Not liking Harry's character (was Parenting Harry )

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 120214


> Sigune delurks: 
I can't explain why, but more often than not when I read books 
(not just HP) I find that I am more fascinated by secondary 
characters. Most of the time they die halfway through the novel and 
leave me  rather sad and looking out for a new favourite.

Potioncat:
JKR has spoiled us too.  I was reading "Mansfield Park" and was 
taken by one of the secondary characters and was sad that I would 
never know his back story. Certainly, Jane Austin wasn't doing 
interviews or web pages. But with HP, we have a chance at learning a 
bit more.

>Sigune:
I think part of the magic of secondary characters - and Snape is a 
wonderful example - is that we simply do not know as much about 
them  as we know about the main characters, but just enough to set 
us  speculating. A lot is left to the reader's imagination, and you 
can  fill in the gaps for yourself. That is how I (I can't speak for 
other people) get drawn into a narrative.

Potioncat:
For me, it was learning mid-way into SS/PS that Snape wasn't the bad 
guy.  "What makes Snape tick?" became a big question as I read the 
books. And whether or not there is method to his madness, there is 
something more than we see.

>Sigune:
 As for Snape, I personally hope JKR is never going to reveal his 
entire story (actually I think he's just not important enough for 
her to do so), so that the merry speculation can continue into 
infinity.

Potioncat:
No, he isn't important enough.  And it says something about JKR that 
she's made so many of the secondary characters so rich.

>Sigune:
 Make no mistake, I *like* reading about Harry, Ron and Hermione, 
and  I want to know how their story goes; but as far as 
*fascination*  goes, that lies with people like Snape and Dumbledore.
 
Potioncat:
Me too.


> Sigune:
 By the way: my fascination for Snape only really started when I 
read  the 'Worst Memory' chapter. I became a Snape fan because I 
*have  been* bullied, not because I ever bullied anyone. Snape is 
 interesting because of his inability to deal with his issues, and 
his  character addresses matters that people who have been through 
similar  experiences have to deal with - though hopefully in a 
better, more  mature way than what he makes of it.
 Sorry. Just had to say my bit on that topic - as mcmaxslb would 
 say, 'it touched a nerve'.

Potioncat:
I'll join in on this comment to mcmaxslb's belief that we Snape 
supporters were/are bullies.  I fit in with Sigune's description 
above.  On the other hand, I react to James (at 15) much like 
mcmaxslb does to Snape.  And to be honest, I'm not sure what the 
difference is.

Potioncat (glad that Severely Sigune delurked.)