There are substantial differences between theHarry Potterbooks and movies when it comes to certain characters and relationships. The movies certainly displayed many of them, with a much larger focus on dynamics such as the friendship trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione and the mentor/mentee relationship between Harry andAlbus Dumbledore. But, not everyone got the chance to shine in the movies, as their parts were cut short or removed entirely to make room to tell the larger overall story. Weasley siblings Bill and Charlie are barely a footnote in the movies, and even though they do not have the largest roles in the novels, they are at least more present.
Harry’s classmates even get the short end of the stick at times, appearing in the background as for consistency but never having a sturdy role. While the novels may mostly use them as background characters as well, eventually, they are utilized in more constructive ways, such as stepping up to lead an army or becoming a short-lived antagonist. While certain characters got their satisfying moments on-screen in the films, others always felt like they were meant to exist in the background, even after the novels used them in more productive ways.
Neville Longbottom
Neville spends most of the series as a scared Gryffindor, never having confidence in himself as a wizard. It takes forming Dumbledore’s Army and his fight in the Ministry of Magic to help grow Neville’s confidence. It does not hurt that, going into his sixth year, Neville finally has his own wand to use.
Why Neville Longbottom Is One of the Most Important Characters
But, in the span of eight movies, Neville is barely on-screen for thirty minutes. Neville’s big moment at the conclusion ofHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2is exciting, regardless of having read the books or not. But, having read the novels andunderstanding Neville’s larger character arcmakes his moment and killing Nagini even more satisfying. Neville deserves the opportunity to have his entire story and character arc shown.
Bill Weasley
Bill Weasley’s storyline is never a massive plot in the narrative anyway. However, introducing him only for the final two films with what appears to be an out-of-the-blue wedding only hurts the character. There is not enough emotional connection to Bill to really care for his character outside of him being another Weasley sibling.
Bill Weasley Was Not Featured Enough in the Movie Franchise
To be fair, throwing him into the Hogwarts plot does not make much sense, as he had already graduated from school by Ron’s first year. But, it would develop the novel’s perception of the character beyond the minutes his character spends on-screen. Seeing as the Weasley family is so integral to the plot, the eldest son and his relationship with the rest of the family would feel more organic.
Charlie Weasley
Even though Bill only gets minutes of screen time, and even Percy’s role gets significantly shortened, at least they were introduced in the films. Outside of one family photo that featured Charlie, he is never shown in the movies. Charlie originally has a short role in the books as well, mainly connected to removing Norbert from Hogwarts and later arriving for the Triwizard Tournament.
Charlie Weasley’s Character Arc Was Important
But, outside of knowing limited information about Charlie, the movies never expand on his character. The Weasley family deserves to be more fully formed and developed outside of random appearances and references. The movies do not allow the audience to miss the characters at all, mostly treating Charlie and Bill like they do not exist until they appear. Charlie, mostly, does not even receive that treatment.
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Fleur Delacour
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Firedoes a well enough job of including Fleur. But, she is mainly kept to being another Triwizard Champion, and her being as a person is mostly disregarded. In the novels, Fleur is more present due to her romance with Bill.
Fleur Delacour Is a Much More Developed Character in the Books
Fleur has some significant moments in the series that are mostly skipped over, as they have no direct relevance to Harry’s story. Developing her individually also helps create more emotional investment in Bill and Fleur’s wedding, which appears more random and strange without reading the books.
Dean Thomas
As a member of Harry’s dormitory, Dean is more present in the story than the movies give him credit for. Dean is even on the run himself at one point in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” But, as Dean grew close with Seamus, he did not spend much time with Harry and Ron. Still, Dean grows more important when he starts dating Ginny.
Why Dean Thomas Deserves More Screen Time
In the novels, Harry is shown to be jealous of Dean and Ginny’s relationship. That occurs in the movies too. But, without showing more connections between Harry and Dean, Harry’s jealousy does not take the way it needs to. Dean’s character as a whole deserved to be explored more.
In the novels, Cho’s short-lived romance with Harry is an utter disaster. Cho grows jealous of Harry’s close friendship with Hermione while is simultaneously unable to healthily grieve Cedric and move forward, leaving Harry uncomfortable.
Cho Chang’s Movie Portrayal Was a Bit Unfair
InHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry’s crush on Cho Chang appears randomly and without knowledge of who Cho is before Harry is bumbling his way through asking her to the Yule Ball. Hermione tries to explain Cho’s conflicting emotional state, but without spending more time with the character, it is more difficult to fully understand. Even Cho turning in Dumbledore’s Army in the movie, which went against the novel’s portrayal, makes no sense in context.
Cedric Diggory
In the books, Harry and Cedric’s dynamic is given a little more explanation before they end up competing as Triwizard Champions. But, in the movies, there is not much to know about Cedric other than that he entered the Tournamentand died at Pettrigrew’s hand.
Cedric’s Death Needs to be Much More Impactful to the Overall Story
Even though Cedric was supposed to be a good son, good friend, solid Quidditch competition, and kind boyfriend to Cho, Cedric is mainly remembered for dying. While the MAX series may not be able to expand on his character much, creating a more emotional connection to the character before his inevitable demise could create a more emotionally crushing end to his character, rather than having him be introduced and killed in the same movie.
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It is hard to grasp the full nature of Harry and Dobby’s relationship in the movies. Dobby only appears in two of the eight films. His loyalty and dedication to Harry are clear, and Harry definitely sees Dobby as a friend. But, the movies cut out most of Dobby’s plot.
Dobby’s Character Needs More Exploration
Dobby helps save Harry in the Triwizard Tournament in the novel. His arc helps kick-start Hermione’s interest in SPEW. Dobby’s loyalty and commitment to Harry are commendable. But, the movies make it seem as if Harry frees Dobby and the freed House Elf disappears randomly for years, only to appear at the proper moment.
Ginny Weasley
Of all the franchise’s main characters, Ginny Weasley may have been one of the most to be at a disservice in the movies. She is there as a background character, relevant when she needs to be, only to practically be irrelevant at any other given moment, and never given the chance to show her actual personality.
Ginny Weasley Needs More Attention Across the Board
Everything about Ginny, from her own characterization to her role as a Weasley sibling andeventual love interest to Harry, is severely underwritten in the movies. The novels give her more to work with personality-wise, and the MAX series should have more than enough time to gift the character the represented characterization she deserves.
Although Tonks is not a central character in the story, she does grow to become an important member of the Order of the Phoenix. Tonks becomes a good friend and ally to Harry, and sadly dies during the Battle of Hogwarts.
We Need to Care More About Tonks
But, what the movies offer her is not nearly enough to really feel the emotional ramifications of her death. Even her marriage to Remus, which takes up some space and emotional conflict inHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is completely ignored in the movies, replaced with a quick reference to Remus and Tonks having gotten randomly married. The reveal of their child, Teddy, and later their deaths, have much bigger emotional ramifications in the novel. The MAX series can help deliver Tonks' story.
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