A character that has an
exhibited a transformation, from the view of the audience in particular, is
Sirius Black. He makes his first appearance in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner
of Azkaban” and Harry has a relationship with his godfather for two years before
his death in the Ministry of Magic in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.”
During this short period of time however, Sirius’s relationship has a huge
impact on Harry, which ultimately contributes to the overall theme of the
importance of love in the Harry Potter series.
In his first appearance in the series, Sirius
is known for being a crazed mass murderer of both wizards and muggles. He is
associated with only hate and malice. This opinion of him only intensifies when
the reader (and Harry) discovers that Sirius supposedly betrayed his parents to
Lord Voldemort, and ultimately is the reason for their murder. The character’s
growth comes in the climax of that very same novel. We discover Sirius’s innocence,
and he reveals his bravery when condemning the guilty man, Peter Pettigrew.
Black is quoted as saying, “"You should have
died! Died rather than betray your friends, as we would have done for
you!" (Prisoner of Azkaban)
In the following books,
Black becomes a safe haven for Harry, and takes over the parental role that
Harry has been lacking. Although he isn’t always the most responsible, Sirius
and Harry’s relationship is what helps Harry through some pretty dark times,
including the Triwizard Tournament and Umbridge’s reign over Hogwarts. He also
represents the most prominent connection for Harry to his parents. Since Black
was James’s best friend, and was named Harry’s godfather, he has an important
role in Harry’s life as a replacement for the parent’s that he has never known.
Lastly, although Black is
not always the most rational thinker, he still is a source of wisdom and advice
for Harry. An example of this is when Harry and Sirius are discussing Professor
Umbridge, and how Harry’s scar hurts when he’s near her. Sirius replies, "Yes,
but the world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters," said Sirius with a wry smile.”
(Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix). He becomes a confidant for Harry
up until his death later on in the novel, which causes him to become a figure
of inspiration throughout the continuation of the series.
When thinking of character development, I instantly thought of Harry, Ron or Hermione. But I really enjoyed your insight on Sirius who seems like an obvious choice after thinking about it. Although he isn't a "main" character, his role is very important, especially in Harry's life, and I agree that his transformation has been one of the most dramatic. It is amazing to see him go from a crazed prisoner that Harry and everyone else feared, probably second to Voldemort, to as you said a "safe haven for Harry". I won't lie, I cry when he dies :/ It is also interesting that you point out that Sirius becomes a figure of inspiration after he dies. I agree with you that Sirius becomes another "thing worth fighting for" and like to see him as up there with James and Lily, looking over Harry throughout the rest of the series.
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