Which characters are dynamic?

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 141830

> > Nora:
> > I'd say potentially complex, because as I've harped on before, 
> > Snape's complexity--being based on withholds--is the kind that
> > can be collapsed with a few revelations.  For instance, say that
> > he *is* ESE: he's not nearly as complex then, is he, because
> > his 'conversion' was not sincere.
 
> Betsy Hp:
> And as I've harped many times before, it's *not* all based on 
> withholds. <g>  <snipped examples> Snape would be the best
> children's book villain ever {if ESE}.

> > Nora:
> > Or say that we find out he's had one major motivating reason for
> > everything he's done.  Less complex, in an instant...like how a
> > fraction reduces down.

Jen: I'm getting confused here and wanted to sort something out, 
something bothering me as we near the end. I get Nora's point that 
Snape may seem more complex than he is because of what JKR witholds, 
and also Betsy's point, that Snape will still be considered a 
complex character once any outstanding mysteries are resolved. 

I've just started to wonder if those of us who have read the series 
from the beginning and traced our clues, and speculated our theories 
will actually be the best judge once everything is said and done? I 
like reading the series this way obviously, but am also a bit 
bothered that I'll never be able to read all the books in succesion 
and really *hear* the story JKR said she felt compelled to write. 
Instead I'll hear the voices of all of us and our theories 
intermixed with JKR's intentions, little voices in my head reminding 
me I'm too biased or too emotionally attached or too whatever my 
weakness is!

My point is not to stop this debate at all, just very curious how a 
person born now will see these characters, how the literary world 
will view JKR's work when we finally reach the other side.

As for Snape, somehow I suspect he'll end up a little less complex 
when the cards are on the table, but only because the mystery is 
solved. Not because JKR wasn't attempting to form a complex 
character. If asked, I seriously doubt she would say Snape was 
intended to be flat or one-note or whatever, he is one of her main 
characters after all and as she said in that TLC/MN 
interview, "Well, okay, I'm obviously – Harry-Snape is now as 
personal, if not more so, than Harry-Voldemort." Here's the point 
where I'll be told the author's intention counts for nothing <g>, 
but so far I've been able to square my view of Potterverse with what 
JKR feeds me, and expect to do that after Book 7 as well. 
Er....well, ESE!Lupin aside.

Optimistic!Jen