"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
Favorite Dumbledore Quote?
What is your favorite Albus Dumbledore quote of them all?
"We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy"
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What are the landmark choices made by the characters that reveal their very essence?
Below are a few from Book One. But there must be loads from across the saga. Can you suggest other key choices that give a clear view of the books' heroes and villains?
Harry: rejects the privileged, prejudiced Malfoy. Harry chooses to judge people on merit.* Likewise in the final books he turns down the friend request of Rufus Scrimgeour, Minister for Magic.
Hermione: lies to the teachers about the incident with the Troll. The truth would do fine, but she wants to protect her new friends from the teachers' wrath.
Ron: sacrifices himself on the chessboard. He gives his team the ultimate assist. He is the best friend.
Neville: attempts to stop the Trio from getting in more trouble. The odds aren't in his favour but he digs for bravery and shows integrity.
Hagrid: brings a birthday cake.
What other moments show who these and other characters truly are?
*Harry tells Malfoy, "I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks." He is mistaken: he overlooks Quirrell, thinks Draco opened the Chamber of Secrets, ignores Ron’s evil rat despite the bleating Sneakoscope, falls for the MoodyCrouch's schemes, and for seven years believes Snape, who is committed to his protection, is a villain. Harry starts to recognise the wrong sort in OotP – hint: they try to get him expelled from Hogwarts.