How important is Hagrid?

[jkoney65]

No: HPFGUIDX 186707

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "hagrid_hut" <hagrid_hut at ...> wrote:
>
> Hagrid81 (http://teawithhagrid.blogspot.com):
> 
> Hello everyone!  I've been reading on and off for a few weeks now and thought it be best to just start a new post rather than risk redundancy in another.
> 
> First let me tell you all that I am obsessed with the character Hagrid--not just because he's so loveable, but also because I find that he plays so many different roles in the series: protector, comic relief, tongue-slipper, etc.  He's a hard character to place because he serves so many functions in the story, but none to a degree that it makes the reader feel as if the story couldn't go on without him (like a Dumbledore does).
> 
> So my question is: Where would you all rank Hagrid in order of importance?
> 
> I hope this is not redundant either.

jkoney:
Hagrid is one of my favorite characters in the book. His innocence and gentleness could have been turned into an over the top stereotypical character. 

I have him as an important secondary character. He is Harry's first friend in the wizarding world and most importantly he is the first person that Harry sees stand up for him. He gives Harry his own birthday cake and buys him his first real present that he can remember. He is almost like a big brother.

He is also the one who carries him out of the house at Godrics hollow and also carries him out of the forest at the end of DH.