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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 3115 Views
Chapters 1-3: Introducing Harry - 12/07/2010 08:28:49 AM 1691 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 1740 Views
Agree. She gave us enough to make it interesting. - 12/07/2010 06:45:46 PM 1709 Views
Re: My thoughts, such as they are. *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:43:49 PM 1679 Views
You hit the nail on the head. - 13/07/2010 12:20:19 AM 1637 Views
Re: You hit the nail on the head. - 13/07/2010 08:51:45 AM 1553 Views
Writing style *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:18 AM 929 Views
A couple of points. - 12/07/2010 04:10:20 PM 1570 Views
It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 07:18:14 PM 1759 Views
True. - 12/07/2010 07:36:49 PM 1684 Views
Re: It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 09:31:11 PM 1806 Views
Re: It is very clear it is a children's book at this time - 12/07/2010 09:51:23 PM 1510 Views
Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 04:03:26 AM 1734 Views
Re: Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 08:54:40 AM 1689 Views
Re: Vernon's slow descent into madness is great. - 13/07/2010 01:14:01 PM 1746 Views
Indeed. - 13/07/2010 01:15:23 PM 1513 Views
Early themes *NM* - 12/07/2010 08:29:37 AM 955 Views
Strong vs weak *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:23:45 PM 1527 Views
- 12/07/2010 07:43:27 PM 1565 Views
Re: - 12/07/2010 07:44:56 PM 1509 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 1608 Views
Me too. - 14/07/2010 04:30:13 PM 1544 Views
Yep. I like seeing her transformation in this story though. - 14/07/2010 04:58:04 PM 1601 Views
Some thoughts before I run off to the library again - 14/07/2010 06:11:45 PM 1736 Views
Good points - 14/07/2010 08:45:56 PM 1673 Views
What about the magic? - 14/07/2010 08:58:51 AM 1608 Views
The magic wasnt really developed at this point - 14/07/2010 02:13:41 PM 1537 Views
Re: The magic wasnt really developed at this point - 14/07/2010 08:53:08 PM 1774 Views
There was one powerful protection - 15/07/2010 01:29:49 AM 1709 Views
I agree - 15/07/2010 04:51:05 AM 1667 Views
Re: I agree - 15/07/2010 05:44:41 AM 1540 Views
Re: There was one powerful protection - 15/07/2010 08:12:40 AM 1818 Views
I think - 14/07/2010 04:34:30 PM 1536 Views
Diagon Alley - Olivander's Foreshadowing - 14/07/2010 05:11:40 PM 1823 Views
Re: Diagon Alley - Olivander's Foreshadowing - 14/07/2010 08:51:06 PM 1523 Views
Agreed. - 14/07/2010 08:57:55 PM 1571 Views
I really need a remembrall. - 14/07/2010 08:57:10 PM 1685 Views
I felt bad for Neville. - 14/07/2010 09:03:49 PM 1690 Views
Indeed. - 14/07/2010 09:05:40 PM 1552 Views
But it doesn't tell you what you've forgotten! - 15/07/2010 02:51:47 AM 1819 Views
I know, right! - 15/07/2010 06:41:01 AM 1534 Views
Exactly. - 15/07/2010 03:22:18 PM 1438 Views
Re: But it doesn't tell you what you've forgotten! - 15/07/2010 08:15:55 AM 1541 Views
Ah, see - 15/07/2010 03:23:49 PM 1503 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 1590 Views
Two separate things: - 15/07/2010 07:14:08 PM 1585 Views
I hear you - 15/07/2010 08:22:05 PM 1606 Views
Re: Two separate things: - 15/07/2010 08:48:21 PM 1583 Views
I can clarify some stuff for you - 15/07/2010 09:14:07 PM 1609 Views
One of the most sublime, wonderful moments of any book - 15/07/2010 08:18:29 PM 1450 Views
Yes! - 15/07/2010 10:39:11 PM 1623 Views
Lovely - 15/07/2010 09:00:11 PM 1649 Views
Haha - 15/07/2010 09:16:16 PM 1746 Views
Re: Haha - 15/07/2010 09:24:06 PM 1627 Views
But I thought all girls were made of sugar and spice and everything nice? - 15/07/2010 09:26:53 PM 1537 Views
Oh, we are. - 15/07/2010 09:35:17 PM 1432 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 1550 Views
I was 16. - 15/07/2010 10:49:33 PM 1440 Views
So was I - 15/07/2010 10:54:24 PM 1482 Views
Honestly, dumbledore is a bit of an ass... - 15/07/2010 10:48:32 PM 1444 Views
Heresy! - 15/07/2010 10:55:28 PM 1482 Views
As I indicated below, I had some issues. - 16/07/2010 03:05:05 AM 1741 Views
Re: As I indicated below, I had some issues. - 16/07/2010 11:14:56 AM 1620 Views
In fairness, it's Hogwarts itself that is all but impregnable. - 26/07/2010 03:55:02 PM 1559 Views
A funny thing I noticed - 15/07/2010 09:00:42 PM 1665 Views
- 15/07/2010 09:18:08 PM 1524 Views
Overall thoughts for the book - 12/07/2010 08:31:37 AM 1620 Views
Foreshadowing and setting up the future - 12/07/2010 08:32:10 AM 1535 Views
Harry's anger management issues? - 12/07/2010 07:14:58 PM 1589 Views
Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:40:40 PM 1631 Views
Nah, not deliberate. - 12/07/2010 09:14:20 PM 1689 Views
Re: Nah, not deliberate. - 12/07/2010 09:55:32 PM 1604 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 1667 Views
I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:22:54 PM 1715 Views
Re: I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:39:25 PM 1656 Views
Re: I noticed a lot of this. - 12/07/2010 07:45:32 PM 1634 Views
~smug~ - 13/07/2010 02:09:15 PM 1608 Views
Indeed. - 13/07/2010 02:10:41 PM 1842 Views
This response implies the experience of being both?? - 13/07/2010 03:23:29 PM 1584 Views
On Ginny: - 12/07/2010 10:36:47 PM 1659 Views
So much (chapters 1-3) *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:35:57 PM 1825 Views
Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:38:05 PM 1642 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:39:08 PM 1698 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:39:53 PM 1502 Views
Re: Hm. - 12/07/2010 07:44:16 PM 1407 Views
Re: Hm. - 13/07/2010 04:41:12 AM 1519 Views
Re: Hm. - 13/07/2010 08:55:09 AM 1490 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 1597 Views
Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 09:18:35 PM 1788 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 10:30:23 PM 1611 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 10:55:01 PM 1562 Views
Re: Some stuff (chapters 4-11) - 14/07/2010 11:05:59 PM 1586 Views
I can answer your consistency question! - 15/07/2010 02:35:42 AM 1725 Views
You are a clever cookie. - 15/07/2010 08:14:25 AM 1592 Views
Yes - 15/07/2010 03:30:36 PM 1440 Views
Ooh, yes. - 16/07/2010 12:19:13 AM 1413 Views
More stuff (chapters 12-17) - 15/07/2010 08:55:34 PM 1479 Views
Re: More stuff (chapters 12-17) - 15/07/2010 09:19:13 PM 1539 Views
Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 04:23:15 PM 1674 Views
Re: Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 04:28:04 PM 1585 Views
Re: Tiny tiny inconsistency (?) in Ch. 12 - 17/07/2010 07:12:39 PM 1836 Views
I like it. Thank you. - 20/07/2010 12:53:37 AM 1742 Views
What made this book (and the rest of the series) such a success? - 12/07/2010 08:33:00 AM 1691 Views
I have no idea *spoilers* - 12/07/2010 07:47:58 PM 1747 Views
I agree... - 12/07/2010 09:19:59 PM 1772 Views
It has tons of things in it that every kid dreams of doing - 14/07/2010 01:56:05 PM 1697 Views
Kid? - 14/07/2010 02:01:30 PM 1709 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 1833 Views
It's a simple, well-done little book. - 12/07/2010 07:46:48 PM 1682 Views
you don't read instructions, do you? - 12/07/2010 07:49:24 PM 1746 Views
Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:50:23 PM 1667 Views
Re: Heh. - 12/07/2010 07:51:40 PM 1680 Views
Awwww! - 12/07/2010 07:52:19 PM 1579 Views
- 12/07/2010 07:52:52 PM 1700 Views
Wha? - 12/07/2010 07:50:44 PM 1726 Views
Re: Wha? - 12/07/2010 07:52:21 PM 1711 Views
Pff. - 12/07/2010 07:54:54 PM 1699 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 1621 Views
I was 10. - 13/07/2010 04:13:44 AM 1777 Views
I was 16. - 13/07/2010 08:24:02 AM 1700 Views
1999 - 13/07/2010 09:03:03 AM 1686 Views
What do you mean by adult version? - 13/07/2010 02:15:40 PM 1808 Views
Re: What do you mean by adult version? - 13/07/2010 02:17:40 PM 1676 Views
Just before the first movie came out - 13/07/2010 02:17:42 PM 1845 Views
When Prisoner of Azkaban was a hardback. - 13/07/2010 02:23:57 PM 1694 Views
Just after Goblet of Fire was published. - 13/07/2010 11:50:38 PM 1757 Views
Just before Goblet of Fire came out. - 14/07/2010 04:04:21 AM 1720 Views
The first five were out, waited for HBP. - 14/07/2010 06:20:39 AM 1843 Views
You're making me want to talk about toadface - 14/07/2010 02:06:25 PM 1738 Views
Sorry! - 15/07/2010 06:36:11 AM 1773 Views
I held out quite awhile because I don't like "fads" - 14/07/2010 02:04:37 PM 1652 Views
Lol! - 14/07/2010 08:54:47 PM 1773 Views
I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 06:39:16 AM 1766 Views
Re: I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 10:01:04 AM 1944 Views
Re: I did the same thing. - 15/07/2010 05:44:28 PM 1823 Views
I would have, if I had known there was hype. I know I would have. - 15/07/2010 03:28:50 PM 1791 Views
- 15/07/2010 05:47:01 PM 1835 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 1025 Views
Jesus Christ. - 26/07/2010 05:04:46 PM 1793 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 1723 Views
I like it so far - 13/07/2010 10:16:49 AM 1730 Views
I can try that for the next book. - 13/07/2010 11:21:01 PM 1706 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 2045 Views
Because they were tricked? They considered Peter and Sirius to be brothers. - 15/07/2010 07:05:27 AM 1698 Views
That's nonsense.. - 16/07/2010 01:08:40 AM 1621 Views
Take it up with Rowling, since you don't believe me. *NM* - 16/07/2010 08:19:58 AM 942 Views
What's there to believe? - 18/07/2010 06:03:13 AM 1709 Views
Re: That's nonsense.. - 16/07/2010 09:37:59 AM 1836 Views
Also - 16/07/2010 11:17:51 AM 2052 Views
You are correct! There is no inconsistency - 17/07/2010 04:17:35 AM 1753 Views
Huh? - 18/07/2010 05:57:58 AM 1628 Views
But Camilla explained it! - 18/07/2010 09:27:55 AM 1954 Views
Correction - 18/07/2010 10:58:59 AM 1739 Views
I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 05:42:18 PM 1644 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 05:51:36 PM 1662 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 06:17:04 PM 1960 Views
Re: I'm fairly certain you guys have that totally wrong... - 18/07/2010 06:28:27 PM 1655 Views
That bothers me too. - 18/07/2010 07:17:14 PM 1726 Views
Re: That bothers me too. - 18/07/2010 07:20:44 PM 1593 Views
Yet... - 18/07/2010 07:47:56 PM 1664 Views
Re: Yet... - 18/07/2010 08:02:31 PM 1710 Views
To quote Dumbledore... - 19/07/2010 05:57:23 AM 1597 Views
Again... - 18/07/2010 07:35:10 PM 1900 Views
Re: Again... - 18/07/2010 08:00:55 PM 1688 Views
Re: Again... - 19/07/2010 06:33:13 AM 1886 Views
Re: Again... - 20/07/2010 04:45:16 PM 1701 Views
Yet another load of bosh. - 21/07/2010 01:00:14 AM 1686 Views
Then let's leave it. - 21/07/2010 06:48:45 AM 1788 Views
Re: Then let's leave it. - 21/07/2010 04:19:35 PM 1706 Views
My two cents - 19/07/2010 06:11:30 AM 1760 Views
It was just the sort of things these two daredevils would do... - 14/09/2010 12:11:20 AM 2134 Views
Re: It was just the sort of things these two daredevils would do... - 14/09/2010 09:20:46 AM 1596 Views
You have to wonder if that's actually true. - 26/07/2010 04:23:31 PM 1664 Views
Re: You have to wonder if that's actually true. - 26/07/2010 05:06:43 PM 1776 Views
I don't know that I'd call it "see through Pettigrew"... - 26/07/2010 06:22:19 PM 1684 Views
^That was me, too. Oh, dear. - 26/07/2010 09:56:43 PM 1848 Views
Since Lily and James were unable to leave the house - 18/07/2010 07:14:21 PM 1648 Views
Re: Since Lily and James were unable to leave the house - 26/07/2010 05:07:48 PM 1971 Views
^ And this, too, was me. - 26/07/2010 09:58:07 PM 1692 Views
Re: ^ And this, too, was me. - 26/07/2010 10:05:41 PM 1622 Views
- 26/07/2010 10:07:36 PM 1506 Views

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