Potter, Harry

Fictional hero of a series of children's novels. English writer J K Rowling combined the formulaic unhappy English schoolboy, complete with round spectacles, with supernatural elements of magic and wizardry to create a sympathetic character of unprecedented popularity.

Harry must contend with all the trials of attending boarding school and coming of age, including fierce teachers and school bullies, but must also face terrifying monsters and supernatural forces. Rowling cleverly incorporates wizardry into everyday school life; the school sport, for example, is Quidditch, which involves riding on flying brooms to score points.

Harry Potter books include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (US title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) (1997), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003), and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005). The first four books in the series have been adapted into popular films, starring Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter.

The series begins with Harry's miserable childhood as an orphan living with his neglectful and cruel aunt and uncle and their intolerable son. Harry lives in a cupboard under the stairs and knows nothing but unhappiness until an owl delivers a mysterious letter inviting Harry to attend the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. The rest of the series follows his self-discovery and adventures at the school.