There Are Over 200 Harry Potter Characters — We’ll Be Impressed If You Can Name 40!


By: Olivia Cantor

7 Min Quiz

Image: Warner Bros

About This Quiz

With seven books and eight films, as well as two newer films that serve as prequel stories to the original series, the Harry Potter universe is indeed a huge repository of interesting people, magical places, curious creatures and emotional events. Do you think you can name at least 40 figures from this wizarding world?

It's easy to determine where someone is from, as author J.K. Rowling classified many of these characters into memorable categories and sub-categories that overlap with each other. For instance, you can take a look at the Hogwarts professors, and then look at the Hogwarts students. Among the students, you can pinpoint which one belongs to one of the four houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. 

Other adults outside of the school are also important characters in the story, especially those connected to the Ministry of Magic, and even those who chose the dark path and became antagonistic of the benevolent side of the wizarding world. What good is having a hero without a villain to balance things out, right?

But the beauty of this series is that the characters sometimes appear as belonging to one side, but they are later revealed to be more nuanced than that. With so many great characters in this wizarding world, it's indeed interesting to keep up with them and see how their individual story arcs develop.

Do you think you can recall some, or all, of these characters? Don't let anyone put an obliviate spell on you, okay? Remember them all, and have fun identifying them!

He's a Gryffindor, a Quidditch player and an orphan. Can you name this boy who lived?

By now, people all over the world can easily recognize Harry Potter, the boy who lived, from two distinct features: his eyeglasses and the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. Young adult literature got a boost when the first books about his adventures came out in the late '90s.


Godfathers also abound in the wizarding world, and he acts as one to Harry Potter. What's his name?

At first, Harry thought Sirius Black was just another demented prisoner of Azkaban who escaped to kill him. But it turns out that Sirius and Harry's father go way back, and Sirius is, in fact, his godfather. Harry immediately feels a strong bond with him when he discovers this fact.


Purists call her "mudblood," but her intelligence outwits them all. Who is this lovely little lady?

Hermione Granger is the bookish know-it-all student who's just interested in learning at her magic school. For someone who didn't grow up in a wizarding family, this is fairly understandable, since she can't get any information from her muggle parents who are both dentists.


This mentor-professor also had dark family secrets, but they died with him. Do you know this wise old wizard?

Albus Dumbledore served as a very wise and benevolent headmaster, professor and mentor to Harry during his younger years. Outside of the original Potter book series, he is being given a "prequel" characterization in the newer "Fantastic Beasts" film series, where he is played by Jude Law.


He's one of the Weasleys, a not-so-affluent wizarding family. Who is this chess whiz?

Ron Weasley is Harry Potter's best friend throughout the series, though they also had their clashes every now and then. Ron ended up partnering with Hermione romantically, though there are write-ups that pointed out how he exhibited unhealthy behavior for a male partner in some scenes.


To be the most powerful wizard of all is his goal, with the assistance of his Death Eaters. Can you identify this scary figure?

To be born half-muggle and half-wizard is just unacceptable for the ambitious young student named Tom Marvolo Riddle, who used his time at Hogwarts to prepare himself for a bigger plan later on: to become Lord Voldemort. As a Dark Lord, they referred to him as "He Who Must Not Be Named."


A giant like him can also have a giant heart, not to mention a giant personality. Who is this lovable big guy?

Hagrid is the endearing half-giant who first fetched Harry at Privet Drive so he could be taken to Hogwarts. Since then, he has acted like a protective older brother to Harry and to Harry's friends as well.


Part arrogant and part coward, this Slytherin with the slick hairdo can sometimes be ambivalent in leaning. Who's this pureblood?

Draco Malfoy is identifiable as the "easy villain" in the early Harry Potter books; he made fun of non-rich people like Ron, openly showed his disgust at muggle-borns like Hermione, and bullied Harry to no end. But when he matured, he also experienced conflicted thoughts about being purely evil.


One of the kindest professors in Hogwarts could also be one of the most commanding when needed. Can you name this feisty female prof?

Professor McGonagall was first introduced to us in the form of a cat, which is a good introduction to her skills as a Transfiguration teacher. While she is protective of her Gryffindor House students, she also doesn't let them slip when they commit errors or break school rules.


She appears quite loony at first, but she's really a kind and helpful soul once you get to know her. Who is this unique gal?

With a name like Luna Lovegood, it's hard to miss her presence, especially since her fashion sense is also quite "unique," so to speak. A member of the Ravenclaw House, she's a talented and creative person, and is a good representation of the unconventional teen character in the series.


Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers get replaced often, but he's one of the best to hold that position. Who is this professor?

Remus Lupin was the professor who taught Harry how to manage his exposure with the Dementors, and he struggled with managing his werewolf side while teaching. He was friends with Harry's dad, James, and Harry's godfather, Sirius.


She ends up marrying one of the leading male characters in the book series. What's her name?

Ginny Weasley is the only daughter in the Weasley family, and is also the youngest child. That's why older brother Ron was a bit overprotective of her when she started dating and kissing guys. It's also amusing to see that she ended up marrying Ron's best friend, Harry, after all that.


Even though he was a Slytherin through and through, he was apparently on the side of the good all this time. Can you identify this secret do-gooder?

Throughout the book series, it's easy to distrust Snape, since he appeared to be the strictest and most vengeful professor of them all. But as his story unfolded, we saw that his character had depth, and his actions were prompted not by hate, but by love, specifically his secret love for Harry's mom.


Aside from Harry, he's another character who grew up without parents around. What's his name?

It's hard to be a kid and carry misinformation about your parents as you grow up. This was Neville's lot early in his Hogwarts life, as people simplistically dismissed his parents as crazy folks. It was later revealed that they were fighting evil and were defeated as part of the Order of the Phoenix.


One of the most memorable muggles in the series is this annoying character. Can you identify this non-magical creature?

Dudley Dursley was Harry's first cousin, since their mothers are sisters. This character was used as a contrasting figure to see how the Dursleys treated the two teen boys differently under one roof, especially when they learned that Harry was a wizard, too, just like his mother.


One of the older students at Hogwarts is this funny guy with the funny antics. Can you name this Gryffindor resident?

If you're wondering why Fred Weasley, twin brother of George Weasley, is full of antics, that's because they were born on April Fool's Day. The twins were the ones who gave Harry the Marauder's Map, an important tool they later used not only for pranks, but to escape trouble.


Hermione likes almost all of her Hogwarts classes, except for the ones taught by this professor. Who is she?

Professor Trelawny taught Divination class, which teaches students how to see into the future through the use of objects like tea leaves and crystal balls. Since it doesn't appear as an "exact science" in the magical sense, Professor Trelawny often received flak for her teaching and her seer talent.


This non-human creature is one of the most prominent magical characters that befriended Harry and the others. Do you know this one?

In the wizarding world, house-elves are non-human creatures capable of doing magic, too. But since they are enslaved, they can't do anything outside of the command of their masters. This was the lot of Dobby the house-elf, the Malfoys' slave, before Harry maneuvered his freedom.


Hogwarts has had many arrogant adults, but this professor is probably the worst of them all. Which character is this?

Gilderoy Lockhart appears as a good-looking and charming fellow who can attract women just by flashing them a smile. In reality, his charm is as false as his authored books' claims of defeating dark creatures, for he stole those stories from other wizards and used them to garner fame.


There are magical characters who are also conniving and manipulative, like this woman. Can you identify her?

Rita Skeeter is a magical being who tries to be present in many events, even if she is not welcome there. That's because she is a reporter for the Daily Prophet, but her journalistic practices border on tabloid-style sensationalism.


Great Death Eaters also have great egos, and this woman is no exception. Who is this loathsome Azkaban escapee?

A proud Death Eater, Bellatrix Lestrange is one of the most devoted servants and allies of Lord Voldemort. She is revealed as the first cousin of Sirius Black and the aunt of Draco Malfoy, since Draco's mother is Narcissa Black. Her maiden name was Bellatrix Black,and she married Rodolphus Lestrange.


Not all of Hogwarts' residents are alive, but this one's still kicking. Can you name this ghost?

Moaning Myrtle was a Ravenclaw student who died inside a girl's bathroom, which is why she ended up haunting that particular place. She came face to face with the Basilisk there, which caused her death. Harry and his friends discovered this when they were trying to find ways to defeat the basilisk.


One of the greatest Quidditch players is this foreign student. Can you identify this macho heartthrob?

The Bulgarian student athlete Viktor Krum is from the Durmstrang Institute for Magical Learning, and he was the school's representative in the Triwizard Tournament. But he is also a national Quidditch player, which is why he was internationally famous prior to the inter-school tournament.


He was one of the chosen players in the Triwizard Tournament. Who is this?

Before playing the book-to-film character of Edward Cullen in the "Twilight" series, Robert Pattinson played the book-to-film character of Cedric Diggory, whose storyline was prominent in "The Goblet of Fire" book. He was supposed to be the lone Hogwarts representative at the Triwizard Tournament.


Harry wanted to ask her to the Yule Ball, but she already had a date by then. Who is this Ravenclaw girl?

One of the most prominent Ravenclaw students was Cho Chang, mainly because Harry took a liking to her. It was clear that Harry had a huge crush on her, and it was also hinted at that she harbored the same secret feelings for him. He asked her to the Yule Ball, but Cedric had already beat him to it.


Hogwarts students have many strict teachers, but this one is probably the cruelest of them all. Can you name this professor?

Dolores Umbridge was working at the Ministry of Magic when she was called upon to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts as a part of closely monitoring anti-Voldemort goings-on in the school. She later took over the leadership of the school prior to Voldemort's planned attack.


She is one of the headstrong and competitive females in the wizarding world. Who is this teen?

French magical students went to Beauxbatons Academy, and Fleur Delacour was their school's representative in the Triwizard Tournament. She ended up getting engaged to Bill Weasley, and they later got married before the major events in "The Deathly Hallows" happened.


Some characters in the wizarding world have very identifiable outer looks like this one. Who is she?

Nymphadora Tonks, or simply known as "Tonks," is the young Auror who trained under Mad-Eye Moody. One prominent aspect of hers, as elaborated in the books, was her ability to change the color of her hair whenever she pleased, but this wasn't explored much in the film series.


One of the most prominent Death Eaters is this affluent, muggle-hating pureblood. Can you name this former Slytherin?

Lucius Malfoy is the conniving Death Eater who uses his wealth and connections to get ahead in the wizarding world. He helped Voldemort slowly get back to life by running "small" errands that were actually big steps in the dark lord's return, such as letting Ginny Weasley "have" Tom Riddle's diary.


He's the working Auror who also became a Defence Against the Dark Arts professor -- or at least he tried. What's his name?

Mad-Eye Moody was requested by his friend Albus Dumbledore to go back to teaching in Hogwarts. But before getting there, he was imprisoned by a Death Eater, Barty Crouch Jr., who impersonated him to gain access inside Hogwarts.


She's one of the visiting figures who came to Hogwarts during the Triwizard Tournament. Do you know her name?

Madame Olympe Maxime came to Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament because she serves as Beauxbatons Academy of Magic headmistress. She appears to be as tall as Hagrid, who took a liking to her, since they are both half-giants. But nothing really happened with this attraction.


Animal creatures are also significant characters in the wizarding world, like this scary one. What do they call this creature?

In the books, Nagini is one of Voldemort's horcruxes, the last one to be eradicated, leaving Voldemort vulnerable enough to be killed. Nagini's origins is being unraveled in the newer "Fantastic Beasts" movies to show how she ended up as a snake serving Voldemort.


Several characters are visible outside of the premises of Hogwarts, like this important man. Can you guess who he is?

For high quality wands, wizards flock to Ollivanders in Diagon Alley to purchase one. The store is run by Garrick Ollivander, the wand expert in the wizarding world. He was the one who also told Harry about the famed Elder Wand which Voldemort was looking for in "The Deathly Hallows."


In the wizarding world, we see certain characters with very specific duties, like this one. Who is this Hogwarts-related figure?

Argus Filch is the scary-looking caretaker of Hogwarts, and he is always on the prowl to catch students playing hooky. In the books, he is revealed to be a squib, or those children whose parents both have magical abilities, but they don't have any magical capability at all.


She attended the Yule Ball with Ron Weasley. Do you remember her name?

Padma Patil from Ravenclaw House was Ron's Yule Ball date while her twin sister Parvati went as Harry's date after he was rejected by Cho Chang. Both the Patil twins joined Harry later on as part of Dumbledore's Army, the students doing extra training to prepare for Voldemort's pending return.


He's the elderly Potions professor who occasionally invites important students in his select "club." Do you know him?

Professor Slughorn is the Potions teacher who came back to Hogwarts, but Dumbledore had a secret agenda as to why he asked the retired professor to teach again. Slughorn was the one who introduced the concept of the horcrux to young Tom Riddle, and Dumbledore asked Harry to find out more about it.


Draco Malfoy also had "goons" of his own, and this guy is one of them. Can you name this baddie?

Vincent Crabbe is one of young Draco Malfoy's henchman, if you will, along with another Slytherin stooge named Gregory Goyle. But their bravado only lasts for as long as Draco's, so when his falters, theirs also dissipates, like that time Hermione punched Draco in the face.


This important figure is one of the founders of Hogwarts, whose personal item became a horcrux. Can you name this pivotal figure?

Rowena Ravenclaw possessed a diadem which her daughter, Helena, stole from her and hid in a foreign land before dying. Helena's ghost is Ravenclaw's house ghost, and Harry talked to her to get more information on where it is, and how it turned into one of Voldemort's horcruxes.


He was originally a friend of the good wizards, but later served as a Death Eater. Can you name this Animagus?

The former friend of Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and James Potter during their Hogwarts years, Peter Pettigrew became a Voldemort Death Eater during his adulthood. He framed Sirius Black for the death of Harry's parents, which led Sirius to being imprisoned in Azkaban. He hid as Scabbers, Ron's rat.


She's an important muggle since she's related to some of the popular wizards. Can you name her?

Petunia Dursley is indeed the only living relative of Harry; that's why Dumbledore left him with her as a baby. Petunia and Harry's mom, Lily, were sisters, but Petunia didn't see Lily's magical abilities as a special gift.


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