The franchise is filled with its fair share of good and bad characters and everything in between. From antagonistic figures like Draco Malfoy to the hero of the story, Harry, there's a wide spectrum of personalities. The lines between good and bad sometimes become blurry, and some mischievous yet charming characters have turned into some of the most beloved ones in the fandom.
From the Marauders to the Weasley twins to even bad guys like Draco Malfoy, all of these characters are rule-breakers and sometimes a little mean, but they always manage to redeem themselves. Even some characters that people wouldn't take as mischievous, like Hermione Granger, show their darker side from time to time.
Portrayed by:
Tom Felton
Hogwarts House:
Slytherin
Important Roles:
Prefect and Seeker of the Slytherin Quidditch Team
Even though Draco Malfoy is one of , he quickly earned the love of the fandom, especially thanks to Tom Felton's portrayal, which made the character more redeemable. Malfoy is a naughty student through and through, constantly pulling pranks on the Gryffindors, such as stealing Neville's remembrall, or mocking Harry and his friends and tricking them, so they get caught and punished by professors. Malfoy is also a dirty Quidditch player.
However, as he grew up, he became meaner and meaner under the pressure of Lucius and Voldemort's expectations. In the end, though, Malfoy chooses the right side. Still, this Hogwarts student isn't as adorably mischievous as others and often falls into the evil category, especially when he worked with Dolores Umbridge.
Portrayed by:
Luke Youngblood
Hogwarts House:
Gryffindor
Important Roles:
Quidditch commentator and host of Potterwatch
The third member of Fred and George's little group, Lee Jordan, shared their love for wicked behavior. While not as reckless as the twins, Lee was often involved in their nasty plans around the school, and he also worked on the Weasley twins' inventions and pranking items. When Fred and George left Hogwarts, Lee kept pranking Umbridge by getting Nifflers into her office.
As a member of Fred and George's gang, people love Lee's mischievous behavior, especially savage Quidditch commentary. He's incredibly partial to Gryffindor's team and often even insults Slytherin players, for which reason McGonagall is constantly scolding him.
Later on, Lee became the main communication system for the resistance during Voldemort's dark reign. His comments remain as funny as ever despite the difficult times.
Portrayed by:
Bonnie Wright
Hogwarts House:
Gryffindor
Important Roles:
Chaser and Seeker of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team
People who have only watched but haven't read the books might have missed Ginny Weasley's more naughty and playful side, which is why a lot of fans don't really like her portrayal in the films.
However, people love Ginny from the book. Ginny, much like her siblings, has zero respect for rules. On top of that, she's funny, sarcastic, and clever.
While Ginny doesn't often get out of her way to prank others, she's an excellent duelist and has no problem using her famous Bat-Bogey Hex on anyone who annoys her. What's more, she's always in for an adventure, even if it goes against her parents' wishes and the Hogwarts staff's warnings.
Portrayed by:
David Thewlis
Hogwarts House:
Gryffindor
Important Roles:
Prefect and D.A.D.A. Professor
While Remus Lupin is the least mischievous Marauder, that doesn't mean he isn't . Albus Dumbledore gave Remus the Prefect badge in the hopes he would keep an eye on his more scandalous friends, but to no avail. Remus might have been a good boy, but he was also responsible for making the Marauder's Map, for example.
In fact, fans can see a bit of Remus's mischievous nature during his time as a teacher at Hogwarts. He makes fun of Professor Snape by helping Neville overcome his fear of the nasty teacher.
What's more, he returns the Marauder's Map to Harry when he leaves the school. There's no way not to love the affable and adorable teacher, especially since he's kind, funny, and intelligent.
Portrayed by:
Daniel Radcliffe
Hogwarts House:
Gryffindor
Important Roles:
The Chosen One, Seeker and Captain of Gryffindor's Quidditch Team, and Triwizard Champion
Although most of the time, Harry breaks the rule out of necessity and not for his own pleasure, that doesn't mean the mischief that characterized James Potter doesn't live inside him.
Harry loves going on an adventure, the thrill of a Quidditch game, making fun of the Slytherins, and pranking Dudley with magic.
What's more, Harry has a clever and sardonic side that, unfortunately, appears little in the movies. As the hero of the series, most people love Harry for his heroics, but others fall in love with his sense of humor, zest for adventure, and disregard for most rules. On top of that, Harry is more grounded than his father and the Weasley twins, avoiding downright bullying others.
Portrayed by:
Evanna Lynch
Hogwarts House:
Ravenclaw
Important Roles:
Loyalty to The Quibbler
Luna Lovegood is one of because of her unique personality, kindness, and hilarious scenes. Luna isn't so much mischievous as indifferent to any kind of rules. She pursues what her heart tells her it's right, even if everyone defies her beliefs.
However, it's hard to forget that Luna's courage, intelligence, and roguish nature were key to saving the wizarding world. For example, Luna had no qualms about defying Dolores Umbridge's rules to publish Harry's side of his story in The Quibbler and then sell the magazine in Hogwarts.
Portrayed by:
Emma Stone
Hogwarts House:
Gryffindor
Important Roles:
Prefect
Many people may erroneously consider Hermione Granger a goody-two-shoes who always follows the rules. However, Hermione has a mischievous side that she reserves for important situations. When the Golden Trio was investigating the mystery surrounding the Chamber of Secrets, Hermione came up with a plan that involved making a highly complicated potion, drugging Crabbe and Goyle, and getting herself, Harry, and Ron into Slytherin's common room.
And this was only her second year at Hogwarts.
Hermione may not always break the rules, and in fact, she often tries to follow them, but when it's necessary, she breaks them in a big way. People should never forget that it was Hermione, the one who came up with the idea for Dumbledore's Army, and it's thanks to her as well that Marietta Edgecombe ended up with a nasty spell on her face when she snitched. People love Hermione because she's kind enough to people, but also because she's never afraid of causing trouble if the cause demands it. What's more, how could anyone forget that scene when Hermione punched Draco in the face.
Portrayed by:
Adrian Rawlins (adult) and Robbie Jarvis (young)
Hogwarts House:
Gryffindor
Important Roles:
Chaser of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team and Head Boy
Even though not as mischievous as his best friend Sirius Black, James Potter is widely known by all his peers and anyone who met him as a teenager as a troublemaker. James and the Marauders spent most of their time at school making pranks, traveling the castle at night, and annoying Snape.
What's more, James and his friends became illegal Animagi during their time at school, an ability they used to help Remus but also for their own nefarious means. Even though it's hard to see Harry's father bullying Snape, people love him for the man he became after Hogwarts.
Portrayed by:
Gary Oldman (adult) and Rohan Gotobed (young)
Hogwarts House:
Gryffindor
Important Roles:
Animagus
Sirius Black is probably Hogwarts' most mischievous student ever.
However, he spent most of his time bullying Severus Snape and being generally mean, whereas the Weasley twins created more clever and interesting pranks. Still, even if Sirius has a dark side, he's widely beloved by the fandom.
Even though Sirius's rivalry with Snape brought out the worst in him, Sirius was generally a kind, generous, and courageous man. He was willing to sacrifice his life for the people he loved, which he eventually did. Sirius had many flaws and could be exceedingly naughty at times, but there is no doubt that he was an amazing friend and godfather.
Portrayed by:
James & Oliver Phelps
Hogwarts House:
Gryffindor
Important Roles:
Beaters of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team
Despite the Marauders' iconic fame as Hogwarts' biggest troublemakers, the title truly belongs to the Weasley twins. Fred and George spent all their time in Hogwarts messing with the students and with Argus Filch. What's more, unlike Sirius, James, Remus, and Peter, the twins didn't even care about their classes.
Fred and George created one of the most laborious, creative, and chaotic pranks in the history of Hogwarts, leaving with a bang without even graduating. They pursued their love for mischief by creating a store of magical pranking items invented by themselves.
Their passion for mischief knows no bounds. People love them because they made life at Hogwarts interesting and hilarious, and they use their amazing magical gadgets on the good side of the battle.
The Harry Potter franchise follows the adventure of a young boy introduced a whole new world of magic, mayhem and darkness. Traversing the obstacles in his path, young Harry's rise to heroics pits him against Lord Voldemort, one of the most dangerous wizards in the world and all his minions.
