For Harry Potter fans, the movies are a great way to experience J.K. Rowling’s magical world. However, there are many details in the books that don’t make it into the films, some of which are essential to understanding the plot and characters. In this blog post, we will look at 10 things the Harry Potter books give you that the movies don’t. From character backstories to plot twists and magical creatures, there are plenty of details that can be discovered by reading the books that you won’t find in the films.
1. The Dursleys Are Actually Awful People
Most people know the Dursleys – the Muggle family Harry Potter is forced to live with after his parents are killed. They’re portrayed as loving if a bit overbearing, but in the books it’s clear that they’re far more cruel than what we see in the movies.
The Dursleys are shown to be emotionally and physically abusive towards Harry. In the books, they often refer to him as ‘freak’ or ‘boy’ instead of using his name, and they’re incredibly unkind to him.
2. Ron and Hermione are always bickering
The Harry Potter movies do a great job of depicting Ron and Hermione’s relationship, but there’s so much more to it than what we see on the big screen. In the books, Ron and Hermione are constantly bickering, often in an attempt to hide their true feelings for each other. Their arguments range from playful banter to heated exchanges.
3. Harry is a horrible quidditch player
Harry is actually a terrible quidditch player. He only makes the Gryffindor Quidditch team due to his friends’ and headmaster’s support, not because of his talent. In the first book, he struggles to fly on a broom and can’t do basic moves. It’s only through his determination, practice and a bit of luck that he manages to become competent in the game.
4. Sirius Black is not a villain
In the Harry Potter films, Sirius Black is portrayed as a villain and one of Voldemort’s most trusted allies. However, this portrayal is quite different from the books. In the books, Sirius is actually an ally of Harry and his friends, and works tirelessly to help them in their fight against Voldemort. In fact, it’s only after his death that Harry truly appreciates Sirius’ friendship and the sacrifices he made for him and the others.
5. Snape is not evil
Though he may seem to be a villain on the surface, Severus Snape is far from evil in the Harry Potter books. He’s a complex and complicated character who is much more nuanced than his depiction in the movies. In the books, we learn that Snape was actually a loyal friend and mentor to Harry Potter, despite the animosity between them.
6. Dumbledore is not perfect
Although Dumbledore is seen as a wise and powerful wizard in the Harry Potter series, the books reveal that he is far from perfect. The books show that he makes mistakes, sometimes intentionally, and fails to anticipate the consequences of his actions.
7. Hagrid is more than just a gamekeeper
Hagrid is a beloved character in the Harry Potter world, but in the movies, his role is often reduced to that of a gamekeeper. The books, however, reveal more about Hagrid’s character and his important role in the series. In the books, Hagrid is an accomplished magizoologist and has a deep knowledge of magical creatures.
8. Filch is not just a caretaker
Argus Filch is one of the most memorable characters in the Harry Potter series, and he definitely gets his moment to shine in the movies. But readers of the books know that there’s much more to Filch than just a strict caretaker of Hogwarts. In the books, we learn that Filch was born into a wizarding family, but he was denied admittance to Hogwarts because of his squib status.
9. Lucius Malfoy is not just a rich jerk
In the Harry Potter films, Lucius Malfoy is portrayed as a two-dimensional villain; an arrogant, stuck-up, wealthy jerk with a deep-seated prejudice against muggles and those of non-pureblood heritage. However, in the books, he is so much more than just a rich jerk.
Lucius Malfoy is a complex character who is torn between his loyalty to Lord Voldemort and his own desire for power. He is shrewd and ambitious, and desperate to rise in the ranks of Voldemort’s inner circle.
10. Voldemort is not just a wizard
In the Harry Potter books, Voldemort is portrayed as an evil, powerful wizard with a deep hatred for anything or anyone related to Hogwarts. However, this is not the whole picture of him that is presented in the books. The books give us a much more layered look at Voldemort’s character and motivations.
Voldemort has a long and complex history that is explored in the books. He was born to a witch and a muggle, something he viewed as shameful and revolting. This led to his resentment of anything to do with muggles, magic, and Hogwarts.
So, these are some interesting information about Harry Potter that you will not find in Harry Potter movies.