Build-An-Author a new canon game

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 178602



> Potioncat (before):
> > I suggest a new game!
> > 
> > Which character sometimes reminds you of JKR? Or, Does JKR ever 
> display 
> > traits of one of her characters? Cite canon or at least refer to 
it. 
> No 
> > characters off limits this round.
> 
> Ceridwen:


> 
> Dumbledore.  He was a twinkly-eyed mentor, but he had his dark 
side.  
> What author doesn't manipulate the actions of their characters to 
some 
> extent or another?  Characters take on their own lives, and it's up 
to 
> an author to shepherd them back into the plot.  As author, Rowling 
is 
> the Creatrix of the WW and the Supreme Mover of the plot.  She is 
„« Dumbledore's Dumbledore, and maybe the irony struck her.

Potioncat:
Creatrix¡KBellatrix,  That makes a nice word-play. Actually, I think 
she might enjoy torturing her fans¡Kjust a little.

Dumbledore is a good catch.  As an author she's both Dumbledore and 
the Dark Lord. Just as LV killed Charity in front of his DEs, JKR 
killed Snape in front of her readers. I hope she doesn't have two 
many--or better, none or--LV traits in real life. But I wonder how 
Dumbledore-like she might be with studio executives and actors?

Of course, she sowed discord and mistrust with one little comment 
about a certain wizard. 

> Ceridwen:
> I suppose Hermione, Rowling's stated self-insert, should be 
mentioned.  
> Since I didn't see Rowling as a child, though, I'll have to take 
her 
„« word on that.

Potioncat:
She's also talked about skipping classes. Not exactly like Hermione. 
While she seems to disdain ambition and cunning as virtues, she must 
possess both herself. So I nominate Fred and George. So that would 
make her a know-it-all jokester?


„« Carol responds:
„« 
And it just occurred to
> me, as an older sister myself: JKR has a younger sister. Might some
> part of the Lily/Petunia relationship (the early protectiveness or 
the
„« later jealousy) be based on that real-life relationship?

Potioncat:
Hmm--that could well be! 
And although I snipped your Lupin comments, I think those are good 
points. 


lizzyben:
> 
> - Snape - Vindictive & petty, unable to get over past grudges,
> oversensitive to perceived slights & injuries - leading to elaborate
> plans for revenge. Snape's also the representation of grief, and of
„« endless, hidden, mourning for a lost loved one. JKR's shadow side.

Potioncat:
I was watching an early interview a long time ago and noticed how JKR 
sometimes hid behind her hair. Suddenly I "got" the curtains of hair 
she describes with Snape. So, while her hair isn't black and greasy 
(wonder if it was as a teen? greasy, not black), I think she gave 
Snape her hair. And of course, she put the words in his mouth.

>  lizzyben:
> - Umbridge - Yep, sorry. Umbridge feels justified in inflicting
> painful punishments because she feels the student deserved it for 
not
> supporting the Ministry. JKR feels justified in inflicting painful
> punishments on Marietta & Zacharias, because she feels the 
characters
„« deserve it for not supporting Harry.

Potioncat:
Ouch! Good point. I can see both LV and Umbridge in this light. I 
wonder if she harbors any of this in real life?
> 

 
>Lizzyben 
> I think almost every character is some aspect of the author herself.
> This is arguably true of all literature, but "Harry Potter" more 
than
> most. The series is ultimately very dream-like, like we're wandering
> through JKR's psyche. IMO, that's what gives the narrative so much
> power & resonance, and that's also what makes it feel so dangerous 
in
> some ways. IMO, HP could be seen as a Gothic novel. Typically the
> Gothic novel will feature some huge rambling mansion that is a 
symbol
> of the owner's own mind. I think Hogwarts castle is a representation
> of JKR's own mind, and all the people, places, fears & hopes she 
finds
> there. (Disclaimer: All of the above is just IMO!)


Potioncat:
Hogwarts as JKR's mind! The castle is a place that constantly 
changes, and is full of secrets. Hmmmm.


Very good points! Anyone else want to play?