Representing Evil - Harry Potter from Page to Screen

Abstract

This thesis conducts a comparative adaptation studies approach, in which narrative techniques and film techniques used to create evil characters in the Harry Potter series is the main issue. In order to discover which narrative techniques J. K. Rowling applies, literary theory about genre conventions, the social context, the point of view and narrative strategies were discussed. Certain film techniques used for character portrayal, as for instance camera angles, flashback, diegetic voice-over and some aspects of color theory were central to the analysis. How Hand’s strategies of adaptation affect the characterization of the characters is also prominent in the analysis. Although there exist many evil characters within the Harry Potter universe, this thesis conducts character analyses of Lord Voldemort, Professor Severus Snape and the fake MadEye Moody respectively.