Stagnant Characters (WAS Fudge is Way Evil and I have )

[marinafrants]

No: HPFGUIDX 35897

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "cindysphynx" <cindysphynx at h...> wrote:

> But then again, I have to wonder how much change we can really 
> expect here.  The books take place over four consecutive years.  I'd 
> guess that for many of us, our "basic qualities" haven't changed 
> dramatically over the last four years.  In my case, I'd have to 
> admit that my "basic qualities" may not have changed in decades. 
> :-)  Is it realistic to expect HP characters to change dramatically 
> in just four years, particularly when we are limited to the filter 
> of Harry's POV?  

It depends on the age of the characters, I think.  I admit I haven't
changed much between the ages of 30 and 34, but I sure changed a hell
of a lot between 11 and 15, and still more between 15 and 19.  So
while I'd consider it out of character if Snape suddenly went all warm
and fuzzy or Remus Lupin started going around being mean to kittens
and little old ladies, I would also consider it perfectly reasonable
if, say, Neville Longbottom developed self-confidence after beating
Hermione on the Herbology OWLs, or the twins became more serious and
responsible as they worked to get their business off the ground.

However, a lot of things that have been called "changes" in the course
of this discussion really aren't changes at all; they're revelations
of new facts about the characters.  Bagman and Crouch didn't really
change as people during GoF -- we merely found out more and more about
them, allowing us to see a more complete picture of what they're
like.  If Fudge was revealed as a DE, it wouldn't be a change in his
character, but a revelation of something that's been true about him
for a long time.

Marina (who leans toward the "willfully blind politician" theory
herself)
rusalka at ix.netcom.com