Is the character of Severus Snape Evil?

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Severus Snape is a character created by J. K. Rowling in the Harry Potter book series. Snape is an important character in all the seven novels of the series. Dumble dore may be clearly good and Voldemort an epitome of evil but the character of Severus Snape is much more complex and difficult for readers to understand easily

How is Severus Snape characterized in the Book?

The outward appearance of Snape fits the description of a thin man with a sallow complexion, having a hooked nose and discolored, uneven teeth. He is dressed in long, black robes which make him look like an overgrown bat. Snape emerges as a personality who is cold, bitter and calculating always spewing sarcasms. He shows a strong displeasure for Harry Potter and talks rudely of Harry’s father- James potter who was his rival during their school days. As a young boy Snape has been described to be insecure and a victim of bullying. Though as an adult Snape evolves into a confident man displaying authority and power. He is an intelligent and cunning wizard though not always likeable by others as he generally cruel and bitter.

What is the role of Severus Snape in his First Appearance?

In the series of Harry Potter books, Severus Snape is considered to be an enigmatic character with a certain mystery surrounding the object of his loyalties. J.K. Rowling has delineated the character of Severus Snape with much depth and maturity that makes him a complex personality. In the first book by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Severus Snape appears as the primary antagonist and villain of the piece. He is a teacher at Hogwarts, teaching Potions and appears as a malicious teacher who dislikes Harry potter. However the climax of the book reveals that Snape is not the real villain.

What is the Role of Severus Snape in the Final book?

In the Final Book “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”, Snape emerges as the Headmaster of Hogwarts and is seen protecting the students and contains the Carrows.  However Snape is forced to flee the school during the close of the school year. Later Snape is betrayed by Voldermort who gets his snake to bit Snape to death. As Snape dies he lets loose a cloud of memories for Harry Potter. The readers get to know of Snapes love interest, Lily and his loyalty to her till the end. Further the actual reason for Dumble dore’s death, being afflicted by a curse is also made clear. Finally Snape’s memories provide Harry with the crucial information to bring Voldemort’s defeat. The Epilogue to the final book records, Harry naming his second son Albus Severus as a mark of respect for Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape.

Which is the evil act committed by Severus Snape?

In Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Snape murders Dumbledore which can largely be seen as an evil deed committed by Snape. Does this make Severus Snape a villain?.  It is not easy to answer this when seen in the light of the facts. Snape has vowed to help Draco Malfoy with the task set by Voldemort. Bound as he is by the Unbreakable Vow, Dumbledore urges Snape to do his duty and kill him because if Snape does not honor the unbreakable Vow, Snape would die. Probably Dumbledore feels he is already dying and it would be more useful to keep Snape alive.

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