Today's Killer Characters Blogfest is dedicated to our favorite leading characters, the protagonists.
I chose everyone's favorite boy wizard, Harry Potter.
When I first started reading the Harry Potter books, I didn't expect to love them. I normally don't care for stories with children as the main characters and, at that time, I didn't have any interest in reading fantasy or supernatural stories. But there was so much buzz about Harry Potter, I couldn't help but be interested. I wanted to find out what I was missing.
I started reading the series at the time the fourth book was published and, from the start of the first book, I was completely caught up in Harry's world.
By the time I finished the fourth book, I thought I would go mad waiting for the next to be published. I devoured each book as soon as it came out, and I was truly sad when I came to the end of Book 7. This from a girl who never had the slightest interest in reading fantasy stories.
My tastes have changed now, and I love stories that are about magic or supernatural beings, or that take place in worlds different from our own. I have Harry to thank for my broadened horizons.
Given all that, Harry seemed to be the obvious choice for my protagonist. From his beginnings in the Dursley cupboard to his final showdown with Voldemort, Harry kept me turning pages, and wanting more.
When it comes to memorable protagonists, it is hard to top The Boy Who Lived.
Aww Harry! How can you not love a BOY who saved his world seven times (I'm not counting book three, but I am counting as a baby :). I was just like you I didn't jump on board until book four. How could I have been so blind?
ReplyDeleteExcellent choice! Yet another complex character who keeps the reader enthralled. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI almost chose him as well. He's so brave. That's why he's such a winner. I think HP really refreshed the entire fantasy genre. I've always loved fantasy, but before HP it wasn't really geared toward young children. HP showed the world fantasy rocks. It's exhilirating.
ReplyDeleteGreat choice. Gotta love an against all odds character.
ReplyDeleteI hope youll try some of the books that certainly influenced the creation of Harry. One of the best about a young wizard going through training is A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula LeGuin. It's so poignant and insanely well written.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that.
ReplyDeleteMy experience with falling into Harry's story was very similar. I'm so glad he found me.
@Angela, I'm glad I'm not the only one who was late to the party on these books. I just never dreamed I would love them so much!
ReplyDelete@ER, thanks!
@Pk, that's a good way to put it, Harry definitely showed me that fantasy rocks.
@Tasha, thanks, and I agree!
@Ted, thanks for the recommendation, I haven't read the LeGuin book. It sounds fabulous, I will put it on my list.
@Matthew, great way to put it, I totally agree.
I just fell in love with Harry this year. I really have a soft spot in my heart for all the characters of this book. Great Choice, and I'm glad you have found the world of fantasy. ;0)
ReplyDeleteI followed your same journey with Harry Potter. Could not WAIT for the next book to come out,,,and the next. Harry is a wonderful choice, a wonderful hero, partly because he is not always sure of himself, but he ultimately always manages to make the right choice.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful feature of a popular figure. Enjoyed the read.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
I started reading this series so I could determine if the first book was an appropriate read for my kids and I fell in love. I became as big a fan as my kids.
ReplyDeleteI thought I was already following your blog. I changed many thinngs about my blog and my google profile & for some reason I am finding that I am not listed as a follower on some of the blogs that I first joined. I remedied that today.
@Jenny, I agree, all the characters are fabulous. I just got totally wrapped up in the whole universe.
ReplyDelete@Melissa, I totally agree about Harry, that is what made the character so fantastic. It's such a great feeling waiting for a book to come out, I miss that with this series!
@Yvonne, thanks!
@Melissa, oh, I have had the same thing happen with blogs, I think there are just a lot of bugs with the followers, etc. Sometimes I can't even get the "follow" option to load, it's frustrating!
Excellent choice! Harry is definitely a true hero - brave and honest and loyal.
ReplyDeletean instant classic and legend! i love how everyone knew who he was and he hadnt a clue of his importance!
ReplyDeleteWEll I have never read Harry Potter for the same reason you didn't start until late. Now I guess I had better give it a try. They sure won you over. Thanks for this great information.
ReplyDeleteYay for Harry. Can't go wrong with HP for a worthy protagonist. Amazing character. The perfect flawed hero.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on Harry Potter. He's an awesome character.
ReplyDeleteHarry is a great character. Great choice.
ReplyDeleteHarry is definitely up there in my list of favorite protagonists! Great post, Julie and thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteHarry Potter is an excellent choice for a protagonist, and he can sing and dance too! Julie
ReplyDelete@Nicole, thanks, I totally agree.
ReplyDelete@Tara, oh, that's so true, it was fun to read along as Harry discovered who he was!
@Marg, if you decide to read the series I hope you enjoy it like I did!
@LG, I agree!
@Angela, amen to that.
@Mary, thanks!
@Lyla, thank you for coming by, it's been great to meet you through this fest! :)
@Julie, ha ha, and you can't go wrong with all that, no doubt!
So true! You can't top Harry! Fantastic choice.
ReplyDeleteYou know, Harry was so obvious he wasn't. I had forgotten about him totally until I read this post. He is one of a kind. You have to love a book with a protag so amazing that is changes your preference of literature.
ReplyDeleteHarry Potter is the perfect protagonist. I was sad to see the end of the series too.
ReplyDeleteHarry was huge for me growing up, I went to so many midnight releases for the films and books. I'm surprised he hasn't been getting a lot of love for this prompt.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you're not the only one who chose HP :)
ReplyDeleteI know I'm the odd man out here but I fell asleep in the first Potter movie. Broadening ones horizons is a great thing though. And thanks for the birthday wishes. :)
ReplyDeleteJules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
@Jen, I agree, I just love him.
ReplyDelete@Deana, yeah, I was actually afraid Harry was too obvious and thought I should choose someone else. But I just couldn't resist him. Thanks again for hosting this!
@Kara, I couldn't believe how sad I was when I finished the 7th book!
@Jenny, I haven't seen all the movies, but I just adored the books so much.
@Carol, I thought the same LOL.
@Jules, oh, you're welcome for the bday wishes, I hope you enjoyed your day. I actually didn't care about the HP movies, it's the books I totally loved. So I don't think you are odd LOL.