Harry Potter - Ron's character in the HP films

Snoshy · 03-30-2005, 06:19 PM

Is it me, or do the Harry Potter films portray Ron as a scaredy cat? He is a much more brave character in the books. I mean, come on, he's in Gryffindor. I really thought they got it right in Sorcerer's Stone, but after that, things changed. It's a little disappointing.

jennifer8 · 03-30-2005, 09:41 PM

Yes and no, IMO.

He's not brave in the same sense as Harry - i.e., going out of his way to stand up to bullys and dark lords.

He is brave in that he runs head-first into danger (always right behind Harry). And also, in that he's a hot-head who's not afraid of a fight - with Malfoy, for example.

I think Ron is more loyal than brave, and much less inclinded to go out of his way to help people he doesn't know, or to do something just because it's right (whereas Harry and Hermione have that whole "righteous indignation" thing going on).

Sidenote: None of this is a slam against Ron! I love that he is meant to be just an average guy! He's in the process of discovering his politics, value system, and empathy for others. Ron is probably the most realistic person in the novels.

But, he certainly isn't a quivering coward like they make him out to be in the movies. He's not the Cowardly Lion. He will absolutely put his life on the line for people he cares about.

I think the scriptwriter and the directors have really done a disservice to the character - but that Rupert has somehow found a way to make Ron very lovable. (Although he has is work cut out for him in GoF because a lot of people were angry with the way Ron deserted Harry.)

*ADARA* · 03-31-2005, 09:57 AM

There is already a thread for discussing the character of Ron Weasley. You may find it here . If you wish to additionally discuss anything from the books or movies, you may do that here. Thank you.

~Chrissy~