Filch: A Character Study

[heidi]

No: HPFGUIDX 1044

Argus Filch:
We are introduced to Filch in Book 1; he is in charge of the inside of the
castle, in a similar manner to how Hagrid is in charge of the outside, but with
very different results.
He is a squib - a person born to a magical family who has no wizarding powers,
although he seems to be able to use certain magical things and devices to
accomplish certain tasks (probably in the same way that Muggles like Hermione's
parents can enjoy tooth flossing stringmints).
He bullies the students (in Book IV, reduces some first year girls to tears when
they mess up one of the floors), would love to return to the days when
misbehaving students are hung from their wrists, and has files on the
troublemakers, with special attention paid at present to the Weasley Twins, and
in the past to Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs.
He knows all but 3 of the secret passages out of Hogwarts, into Hogsmeade.
And he has a cat named Mrs Norris (see my next post)


Topics for Discussion
1. I don't have the first 3 books by my side now - does Filch attend any of the
Christmas dinners in those books? I don't remember seeing him there; where would
he go, otherwise?
2. What, exactly, is his relationship with Mrs Norris
3. Who would he go after first if he was allowed to re-introduce chaining
troublemakers from the ceiling?
4. Is there any chance that he could be corrupted by the Death Eaters, or is the
fact that he's a Squib enough of a reason for them to avoid using him, and his
access to the castle's secrets, either with his complicity or against his will?