The Boy Who Lived, destined to defeat Voldemort, Harry’s journey is marked by friendship, sacrifice, and self-discovery.

Surprising Fact: He loses the ability to speak Parseltongue after Voldemort’s death.

The brightest witch of her age, Hermione is fiercely intelligent, resourceful, and the trio’s problem-solver. She is a Muggle-born who proves that blood status has no bearing on magical talent.

Surprising Fact: Hermione’s original last name was Puckle, but J.K. Rowling changed it to Granger because she felt "Puckle" didn’t fit Hermione’s serious and intelligent personality.

The eccentric yet wise Ravenclaw who believes in magical creatures and sees the world differently.

Surprising Fact: Evanna Lynch, who played Luna, was a huge fan before being cast.

The strict yet fair Transfiguration professor and head of Gryffindor House, McGonagall is a brilliant witch with a deep sense of justice and loyalty to Hogwarts.

Surprising Fact: McGonagall was once in love with a Muggle. Before becoming a teacher, she fell in love with a Muggle named Dougal McGregor but chose to leave him because she couldn't bear to live a life hiding her magic. This heartbreak shaped her lifelong dedication to Hogwarts.

Harry’s fiercely loyal godfather and the last surviving heir of the Black family, Sirius was wrongly imprisoned in Azkaban for 12 years. He escapes to protect Harry and becomes a father figure to him before his tragic death.

Surprising Fact: Sirius was the first known person to successfully escape from Azkaban without any outside help. 

The mischievous twin brothers known for their pranks, humor, and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes shop.

Surprising Fact: Rowling nearly killed both twins but decided to spare George.

A kind and intelligent werewolf, Lupin was one of the Marauders and a beloved Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Despite his struggles with lycanthropy, he remained fiercely loyal to his friends and later fought in the Battle of Hogwarts.

Surprising Fact: Lupin’s condition was a metaphor for illnesses that carry social stigma. 

Harry’s loyal best friend, Ron is brave, funny, and deeply devoted to his family and friends. Though he struggles with self-doubt, he proves himself as a true Gryffindor time and time again.

Surprising Fact: Ron was almost killed off midway through the series. J.K. Rowling once considered having him die in Order of the Phoenix due to a personal rough patch in her life, but she ultimately decided against it because she wanted all three main characters to survive.

Originally shy and clumsy, Neville grows into a courageous leader, proving his worth by destroying the final Horcrux and standing up to Voldemort.

Surprising Fact: Neville could have been the Chosen One instead of Harry, as he was also born at the end of July and fit the prophecy. However, Voldemort chose to target Harry, inadvertently sealing Harry’s fate as his equal.

Harry’s loyal snowy owl, who serves as his messenger and companion.

Surprising Fact: Several different owls played Hedwig throughout the films.

A quirky, shape-shifting Auror who marries Lupin and dies in the Battle of Hogwarts.

Surprising Fact: She hated her first name and preferred being called "Tonks."

The gentle half-giant and Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, Hagrid has a deep love for magical creatures, even the most dangerous ones. He is fiercely loyal to Dumbledore and a father figure to Harry.

Surprising Fact: Hagrid was one of the only characters who never cast a spell in the entire film series. Despite having a pink umbrella that secretly contained the remains of his broken wand, he is never shown actually using magic on screen.

The kind-hearted and curious father of the Weasley clan, Arthur is obsessed with Muggle inventions and works at the Ministry of Magic in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office.

Surprising Fact: He was originally supposed to die in Order of the Phoenix, but Rowling changed her mind, letting Sirius take his place.

Harry’s longtime rival, Draco struggles with his family’s expectations and ultimately fails to fully embrace Voldemort’s ideals.

Surprising Fact: Tom Felton originally auditioned for Harry and Ron before being cast as Draco.

A fierce and talented witch, Ginny overcomes her early infatuation with Harry to become a strong, independent partner.

Surprising Fact: She becomes a professional Quidditch player after Hogwarts.

A complex and enigmatic figure, Snape is Hogwarts’ Potions Master and a double agent working for both Dumbledore and Voldemort. Though outwardly cruel, his love for Lily Potter defines his actions and ultimate sacrifice.

Surprising Fact: Snape was the only Death Eater capable of producing a Patronus (a doe), which symbolized his everlasting love for Lily Potter. 

The wise and enigmatic headmaster of Hogwarts, Dumbledore is a mentor to Harry and the mastermind behind Voldemort’s ultimate downfall. He harbors deep regrets over his past, particularly regarding his sister, Ariana.

Surprising Fact: His full name—Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore—is one of the longest in the series, reflecting his complex history. 

The Weasley matriarch, Molly is fiercely protective of her family and ultimately kills Bellatrix.

Surprising Fact: She was inspired by Rowling’s own mother.

A legendary Auror known for his paranoia, magical eye, and gruff demeanor, Moody is a fierce fighter against the Dark Arts. Though he appears in Goblet of Fire, he is actually impersonated by Barty Crouch Jr. for most of the book.

Surprising Fact: In the books, Moody’s magical eye is later found nailed to Umbridge’s door at the Ministry of Magic after his death—one of the darkest moments in the series.

A talented, fair-minded Hufflepuff, Cedric is Hogwarts’ other Triwizard Champion and is tragically killed by Peter Pettigrew on Voldemort’s orders.

Surprising Fact: Robert Pattinson, who played Cedric, considered Harry Potter his "big break" but later admitted he never read the books.

A devoted house-elf who is freed from servitude to the Malfoys, Dobby later sacrifices himself to save Harry and his friends.

Surprising Fact: J.K. Rowling originally planned to introduce Dobby earlier, but he first appears in Chamber of Secrets.

Voldemort’s most fanatical follower, Bellatrix is a sadistic Death Eater who takes pleasure in torture, particularly against the Longbottoms and Sirius Black.

Surprising Fact: She was originally married to Rodolphus Lestrange, but her true devotion was always to Voldemort, not her husband.

Draco’s father, a wealthy Death Eater who loses his status after failing Voldemort.

Surprising Fact: He originally pressured Draco to attend Durmstrang instead of Hogwarts.

The world’s best wandmaker, known for his deep knowledge of wandlore.

Surprising Fact: His first name is Garrick.

A former Potions professor, Slughorn is a collector of talented students and the key to Voldemort’s Horcrux secret.

Surprising Fact: He was the only teacher who ever favored Harry over Ron.