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Some thoughts before I run off to the library again Camilla Send a noteboard - 14/07/2010 06:11:45 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.

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.

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!"

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 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.

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).
*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 3021 Views
Chapters 1-3: Introducing Harry - 12/07/2010 08:28:49 AM 1598 Views
Characterisation *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:02 AM 897 Views
My thoughts, such as they are. - 12/07/2010 04:09:55 PM 1649 Views
Agree. She gave us enough to make it interesting. - 12/07/2010 06:45:46 PM 1621 Views
Re: My thoughts, such as they are. *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:43:49 PM 1605 Views
You hit the nail on the head. - 13/07/2010 12:20:19 AM 1535 Views
Re: You hit the nail on the head. - 13/07/2010 08:51:45 AM 1453 Views
Writing style *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:18 AM 882 Views
A couple of points. - 12/07/2010 04:10:20 PM 1483 Views
It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 07:18:14 PM 1663 Views
True. - 12/07/2010 07:36:49 PM 1589 Views
Re: It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 09:31:11 PM 1714 Views
Re: It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 09:51:23 PM 1411 Views
Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 04:03:26 AM 1634 Views
Re: Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 08:54:40 AM 1589 Views
Re: Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 01:14:01 PM 1654 Views
Indeed. - 13/07/2010 01:15:23 PM 1432 Views
Early themes *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:37 AM 902 Views
Strong vs weak *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:23:45 PM 1430 Views
- 12/07/2010 07:43:27 PM 1464 Views
Re: - 12/07/2010 07:44:56 PM 1418 Views
Chapters 4-10: Making Friends at Hogwarts *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:58 AM 829 Views
Impressions: thoughts about the school, the teachers, the enemies and the friends. *NM* - 14/07/2010 08:29:38 AM 871 Views
I'd forgotten how annoying Hermione was - 14/07/2010 01:48:13 PM 1509 Views
Me too. - 14/07/2010 04:30:13 PM 1464 Views
Yep. I like seeing her transformation in this story though. - 14/07/2010 04:58:04 PM 1512 Views
Some thoughts before I run off to the library again - 14/07/2010 06:11:45 PM 1642 Views
Good points - 14/07/2010 08:45:56 PM 1570 Views
What about the magic? - 14/07/2010 08:58:51 AM 1513 Views
The magic wasnt really developed at this point - 14/07/2010 02:13:41 PM 1435 Views
Re: The magic wasnt really developed at this point - 14/07/2010 08:53:08 PM 1679 Views
There was one powerful protection - 15/07/2010 01:29:49 AM 1613 Views
I agree - 15/07/2010 04:51:05 AM 1568 Views
Re: I agree - 15/07/2010 05:44:41 AM 1451 Views
Re: There was one powerful protection - 15/07/2010 08:12:40 AM 1716 Views
I think - 14/07/2010 04:34:30 PM 1440 Views
Diagon Alley - Olivander's Foreshadowing - 14/07/2010 05:11:40 PM 1725 Views
Re: Diagon Alley - Olivander's Foreshadowing - 14/07/2010 08:51:06 PM 1431 Views
Agreed. - 14/07/2010 08:57:55 PM 1480 Views
I really need a remembrall. - 14/07/2010 08:57:10 PM 1583 Views
I felt bad for Neville. - 14/07/2010 09:03:49 PM 1595 Views
Indeed. - 14/07/2010 09:05:40 PM 1467 Views
But it doesn't tell you what you've forgotten! - 15/07/2010 02:51:47 AM 1723 Views
I know, right! - 15/07/2010 06:41:01 AM 1442 Views
Exactly. - 15/07/2010 03:22:18 PM 1353 Views
Re: But it doesn't tell you what you've forgotten! - 15/07/2010 08:15:55 AM 1438 Views
Ah, see - 15/07/2010 03:23:49 PM 1413 Views
Chapters 11-17: Harry the Hero *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:30:29 AM 844 Views
What'd you think of the ending? *NM* - 15/07/2010 05:21:38 PM 808 Views
Loved it. - 15/07/2010 05:56:06 PM 1485 Views
Two separate things: - 15/07/2010 07:14:08 PM 1481 Views
I hear you - 15/07/2010 08:22:05 PM 1509 Views
Re: Two separate things: - 15/07/2010 08:48:21 PM 1499 Views
I can clarify some stuff for you - 15/07/2010 09:14:07 PM 1519 Views
One of the most sublime, wonderful moments of any book - 15/07/2010 08:18:29 PM 1352 Views
Yes! - 15/07/2010 10:39:11 PM 1534 Views
Lovely - 15/07/2010 09:00:11 PM 1565 Views
Haha - 15/07/2010 09:16:16 PM 1652 Views
Re: Haha - 15/07/2010 09:24:06 PM 1534 Views
But I thought all girls were made of sugar and spice and everything nice? - 15/07/2010 09:26:53 PM 1440 Views
Oh, we are. - 15/07/2010 09:35:17 PM 1343 Views
Ah like vodka vs. wine coolers? *NM* - 15/07/2010 09:48:26 PM 799 Views
Gin - 15/07/2010 09:49:33 PM 1464 Views
I was 16. - 15/07/2010 10:49:33 PM 1339 Views
So was I - 15/07/2010 10:54:24 PM 1385 Views
Honestly, dumbledore is a bit of an ass... - 15/07/2010 10:48:32 PM 1343 Views
Heresy! - 15/07/2010 10:55:28 PM 1394 Views
As I indicated below, I had some issues. - 16/07/2010 03:05:05 AM 1653 Views
Re: As I indicated below, I had some issues. - 16/07/2010 11:14:56 AM 1550 Views
In fairness, it's Hogwarts itself that is all but impregnable. - 26/07/2010 03:55:02 PM 1454 Views
A funny thing I noticed - 15/07/2010 09:00:42 PM 1565 Views
- 15/07/2010 09:18:08 PM 1421 Views
Overall thoughts for the book - 12/07/2010 08:31:37 AM 1525 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 1500 Views
Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:40:40 PM 1542 Views
Nah, not deliberate. - 12/07/2010 09:14:20 PM 1597 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. - 12/07/2010 09:55:32 PM 1505 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. - 13/07/2010 03:02:59 PM 1442 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. - 13/07/2010 03:04:42 PM 1572 Views
I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:22:54 PM 1622 Views
Re: I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:39:25 PM 1552 Views
Re: I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:45:32 PM 1543 Views
~smug~ - 13/07/2010 02:09:15 PM 1516 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 1493 Views
On Ginny: - 12/07/2010 10:36:47 PM 1571 Views
So much (chapters 1-3) *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:35:57 PM 1725 Views
Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:38:05 PM 1536 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:39:08 PM 1608 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:39:53 PM 1410 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:44:16 PM 1314 Views
Re: Hm. - 13/07/2010 04:41:12 AM 1431 Views
Re: Hm. - 13/07/2010 08:55:09 AM 1399 Views
I missed the school roof thing this time around too! Good catch there. *NM* - 12/07/2010 09:22:21 PM 820 Views
The thing that tipped me off - 12/07/2010 09:53:01 PM 1497 Views
Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 09:18:35 PM 1702 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 10:30:23 PM 1518 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 10:55:01 PM 1465 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 11:05:59 PM 1493 Views
I can answer your consistency question! - 15/07/2010 02:35:42 AM 1627 Views
You are a clever cookie. - 15/07/2010 08:14:25 AM 1499 Views
Yes - 15/07/2010 03:30:36 PM 1352 Views
Ooh, yes. - 16/07/2010 12:19:13 AM 1325 Views
More stuff (chapters 12-17) - 15/07/2010 08:55:34 PM 1380 Views
Re: More stuff (chapters 12-17) - 15/07/2010 09:19:13 PM 1452 Views
Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 04:23:15 PM 1614 Views
Re: Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 04:28:04 PM 1491 Views
Re: Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 07:12:39 PM 1740 Views
I like it. Thank you. - 20/07/2010 12:53:37 AM 1658 Views
What made this book (and the rest of the series) such a success? - 12/07/2010 08:33:00 AM 1593 Views
I have no idea *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:47:58 PM 1653 Views
I agree... - 12/07/2010 09:19:59 PM 1683 Views
It has tons of things in it that every kid dreams of doing - 14/07/2010 01:56:05 PM 1600 Views
Kid? - 14/07/2010 02:01:30 PM 1618 Views
so do I. I was just trying to act mature *NM* - 14/07/2010 02:08:01 PM 1010 Views
Not even just the super stuff Deadsy mentions. - 14/07/2010 04:38:46 PM 1726 Views
It's a simple, well-done little book. - 12/07/2010 07:46:48 PM 1589 Views
you don't read instructions, do you? - 12/07/2010 07:49:24 PM 1637 Views
Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:50:23 PM 1580 Views
Re: Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:51:40 PM 1589 Views
Awwww! - 12/07/2010 07:52:19 PM 1488 Views
- 12/07/2010 07:52:52 PM 1613 Views
Wha? - 12/07/2010 07:50:44 PM 1627 Views
Re: Wha? - 12/07/2010 07:52:21 PM 1614 Views
Pff. - 12/07/2010 07:54:54 PM 1609 Views
*NM* - 12/07/2010 07:56:03 PM 1015 Views
When did you pick up this book? - 12/07/2010 11:30:46 PM 1534 Views
I was 10. - 13/07/2010 04:13:44 AM 1680 Views
I was 16. - 13/07/2010 08:24:02 AM 1605 Views
1999 - 13/07/2010 09:03:03 AM 1596 Views
What do you mean by adult version? - 13/07/2010 02:15:40 PM 1708 Views
Re: What do you mean by adult version? - 13/07/2010 02:17:40 PM 1585 Views
Just before the first movie came out - 13/07/2010 02:17:42 PM 1753 Views
When Prisoner of Azkaban was a hardback. - 13/07/2010 02:23:57 PM 1597 Views
Just after Goblet of Fire was published. - 13/07/2010 11:50:38 PM 1661 Views
Just before Goblet of Fire came out. - 14/07/2010 04:04:21 AM 1633 Views
The first five were out, waited for HBP. - 14/07/2010 06:20:39 AM 1731 Views
You're making me want to talk about toadface - 14/07/2010 02:06:25 PM 1646 Views
Sorry! - 15/07/2010 06:36:11 AM 1682 Views
I held out quite awhile because I don't like "fads" - 14/07/2010 02:04:37 PM 1561 Views
Lol! - 14/07/2010 08:54:47 PM 1682 Views
I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 06:39:16 AM 1667 Views
Re: I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 10:01:04 AM 1854 Views
Re: I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 05:44:28 PM 1725 Views
I would have, if I had known there was hype. I know I would have. - 15/07/2010 03:28:50 PM 1690 Views
- 15/07/2010 05:47:01 PM 1746 Views
I think I was first! - 23/07/2010 07:05:08 PM 1693 Views
Aged 13 or 14 - a while before the first movie (which was Christmas 2001). *NM* - 26/07/2010 04:13:55 PM 981 Views
Jesus Christ. - 26/07/2010 05:04:46 PM 1700 Views
^That was me. *NM* - 26/07/2010 09:55:49 PM 979 Views
I was going to ask if it was. *NM* - 26/07/2010 10:04:59 PM 962 Views
Suggestions for the Re-read - 12/07/2010 08:33:25 AM 1620 Views
I like it so far - 13/07/2010 10:16:49 AM 1638 Views
I can try that for the next book. - 13/07/2010 11:21:01 PM 1615 Views
Can we get chapter discussions everyday? *NM* - 15/07/2010 06:40:30 PM 950 Views
Inconsistencies Re: the Potter's death... - 15/07/2010 05:16:45 AM 1957 Views
Because they were tricked? They considered Peter and Sirius to be brothers. - 15/07/2010 07:05:27 AM 1611 Views
That's nonsense.. - 16/07/2010 01:08:40 AM 1526 Views
Take it up with Rowling, since you don't believe me. *NM* - 16/07/2010 08:19:58 AM 897 Views
What's there to believe? - 18/07/2010 06:03:13 AM 1616 Views
Re: That's nonsense.. - 16/07/2010 09:37:59 AM 1734 Views
Also - 16/07/2010 11:17:51 AM 1962 Views
You are correct! There is no inconsistency - 17/07/2010 04:17:35 AM 1655 Views
Huh? - 18/07/2010 05:57:58 AM 1536 Views
But Camilla explained it! - 18/07/2010 09:27:55 AM 1856 Views
Correction - 18/07/2010 10:58:59 AM 1641 Views
I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 05:42:18 PM 1552 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 05:51:36 PM 1565 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 06:17:04 PM 1872 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 06:28:27 PM 1569 Views
That bothers me too. - 18/07/2010 07:17:14 PM 1631 Views
Re: That bothers me too. - 18/07/2010 07:20:44 PM 1481 Views
Yet... - 18/07/2010 07:47:56 PM 1570 Views
Re: Yet... - 18/07/2010 08:02:31 PM 1612 Views
To quote Dumbledore... - 19/07/2010 05:57:23 AM 1516 Views
Again... - 18/07/2010 07:35:10 PM 1803 Views
Re: Again... - 18/07/2010 08:00:55 PM 1587 Views
Re: Again... - 19/07/2010 06:33:13 AM 1785 Views
Re: Again... - 20/07/2010 04:45:16 PM 1603 Views
Yet another load of bosh. - 21/07/2010 01:00:14 AM 1591 Views
Then let's leave it. - 21/07/2010 06:48:45 AM 1690 Views
Re: Then let's leave it. - 21/07/2010 04:19:35 PM 1615 Views
My two cents - 19/07/2010 06:11:30 AM 1663 Views
It was just the sort of things these two daredevils would do... - 14/09/2010 12:11:20 AM 2036 Views
Re: It was just the sort of things these two daredevils would do... - 14/09/2010 09:20:46 AM 1500 Views
You have to wonder if that's actually true. - 26/07/2010 04:23:31 PM 1569 Views
Re: You have to wonder if that's actually true. - 26/07/2010 05:06:43 PM 1685 Views
I don't know that I'd call it "see through Pettigrew"... - 26/07/2010 06:22:19 PM 1593 Views
^That was me, too. Oh, dear. - 26/07/2010 09:56:43 PM 1763 Views
Since Lily and James were unable to leave the house - 18/07/2010 07:14:21 PM 1549 Views
Re: Since Lily and James were unable to leave the house - 26/07/2010 05:07:48 PM 1885 Views
^ And this, too, was me. - 26/07/2010 09:58:07 PM 1600 Views
Re: ^ And this, too, was me. - 26/07/2010 10:05:41 PM 1536 Views
- 26/07/2010 10:07:36 PM 1415 Views

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