Character Strengths and Differences/Importance to the Story Line

[Linda]

No: HPFGUIDX 56108

 
  I was reading the discussions about the level of magical talent 
possessed by each of our three heroes. I don't think that how much 
magical talent they have is the point at all. I do agree that Harry 
seems to have the most innate talent in that respect and that helps 
define his character. I wouldn't necessarily catergorize Hermione as 
the smart one however. Instead I think of her more as driven to 
excell. I don't see that so much as a lack of confidence ( as 
somebody mentioned, I don't recall who) but more as an unwillingness 
to admit that anything is beyond her grasp if she tries hard enough 
to achieve it. At some point I think that this could shake her 
confidence ( the boggart and Patronus in POA not withstanding), but 
it will by no means will it shatter her and she will turn it into a 
learning experiance-just like she does every other obstacle she 
encounters.

    But I'm getting off my own subject a bit.

    Ron, in particular, facinates me as a character. The fact that 
he does "not" seem (at least up to this point in cannon) to have any 
extraordinary talents compared to the overacheivers that are his 
best friends is endearing to me. However, without Ron the story 
would have been stopped in its tracks in SS/PS. They couldn't have 
gotten by the chess set without him. Hold on, i'm working this out 
as I type.
 
       OK. That is Ron's talent! Neither Hermione nor Harry possess 
the analytical skills to reason through things like Ron can. 
Hermione works on strictly facts (her own version of cannon? lol). 
>>"Mandrake, or Mandrgora, is a powerful restorative," said 
Hermione, sounding as usual as though she had swallowed the 
textbook.<< (COS pg 92USpb) With all deferance to Harry's innate 
magical talent as mentioned above( >> For a thirteen-year-old 
wizard, even an indistinct Patronus is a huge achievement.<< POA pg 
246USpb), I am more impressed with his loyalty and courage of 
conviction. He is the driving force, teaching the others to, as 
Dumbledore said in GOF, >>choose what is right<<(paraphrase).
       
       All that said, in the classic literary sense, each of the 
three main charcters plays an important part in moving the story 
forward. Hermione supplies the logic on which they base their 
decisions. Ron provides the analysis of those fact and reasons 
through how they might accomplish whatever task must be done(either 
subtly or proactively). Harry is the focal point for the group, 
giving all three the will and the courage to do what must be done.

       Ingenious interweaving of the characters by JKR. Don't you 
think? Thoughts anyone?
        
       (Whoo! Sorry for the length, I just got off on tangent.)

        Linda