Harry Potter and the Lack of Ginny’s Personality
Many readers of the Harry Potter series were shocked when one of the strongest female characters appeared in the film completely robbed of her personality. The films portray Ginny Weasley as simply the sidekick’s little sister or the hero’s girlfriend. Readers, however, know her as much more than that. For those of you who don’t know, here are five things changed about Ginny in the films.
Owning Her Trauma
In the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix film adaptation, Harry keeps himself separate from the group out of fear. While film Ginny lets him do so, book Ginny gives Harry the hard truth: “‘[T]hat was a bit stupid of you,’ said Ginny angrily, ‘seeing as how you don’t know anyone but me who’s been possessed by You-Know-Who, and I can tell you how it feels” (OOTP 23).
Female Equality
Ginny, the only daughter of seven children, is often shown to defend herself to her brothers. One such moment missing from the film is when Ginny tells Ron, “[i]f you went out and got a bit of snogging done yourself you wouldn’t mind so much that everyone else does it” (HBP 14). Her reproach to his hypocritical behavior helps to set her as someone who won’t accept chastisement for having a love life.
Dumbledore’s Army
Readers of the books know that the name of the rebel group is actually proposed by Ginny Weasley, who shows her understanding of the political landscape when she says, “[L]et’s make [DA] stand for Dumbledore’s Army because that’s the Ministry’s worst fear, isn’t it?” (OOTP 18).
Supportive Nature
While some parts of Ginny’s character are clear even on screen, her love and support of Harry Potter shines much more clearly for readers than it does it the film. Though Ginny does not want Harry to be out hunting Horcruxes, she isn’t surprised: “I knew you wouldn’t be happy unless you were hunting Voldemort. Maybe that’s why I like you so much” (HBP 30).
Ride or Die
Ginny’s determination and strength aren’t only applied to her relationship with Harry but also her friendships with the other characters in the book. She does not hesitate to stand up for Hermione – “Don’t call her a Mudblood!” (OOTP 23) – when bigotry comes in to play.
With book moments and quotes so powerful, it begs the question of why so much of Ginny’s character was carved out of the films. Was it simply for lack of time? Why not showcase a female character with strength and personality? Do you think that the upcoming television adaptation will incorporate more of the book characteristics or will viewers get more of the same? While we wait to find out, make sure to vote for your favorite book-only moments!
