How has HBP effected your favorite characters?

[Adam C. Pozek]

No: HPFGUIDX 134597

Great synopsis of the characters, Tammy.

 

It wasn't until OotP that a clear front-runner for my favorite character
emerged, and it is none other than Ginny Weasley.  While I have always been
a sucker for red-heads, there are so many aspects that make her such a
completely cool character.  First, she is a Weasley, and that whole family
(except Percy) seem like they would be great to know.  Second, she is one of
the few characters who (apart from the very beginning of her crush on Harry)
is completely themselves and is pretty much unconcerned what others think of
her.  I find that type of confidence to be extremely attractive in a person.
She is serious enough to be a talented witch and "street smart" enough to be
a strong ally in the battle against LV.  I also like the fact that (and she
reminds us of it) that she has learned a great deal from Fred and George.

 

I found the Slytherin's discussion of her good looks on the train to be
interesting.  Ginny is clearly not shy about liking boys, but she is not a
slut about it.  She has only had 2 boyfriends (IIRC) and has not run-around
on them.  It has not been until she has broken up with one before she takes
up with another.  That to me shows character and honor.  Given her good
looks (of which the Slytherin's obviously took note), it sounds like she
could have just about any of the guys she wants, but she avoids going after
the bad boys.

 

She is also not shy about putting people in their place when they need it,
but is also quick to comfort those in need.  She is one of the few who can
put Hermione in her place and get away with it.  Yet, despite her attraction
to Harry, she also calls him to the carpet when he needs it.

 

HBP has done nothing but cement Ginny as my pick for favorite character.  In
a previous post, I seem to recall someone being critical of JKR for not
portraying strong female characters, but I think Ginny clearly rebuts that
assertion.  She is a strong, talented, confident and attractive female.  Of
all these characteristics, her good looks are the last of these
characteristics to be overtly discussed in the books.  She is established a
strong female character well before her looks ever come into play.

 

As I type this message, I am struck at how my mind has been considering
Ginny as if she were a real person.  I find it truly amazing that JKY has
been able to develop such a wide range of characters so well that the reader
can begin to relate to them personally.  Despite any criticism that anyone
may have on plot turns and minor continuity errors, the ability to create
such true-to-life characters is (in my mind) the mark of a truly gifted
writer.

 

--Adam

 

Adam C. Pozek

Alpharetta, GA, USA

adam at adampozek.com

www.adampozek.com

 



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