Character construction

[CariadMel at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 174811

lizzyben writes:
> As we now know, the ending was always supposed to involve  Harry
> beating Voldemort while the world cheers, so Snape's  prominence
> became a definite problem. This nasty unlikeable man has more  fans
> than her heros! What's wrong with people? Right, Snape is  staying
> off-page in DH.

now Nora:
I somehow doubt that Rowling  was thinking so specifically about
annoying fandom here, although it's clear  that she pays some attention
to what people think.
 
cariad now:...
 
I think lizzyben has hit a nail on the head with this one. I have not been  
an avid HP follower until the last two years. I read the first 2 books and  
felt SS was portrayed as a really *bad* guy; almost comic book villain. He  
terrorised Neville, worse than Harry I felt, he seemed positively  loathsome...yet, 
there was always the undercurrent of a man in torment.
Mature minds work like that and as "grown-ups" we see beyond the narrative  
to the nuances. Trouble is for JKR, her readership matured too and began their  
own character analyses, SS became the most complex, interesting man in the  
books (IMHO).
It's fun to love the bad guy, even more so when *big hints*are dropped that  
he isn't so evil after all. I have wanted SS to be revealed since POA as 
Harry's  secret protector, so I read the canon with those attitudes in mind.
I agree with Nora, JKR didn't like it when SS became bigger than Harry in  
fandom ( oh yes he did!) in many interviews she was repulsed by the idea that he 
 was loved by many and we were asking for his redemption.
Although she wasn't influenced by our opinions and the story was already  set 
in her head, it must have shook her to realise that many fans had guessed  
the nature of the Secret Snape story.
 
just my 2 knuts ;)
 
cariad




   


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