Do we like Hermione Granger?
A character from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997)
Our score: 9 out of 10. Yes, back her. She's clever, loyal and brave, and she's the one who gets the trio out of trouble. She can be a bit of a know-it-all, but she's nearly always right.
Hermione is an eleven-year-old Muggle-born witch, the daughter of two dentists. She arrives at Hogwarts having read most of her textbooks in advance. At first she annoys her classmates, including Harry and Ron, with how much she knows. The series follows her through her school years alongside them as dark forces gather in the wizarding world.
Her brains are her main strength, but she's more than a walking library. She is logical, principled and fiercely loyal, and she's often the voice of reason when Harry and Ron rush into danger. Her good deeds are practical ones: spotting the clue everyone missed, planning ahead, and sticking up for the mistreated even when nobody thanks her for it.
Her flaws are small and very human. She can be prickly, she hates breaking rules (until she decides it's necessary), and her perfectionism can make her hard work to be around. Her friends often lose patience with her, but she keeps showing up for them. That's why she scores so high.
Early in the first book, Harry and Ron save her from a troll, and she lies to a teacher to cover for them. That moment turns three classmates who didn't get on into the close-knit trio. She stays steady and determined through the whole series, including when others around her lose faith.