/2010 09:58:07 PM 1693 Views
Re: ^ And this, too, was me. - 26/07/2010 10:05:41 PM 1623 Views
- 26/07/2010 10:07:36 PM 1508 Views

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