Top 38 Best Harry Potter Female Characters

It's universally agreed that Hermione Granger is one of the standout characters in the Harry Potter series. She is more than just studious; her fierce determination and sharp wit make her both memorable and indispensable throughout the story.

Hermione's intelligence and clever sense of humor continually proved invaluable, making a huge impact on the adventures of Harry, Ron, and the entire wizarding world. It is impossible to imagine the group overcoming their greatest challenges without her presence.

While Emma Watson's portrayal first introduced Hermione as a bit bossy, the character ultimately shines as a classy, selfless heroine—one who would do anything to protect her friends and those she loves.

Time and again, Hermione demonstrates remarkable bravery where others might falter. J.K. Rowling made her the series’ most focused and driven character, with unwavering commitment to doing what is right and staying true to her path.

At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Hermione is celebrated as a top student, earning a reputation as a perfectionist and a know-it-all—attributes that serve her and her friends well in their magical journey.

Bellatrix Lestrange stands out as one of the most wicked and memorable characters in the Harry Potter universe. Despite her pure evil nature, she brought a captivating presence to the magical world crafted by J.K. Rowling.

Introduced as Sirius Black's cousin, Bellatrix was fiercely loyal to Lord Voldemort. Her unwavering devotion to the Dark Lord drove her to commit some of the most atrocious acts in the series.

Dangerous and highly skilled, Bellatrix was notorious for her volatile temper, which made her one of Voldemort's most formidable Death Eaters. Beneath her villainous exterior, she occasionally displayed almost childlike mannerisms, adding layers to her character.

Importantly, Bellatrix was the first female Death Eater introduced in the books, which set her apart as a unique figure among Voldemort's followers.

Both in the novels and on screen, her obsession with the Dark Lord became increasingly apparent—she grew as sadistic and ruthless as Voldemort himself.

Helena Bonham Carter's outstanding portrayal of Bellatrix in the films truly brought this iconic villain to life for audiences everywhere.

Molly Weasley is one of those instantly lovable characters within the franchise, cherished by fans from the moment she appears. She stands as an epitome of kindness, valuing her children above all else and offering unwavering love to her family.

Though Harry Potter grew up without experiencing a true family, Molly made every effort to help him feel accepted and cared for through her warmth and hospitality at the Burrow.

A true Gryffindor at heart, Molly bravely fought with her family during the Battle of Hogwarts. Beyond her courage, she masterfully balanced the roles of strict mother and comic relief, creating memorable moments throughout the series.

As the story unfolds, it’s clear Molly holds high expectations for her children and will not abide bad manners, quickly putting any troublemakers in their place with equal parts love and discipline.

Among the many professors at the vast Hogwarts School, Professor Minerva McGonagall stood out for her remarkable presence and unwavering integrity. Serving as Head of Gryffindor House, she earned deep respect from fellow teachers and was cherished by all her students.

McGonagall was well known for her strict discipline and had little patience for misbehavior. Yet her signature wit and sharp humor would often surface, especially when addressing situations directly. To Harry, Ron, and Hermione, Minerva became a guiding figure, always offering wise counsel in their times of need.

What truly set her apart was her ability to infuse humor into unexpected moments, breaking through her stern exterior with perfectly timed remarks. Still, she maintained an uncompromising approach in her classroom, leaving no room for nonsense.

In moments of crisis or threat, McGonagall was consistently among the first to protect the students, demonstrating her fierce loyalty and courage. Dedicated and passionate, she also had a soft spot for Quidditch—a detail sometimes overlooked in her formidable persona.

Luna Lovegood first entered the Harry Potter series in the fifth installment and quickly captured fans' hearts with her mysterious charm. Her debut in the Order of the Phoenix instantly established her as a memorable and beloved character.

Although Luna was often perceived as an outsider, her whimsical and eccentric nature made her a fan favorite. What truly set her apart was her confidence—she never let others' opinions define her, remaining unapologetically herself throughout the series.

Harry often sought Luna's company when he needed understanding and acceptance. Her gentle demeanor and thoughtful insights made her a trusted friend, providing support without judgment when it mattered most.

Narcissa Malfoy stood as a pivotal figure within the Malfoy family, often making her an easy character to dislike. Yet, unlike some of her relatives, she never demonstrated the same depth of cruelty or sadism commonly seen among other members of her clan.

Despite her reputation as a follower of Lord Voldemort, Narcissa refrained from participating in the final battle. By that time, it was evident that her son Draco's safety was her utmost concern, surpassing her loyalty to dark forces.

In a defining moment, Narcissa deceived Voldemort by telling him Harry Potter was dead, secretly aiding in his defeat. Her actions throughout the story reveal a mother who loved her child unconditionally above all else.

Hedwig may often be overlooked, but her role in the Harry Potter series is truly memorable. As Harry's very first companion in the magical world, she brought him comfort and companionship, remaining by his side through every challenge until the series' end.

Her unwavering loyalty helped Harry keep in touch with friends and allies, particularly with Sirius Black during his time in hiding. Many fans cherish how Hedwig's devotion shone in "The Battle of the Seven Potters" in Deathly Hallows – Part 1, where she bravely defended Harry.

Despite her valiant efforts to protect him, Hedwig tragically fell to the killing curse. Her loss was a moment fans will never forget, underscoring her deep bond with Harry.

Nymphadora Tonks is a vibrant character who receives considerable depth in the Harry Potter books, standing out with her wit and charm. While her role in the films is lighter, she remains a delight to watch, especially with her laidback approach compared to other Order members. Introduced in 'Order of the Phoenix,' Tonks quickly earns the trust of Dumbledore, showcasing unwavering loyalty.

What truly defines Tonks is her courageous, selfless spirit. Her tragic death during the Battle of Hogwarts underscores the extent of her bravery. Knowing the risks and the possibility she might never see her son grow up, she still chose to stand and fight, leaving a lasting example of heroism.

Many fans of the Harry Potter franchise feel that Ginny Weasley's character arc in the movies wasn't as fully developed as in the books. Introduced as the shy and reserved youngest Weasley sibling, Ginny later underwent an inspiring transformation.

She gradually established her own identity, standing out for her bravery—most notably through her pivotal role in the Battle of Hogwarts. As she matured, Ginny's significance and involvement in the story grew stronger with each installment.

Ultimately, Ginny, who goes on to marry Harry Potter, is often seen as a criminally underrated character who deserves far more recognition for her role in the series.

Dolores Umbridge is a character who demonstrated that greatness does not always require kindness. While Lord Voldemort stands as the primary antagonist in Harry Potter, many fans found themselves more compelled by the infamous actions of Umbridge.

Unlike Voldemort, Umbridge managed to unite Potter fans in their collective dislike of her. She wasn't hated for any single heinous act, but because she embodied a certain real-world cruelty that many recognize from their own experiences.

Her countless, vile actions at Hogwarts reveal troubling truths about human nature and the subtle forms that evil can take in everyday life.

Although Lily Potter is a relatively minor character in the Harry Potter series, her influence is profound and essential to the story. As a powerful and skilled witch, she passed along many of her remarkable qualities to her son, Harry Potter.

Lily's love for Harry was boundless and unwavering—she was willing to risk everything to ensure his safety. Her courage and compassion clearly shaped Harry, who often demonstrated those same noble traits throughout the series.

While Lily and her husband James met a tragic end, their bravery and sacrifice resonate, making them two of the franchise’s most heroic figures.

Myrtle Elizabeth Warren, better known as Moaning Myrtle, was a Muggle-born witch who attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from 1940 to 1943, where she was sorted into Ravenclaw house.

She earns her place on this list for her significant role in helping Harry Potter discover the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets during his second year. Myrtle also makes memorable appearances throughout the Harry Potter franchise, leaving a lasting impression despite her tragic story.

Myrtle was known for her unusual manner of speaking and was often perceived as irritating by other students. Tragically, she met her end in 1943 at the hands of the Serpent of Slytherin, under orders from Tom Riddle.

Cho Chang was a pure-blood witch and a student at Hogwarts, best known as Harry Potter's first crush. She was sorted into Ravenclaw and played the role of Seeker for the Ravenclaw Quidditch team.

Well-liked by her peers, Cho demonstrated remarkable kindness throughout her time at school. Even when she faced challenges and was unfairly ostracized, she never retaliated or treated others poorly.

In a world where many judge or abandon each other easily, Cho stood out for her empathy and compassion. She remained genuinely caring towards those around her, setting herself apart from others.

Gracefully portrayed by Clémence Poésy, Fleur Delacour is a part-Veela witch known for her impressive magical abilities and keen intelligence. She stands out as one of the principal participants in the Triwizard Tournament, representing Beauxbatons and competing bravely alongside students from Durmstrang and Hogwarts.

Fleur, as the Beauxbatons champion, captivated audiences with her alluring presence and determination. Despite facing challenges in the hedge maze, she showcased her courage and skill—particularly during the first task against the dragon.

Although not much was revealed about Fleur outside the tournament, she was established as a top student from France's leading magical school. Her expertise in Charms, demonstrated by successfully putting a dragon to sleep, highlights her exceptional talent and magical prowess.

For those who may not remember, Madam Pomfrey was the dedicated Matron of Hogwarts, responsible for the well-being of its students. Without her expertise and care, several students might not have recovered from the Basilisk's attack.

All three main protagonists found themselves under her capable care in the hospital wing at various times. Her reputation as an exceptionally skilled healer was well-earned and fully deserved.

After the Battle of Hogwarts, Madam Pomfrey wasted no time in tending to the wounded, providing comfort and healing to the heroes of the school. In many ways, she is a hero herself, offering unwavering support when it was needed most.

Rita Skeeter was a reporter for the Daily Prophet, known for her love of sensationalizing stories and stirring up controversy. Often accompanied by her photographer Bozo, she gained notoriety for spreading fabricated tales about Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and many other characters, particularly in "Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire."

She conducted intrusive interviews with students participating in the Triwizard Tournament and publicly revealed Rubeus Hagrid's half-giant heritage. Even after attending Headmaster Albus Dumbledore's funeral, Rita continued to publish malicious stories, intent on tarnishing his reputation in the final book.

Her controversial biography, "The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore," outraged Harry Potter and further cemented her reputation as a troublemaking journalist.

Lavender Brown is a memorable recurring character from both the Harry Potter books and film adaptations. Notably, she was Ronald Weasley's first girlfriend, famously sharing a passionate kiss with him after he led Gryffindor to a Quidditch championship victory.

During her years at Hogwarts, Lavender developed a deep fascination for Divination, eagerly pursuing the subject under Professor Trelawney. Initially skeptical of Harry's warnings about Lord Voldemort's return, she eventually joined Dumbledore's Army in her fifth year, demonstrating her courageous spirit.

Angelina Johnson stood out as one of the few people at Hogwarts who truly understood George Weasley, seeing beyond his mischievous bravado to his genuine character beneath the surface.

Renowned as a talented Quidditch player and a capable witch, Angelina made her mark as a member of Dumbledore's Army. After returning to Hogwarts later on, she courageously fought against Lord Voldemort and his followers.

Following the Second Wizarding War, Angelina and George Weasley eventually married, building their future together after the tumultuous events.

Olympe Maxime, a half-giantess born to one magical parent and one giant, stands out as a unique character in the Harry Potter universe. She is best known as Hagrid's love interest and plays a memorable role in the story.

As Headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic in France, Madame Maxime is respected for her strong will, impeccable style, and positive relationships with both students and fellow teachers.

Although her presence in the franchise is limited, Maxime often kept her true heritage hidden, fearing that others might judge her differently if they discovered her background.

Padma and Parvati Patil are identical twin sisters at Hogwarts, but their paths diverged with Padma being sorted into Ravenclaw and Parvati into Gryffindor. Padma stood out for her academic prowess and leadership, becoming a prefect in her fifth year. She also bravely joined Dumbledore's Army, contributing to the fight against dark forces under Harry Potter's guidance.

Parvati gained recognition as Harry's partner at the 1994 Yule Ball—a memorable event in the series. Like her sister, she joined Dumbledore's Army soon after, showing courage and loyalty. The twins are especially remembered for their entertaining response to the less-than-stellar dates with Ron and Harry at the ball, providing some of the series’ most amusing moments.

Portrayed diligently by Miriam Margolyes, Professor Pomona Sprout is the Herbology Professor and Head of the Hufflepuff House. She is shown to be very knowledgeable about magical herbs after having been introduced in the first part.

In the second part, one can find her teaching her students about the Mandrake tree. Not only did she make the Mandrake tree proliferate to maturity but she also used its water to cure students who the Basilisk had petrified.

Yes, we all know and agree that Professor Trelawney was considered to be a weirdo by most of her friends and colleagues. But, she was far more connected to the spirit world than most of us can possibly imagine.

She first made an appearance in Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban and was seen serving as Professor of Prophecy at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Sybill may not have been among the main characters of the series, but she was credited with tying the knot between the fates of Harry Potter and the Dark Lord Voldemort.

She was seen wearing a coat, a scarf, and thick and large glasses that made her eyes look several times larger than normal eyes. Even though her voice was soft and ethereal, her words were often vague and difficult to comprehend.

Petunia Dursley was an English Muggle, who, as a child, harboured resentment toward her sister for the fact that she was a witch. So, she cut off all ties with her and, thus, began her hatred towards the wizarding community.

She went on to marry a Muggle named Vernon Dursley and the pair had a child, Dudley. Not long after their wedding, Petunia became Harry Potter's legal guardian when Voldemort killed Lily.

Most of the time, she and her family disregarded him and treated him harshly. In fact, the young boy was forced to sleep in the storage closet beneath the stairs by them.

Pansy Parkinson belonged to the Slytherin house and was Draco Malfoy's buddy and girlfriend. Since she was so well acquainted with him, it was only a given that she would be just as cruel and obnoxious.

Needless to say, the girl spent a fair amount of time making fun of Harry Potter and the people around him and spreading false information about Hermione Granger to journalist Rita Skeeter.

Parkinson harboured intentions of handing Harry over to Voldemort during the struggle for the last victory. However, she was deterred by Professor McGonagall who invited her out first.

The Grey Lady's story was an illustration of toxic masculinity that may have been shortened for pacing purposes. She was the House Ghost of Ravenclaw and was perhaps the only ghost at Hogwarts who maintained a much more relaxed demeanour.

She may not have been as loquacious as others, but she certainly did provide Harry with her mother's diadem; therefore, assisting him in the eventual defeat of the Dark Lord.

Romilda Vane is cast squarely in the "vixen" role in the movies. While she is barely ever seen speaking, fans know that she had an intense crush on Harry Potter; so much so that she even gave him a love potion in 1996.

However, it was Ronald Weasley that ended up consuming it accidentally. A member of the Gryffindor house, she joined Dumbledore's Army a year after joining the school and was even seen partaking in the Battle of Hogwarts.

That said, a special shout out to her for going after the boy she wants, even if she has to drug him to be hers.

This beautiful landlady of the Three Broomsticks tavern was liked by many students, including Ronald Weasley. Played by Julie Christie, was a charming woman who managed her shop very well.

While not a lot about her past has been mentioned in the movies, what is, however, known is that she was one of the people loved by many of the top teachers at Hogwarts.

A lot of Harry Potter fans may have forgotten this, but she was mentioned as having worked as a bartender while still a student.

Bathilda Bagshot was a well-known historian and the author of the book "The History of Magic", which Harry Potter was shown to be reading during his debut year of school.

Since she was a true family friend of Albus Dumbledore, James, and Lily Potter, she turned out to be the primary source of information for the Headmaster's biography. However, Voldemort permitted the snake Nagini to enter her body after she passed away.

That was done so that Nagini could ultimately deliver Harry to Voldemort.

Rowena Ravenclaw was a witch and once a good friend of Helga Hufflepuff. Known for her intelligence and creativity, she left behind maps of the ever-changing floors and moving stairs of Hogwarts Castle.

She had a daughter named Helena Ravenclaw and was described by the Sorting Hat as having selected students based on their intelligence. Needless to mention, the Ravenclaws seem to have a sharp mind, wisdom, creativity, and quickness; each of which comes to their use from time to time at school.

Alice Longbottom was a witch of pure blood who is known to have served diligently as an Auror for the Ministry of Magic during the early stages of Lord Voldemort's inevitable rise to power.

Both she and Frank Longbottom were founding members of the Order of the Phoenix during the First Wizarding War. Expectedly, they engaged in the battle against Voldemort and the Death Eaters together.

Unfortunately for the pair, a group of Death Eaters drove them insane till the conclusion of the war in 1981. What's even more unfortunate is that their son, Neville, was only just an infant then.

Following the events, both Alice and Frank were admitted to the Janus Thickey Ward at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries for their treatment.

This Welsh witch was one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She is known to have valued traits like ​​loyalty, honesty, fairness, and hard work over and above everything else during her time.

It is not surprising then that the Hufflepuff students went on to display at least one of these qualities on several occasions. It had been stated in Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire that Helga was seen as one of "the most deserving of the school's hard workers." However, what actually did separate her from the rest of the founders was the fact that she believed in treating every student equally.

Mrs Arabella Doreen Figg was a Squib, a hybrid cat breeder, and dealer who belonged to the Order of the Phoenix. The owner of at least four-part-kneazle cats, she resided on Wisteria Walk in Little Whinging in a house with a potent cabbage odour.

She loved to photograph her animals in great detail. However, she hid her true identity from Harry Potter for the major part of his childhood. This was probably because Headmaster Dumbledore thought he was too young to understand his place in the enigmatic wizarding world.

Unsurprisingly, Potter had no idea whatsoever about Mrs Figg's connection to the wizarding world until 1995, when dementors attacked him and Dudley Dursley.

Half-blood witch Hannah Abbott belonged to the Abbott family and was placed in the Hufflepuff House upon her admission at Hogwarts. She, too, joined Dumbledore's Army and became a prefect during her fifth year at the school.

However, she was expelled after the Death Eaters ended up killing her mother. But, she returned to school the very next year and joined the Defense Association again. Hannah was also a participant in the Battle of Hogwarts, which took place on May 2, 1998.

One of the most enigmatic and unintentionally entertaining supporting characters in the Harry Potter film series was the Fat Lady. She appeared in an enchanted portrait that stood sentry at Gryffindor tower.

While she was portrayed by Elizabeth Spriggs in the first instalment of the franchise, it was Dawn French who played the part in the third motion picture. The Fat Lady was first seen when the first-year students of Gryffindor house arrived at Gryffindor tower with their prefect, Percy Weasley.

Katie Bell is known to have attended the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from 1990 until 1997. She was sorted into the Gryffindor house and participated in the Quidditch matches as a Chaser.

Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet, who were also members of the same house, became some of her closest pals while she studied at the school. Bell's most notable scene is the one where she's possessed by a cursed necklace and tossed around like a rag doll by a phenomenal unseen force.

Voldemort's snake Nagini was an important part of Harry Potter's villain. The terrifying snake was a great source of mystery in both the book and the film series. It was shown that Maledictus Nagini was afflicted with a condition that caused her to turn into a snake.

Eventually, she was imprisoned in her snake form and belonged to Lord Voldemort. Sooner than later, she started to share a rather unique connection with her master.

Popularly referred to as "Dromeda", Andromeda Tonks was an English pure-blood witch who was the sister of Bellatrix and Narcissa, as well as the middle daughter of Cygnus and Druella Black.

She was assigned to the evil Slytherin House while she was studying at Hogwarts in the 1960s. Unfortunately for her, her pure-blood supremacist family decided to reject her after she graduated from Hogwarts and ended up tying the knot with a Muggle-born man.

This was primarily because they were prejudiced against Muggle-born people. Needless to mention, she was forced to cut off all ties with her relatives soon after. The year 1973 saw her giving birth to her beloved daughter Nymphadora Tonks.

Hermione's muggle parents may have been kept far away from the main action of the franchise, but there have been moments when they have been mentioned. While we may not know a ton of things about Mrs. Granger, what we do acknowledge is that she supported and completely endorsed her daughter's magical education. So, of course, it is unbelievably heartbreaking to watch Hermione wipe her mom and dad's memories in order to keep them safe in Deathly Hallows.