MAIN CHARACTERS
Ranked By Character
10. RUBEUS HAGRID
Rubeus Hagrid was the first person who introduced Harry to the concept of magic - by visiting Harry when he celebrated his 11th birthday.
Hagrid told Harry he was a wizard and then continued to be his friend while Harry studied at Hogwarts. And even though Hagrid himself didn't change that much in character, he still remained a vital part of the series as he supported Harry just like any good friend should.
9. MINERVA MCGONAGALL
Minerva McGonagall's private life was mostly kept a secret but as a professor, she evolved over time. She seemed strict and emotionless at first but later proved that she cared deeply about people close to her.
And when the time came to defend Hogwarts against Voldemort's army, McGonagall fought bravely for her home, which made the victory all the sweeter for everyone involved in the battle - herself included.
8. LORD VOLDEMORT
Not that much is shown about Voldemort, besides his evil activities, and the only exception is the few flashbacks from his past. Tom Riddle wasn't always the ultimate villain but his ambition, as well as hatred for his muggle family, led him to become a fanatic who wanted to rule the world.
His ambition ended up his downfall in the end, as he ripped his soul apart to be immortal, and created the Horcruxes which allowed Harry to destroy them and kill Voldemort.
7. RON WEASLEY
Unlike his best friends, Harry and Hermione, Ron Weasley didn't change that much. It's true he became a bit braver and believed in himself more - which he demonstrated by fighting against Voldemort and his servants.
But unlike Harry and Hermione, Ron had no bigger ambition to make something of his life and he ended up working in his brother's shop. He seems happy but his friends' transformation is simply more significant.
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6. ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
The more the readers learned about Albus Dumbledore, the more obvious it became Dumbledore had plenty of dark secrets hidden in his past.
He wasn't always truthful with Harry and could be just the tiniest bit manipulative. Dumbledore's character arc came to an end when he let himself be killed by Snape - but before that happened, Dumbledore did everything in his power to make sure Harry would be able to defeat Voldemort in the end.
5. HERMIONE GRANGER
In a way, Hermione Granger was always a badass. She only had to learn how to get along with people, how to make friends, and combine her intelligence and kind nature. Hermione was always ambitious and clever, she didn't let other people dictate what she should do, how she should behave or look.
She grew up to be an independent and powerful woman who worked as the minister of magic and she managed to both build a career and start a family.
4. SEVERUS SNAPE
Severus Snape wasn't always the most sympathetic character - and for the longest time ever, it looked like he would remain the antagonist. Snape hated Harry, he was dismissive toward many students, bullied some of them (such as Neville), and then it turned out he was working for Voldemort. However, Harry finally realized Snape was a double agent all this time, and as he learned more about Snape's past, he also found out all the good things Snape has done for Dumbledore and Harry himself.
3. DRACO MALFOY
Draco Malfoy started out as the typical antagonist whose main point was to make the hero's life as difficult as possible. But as more information became available about Draco's life and his family, it also became obvious there was more to the young Slytherin student.
In the end, Draco was able to rebel against Voldemort, refused to kill Dumbledore, married a woman whom he loved, raised his son well, and even managed to reconcile with Harry. Not bad for a guy who used to spew hateful words at everyone around him.
2. GINNY WEASLEY
Even though she didn't have as much space in the films as she did in the books, Ginny has undergone a serious transformation in the series. When she first appeared, she was just a child, trusting, sweet, but easily manipulated. That allowed Voldemort to open the Chamber of Secrets thanks to Ginny.
As Ginny grew up, she became fierce and open-minded, smart and funny. She played Quidditch, stopped being so shy around Harry, and she managed to get what she wanted in the end. She married Harry and played Quidditch professionally before she switched to writing about her beloved sport.
1. HARRY POTTER
Harry is the main character of the series - so it makes sense that his character arc is also the most detailed one. Harry had to learn a lot of things, defeat many dangers and enemies before he could finally lead a peaceful life with his wife Ginny and three children.
Harry didn't always behave in the best way, but as he aged, he became more patient and less impulsive. Not to mention he managed to defeat Voldemort which is not a bad score for someone so young.