Can Character Change: A Separate Post

[heiditandy]

No: HPFGUIDX 38831

I'm posing this separate from my Draco-focused response because I 
don't want it to get lost - I know some of you :) are likely not 
interested in debating Draco's redeemability or lack thereof.

Pen wrote:
> I don't so
> far see any evidence
> that underneath it all Malfoy has a basically
> worthwhile character.


IMHO, I think this goes to a fundemantal question of the books:

Can character change?

Well. 

We've heard that Snape went from being a Death Eater to being a spy.

Some argue that Sirius has gone from being a prankster and 
possibly somewhat unconcerned with the lives and mental health of 
those around him, to being very concerned with his Godson's well 
being.

Various listies want Neville to become more outspokenly brave and 
magical, once he gets rid of that pesky memory charm.

And of course there's Peter, who once had good friends and was thought 
to be weak and untalented - he killed over a dozen muggles with one 
curse and had the chutzpah to cut off his own hand. Sea change, 
anyone?

But the likelihood of Lucius Malfoy being anything but, varyingly, 
abusive, somewhat homicidal and inconsiderate to house elves and other 
living things is quite farfetched, as is the notion that Dumbledore is 
Ever So Evil. 

Or Voldemort renouncing immortality-seeking in favor of planting 
daisies.

Isn't it?

Or is it?

So... have at it! Can character change? And if so, what seeds have to 
have been sown by now to "allow" it?

Heidi 
www.fictionalley.org