The Role of Hermione in Harry Potter

Many readers often ask whether Hermione Granger is the deuteragonist in the Harry Potter series. The name of the series, Harry Potter, clearly indicates that Harry is the protagonist. While Hermione is indeed a central figure, her role evolves more towards a deuteragonist, and this article aims to explore why and how Hermione fits this role.

Harry as the Protagonist

Harry Potter is the chief protagonist of this series because the narrative is primarily told from his perspective. We follow his journey from the time he is introduced to the wizarding world to his ultimate triumph in saving it. For instance, in the opening lines of The Philosopher's Stone, we see the magical world through Harry’s eyes. The iconic line, "They were holding up their glasses and say" - "The Philosopher's Stone.", clearly symbolizes Harry’s central role in this event and the wider storyline.

Hermione’s Role as a Side Protagonist Deuteragonist

While Hermione is not the main protagonist, she still plays a crucial role as a deuteragonist. This means that she is a significant character whose actions and journey are central to the narrative, but she is not the central focus. Both Hermione and Ron musters a great deal of sacrifice and support to help Harry on his journey.

For example, Ron demonstrates bravery by facing arachnophobia during moments of crisis, such as his journey into the Forbidden Forest. Meanwhile, Hermione, who was terrified of Sirius Black, stays by Harry and Ron despite her fears and even chases Black, helping Harry when he is in danger. Both friends risk their lives to find and destroy the Horcruxes, a key task in their battle against Voldemort. This level of bravery and sacrifice is evidenced in their repeated actions throughout the series, affirming their deuteragonist status.

All three friends utilize their intelligence to navigate difficult situations. Harry devises plans to escape from Gringotts in The Deathly Hallows, while Ron comes up with ideas to destroy the Horcrux in the Chamber of Secrets. Hermione, in particular, is known for her clever and quick thinking, such as formulating a quick plan to save her friends and even Xenophilius from Death Eaters. This intelligence is a defining aspect of her character and plays a crucial role in their collective victory against Voldemort.

The Teamwork and Key Contributions of Hermione

Harry, Hermione, and Ron form a well-rounded team, each bringing their unique strengths to the group. Without any one of them, Voldemort would have easily won. Hermione’s contributions are not just limited to her intelligence but also her unwavering support and bravery. She never leaves Harry and Ron’s sides, even during their darkest moments, such as when Sirius Black is choking Harry. This unwavering loyalty and practical courage elevate her to a hero status in her own right.

Despite being overshadowed by Harry, Hermione’s growth and development throughout the series are equally compelling. She evolves from a bookish student to a powerful and wise witch, transforming the dynamic of the trio. Her pivotal role in many key plot points, such as the discovery and destruction of Horcruxes, and her ability to think on her feet in dangerous situations, cannot be overstated.

Alternating Perspectives: A Fan’s Wish

A fan of the series would go so far as to linger over a new series following the perspective of Hermione and Ron for their adventures. Alternating between their viewpoints would not only enhance the narrative but also deepen the reader’s understanding of the complex characters. This perspective would allow readers to appreciate the multifaceted nature of the characters and their actions from different angles. It would offer a fresh take on the battle against Voldemort and perhaps even reveal new aspects of the wizarding world that we haven’t seen yet.

The narrative also highlights a recurring theme in the series: the accountability of certain actions. For example, Harry often grapples with whether the strange things happening around him are his fault. This theme is echoed in Hermione’s and Ron’s actions and their resolve to help Harry despite their fears and personal struggles.

In conclusion, while Harry Potter is the protagonist, Hermione Granger stands out as a deuteragonist, someone whose impact and journey are crucial to the narrative. Her intelligence, bravery, and unwavering support for her friends make her a hero in her own right, and her story deserves a spotlight as much as Harry’s.