Defending Dolores

[meddow]

author_by_night has taken on Hagrid-hate, and I thought - what a good idea. I think I shall defend another apparently much hated Harry Potter character: Dolores Umbridge

I’m not going to sit here and type that she is misunderstood or that I agree with her politics because I don’t. I think she is hateful, dangerous and sadistic and that she is the greatest villain in the books, which is exactly why she’s in my top five favourite characters.

Which character manages to take over Hogwarts without firing a curse? Which character once and for all confirms my suspicion that old women who wear pink and like kitties really are evil? Which character teaches readers that it is not just evil monsters that they have to defend themselves against but it is those people who look normal and slowly take away their rights one by one? Which character shows us why we should question our governments? Which character shows us why loyalty can be just as dangerous a trait as ambition? And which evil character is not aligned with Voldemort and thus will still be around to antagonise our heroes after the war and so makes for a brilliant post-War foil?

If you answered Dolores Umbridge, you would be right. Now think, with all that going for her, wouldn’t the series be worse off without her?

So Harry Potter fandom, next time you see the question who is your least favourite Harry Potter character think twice before putting down Dolores Jane Umbridge.

Comments

[neigedens.livejournal.com]

I SO agree with you. Umbridge is so terrifying because while most of us don't know many demonic snakemen, who hasn't known a despotic pink lady? I know I have. Three words: Mary Kay lady *shudders*

[meddow.livejournal.com]

Mine was my high school chaplain. My dislike of that woman ended up with me being threatened with suspension.

[melusinahp.livejournal.com]

You are totally right, of course, she is a fantastic character and beautifully written. I remember feeling such hatred for her when reading OotP for the first time. And she is a wonderful addition to the books for all the reasons you mentioned.

[meddow.livejournal.com]

I remember reading Umbridge’s early chapters and thinking how incredibly awesome it would be if a woman with cat plates turns out to be one of the most evil characters in the books. And then she does. Reason #473289 why I adore JKR.

[jo-blogs.livejournal.com]

Great summary! All the reasons why she is so hateful, and such a brilliant character.