I Ranked The Top 5 Best Harry Potter Characters

The Harry Potter series had so many great characters, but there are five that were better than others. Who could they be?

5. Albus Dumbledore

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I ranked Dumbledore lower than the other characters because 1) of his brief involvement with Grindelwald's goal for wizard domination 2) he basically raised Harry like a pig to the slaughter (in the words of Severus Snape). But despite all that, I think the fact that Dumbledore realised that Grindelwald was wrong and ended their relationship says a lot about his innate good nature. I also think that everything Dumbledore did after that was for a good cause: to bring down Voldemort. This man was the Big Good force who sometimes stood alone, but nevertheless dedicated his life to the downfall of wizard Hitler.

4. Lily Potter (née Evans)

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Although Lily (along with her husband James) was already dead when the story began and thus did not directly play a role in bringing down Voldemort, it was her love and sacrifice that not only saved her son Harry's life on the day she died, but also protected him from Voldemort for 17 years. Being a true Gryffindor, Harry definitely still would've participated in Voldemort's downfall, but he might've died if it wasn't for his mother. Lily proved that the power of true love is stronger than anything.

3. Harry Potter

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The Chosen One and our main character himself is third place. In my opinion, Harry is one of the greatest protagonists in the history of literature; he has a tragic background where he lost his parents and grew up in an abusive environment (similar to many other significant young main characters, such as Cosette or Oliver Twist), yet found a sense of belonging thanks to Hogwarts, his friends, and the Weasley family. Harry is brave, noble, kind, humble, and willing to sacrifice himself for his loved ones or the greater good; he also has flaws, such as his temper, recklessness, and occasional moodiness (which aren't so bad compared to other flaws, such as prejudice, entitlement, cruelty, or manipulation), making him more well-developed and multidimensional. Most importantly, he successfully led to the fall of Voldemort in the end.

2. Neville Longbottom

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Like Harry and Ginny, Neville showed significant character growth; he starts off as the timid and forgetful little boy but later becomes one of the most skilled members of Dumbledore's Army and a truly courageous war hero. Even before his awesome moment in the end, Neville showed his bravery when he stood up to others (including his own friends) in Philosopher's Stone, and he showed up to Potions every day despite being terrified of Snape. After Hogwarts was infiltrated by Death Eaters under Voldemort's regime, Neville restarted Dumbledore's Army with Ginny and Luna and became the new leader of the resistance. Last but not least, his shining moment in Deathly Hallows where he slays Nagini, the final Horcrux, with the Sword of Gryffindor, was significant to Voldemort's final fall and proved that the Sorting Hat placed him in Gryffindor for a good reason.

1. Hermione Granger

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On first place is the brightest witch of her age, Hermione Granger. Hermione is one of the true heroes of the series, a great role model, a feminist icon, and, like the aforementioned Neville, would've been a good protagonist. Throughout the series, Hermione demonstrated true friendship and always stood by Harry and Ron's side, even in the darkest moments; she was compassionate, helpful, empathetic, and stood up for those who needed a voice. Hermione used her encyclopedic knowledge and ability to absorb information to help her friends and often save their lives. Due to the prejudice against Muggle-borns in the wizarding world, she faced unique setbacks and obstacles, yet remained strong and resilient.

Hermione also has the most diverse legacy out of all the HP characters. Besides joining the resistance against Voldemort alongside her best friends, Hermione also saves Buckbeak and Sirius in the Prisoner of Azkaban, proposes the idea for Dumbledore's Army (first against Umbridge and to ensure that the other students learn Defence Against the Dark Arts and later against Voldemort), and starts the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare to advocate for house elves' rights. Later, she becomes Minister of Magic, and advocates for the rights of Muggle-born witches/wizards and house elves.