Character Development

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 179176

Prep0strus:
> I think, in general, I'm on the side of wishing I had seen more of
> every minor character - and because of that, I'm less of a fan of
> every more major character that simply showed up later in the
> series.  Sure, a new professor shows up every book, so I get that
> and can't fault JKR for it.  Still, I'd rather spend some time with
> McGonnegal or Flitwick than Slughorn who couldn't be bothered to
> show his face until book 6.

Jen: I thought after GOF that all the major characters were 
introduced except for DADA teachers, and JKR would spend the rest of 
her time developing them. LOL, uh, no.  She was introducing, or at 
least developing new ones, right up until the final bell.  

OOTP was particularly disappointing for that reason, with new 
characters like Luna and Umbridge receiving so much page time while 
characters who'd come alive for me earlier languished in the 
background or appeared in a few pivotal moments.  I felt a grudge for 
Luna in particular, so important as to get a whole chapter named 
after her!  Meanwhile most of the Marauders & Lily had a couple of 
mentions. *grumble, grumble*  Even by the end of the series I still 
can't say that James and Lily ever felt like more than characters 
necessary for the plot.  I expected in DH that Harry would come to 
know his parents in a very intimate way, and instead he got to know 
Dumbledore really well. ;)  I know that scenes like Harry reading 
Lily's letter or visiting Godric's Hollow were meant to provide some 
of that connection, but maybe it was too little to late for me by 
that point?  

I agree that new characters mentioned after GOF were not ones I felt 
particularly attached to or interested in knowing more about.  Luna & 
Aberforth were perhaps the only ones who piqued my interest and 
emotional investment (yes, got over the Luna grudge).  

In retrospect I think I placed too much importance on the past - 
Godric's Hollow & the first war - while JKR was placing her 
importance on the kids coming to know each other and working 
together.  All arcs leading to the final battle and defeat of 
Voldemort in this generation, not exploring Harry's past beyond what 
was necessary to get Harry where he needed to be.  One day a few 
years from now, with all my expectations adjusted and emotional 
investment in the outcome long since forgotten, I hope to read the 
series again and enjoy the story for what it is instead of noticing 
all that I thought would happen and didn't.  Or I might end up 
thinking it wasn't that great after all, who knows?!?  But I'd like 
to read it again without theories, speculation and my own hopes 
ringing in my ears.

Jen, wondering if such a reading is possible after years of 
discussing HP.