JKR's description of Snape

[Cindy]

No: HPFGUIDX 70343

Kat/rxk wrote:
> Snape may be unpleasnat in the extreme, but that's a long way from
being "evil". I think one of the lessons JKR is trying to get across
is that the way people are treated goes a long way into making them
the people they become, and that someone may have issues you are
completely unaware of. It goes right along with the them of not being
prejudiced, and of encouraging understanding and unity. Right now,
though, Harry is projecting (still!) his own anger onto the Professor,
and since he book is told completely from Harry's POV, I predict this
will only continue.
> 
> KAT/rxk

now me(Cindy):
Finally! You are spot on about the book being from Harry's
point-of-view and JKR has reinforced this fact in many interviews.
Now, if Harry hates  Snape as much as we know he does, then *of
course* all we're going to read about him is nasty things, because
that's all that Harry sees! What we have to is concentrate more on how
other characters treat Snape. Dumbledore comes to mind, so does
Hermione. So does Draco, in fact, as he shows a lot of respect for
Snape in book 5. The difference between Draco and Harry is that Draco
addresses Snape with *respect*, as he should, considering Snape is his
Professor and Head of House, but Harry can never address him as 'sir'
or 'professor' without making it sound pathetic. Draco even apologises
for bursting into Snape's office, and then quickly explains why. Harry
has never apologised to Snape for anything. When Harry grows up and
begins treating Snape with the respect that an older person and
professor deserves, I think that Snape will start treating Harry more
maturely. I think he really treats people the way that they  treat
him, whether it is childish or not.
Forever Snape!
-Cindy