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"Who is Harry Potter?" I asked this question at a training session in the bookstore I was working at, and was given several unbelieving stares. How could I not know about the books, their characters, and the mass frenzy they were causing in the children's literature world? I was allowed to take one home, and was snatched up myself in the zest to read them all. Like dominoes, one after the other, they fell into my imagination and I became engaged with each character, walking in their struggles and pain, successes and realizations. Now, after having finished the seventh book last year, I have had time to reflect on my favorite character, the one that I connected to the most. This is a difficult choice to make, as each one bonded to me in a completely different way.

After consideration and looking at how things went, I would have to say that the one I can almost call my utmost favorite is Lupin, the Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher, that popped into view during the third year. Professor Lupin, the secret werewolf, was one of the most humane and compelling individuals who stayed at times in the background. His shabby, underdog (no pun intended) appearance make him an interesting individual in the story, and he is consistently there to support Harry, but doesn't coddle him when he does wrong. He is also a gifted teacher, taking extra time outside of his normal class to teach Harry how to fight off the dementors that are tormenting him, and to give him insight into his parents of which he was a close confidant.

Lupin is hated and loved at the same time by the wizarding world, and is used by J.K. Rowling, in my own opinion, as a character that experiences a unique kind of racism. He finds it hard to find employment and trust for what he is, and is plagued by the stereotypes and misunderstandings of the wizarding society, just as many people in our own society are. The only difference is that this separation from society is based on his being a werewolf.

Her use of this aspect of our perception of others who are radically different than ourselves makes it relevant to children just how much hate and sterotypes can damage a person's life, and deny you of a wonderful person to know and interact with. Lupin is a gentle creature who is in stark contrast to his werewolf visage that appears at the full moon. This Jekyl and Hyde existence he carries off with grace, and a quiet determination as he fights for what he thinks is right for the wizarding world regardless of how it treats him in return.

I find that Lupin is the kind of person that I think we all wish we could be like without having to suffer his sickness. Lupin's true value is in the character, fortitude, and attitude that he shows to Harry, Ron, and all of the other students at Hogwarts in the tale, but most importantly of what he leaves for the reader. This is why, out of them all that I loved reading about, I find Lupin to be the character that I will be attached to long after the movies and frenzy are gone, and only the books still remain.

Learn more about this author, Erin Steeley.
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