Harry Potter: 12 Best Supporting Characters

5. Minerva McGonagall

Dobby House Elf
Warner Bros.

The Head of Gryffindor House may have less than half-an-hour of screen-time across eight films, but it is to the testament of her character - and the performance behind it - that she conveys effectively her whole arc, from initial guiding taskmaster through to trustworthy associate, with striking effectiveness.

Translated from page-to-screen with an arguably more personable quality than found in the books, Minerva McGonagall fulfills an early role in Harry's education with her deep care more masked than it truly is and her drier wit gets flexed the deeper Maggie Smith drills into the character.

Not all of her development makes its way from the book - the finale of Deathly Hallows - Part 2 robs us of a genuine fight with Lord Voldemort himself - but for the most part, she leaves a lasting impression as a caretaker of Harry and Hogwarts' wellbeing.

Contributor

Something of a culture vulture, Mr Steel can historically be found in three places; the local cinema, the local stadium or the local chip shop. He is an avowed fan of franchise films, amateur cricket and power-chords.