Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Characters & Cast

Harry is motivated by a desire to understand his past and protect those he cares about. He is initially driven by anger and a thirst for revenge against Sirius Black, whom he believes betrayed his parents. This motivation shifts to a desire for justice and to save an innocent man upon learning the truth.

Harry's journey in this film is one of internal growth. He begins the story haunted by the trauma of his parents' death, which makes him uniquely vulnerable to the Dementors. Throughout the film, he confronts his deepest fears and learns to draw strength from positive memories, culminating in his ability to cast a powerful Patronus. His arc is about moving from being a victim of his past to becoming his own protector, realizing his own power and his profound connection to his father.

Hermione is motivated by a thirst for knowledge and a powerful sense of justice and loyalty to her friends. She meticulously prepares a defense for Buckbeak and is unwavering in her support for Harry, even when it means bending the rules of magic and time itself.

Hermione's arc involves learning that intellect and rule-following are not always enough. She pushes herself academically to the breaking point with the Time-Turner but learns a greater lesson about breaking rules for a higher moral purpose. Her punch to Draco Malfoy's face signifies a moment where she chooses direct action over tolerance, and her use of the Time-Turner to save Sirius and Buckbeak shows her courage and willingness to operate outside the established system for the sake of justice.

Sirius's primary motivation is twofold: first, to find and capture Peter Pettigrew to clear his name and avenge the Potters, and second, to find Harry and fulfill his duty as a loving godfather.

Sirius Black is introduced as the film's primary antagonist, a fearsome and deranged killer. His arc is a complete reversal of this perception. The audience, along with Harry, discovers that he is not a traitor but a deeply loyal friend who was wrongfully imprisoned for twelve years in the horrific Azkaban. His journey is one from feared villain to a figure of hope and a paternal connection for Harry, representing the injustice of a flawed system and the endurance of loyalty.

Lupin is motivated by a deep-seated kindness and a sense of responsibility to his old friends and to Harry. He seeks to protect Harry and teach him valuable life lessons, all while carefully managing his lycanthropy and the secrets of his past.

Remus Lupin is the most compassionate and effective Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Harry has ever had. He mentors Harry, teaching him how to confront his fear in the form of the Patronus Charm. His arc deals with the themes of prejudice and self-acceptance, as he is a werewolf, a condition that forces him to live on the fringes of society. His resignation after his secret is revealed underscores the prejudice of the wizarding world, despite his inherent goodness and wisdom.