Harry Potter

Harry Potter

Beloved fantasy series following a young wizard's journey through magical education and his battle against the dark wizard Voldemort.

Category
Literature
Release Year
1997
Origin
United Kingdom
Tags
fantasy
magic
wizards
coming-of-age
adventure
friendship

Detailed Overview Information

Basic Information

Full Name
Harry Potter
Aliases
The Boy Who Lived, The Chosen One, Wizarding World
Type
Fantasy Literature Series
Release Year
1997
Status
Complete (original series), Expanded Universe Active
Origin
United Kingdom
Region
United Kingdom

Creation Information

Creator
J.K. Rowling
Publisher
Bloomsbury (UK), Scholastic (US), Various international publishers
Original Work
Novel Series
Genre
Fantasy, Young Adult, Coming-of-Age, Adventure, Mystery

Content Information

Synopsis
An orphaned boy discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns about magic, friendship, and his destiny to defeat the dark wizard Voldemort.
Main Characters
Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, Lord Voldemort
Setting
Primarily Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, various locations in magical Britain, 1990s
Themes
Good vs. evil, friendship, love, sacrifice, coming of age, prejudice, death, choice vs. destiny
Target Audience
Children, Young Adults, All ages

Characters

Harry James Potter
The Boy Who Lived/Protagonist

The orphaned wizard who survived Voldemort's killing curse as a baby and is destined to defeat the D...

The Boy Who Lived/Protagonist
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Hermione Jean Granger
Brightest Witch of Her AgeGryffindor HouseFemale11-18 (during series)

Muggle-born witch whose intelligence, quick thinking, and vast magical knowledge repeatedly save her friends.

Abilities: Exceptional magical knowledge, Logical thinking, Research skills...
Quotes:
"Books! And cleverness! There are more important things, but friendship and bravery."
""I am Hermione Jean Granger.""
"When in doubt, go to the library."
character
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Ronald Bilius Weasley
Loyal Best FriendGryffindor HouseMale11-17 (during series)

Harry's best friend from a large wizarding family, provides loyalty, humor, and strategic thinking.

Abilities: Chess strategy, Quidditch Keeper skills, Loyalty...
Quotes:
"Bloody hell!"
""I am Ronald Bilius Weasley.""
"You're a little scary sometimes, you know that? Brilliant, but scary."
character
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Tom Marvolo Riddle / Lord Voldemort
Dark Lord/Primary AntagonistDeath EatersMale71 (at death)

The most feared dark wizard of all time, seeking immortality and pure-blood supremacy.

Abilities: Exceptional dark magic, Legilimency, Flight without aid...
Quotes:
"There is no good and evil, there is only power and those too weak to seek it."
""I am Tom Marvolo Riddle / Lord Voldemort.""
"Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself."
character
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Bellatrix Lestrange
Death Eater/Voldemort's LieutenantDeath EatersFemale

Voldemort's most devoted and dangerous follower, known for her sadistic cruelty and unwavering loyalty.

Abilities: Dark Arts mastery, Dueling skills, Torture expertise...
Quotes:
"I killed Sirius Black!"
""I am Bellatrix Lestrange.""
"You need to mean them, Potter! You need to really want to cause pain!"
character
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Draco Lucius Malfoy
School Rival/Reluctant Death EaterSlytherin House, Death Eaters (reluctantly)Male11-17 (during series)

Harry's school rival from a pure-blood supremacist family, later becomes a reluctant Death Eater.

Abilities: Dueling skills, Dark Arts knowledge, Occlumency...
Quotes:
"My father will hear about this!"
""I am Draco Lucius Malfoy.""
"You'll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others."
character
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Dobby
Free House-elfHogwarts Staff (later), Harry Potter's allyMale

House-elf who served the Malfoy family before being freed by Harry Potter, became a loyal friend.

Abilities: House-elf magic, Apparition, Loyalty...
Quotes:
"Dobby is a free elf!"
""I am Dobby.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
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Luna Lovegood
Student/Dumbledore's Army MemberRavenclaw House, Dumbledore's ArmyFemale

Eccentric Ravenclaw student known for her unique perspective and unwavering loyalty to friends.

Abilities: Unique magical insight, Loyalty, Courage...
Quotes:
"You're just as sane as I am."
""I am Luna Lovegood.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
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Media Forms

Books
Original seven-book series, companion books, screenplays, reference materials
Live Action Films
Eight-film series (2001-2011), Fantastic Beasts film series
Video Games
Numerous games across multiple platforms, mobile games, VR experiences
Merchandise
Extensive toy lines, collectibles, clothing, home goods, replica items
Live Events
Theme park attractions, stage plays, exhibitions, studio tours
Digital Content
Pottermore website, Wizarding World digital platform, audiobooks
Cross Media Adaptations
Stage play (The Cursed Child), various international adaptations

Commercial Information

Sales
Over 500 million books sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling book series in history
Total Box Office
Over $7.7 billion worldwide box office for film series
Merchandise Revenue
Billions in merchandise sales across all categories
Awards
Numerous literary awards, film awards, cultural honors
Critical Reception
Universal critical acclaim, credited with reviving interest in reading among children
Theme Parks
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios parks
Cultural Impact
Global cultural phenomenon, influenced entire generation, revitalized fantasy genre
Market Value
Multi-billion dollar franchise, one of the most valuable entertainment properties

Fan Culture

Fanbase
Global community spanning all ages, known as "Potterheads"
Communities
Pottermore, Reddit communities, fan fiction sites, local fan clubs worldwide
Events
Harry Potter conventions, midnight book releases, film premieres, theme park events
Quotes
Always, Mischief managed, I solemnly swear I am up to no good, After all this time?
Memes
Snape's "Always", Hermione's knowledge, Ron's expressions, Hagrid's creatures
Cosplay
House robes, character costumes, magical creatures, Quidditch uniforms
Fan Projects
Fan fiction, fan films, podcasts, art, music, academic studies
Collectibles
Wands, house merchandise, Funko Pop figures, LEGO sets, prop replicas

Historical Development

1997
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone published in UK
1998
US publication as "Sorcerer's Stone", international expansion begins
2001
First film released, launching movie franchise
2007
Final book "Deathly Hallows" published, completing original series
2011
Final film released, concluding original movie series
2016
Fantastic Beasts film series begins, The Cursed Child stage play premieres
2022
Hogwarts Legacy video game becomes massive success

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