"It all ends."
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Harry Potter
Daniel Radcliffe
Motivation
Harry is motivated by a deep sense of love for his friends and the wizarding world, and a desire to avenge his parents' deaths and put an end to Voldemort's reign of terror. He is driven by a strong moral compass and a commitment to doing what is right, even at great personal cost.
Character Arc
Harry's arc culminates in his transformation from a boy burdened by prophecy to a man who chooses his own destiny. He fully embraces his role as a leader and makes the ultimate sacrifice, willingly walking to his death to save others. His journey is one of coming to terms with loss, understanding the true nature of courage, and realizing that love is the most powerful magic. His resurrection and final victory over Voldemort solidify his status as a true hero.
Severus Snape
Alan Rickman
Motivation
Snape's primary motivation is his enduring love for Lily Potter and his desire to protect her son, Harry. This love compels him to make immense sacrifices and risk his life to aid in the fight against Voldemort, all while maintaining a facade of loyalty to the Dark Lord.
Character Arc
Snape's character arc is one of the most complex and pivotal in the series, and it is fully revealed in this film. Through his memories, we learn that his seemingly villainous actions were driven by his unrequited love for Lily Potter. He has been acting as a double agent, protecting Harry in secret while appearing to serve Voldemort. His arc is one of redemption, showcasing the profound impact of love and the capacity for good to exist even in the most outwardly dark individuals.
Lord Voldemort
Ralph Fiennes
Motivation
Voldemort is driven by an insatiable lust for power and a pathological fear of death. He seeks to control the wizarding world and achieve immortality at any cost, believing that this will make him the most powerful wizard of all time.
Character Arc
Voldemort's arc is one of escalating obsession and ultimate self-destruction. His relentless pursuit of immortality and power leads him to commit heinous acts, but it also reveals his profound weaknesses. As his Horcruxes are destroyed, he becomes more vulnerable and erratic. His inability to understand love and his fear of death are his ultimate undoing, leading to his final defeat at the hands of Harry.
Neville Longbottom
Matthew Lewis
Motivation
Neville is motivated by a fierce loyalty to his friends and a deep-seated desire to fight against the injustice and cruelty of Voldemort and the Death Eaters. The memory of his parents, who were tortured into insanity by Bellatrix Lestrange, fuels his determination to see them defeated.
Character Arc
Neville's arc is a powerful story of growth and bravery. He transforms from a clumsy, insecure boy into a courageous and defiant leader of the resistance at Hogwarts. His defining moment comes when he stands up to Voldemort, refusing to surrender even when all seems lost. By destroying the final Horcrux, he plays a crucial role in Voldemort's defeat, proving himself to be a true Gryffindor and a hero in his own right.