Top 10 Best Harry Potter Characters

Harry Potter is a bestselling series of seven fantasy novels that chronicles the lives of wizards Harry Potter and his friends as they attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and fight Lord Voldemort. It was adapted into an equally successful film series.

The Top Ten

Hermione Granger

Hermione Jean Granger is a fictional character in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. She is one of the main characters and best friends of Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. Hermione is known for her intelligence, strong work ethic, and loyalty.

I absolutely LOVE Hermione! She is so much like me and has inspired me to be fearless, hardworking, and cool. She is the girl all girls should follow, and I can't think of anyone more amazing!
A person once called me a nerd, even though I was SO NOT! Well, that person was a sassy, bossy, rude diva, so I didn't really care. But Hermione showed me that it doesn't matter what other people think if they are just the sort of people who think the worst of everyone.
I learned from Hermione that I should just care about my friends and not the people who hate everyone. Now, I work harder than ever to be even more like Hermione than I already am. In my opinion, Hermione Granger should be every girl's role model. Hermione rocks!
Harry Potter

Harry James Potter is the title character of the Harry Potter book series written by J. K. Rowling. The series chronicles his life from age eleven as he discovers his identity as a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Over seven years, Harry confronts numerous challenges and... read more

He is the most relatable character in the series, showing us that even an ordinary-looking boy is capable of doing things that can change the world. It taught us not to judge by looks. Yes, Harry was not the best-looking character in the book, nor the movies, but we should look within the heart. He had many flaws and many good qualities too. The perfect blend of these made him one of the most complex and lifelike characters in the series.
Whenever I see Harry, I feel like I am seeing a mirror image of myself. Many people feel that he is a boring character not suitable as a hero. Guess what? The simplicity of Harry makes me think that he is the perfect hero of the series. I am sure many girls would have been happier to see Malfoy as a hero than Harry, which is a sorry state of affairs.
Severus Snape

Severus Snape is a fictional character in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. He is portrayed as a complex figure whose cold and sarcastic demeanor hides deep emotions and a troubled past. Snape plays a pivotal role in the series, ultimately being revealed as a tragic hero.

Severus Snape is the man that every mother should teach her little boy to be. Yes, he made mistakes - a lot of them, actually. And yes, most of the time, you wanted to punch the living daylights out of him and watch him writhe in pain on the floor, but all that was a ruse. He was tough as nails and wasn't the most socially graced person to walk the Earth, but he was loyal to what he loved.
The only thing he loved, truly loved, was Lily Evans. His only friend and confidant. Until the day of his death, he lived his life in a manner that (he hoped) would make Lily proud of him. I kind of think that he did. He defended the last remnant of her flesh and blood and borderline cared for him with every last drop of blood in his body. He was fierce, fearless, and brilliant.
I could only wish that every man would do that for the woman they loved. I sure do hope that my kids do.
Albus Dumbledore

Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore is a fictional character in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. He serves as the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for most of the series. Dumbledore is also the founder and leader of the Order of the Phoenix.

I see everything I want in a favorite character in Dumbledore. He made it through a not-so-happy past and became the greatest wizard of all. His wisdom is unlike anyone else's. He always has the best advice and can cheer anyone up.
Also, he is the bravest character in the books. Whereas Harry was always thrown into situations, forced to be brave, Dumbledore did everything without being forced, simply because he has such a good heart. He cares for other people, no matter who they are. He even cared for Tom Riddle before he realized how bad he truly was.
I just love him. He is such a thoroughly good soul.

I love Dumbledore because most of the most touching parts of Harry Potter revolve around him. His speeches at the end of books 4 and 5 are the best, and I've cried while reading about his death every time I've read book six.
I do find it frustrating how much he forgot to tell Harry about his plans. It made sense when everyone thought he died unexpectedly, but he knew he was dying. It seems pretty foolish that he didn't even tell Harry how to destroy a Horcrux.
Ron Weasley

Ronald Bilius "Ron" Weasley is a fictional character in the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. He first appears in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" as the best friend of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Ron is a member of the Weasley family and a loyal supporter throughout the series.

By far the most relatable character. He is always overshadowed by Harry and Hermione, and deserves more recognition. He almost always stood beside Harry and Hermione and remained loyal to them, always trying to help Harry as much as possible. His struggles and emotions are relatable and easy to connect to, yet he is still one of the most entertaining characters. I always find myself rooting for him. He has had a hard life, yet he still does his best. He deserves someone better than Hermione, who was always cruel and snide to him. Go Ron!

Wow, fifth place? I can't believe that people voted Snape above him. "Snape is the man that every mother should teach their boy to be." You mean a Death Eater who murdered and tortured until he became too cowardly because his crush was killed by his hero? And then begging his enemy for forgiveness before bullying and relentlessly being a biased and horrible teacher towards all his students, except the ones in his own house?
Severus Snape is a horrible, horrible man who did improve himself in a way, but a good ending doesn't make up for a lifetime of torture and being horrible. For the person who said that, get some help.
Luna Lovegood

Luna Lovegood is a character from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. She was the only child of Xenophilius and Pandora Lovegood. Her mother died in a magical accident when Luna was nine, and she was raised by her father in a rook-like house near the village of Ottery St Catchpole in Devon.... read more

Luna never cared about others' opinions. She is a good reminder to all of us in real life to stand up for what we believe in and not care what others think. She knows love, she knows how to dream and trust, and she is altogether the best character. She supports her friends and family no matter what.
But she isn't just a dreamlike, crazy girl. She knows suffering because her mom died. She is an amazing dueler. If you read the books, then you'll realize that she saved Harry's life in The Order of the Phoenix. Luna is the best character because she goes against stereotypes and opens our eyes to the world around us. I love you, Luna!

Luna Lovegood. I absolutely love her. She's funny, sweet, friendly, and a little wacky, but in the most lovable way possible. She taught me how to be positive in situations.
And I just love that despite her constant dreamlike state, she's still very intelligent (she's in Ravenclaw, hello). She cares about her friends and supports them, can see what's going on in people's minds, and who wouldn't want to be friends with her? She would never ditch you or say bad things about you. She's the perfect friend. Forever. Plus, I love that Harry names his daughter after her (and his mum).
Sirius Black

Sirius Black is a fictional character from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. He is introduced in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as Harry Potter's godfather and a former friend of James and Lily Potter. Known for escaping from Azkaban, Sirius plays a significant role in the fight against Voldemort... read more

The reason Sirius Black is the most important character is his journey. He was born into an evil family and still managed to become a loving, brave, funny, and loyal young man. What I possibly like most about him is that he arrived at Hogwarts, found three friends who were the first people he ever loved, and decided to live his life to the fullest.
Yes, Sirius has done bad things, and he sometimes was a bad person. But I believe at the end of the day, he realized he would not be like his family and tried to be the best he could be. What I love (love, love, love) about Sirius is that he wasn't perfect at all.
His most famous quote was that everyone has a dark and a light side, but what matters is the part you choose to act on, and he did. He chose his light side and gave his life for the people he wanted to protect and those he loved. Like Harry and Snape, he didn't grow up with love, and it made him even stronger. So, Sirius is definitely one of the best, if not the best, characters in the Harry Potter books because he taught us to never stop working on ourselves and always believe that you can be good.
Sirius should be an idol, not only for young people but also for the whole world. His death was by far the saddest one because there were so many emotions. Sadness because Harry lost his only family member, and Lupin his best friend, but also happiness because Sirius finally got to see his brother James again. He will always be remembered.
Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin is a fictional character in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. He is a werewolf and becomes the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Lupin is also a member of the Order of the Phoenix and plays a key role in the fight against Voldemort.

I love Remus Lupin. He is always so kind to the trio and other people, and he cares more for others than himself. It's really sad that he dies. He and Tonks made such a lovely couple. He is extremely calm and quiet for a werewolf. He was the one who realized Sirius was innocent, and he saved Harry's life at the Department of Mysteries.
I was glad to see that he found some happiness with Tonks and Teddy. It was sweet to see him so excited at Shell Cottage. Most people think that Remus and Tonks's ending was really sad. However, aside from the fact that he is not with Teddy and other loved ones, it really means that he can eternally be with Tonks, Sirius, James, and Lily without fear of a second war. I just wish that he had gotten to spend more time with his family before he died.
George Weasley

Fred and George are possibly my second and third favorite characters, right after Luna. They are like the comic relief of the whole series. During my visit to Universal Studios, I was able to visit their shop and buy my own purple Pygmy Puff! That was probably the happiest moment of my entire life.
Anyway, they are incredible characters. They stood up to Umbridge, a feat people would fear to attempt (I mean, she makes kids write with their own blood). They did their own thing, despite people warning them not to. I bawled my eyes out when Fred died. George must have been traumatized!

I think they should have had Umbridge die instead of this young man's twin. They aren't my favorite characters, but they're awesome nonetheless. Not as good as Harry Potter, but not as bad as Umbridge or Rita Skeeter.
I would say I would put them around seventh or eighth best. The part that I liked the most is how they departed from Hogwarts during Umbridge's time there. It made me dab my eyes when I watched them separate for the first time.
Neville Longbottom

Neville Longbottom is a fictional character in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Initially portrayed as clumsy and forgetful, Neville grows into a brave and skilled wizard over the course of the series. He plays a crucial role in the final book, where he destroys the last Horcrux, Voldemort's snake... read more

He is just the best character. He has such a sad backstory, and he comes in nervous, not knowing his place in Sorcerer's Stone.
Then in Chamber of Secrets, he starts making some friends. In the third book, he becomes a little more comfortable. In the fourth book, he has the idea for gillyweed, which helps Harry a lot and allows him to save Fleur Delacour's sister.
In the fifth book, he joins the D.A., becomes smarter, and a lot more confident. He helps in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries.
In the sixth book, he becomes great friends with Harry and Ron and continues to grow smarter. In the last book, he recreates the D.A., stands up to the Carrows, and defeats Nagini.
After Hogwarts, he becomes an Auror and then the Herbology teacher. Neville is the best.

The Newcomers

?
Edgar Bones

Wow. This is the worst character. Surprised it's not Ummbridge. She's at 203
?
Delphini

So kind and nice, helping Amos and Scorpius and Albus, funny, beautiful, with an awesome name.

The Contenders

Lord Voldemort

Lord Voldemort is a fictional character and the primary antagonist in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter book series. He first appears in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, published in 1997. Born as Tom Marvolo Riddle, he becomes the dark wizard known as Voldemort and is characterized by his obsession... read more

A very interesting character. As Tom Riddle, he wasn't necessarily evil, but rather ambitious and devious enough to undergo a death-defying transformation. This transformation allowed his existing cruelty to manifest into an inhuman incarnation of evil. His discrimination against half-bloods is sophisticated, especially considering that he himself is half-blooded.
When choosing to kill either Harry or Neville, he chose the half-blooded Harry. A particularly fascinating part, in my opinion, was when Harry gave Voldemort the choice to become "a man" instead of remaining the shriveled baby at the platform of death. Go reread the very end of Deathly Hallows, especially Harry and Riddle's duel.
Ginny Weasley

Ginny Weasley is a central character in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. She is the youngest child and only daughter of the Weasley family. Initially introduced as a shy girl with a crush on Harry Potter, Ginny evolves into a strong, independent young woman.... read more

I love her. She is the bravest, prettiest and best character. From a young age she was bold and outspoken, and that only increased as she got older. You can see her progress and mature through the books. I'm glad Harry finally noticed her in Book 6. She always stood up for herself and others and didn't let anyone push her around. Her bravery is truly unmatched. She is also sassy and has a great sense of humor. Deserves to be in the top 10, at least!

Ginny Weasley is definitely the best character! People say that she was totally nonexistent in the first few books and then suddenly turned into a magnificent, beautiful diva in the fifth and sixth books. That's wrong. If you read closely, you could see Ginny's progression. Being possessed at the age of 11? Honestly, that's difficult. She slowly went from a shy, nervous girl to becoming more confident and strong. She turned into an awesome young woman.
I absolutely love Hermione. She's my second favorite. But I loved Ginny more for another reason: she was so easy to laugh with. I'm more like Hermione, honestly - a bossy schoolgirl - and I utterly adored Ginny's sense of humor and bravery. I think the order should be Hermione first because, even if she's my second favorite, more people love her. Then it should be Ginny, followed by Luna, who's my third favorite. Stop shunning Ginny and realize how AMAZING she is!
Rubeus Hagrid

Rubeus Hagrid is a fictional character in the Harry Potter book series written by J. K. Rowling. Hagrid is introduced in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as a half-giant and half-human who serves as the gamekeeper and Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He... read more

An underrated character who deserves more love. Yes, Hagrid isn't the deepest character, but he's such a sweetheart.
He's the one who brought Harry into the wizarding world, with a heart of gold, a love for all odd creatures, and a fierce protectiveness for those he cares about and respects. One of the most loyal characters, Hagrid will do anything for those he loves. His friendship with all three members of the trio is so pure. Not to mention, he had a pretty rough life.

As a character, Hagrid provides comic relief and an uplifting side to an otherwise dark story. The way Rowling embedded his character into the story is fantastic, as the narrative called for a simple character who was there for Harry from the beginning to the end. With his parents having been killed and Sirius imprisoned, Harry still needed a character he could rely on, even if he didn't realize it until he was 13 years old.
Dumbledore and McGonagall are both far too busy and in positions of direct superiority in the school to allow for this kind of relationship. And Snape, although he did care for Harry more than once, had too many childhood issues with Harry's parents to warrant a comparable relationship. So Hagrid fills this void by being a groundskeeper who is simple-minded enough to be on the main three characters' mindset level and still old enough to take care of them in times of need.
Draco Malfoy

Draco Lucius Malfoy is a character in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. He is a student in the same year as Harry Potter and belongs to Slytherin House. Draco comes from a wealthy pure-blood family and is often portrayed as Harry's rival throughout the series.

Okay, first of all, Draco is not a villain, despite all the haters out there who dismiss him as a stupid villain and bully. When Draco is supposed to kill Dumbledore, he stalls for time. He also lets slip in the book that he didn't want the other Death Eaters to come to Hogwarts. Sure, he's a bully sometimes, but that doesn't make him a bad person.
His bullying comes from his mom and dad, and his mom only wants the best for Draco. She only threatens Harry and Ron because they were kind of being jerks to Draco. So that's where the good in him comes from. He's not exactly a hero or a villain. He's just trying to survive. I really understand Draco's storyline. But if you ask me, Draco is anything but a villain.
Dobby

Dobby is a fictional house-elf from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. He first appears in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and becomes a recurring character throughout the series. Dobby is known for his loyalty to Harry Potter and ultimately sacrifices his life to save his friends.

Lots of people died for Harry, but Dobby has something special in him. Sure, only an elf could perform that kind of Apparition. Pitiful isn't the same as good, but surely we all pity the fact that Dobby gets death threats five times a day? Unlike Kreacher or Winky, who just sat there crying, Dobby defied his masters because they were cruel to him, which sets him apart. He seeks what an elf typically does not understand: revenge and justice.
Dobby defies Lucius, Narcissa, Bellatrix, and a few others, mostly his old masters, because he cares about elf rights and is angry about how they treated him. I like Hermione in this context, but back to Dobby. He's repaying Harry for freeing him by freeing Harry in return. Let's see, Severus Snape is on here too. Dobby was fair to those fair to him, sought revenge on those who were not, and was unafraid of death. Why aren't elves Sorted? He's a sure Gryffindor.
People say Snape had reasons for his actions, as did Neville because of the prophecy, and Harry because of James, but what about Hermione and Ron? Snape might have saved Harry, but things might have turned out differently if the prophecy had never been made. Dumbledore probably couldn't have come up with his brilliant, yet flawed, plan. So, who ranks above Dobby?
Lord Voldemort is above Dobby. Voldemort is a powerful wizard, but he relies on his wand. If Dobby had a wand, you couldn't underestimate him. Voldemort underestimates all elves. Kreacher's story is an example, as is Dobby's.
Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall is a fictional character in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. She is a professor of Transfiguration and the head of Gryffindor House at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Over the course of the series, she becomes deputy headmistress and eventually headmistress of the school... read more

She is such an amazing character! I love how she stands up to Umbridge. I also love the line, "Have a biscuit, Potter," when Harry gets sent to her office after he yells at Umbridge. Or even when she tells Harry (and indirectly Umbridge), "I will assist you to become an Auror if it is the last thing I do! If I have to coach you nightly, I will make sure you achieve the required results!"
She is a wonderful mentor to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, especially when Dumbledore wasn't there for them. Another passage I loved was, "I should have made my meaning plainer," said Professor McGonagall, turning at last to look Umbridge directly in the eyes. "He has achieved high marks in all Defense Against the Dark Arts tests set by a competent teacher."
Bellatrix Lestrange

Bellatrix Lestrange is a fictional character in the Harry Potter series. She is a psychotic Death Eater who escaped from Azkaban and is fiercely loyal to Lord Voldemort. She murdered Sirius Black and tortured Frank and Alice Longbottom into insanity.

Bella is awesome! I love her craziness and everything. She isn't all evil. She was made like that. The Black family is known for being interested in the Dark Arts and their obsession with keeping the line and the wizarding world pure. That's how Cygnus and Druella Black raised their daughters.
Yes, Andromeda was strong enough to leave all of this behind her and see how wrong it all was, but Bella just couldn't. They had already brainwashed her, and she wasn't strong enough to do anything about it. She was strong in another way, a powerful witch, but she couldn't see past the Black pureblood obsession like Sirius and Andromeda did. That's what made her who she was in the end.
But still, I love her. She amazes me. Her character really makes Bellatrix deserving of a spot in the top ten!
Molly Weasley

Harry. Sirius. Fred and George. Neville. Ginny. Hermione. These are all people whom I considered voting for first. But... Molly Weasley. Mrs. Weasley sent a boy she had met for half a minute a home-knitted sweater and fudge.
Mrs. Weasley decided to spend the money her husband won on a trip to see family. Mrs. Weasley accepted Harry into the house when he walked in with no warning whatsoever. And Mrs. Weasley duels and defeats the greatest Death Eater of all time.

She is not only the mother of all the Weasley children, but she also takes in Harry as one of her own in every sense. She is very likable, has a great sense of humor, and is a brilliant wizard, being the person to finally kill Bellatrix Lestrange. She definitely belongs in the top ten.
Fred Weasley

I will admit he is not my favorite. However, he does not deserve to be this low on the list! I am going to be honest here. I didn't cry when Dumbledore died, or when Moody died, or when Hedwig died (though I almost did).
I had never cried for any character death in any book, movie, or TV show. But then Fred died, and finally, I cried. It was only two tears, but that's more than any other character death. Fred was a hilarious and awesome character and didn't deserve to be this low down.

I was reading Deathly Hallows at school, and once I heard Percy say "No! Fred, no!" I knew it had happened. I sobbed uncontrollably at school, then went to the field to dig a grave for him. I couldn't believe this was happening. I couldn't even bear to think of George.
My stages of crying:
1. I just realized it and started softly crying.
2. I read on and started sobbing. My teacher asked me what was happening, and I blurted out, "NO, FRED DIED!" She read the page I was on and tried to calm me down.
3. Hysterics.
Nymphadora Tonks

Who says she can't get Horcruxes? The diary was already destroyed, as was the ring.
As for the locket, she could morph into Pius Thicknesse and force Umbridge to hand it over. For the diadem, she could pretend to be Severus Snape. As for the cup, she just needs to morph into Bellatrix.
She should just get it done. She died seeking revenge, and her power is love.
You might have noticed me voting for Minerva and Dobby.

She is by far my favorite, and I feel like she should have had more scenes in the movies and the books. Her personality is just amazing. She has flaws, of course, which is what I like about her.
Unlike Harry, who thinks he has to do everything, I love her punk style. However, her death is so tragic, especially since it was after she had Teddy Lupin.
Alastor Mad-Eye Moody

Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody is always a very cranky character. He is an extremely talented wizard, capable of performing non-verbal and wandless magic, as well as capturing dozens of dark wizards. Despite being cranky, Moody is a really bold Auror and is known as the most famous Auror of his time.
Also, his extra "Magical Eye" makes him even more interesting. He can look through stuff and see all around without turning his head. Overall, I really like this character. His "crankiness," his magical abilities, his record of dark wizard captures, and also his extra eye make him one of my favorite characters in the Harry Potter franchise.
Hedwig

I still stand by my opinion that she did not need to die. I get that it was to mark the end of Harry's childhood, killing the very first companion he ever had, the pet that marked his debut to the magic world. But I mean, if you're going to do this, don't make her so lovable!

Hedwig died to protect Harry! She's cute, amazing, smart, faithful, loyal, reliable, fantastic, and awesome. Any other good attribute you can think of!
Fabulous. Marvelous. Anything! She's the best!

I didn't know Hedwig died because I hadn't finished the series. But my friend decided to say out of nowhere, "RIP Hedwig." This is an amazing character.
Horace Slughorn

He was so sweet, and I wish he was in more of the movies. It made me feel so bad for him when he quit his job because of Tom Riddle.

He should be higher. Definitely in the morally gray area.
James Potter

He was a bullying toerag as a child, to quote Lily, but he was also an extremely loyal and loving friend to those he cared about, and would do just about anything for his loved ones. Most importantly, while he was an arrogant jerk sometimes as a child, he grew up. He grew up and became a man worthy of love and a fantastic role model. I am sure he was a marvellous father while still alive.
James had a lot of flaws, and as a young man, he really needed to be taken down a peg and stop bullying people, but even while horrible to some, he was still a wonderful friend. Like I said, he matured and became someone Lily could be proud of and love. The fact that Lily married him is all the evidence we need that he was a good man, and we've got more than that, even. So yes, James had a lot of flaws, but by the end of his life, his good nature and redeeming qualities more than made up for them.
Arthur Weasley

How come he is so low on this list? He helped take care of Harry when his aunt and uncle would not. Arthur Weasley survived three bites from a giant snake. He should be top ten.