Character summary: Ludovic Bagman

[Jen Piersol]

No: HPFGUIDX 430

When we first meet Bagman, the first thing we're meant to notice is 
the difference between him and Percy's boss, Mr. Crouch.  Bagman is 
loads more fun, he doesn't take himself (or rules) that seriously,
and it's very clear which one Ron and Harry identify with more.  
However, through the course of the book, we learn some disturbing 
things about Ludo Bagman.

For one thing, there's the pesky problem of Bertha Jorkins and her 
mysterious disappearance.  Though she's a member of his department,
he doesn't feel it's necessary to spend the time or the manpower to
go look for her until the Ministry is made to look completely foolish 
by Rita Skeeter, and then it's with great reluctance.  Then, 
throughout the Triwizard Tournament, he's overly willing to help
Harry complete his tasks - but doesn't seem to think it's necessary
to help the other champions.  He's seen with goblins at the Three
Broomsticks, which is also where Rita Skeeter mentions that she knows 
things about him that would make Hermione's hair curl (not that she 
needs it).  Winky down in the kitchens mentions that her master says 
he's a "bad man". Then, Harry discovers through Dumbledore's penseive 
that Bagman was accused of being a spy and a Death Eater - but was 
acquitted, essentially because he was a famous quidditch player.

When we finish the book, we discover that Bagman doesn't have a knut 
to his name, and he's basically on the run from everyone who he owes 
money to, including Fred and George, whose bet he paid in Leprachaun 
gold at the end of the World Cup.  We also find out that he bet on 
Harry to win the Tournament (hence the willingness to help him with 
his tasks), but since Harry "tied" with Cedric according to the 
goblins, he lost *that* bet, too.


More discussion topics:

What about Ludo's name?  We've discussed many things - from Ludo 
meaning "play" in Latin to Bagman being a term for someone who is
left holding the bag..... or for someone whose job is to hold the 
money bag in a robbery.  Any other suggestions?  We know Rowling's 
propensity for "nominative determinism" - what's in store for Ludo 
Bagman?

Another thing.  Is Ludo Bagman just stupid?  Did he REALLY not know 
his uncle was a Death Eater and a spy?  Or is he really one of the 
most intelligent people we've come in contact with yet?  Is his 
"stupid" mask an ingenious cover for his dark associations?  Does he 
have the best disguise of all of them?


Have fun!