I’m Hermione Granger, and you are?

One of my favourite characters out of the entire 7 books is Hermione Jean Granger. I believe she is the perfect role model for girls everywhere. Her dedication, loyalty and intelligence provides a welcome change to a lot of what we are and have been exposed to over the years.

During the course of the 7 books, Hermione moves from a nerdy know it all classmate to an essential and adored friend of Harry’s whilst still keeping her core characteristics and beliefs. Even when the trio essentially go on the run, she insists on carrying her books round with her, in order to study and deepen their knowledge of anything that may help them along the way. Granger’s strength and courage is the perfect representation of a true Gryffindor.

In an interview in 2011, JK Rowling admitted she was very much “A Hermione” in her younger years, and the character is loosely based on her own experiences. She also mentions she wanted the character to be somewhat of an ugly duckling. Of course this interpretation changed, once the beautiful Emma Watson was cast as Hermione.

Watson portrays Hermione in such a way, that allows the viewer to always be reminded that she is very much a pretty girly girl, but is also not afraid to get her hands dirty. We are subtly shown this in many ways in both the book & on screen but the most obvious being that her two best friends are boys. We rarely see or read about Hermione “hanging out” with other girls. (Moaning Myrtle not included) and perhaps this is why female readers are delighted that Granger becomes one of the main heroes. Hermione can clearly do everything the boys can, if not more, which makes her the perfect role model, for girls, and women alike.

We are of course constantly reminded of Hermione’s background, and how she is not “Pure Blood” and that she is “Muggle Born” some characters even tarnishing her with the despised label of “Mudblood” which means dirty blood. However, Granger quickly earns the respect of most of her peers by being called “The brightest witch of her age” which symbolises, that no matter your background, no matter your heritage, you really can be anything you want to be. This also is a mirror, of Lily Evans, Harry’s late mother who was “Muggle Born” too and an incredibly bright witch. This makes it crystal clear as to why Harry is drawn to his best friend, and will always defend her status.

The above is just a few reasons, as to why I love the character of Hermione so much. There are layers and layers of emotions, and typical issues that most girls face, but sometimes never conquer. Hermione Granger shows us that it is ok to be different.