"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In J.K. Rowling's "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," a fantasy novel set in the wizarding world of Harry Potter, there are several key characters that contribute to the story's development. Each character plays a unique role, from the protagonist to the antagonist, and their interactions shape the events of the plot.

Character Descriptions

Newt Scamander

Newt Scamander is the protagonist of the story. He is a British wizard and a magizoologist who travels to New York City in the 1920s with a suitcase full of magical creatures. Newt is described as having a disheveled appearance, with messy reddish-brown hair and a shy demeanor. He is passionate about protecting and studying magical creatures and often finds himself in difficult situations due to his care for them.

Porpentina "Tina" Goldstein

Tina Goldstein is the secondary protagonist and a former Auror for the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA). She encounters Newt Scamander when he accidentally swaps suitcases with a No-Maj (non-magical person) named Jacob Kowalski. Tina is described as a determined and intelligent witch, with short dark hair and a serious demeanor. She becomes deeply involved in the plot as she helps Newt and the others navigate the magical world.

Jacob Kowalski

Jacob Kowalski is a No-Maj who inadvertently becomes embroiled in the magical world when he mistakenly takes Newt's suitcase full of magical creatures. He is a kind-hearted and optimistic character, with a love for baking. Jacob's initial confusion and disbelief about the existence of magic gradually transform into awe and wonder as he becomes more involved in the adventures with Newt and the others.

Queenie Goldstein

Queenie Goldstein is Tina's younger sister and a talented Legilimens, which means she can read minds. She is described as beautiful, with long blonde hair and an enchanting personality. Queenie is empathetic and caring, often acting as the emotional anchor for the group. She forms a romantic connection with Jacob and provides valuable insights and support throughout the story.

Percival Graves

Percival Graves is an Auror and the Director of Magical Security for MACUSA. He initially appears as a respected authority figure but is eventually revealed to be the antagonist of the story. Graves is ambitious and power-hungry, using his position to further his own dark agenda. He plays a pivotal role in the plot's conflict and serves as a formidable adversary for Newt and his allies.

Credence Barebone

Credence Barebone is an adopted son of Mary Lou Barebone, the leader of the New Salem Philanthropic Society, an anti-witchcraft group. Credence is a troubled and repressed young man who becomes entangled in the events surrounding Newt's magical creatures. His character arc explores themes of abuse, repression, and the destructive consequences of prejudice.

Seraphina Picquery

Seraphina Picquery is the President of MACUSA. She is a strong and authoritative leader, responsible for maintaining order within the wizarding community. Seraphina is portrayed as a wise and principled character who must make difficult decisions to protect the magical world. While she initially doubts Newt's intentions, she eventually recognizes the importance of his mission.

Character Traits

Newt Scamander

• Shy
• Compassionate
• Knowledgeable
• Introverted
• Brave

Porpentina "Tina" Goldstein

• Determined
• Intelligent
• Serious
• Loyal
• Skilled

Jacob Kowalski

• Kind-hearted
• Optimistic
• Curious
• Brave
• Supportive

Queenie Goldstein

• Empathetic
• Charismatic
• Intuitive
• Supportive
• Romantic

Percival Graves

• Ambitious
• Authoritative
• Manipulative
• Ruthless
• Cunning

Credence Barebone

• Troubled
• Repressed
• Vulnerable
• Angry
• Seeking acceptance

Seraphina Picquery

• Wise
• Principled
• Authoritative
• Decisive
• Fair

Character Background

Newt Scamander

Newt Scamander grew up in a wizarding family and developed a passion for magical creatures at a young age. He attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he was sorted into Hufflepuff house. After graduation, Newt began traveling the world to study and protect magical creatures. His experiences led him to write the textbook "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," which later became a standard Hogwarts textbook.

Porpentina "Tina" Goldstein

Tina Goldstein grew up in a wizarding family and excelled academically. She followed her dream of becoming an Auror and joined MACUSA, but a series of events led to her demotion to a position in the Wand Permit Office. Tina's encounter with Newt Scamander brings her back into the world of adventure and danger.

Jacob Kowalski

Jacob Kowalski is a No-Maj who works in a factory, dreaming of opening his own bakery. He stumbles upon the magical world when he mistakenly takes Newt's suitcase. Jacob's life is forever changed as he becomes part of the wizarding community and experiences the wonder and danger it holds.

Queenie Goldstein

Queenie Goldstein is Tina's younger sister and possesses the ability to read minds. She grew up in a wizarding family and is known for her enchanting personality. Queenie's empathetic nature and strong intuition make her a valuable member of the group, providing support and guidance throughout their adventures.

Percival Graves

Percival Graves is a respected figure in the wizarding community, holding a high-ranking position in MACUSA. He uses his authority to further his own dark agenda, seeking power and control. Graves' true identity is later revealed, adding depth and complexity to his character.

Credence Barebone

Credence Barebone is an adopted son of Mary Lou Barebone, who leads an anti-witchcraft group. Credence's troubled background and repressed magical abilities contribute to his emotional instability. His character arc explores the consequences of abuse and the destructive nature of prejudice.

Seraphina Picquery

Seraphina Picquery is a highly respected and authoritative figure in the wizarding community. As the President of MACUSA, she is responsible for maintaining order and protecting the secrecy of the magical world. Seraphina's decisions and actions shape the events of the story, highlighting her role as a leader.

Character Arcs

Newt Scamander

Newt's character arc revolves around his growth as a person and his mission to protect and educate others about magical creatures. Initially shy and introverted, Newt becomes more confident as he navigates the challenges in New York City. He learns the importance of friendship and human connections, ultimately realizing the potential impact his work can have on the wizarding world.

Porpentina "Tina" Goldstein

Tina's character arc involves redemption and rediscovering her purpose. After her demotion from the Auror department, Tina feels a sense of failure and loss. Through her encounters with Newt and the magical creatures, Tina regains her confidence and finds her place in the magical community once again.

Jacob Kowalski

Jacob's character arc centers around embracing the magical world and finding his own bravery. Initially skeptical and confused, Jacob's interactions with Newt and the creatures gradually open his mind to the wonders of magic. He willingly puts himself in danger to protect his newfound friends and becomes an integral part of their mission.

Queenie Goldstein

Queenie's character arc explores love and sacrifice. Initially portrayed as the enchanting and carefree sister, Queenie's relationship with Jacob deepens throughout the story. She chooses to prioritize the safety and well-being of others over her own desires, displaying her loyalty and selflessness.

Percival Graves

Graves' character arc is revealed through his true identity and motivations. Initially presented as a respected authority figure, his true nature as the antagonist is gradually unveiled. Graves' arc showcases the dangers of unchecked ambition and the abuse of power.

Credence Barebone

Credence's character arc delves into the consequences of abuse and prejudice. His repressed magical abilities and traumatic past contribute to his internal struggles. Credence's arc highlights the destructive nature of oppression and the importance of acceptance and understanding.

Seraphina Picquery

Seraphina's character arc involves the challenges of leadership and making difficult decisions. As the President of MACUSA, she must balance the needs of the wizarding community while maintaining the secrecy of their world. Seraphina's arc showcases her growth as a leader and her ability to make tough choices for the greater good.

Relationships

Newt Scamander and Porpentina "Tina" Goldstein

Newt and Tina's relationship evolves from an initial misunderstanding to a deep connection. They share a common passion for magical creatures and become allies in their mission to protect them. Their growing bond sets the foundation for a potential romantic relationship.

Jacob Kowalski and Queenie Goldstein

Jacob and Queenie's relationship is built on mutual affection and genuine care for each other. Despite their differences, their connection transcends the magical and non-magical divide. Their love story adds a touch of romance and warmth to the overall narrative.

Percival Graves and Credence Barebone

Graves and Credence's relationship is one of manipulation and abuse. Graves takes advantage of Credence's vulnerability, using him as a pawn in his own dark schemes. Their relationship highlights the destructive power dynamics that can occur when authority is abused.

Seraphina Picquery and Newt Scamander

Seraphina initially views Newt with suspicion and doubts his intentions. However, as the story progresses, she begins to understand the importance of his mission and offers her support. Their relationship showcases the growth of mutual respect and understanding.

In conclusion, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" features a diverse cast of characters, each playing a significant role in shaping the plot and exploring themes of friendship, love, and the consequences of abuse. From Newt Scamander's passion for magical creatures to Percival Graves' dark ambitions, the characters add depth and complexity to the magical world created by J.K. Rowling.