Ronald Bilius Weasley: Character Analysis

[ronjalina]

Originally Posted by Moriath

I would have preferred it if she had killed him. Ron's jealousy of Harry was mostly due to him not understanding that Harry's fame was based on him being an orphan. If Arthur had died in the MoM he would have learned what losing a parent and being famous for it means. I think it could have deepened his friendship with Harry.

Ron's jealousy stemmed from his insecurities. These insecurities made him think his parents and the girl he fancied preferred others over him. It doesn't have anything to do with understanding or not understanding how being an orphan feels. And the situation would have been a completely different one. Even if Arthur had died, Ron still would have been brought up in a loving family, he still would have had his mother. Ron's jealousy stopped when he overcame his insecurities. The only thing we could argue, IMO, is that Ron might have grown up earlier and thus overcome his insecurities earlier had he lost a parent at the age of 15.

Originally Posted by The_Green_Woods

He eventually sorted it out by the epilogue, but all through the books I thought it was money followed by fame that got to Ron.

Being poor bothered Ron a lot in the earlier years, but I have the feeling he got over that and accepted the financial status of his family by OotP. When Molly tells him that he's going to get a new broom as a reward for being made prefect, he asks for a Cleansweep instead of a Firebolt because he knows his parents couldn't afford that and he seems to be very level-headed about that.

Originally Posted by LoonyMagic

I see your point, but with Ron I think it could have so easily gone the other way. He could have refused to talk to his friends and I'm sure that for a long time he would blame Harry for his father's death - Harry saw the vision. I think perhaps in time there could have been a deeper understanding by Ron about the loss of a parent which would deepen their friendship, but at this point I think that Ron was slowly beginning to get over his feelings of jealousy.

Like Rowling said, Arthur dying would have taken away from Ron's humour, because he would have matured sooner and a lot of Ron's humour comes from his immaturity. But I don't think Ron would have blamed Harry for his father's death. Ron was worried about Harry having these visions and Arthur's severe injury was a shock, but he didn't blame Harry then, so I don't think he would have blamed him had Arthur died that night.

[TLFL22]

I think that Ron's immaturity also served a greater purpose: to show how mature the Harry and Hermione was. And his immaturity brings some lightness to very dark times. It was needed, not every character could be mature.

[Beatifically]

Originally Posted by Moriath

I would have preferred it if she had killed him. Ron's jealousy of Harry was mostly due to him not understanding that Harry's fame was based on him being an orphan.

I never really thought Ron was jealous of Harry being famous. He was jealous of Harry being the center of attention, IMO. Ron had five older siblings and all of them were well known for something. But then he went to Hogwarts and became friends with Harry, someone that was famous for something he couldn't remember. Ron wasn't really recognized for who he was individually, but rather for who he was associated with. I got the impression that he was known for being Harry Potter's best friend/the Weasley twins' younger brother/etc. than for being Ron Weasley.

If Arthur had died in the MoM he would have learned what losing a parent and being famous for it means. I think it could have deepened his friendship with Harry.

I disagree. I think that if Arthur died it would have hurt the friendship between the trio. If Arthur died, Ron would have been miserable due to his grief. Whenever Ron is unhappy in the books, Harry and Hermione suffer as well. Had Arthur died Ron would have lost his immaturity and sense of humor. Ron was the heart of the group and held the trio together, and had he lost his father I believe that the friendship between the trio would suffer as well. Ron needed to grow up in a different way that wouldn't do that, and thankfully he did in DH.

Originally Posted by ronjalina

Being poor bothered Ron a lot in the earlier years, but I have the feeling he got over that and accepted the financial status of his family by OotP. When Molly tells him that he's going to get a new broom as a reward for being made prefect, he asks for a Cleansweep instead of a Firebolt because he knows his parents couldn't afford that and he seems to be very level-headed about that.

Great point! Ron stopped pitying himself after OotP. I haven't seen much that shows Ron feeling miserable for his poverty.

[Moriath]

Originally Posted by beatifically

I disagree. I think that if Arthur died it would have hurt the friendship between the trio. If Arthur died, Ron would have been miserable due to his grief. Whenever Ron is unhappy in the books, Harry and Hermione suffer as well. Had Arthur died Ron would have lost his immaturity and sense of humor. Ron was the heart of the group and held the trio together, and had he lost his father I believe that the friendship between the trio would suffer as well. Ron needed to grow up in a different way that wouldn't do that, and thankfully he did in DH.

Sirius died in OotP and Harry got over it, too, and, in my opinion, he is the centre of the trio. Of course Ron would have been devastated but I'm sure that the plot could have proceeded.

[Beatifically]

Originally Posted by Moriath

Sirius died in OotP and Harry got over it, too, and, in my opinion, he is the centre of the trio. Of course Ron would have been devastated but I'm sure that the plot could have proceeded.

I actually don't see Harry as the one who holds the trio together. He is the leader, but he doesn't keep the friendship going strong. Whenever there's a fallout between Ron and Hermione, Harry doesn't find himself really happy being with Hermione alone in the library.

GoF, pg. 278 “‘You miss him!’ Hermione said impatiently. ‘And I know he missed you-’ ‘Miss him?’ said Harry. ‘I don’t miss him…’ But this was a downright lie. Harry liked Hermione very much, but she just wasn’t the same as Ron. There was much less laughter, and a lot more hanging around in the library when Hermione was your best friend.”

Throughout the time period when Ron is missing, Harry and Hermione are miserable. It says that Harry and Hermione spent many nights in silence and that there was one point when Harry said he was "smiling for what felt like the first time in months." Harry was fine getting along with Ron, but not with Hermione unless Ron was around as well.

Ron, on the other hand, isn't like that. Ron could easily get along with Harry when the two of them are alone. He could get along with Hermione when he was alone with her as well. They spent summers without Harry, and there weren't any complaints from either of them.

Ron isn't the most intelligent or the most skilled person in the trio, but he has very important role in the trio as well: to provide happiness. Without him, Harry and Hermione are miserable. When Ron came back, there was a noticable change in Harry's behavior.

DH, pg. 389 Hermione's sulkiness could not mar his buoyant spirits: The sudden upswing in their fortunes, the appearance of the mysterious doe, the recovery of Gryffindor's sword, and above all, Ron's return, made Harry so happy that it was quite difficult to maintain a straight face.

Ron's role in the trio is to hold them together, to keep them happy in the darkest of times. Without him, Harry and Hermione would be a lot more miserable.

When Ron left in DH, Harry and Hermione were miserable. So I have to disagree that Harry was the heart of the trio. IMO, it was Ron that held the trio together. Dumbledore gave him the deluminator for a specific reason, and that was because Dumbledore knew Ron's importance in the trio.

And that (long) explanation is why I think it was necessary for Arthur to live. Without Ron, the trio would have fallen apart (as they did in DH), and it was necessary for Ron to keep his sense of humor.

[ronjalina]

Originally Posted by beatifically

Ron isn't the most intelligent or the most skilled person in the trio, but he has very important role in the trio as well: to provide happiness. Without him, Harry and Hermione are miserable. When Ron came back, there was a noticable change in Harry's behavior.

Ron's role in the trio is to hold them together, to keep them happy in the darkest of times. Without him, Harry and Hermione would be a lot more miserable.

In the words of the author herself:

JKR on Bloomsbury webchat, July 2007 Sampotterish: Why did Dumbledore want Ron to keep his deluminator? J.K. Rowling: Because he knew that Ron might need a little more guidance than the other two. Dumbledore understood Ron’s importance in the trio. He wasn’t the most skilled, or the most intelligent, but he held them together; his humour and his good heart were essential.

[dweaselqueen]

I agree with all those who said it was better that Arthur lived. Ron needed to maintain his sense of humor, because his humor is what holds the trio together. He really is the glue of the trio. Without him, Harry and Hermione's emotions suffer. They are depressed, silent, and there is no natural laughter.

While Ron would eventually have gotten over Arthur's death, it would have affected his sense of humor greatly. A parent's death at such a young age would have affected Ron's natural happiness and his humor would likely have become drier, similar to Harry's. One dry sense of humor in the trio is enough. Two would likely cause the trio to grow apart.

[The_Green_Woods]

Originally Posted by LoonyMagic

I see your point, but with Ron I think it could have so easily gone the other way. He could have refused to talk to his friends and I'm sure that for a long time he would blame Harry for his father's death - Harry saw the vision.

I agree completely. Ron blamed Harry in GOF, for his name appearing in the fire. Harry saw the snake bite Arthur and he saw it from a horrible point; as the snake itself and that would have destroyed the friendship and placed Harry under a guilt so deep, he would not have been able to face it and nor would he have overcome it IMO.

Originally Posted by ronjalina

Being poor bothered Ron a lot in the earlier years, but I have the feeling he got over that and accepted the financial status of his family by OotP. When Molly tells him that he's going to get a new broom as a reward for being made prefect, he asks for a Cleansweep instead of a Firebolt because he knows his parents couldn't afford that and he seems to be very level-headed about that.

I don't think so. Money was the main thing for Ron and other things like fame followed the money issue IMO. Only after OOTP, there were other issues that were so important that money took a back seat. He would have been alright by the epilogue, when by that time, he would have made some money for himself, not to feel insecure at all IMO.

[Blackcatsmeow]

Originally Posted by The_Green_Woods

I agree completely. Ron blamed Harry in GOF, for
his name appearing in the fire. Harry saw the snake bite Arthur and he saw it from a horrible point; as the snake itself and that would have destroyed the friendship and placed Harry under a guilt so deep, he would not have been able to face it and nor would he have overcome it IMO.

We don't know how that scene would have been written if Arthur had died. Harry might not have witnessed it from Nagini's point of view, or if he did Ron might not have known that Harry did. We simply don't know.

Harry got over his guilt about Sirius's death, which he played a part in bringing about, however unwittingly. (He also eventually forgave Kreacher who played a much more intentional part). I don't think it's a leap of faith to say he could have conjectured his guilt about Arthur for which he would have played no part, only witnessed. Likewise I think Ron would have come to grips with it as well. It would have been hard to lose his father. But the boy has strong family, and resilient spirit. I think while Ron may have initially acted out against Harry/ Hermione; much like Harry in OotP he would have eventually gotten over the worst of it. It would have effected the group dynamic, but they aren't fair weather friends and they would have gotten through it together.

I think it would have made HBP Ron a much more interesting character, and could have added to the Harry/Ginny storyline. I also think the Weaslelys losing Arthur would have been a good complement for Harry's loss, and showed how love survives even amongst such grief. Which I feel was done much less well with Teddy.

But I do think too do that story arc justice JKR would have had to focus a lot of time on the Weasley's; which would have distracted from the main plot. More over I think it would have compromised Harry as sympathetic center of the story. On top I think it would have pushed Hermione more the background of the trio, and returned the later books to the balance of the first books story-wise.

[LoonyMagic]

Originally Posted by The_Green_Woods

I agree completely. Ron blamed Harry in GOF, for his name appearing in the fire. Harry saw the snake bite Arthur and he saw it from a horrible point; as the snake itself and that would have destroyed the friendship and placed Harry under a guilt so deep, he would not have been able to face it and nor would he have overcome it IMO.

Agreed. Although we do not know exactly how things would have happened if Arthur had died, I think that it would have been a continuation (is that even a word? ) and an exaggeration of what happened when Arthur was attacked. Ron would have found it very hard to come to terms with his father's death. Harry witnessed the attack, and perhaps Ron may have wrongly thought that Harry could have prevented it. I think it would have put a huge strain on their friendship and also with his relationship/friendship with Hermione.

[Blackcatsmeow]

Originally Posted by LoonyMagic

Agreed. Although we do not know exactly how things would have happened if Arthur had died, I think that it would have been a continuation (is that even a word? ) and an exaggeration of what happened when Arthur was attacked. Ron would have found it very hard to come to terms with his father's death. Harry witnessed the attack, and perhaps Ron may have wrongly thought that Harry could have prevented it. I think it would have put a huge strain on their friendship and also with his relationship/friendship with Hermione.

I agree; but the trio’s friendship has been strained and tested many times, each time they come out stronger then before. The POA fights, the GOF fights, Harry taking out his anger on Hermione and Ron in OotP; The R/H feud in HBP, and Ron’s abandonment in DH to name some of the big ones off the top of my head. Had Arthur been murdered it would have a very trying time for them; but I really think they would have rallied to the occasion. Harry and Hermione both love Ron a lot and I think they would have been understanding and patient to his pain/anger. Ron loves them both immensely and I think he would have needed them. (In my own opinion watching the character development would have been fabulous.)

But I do think it would have skewed the balance of the trio and the books; and amplified Ron’s presence on the story. It would have made Ron to paraphrase Jo, a half Harry. Harry has always been the emotional center of the books; I think that Arthur’s murder; and Ron’s (and his family’s) reaction to such a great tragedy; would have done a lot to siphon sympathy and attention from Harry just as his story was climaxing.

After all we’ve seen Arthur radiate warmth and love like a Christmas fire since book two; and we’ve seen how much his family loves and needs him. We know that Ron loves, admires, and needs his father. I think if Ron (and family) had suffered such and important and personal loss; it would have undercut things like Sirius and Dumbledore’s loss to Harry. In the end I think it would be a hard choice to make for a story teller.

[snuka]

The character that probably lost the most in my books at the end, next to Dumbledore.

[leah49]

Originally Posted by ronjalina

I have to disagree. Ron is a character who occasionally gets ruled by jealousy, but I never saw that prevalent to the extent as to lable it one of Ron´s biggest character traits. It certainly comes out very strong when it comes to Hermione, but I don´t think Ron, while definitely feeling overshadowed, is a character who lets constant jealousy define his behaviour. I personally would say jealousy becomes problematic from time to time paired with Ron´s temper. However, his biggest character traits are loyalty (yes, mistakes notwithstanding), protectiveness and bravery.

Now that I have studied Ron further I have to say that his biggest character flaw is his insecurity and this causes his jealousy. Easily being jealous is a big part of who Ron is. He is jealous of Hermione and Krum. He is jealous of Harry being a Triwizard Champion. He's jealous of his sister snogging before him. It's just who he is, but it's not all that he is and I now see that.
I felt my first post in this thread was immature. I hadn’t studied the characters and understand them the way I do now.

That´s what I forgot to add in my last post. Examples! There are frequent opportunities for Ron to be jealous of Harry and he isn´t. On the contrary.
When Harry becomes the youngest seeker in centuries for the Gryffindor house-team, Ron is enthusiastic. When Harry gets his Nimbus 2000 (a present from McGonagall as we know, although Harry could have afforded a brand-new broom on his own), Ron is amazed. Harry gets his Firebolt, Ron is thrilled. Harry get the Marauder´s Map from the twins, Ron, while a bit miffed that the twins never so much as told him about it, finds it cool that Harry has it now. And then the event you already mentioned, when Harry becomes Quidditch captain.

This is Harry’s story so we don’t know everything going on in Ron’s mind. Like you said, Ron is a bit miffed at the twins over the Map, but why should he be jealous? He gets to use it, too, and frankly, Harry has more reason to use it as he sneaks out more often than his friends.

As for Ron being an Auror. Fighting dark wizards is what he knows to do. It’s not like he graduated from Hogwarts and needed a career. The Ministry is in shambles and Kingsley Shacklebolt, a friend of the Weasleys, needs help getting it back together, so Ron and Harry offer to become Aurors and help get the Ministry back in shape—back in better shape. That’s why and how Ron becomes an Auror. It’s not so much Ron following in Harry’s shadow, but Ron helping put the Ministry back together.

Originally Posted by dweaselqueen

I agree. I think part of the reason Jo had Ron leave in DH was to show just how vital he was to the trio. Without Ron, Harry and Hermione were miserable. They were not any better off without him when it came to finding horcruxes. Sure, it takes them awhile once he's back to get truly back on track, but when he's back, they are happier and seem to function better. He is the emotional fulcrom for the trio, he keeps them balanced and happy.

Yes. Ron’s the heart of the trio. You have a group of friends and you’re close to all of them, but when a certain person is missing you feel like the group is not quite connected. That’s how Ron is to the trio. He’s the connection.

Originally Posted by Drusilla

I've always wondered about Ron's relationship with his brothers- I got the feeling that the twins (despite the assorted tricks they played on him) and Ginny were the ones he was closest to, though that doesn't mean he didn't care for his three eldest brothers.

These three are the closest to him in age so it’s easier for him to be closer to them. It’s hard for any sibling to get close to Percy. Charlie is eight and a half years older and Bill is ten and a half years older, so it’s harder for Ron to be close to them, especially with them going away to a boarding school.

I’m glad Arthur lived not just so Ron could maintain his sense of humor, which is crucial but so Ron would still remain different than Harry. I think it’s important to the story that Ron still has both parents and cannot relate to Harry on that level.

One of the best parts of the series for me is watching Ron grow up.

[LoonyMagic]

Originally Posted by leah49

Now that I have studied Ron further I have to say that his biggest character flaw is his insecurity and this causes his jealousy. Easily being jealous is a big part of who Ron is. He is jealous of Hermione and Krum. He is jealous of Harry being a Triwizard Champion. He's jealous of his sister snogging before him. It's just who he is, but it's not all that he is and I now see that.

I completely agree. The reason I have been able to identify with Ron is because I see a lot of himself in me. I can be a very jealous person, even though I do want people to be happy. It doesn't define who he is, it is just part of him and I don't think anyone can evcer change that. Sometimes he was very wrong to be jealous, especially about the TriWizard Tournament, but I understood why he was, and it wasn't because he was being harsh or mean, but because of his own insecurities. I just love him as a character and a person so much.

[MissCapria]

Ron may have his faults but in the end he faces up to them.
He may have walked out but he realises his mistake and returns to his friends.

[houseelf25]

1. Ron is the sixth of the Weasley children. He has endured the hand me downs of his brothers most of his life (and has not always been pleased about doing so!), has been mercilessly picked on by his brothers Fred and George, and constantly complains about his family's finances; in fact his deepest desire in book one was to emerge from the shadow of his family. What influence have these factors had on the development of Ron? In what ways would Ron be different if his family had been different? If they weren't "blood traitors"? If Ron were once again faced with the Mirror of Erised, would he see the same thing he saw as a first year, or has he grown to accept his family more?
I definately think that all of the factors listed have had a major effect on Ron's personality. Because he has had to deal with being overshadowed by his brothers his entire life, he sometimes has a hard time dealing with that from his friends. He'd probably be very different in his attitude if his family were smaller or more wealthy; he might be more selfish and spoiled and less accepting of differences. I think he's definately learned to accept his family more, and with all of his achievements thus far his greatest desires have definately changed: he's as successful as his brothers are.

2. Despite the issues Ron at times seems to have with being overshadowed by Harry's fame (most notably the Goblet of Fire fight), when it matters most Ron displays unwavering loyalty and friendship to Harry. In Prisoner of Azkaban, Ron stands between Harry and the then suspected murderer Sirius Black telling him, "If you want to kill Harry, you'll have to kill us too!" (PoA 17); he displays the same loyalty in Half Blood Prince when he tells Harry that he will be there on the search for the Horcruxes. How has the loyalty Ron has shown to his friends and family progressed through out the books? When faced with conflicting loyalties (the choice between Percy and Harry in OotP), what factors influence how he chooses his loyalties? Why do you think he left Harry and Hermione in DH? Why do you think he came back?
I think Ron's loyalty has remained steady throughout the series, except for that small lapse in GOF. I think he chooses his loyalties based on what he himself believes in. I think he left Harry and Hermione in DH because he felt like he was in over his head (although the locket didn't help much either); he came back because his loyalty to them was stronger than the power of the locket. He even said when he came back that he tried to return immediately after he left, but he was unable to find them.

3. Ron's strategic mind, which we are first introduced to via his dominance in Wizard Chess, has been displayed in many different manners. How has his ability to think strategically helped Harry throughout the series?
His strategic mind has helped Harry because he tends to think more ahead than Harry, who thinks more in the moment.

4. What did you think of Ron's confrontation with his worst fears when he destroyed the locket horcrux? Do you think this helped him move past them?
Yes.

5. What do you think Ron's life was like post DH? What careers might he have chosen?
Jo said that he and Harry became Aurors, and I think that being able to work alongside his best friend was very good for him; he and Harry really make a great team; they bounce ideas off eachother and the abilities that Ron doesn't have, Harry does.

[Leslie33]

1. Ron is the sixth of the Weasley children. He has endured the hand me downs of his brothers most of his life (and has not always been pleased about doing so!), has been mercilessly picked on by his brothers Fred and George, and constantly complains about his family's finances; in fact his deepest desire in book one was to emerge from the shadow of his family. What influence have these factors had on the development of Ron? I think these may have made him a bit more rebellious than the other Weasley Children. He also had that thirst to prove himself worthy in Harry's eyes and in the eyes of Fred and George. In what ways would Ron be different if his family had been different? I believe he probably would have been more laid back and have given into his fears. I also don't see him coming up with ingenious ideas like the Ghoul. He probably wouldn't have left Harry and Hermione in D.H. If he did, he may have said he needed a little space. I see that as his wanting to do something without seeking the approval or permission of someone else.

2. If they weren't "blood traitors"? If Ron were once again faced with the Mirror of Erised, would he see the same thing he saw as a first year, or has he grown to accept his family more? I think he would have seen the same thing, or something just as big.

3. Despite the issues Ron at times seems to have with being overshadowed by Harry's fame (most notably the Goblet of Fire fight), when it matters most Ron displays unwavering loyalty and friendship to Harry. In Prisoner of Azkaban, Ron stands between Harry and the then suspected murderer Sirius Black telling him, "If you want to kill Harry, you'll have to kill us too!" (PoA 17); he displays the same loyalty in Half Blood Prince when he tells Harry that he will be there on the search for the Horcruxes. How has the loyalty Ron has shown to his friends and family progressed through out the books? In COS, he faced his fear of Spiders and did not run out of the Forbidden Forest. He also did not look for a way out, or come up with an excuse. He also showed loyalty to his Family by speaking up about his anger over what Percy was doing to the Family, especially Molly. In fact, he was quite angry about it. Maybe it's because we see him more than the other Weasleys, but he seemed a lot more angry and to take Percy's estrangement from the Family and his reducing Molly to tears more personally than the others. When faced with conflicting loyalties (the choice between Percy and Harry in OotP), what factors influence how he chooses his loyalties? With Percy, I think it's simply a case of a Child being unhinged by seeing their Mother in tears. Even if he had had a horrible upbringing like Snape, when it comes to someone else reducing your Mother to tears, or insulting her, most people take it very personally. I think that had more to do than anything. Plus, to have as Loyal a Friend as Harry, is something most people take for granted. Why do you think he left Harry and Hermione in DH? Well, he comes from a Family of 10. There was probably hardly a moment of peace for him. Not in that "Just shut up and leave me alone", but in that need we all have for solitude and peace and quiet. When you think about it, Ron really didn't have that chance to get to know Ron. What I mean is, whenever we saw him, he was always part of a group of people. He was never alone by himself. He always was with someone, so I don't think he really had a chance to get to know himself. I think he always had that desire to be on his own, away from other people. To have that chance to sit back, breathe, day dream and really ponder things without being at risk of having someone interrupt and possibly mock his train of thought. As he said, he needed that peace and solitude to get to know Ron, the individual, without having someone else dictate to him or mock him. Why do you think he came back? Because regardless of how "selfish" his act was, he needed Harry and Hermione to feel complete. When he was kidnapped by that gang(sorry, I don't have my book with me) and forced into custody without a way to escape, I think he finally realized he was pretty lucky to have two loyal Friends in Harry and Hermione. Plus, I think he realized they needed him, that they defined a part of him.

4. Ron's strategic mind, which we are first introduced to via his dominance in Wizard Chess, has been displayed in many different manners. How has his ability to think strategically helped Harry throughout the series? Once again, he faced his fear of Spiders head on. He stabbed that eye in the Slytherin Locket while the figures of Harry and Ron mocked him. Even though Harry was shouting at him to "Stab it" and ignore the screams of mockery, most people would drop the sword, turn and run the other way. Ron saw Harry drowning, risked his own life, risked being pulled under by Harry, falling through the ice, etc to save Harry. He saw a Friend in trouble and jumped in to help without any thought to his own personal safety.

5. What did you think of Ron's confrontation with his worst fears when he destroyed the locket horcrux? Truly amazing. As stated earlier, he could have easily dropped the sword and ran away, or dropped it and agreed. Do you think this helped him move past them? Yes, it helped him to face them, admit to them and move past them.

6. What do you think Ron's life was like post DH? That's really hard to say. With Fred's death, it certainly wasn't easy. However, he did have Harry and Hermione who stuck by him and his Family. It's clear he had two beautiful Children who thought the world of him, which was what he really wanted. I think he really wanted someone to look up to him as the Coolest guy ever. He certainly had that in Rose, you could tell she had Ron wrapped around her little finger. In her, I think he appreciated why Molly fussed over him and coddled him. He was her youngest Son, her "Baby Boy". He also had Hermione who obviously loved and cherished him, but still loved to admonish him. What careers might he have chosen? Well, now that we know he was an Auror, if he hadn't been that, I easily see him being a Teacher or maybe even a Professional Quidditch Player.

[Sarahx]

Ron Weasley is my favourite character out of the series. Nobody seemed to realise the strain he was put under being in Harry's shadow, and to deal with that for 7 years straight is amazing. Yes, he had his down moments, but these are totally understandable. Harry couldn't have acheived half the things he did if it wasn't for Ron & Hermione, and they didn't get enough recognition.

Ron brings many things to the books, including humour. He is the funniest character in my opinion and one that a lot of people can relate to. I think sometimes he just wants to be seen as brave and loyal, but people overlook him. Also, coming from a family of so many brothers and sisters, he never really got the attention he needed. Also, in the films, Rupert Grint is the best actor out of the trio, and yet again, he gets overlooked at Awards Ceremonys.

But yes, I love Ron. He is the most interesting character, because he has so many sides which arent always obvious. I praise him for putting up with what he did.

[Beatifically]

I've heard a lot of people criticize Ron for his attitude towards being poor. I don't really know if I can look at that behavior in a bad way. Not many people are comfortable being poor, and Ron was one of those people. Poverty brings a lot of stress to people, and everyone has a different reaction towards it. Ron hated being poor and couldn't understand how some people, such as Harry, could notice a pocket-full of gold going missing when Ron never had that much in his life. Yes, he did pity himself for a while for being poor, but eventually he came to accept it, IMO, by asking Mrs. Weasley to buy a broom for him that was affordable, as ronjalina pointed out.

One thing I really liked in DH was that we found out that Mrs. Weasley wanted Ron to be a girl. It further explains how Ron always longed for attention and being impressive. He was always being overshadowed and knowing that his mother wanted someone else when she found out she was pregnant likely furthered his insecurities.

[ronjalina]

Originally Posted by beatifically

I've heard a lot of people criticize Ron for his attitude towards being poor. I don't really know if I can look at that behavior in a bad way. Not many people are comfortable being poor, and Ron was one of those people. Poverty brings a lot of stress to people, and everyone has a different reaction towards it. Ron hated being poor and couldn't understand how some people, such as Harry, could notice a pocket-full of gold going missing when Ron never had that much in his life. Yes, he did pity himself for a while for being poor, but eventually he came to accept it, IMO, by asking Mrs. Weasley to buy a broom for him that was affordable, as ronjalina pointed out.

Although the Weaselys weren't really poor in its true sense of course. They had a home and none of them ever had to starve or go naked. And the Weasleys, despite their financial situation, seemed to be a quite acknowledged family, except with the likes of Malfoy and Black. I feel Ron's problem was more peer pressure, like its often with children whose parents can't afford the latest stuff and a sense of being overlooked. I mean, Arthur and Molly did have money to buy their children new stuff, just not Ron, who had to wear hand-me-downs, used a hand-me-down wand in his first two years at Hogwarts and even his pet was a hand-me-down (and something worse as it turned out later). So it's kind of understandable Ron would have complained once or twice that everything he owns is rubbish. And all of this would have added to his feeling of being unwanted.

One thing I really liked in DH was that we found out that Mrs. Weasley wanted Ron to be a girl. It further explains how Ron always longed for attention and being impressive. He was always being overshadowed and knowing that his mother wanted someone else when she found out she was pregnant likely furthered his insecurities.

That was hard to read. What a horrible feeling that must have been. And there is no way around that fact either. Had one of the twins been a girl for example, Ron wouldn't exist. He was just another boy and only one year later the long awaited daughter was born and no children after that. And Ron did get overlooked very often. His mum couldn't even manage to keep in mind that he hates maroon and Corned Beef. I do think Molly loved Ron, he is her child after all, but she wasn't always too sensitive about his situation, IMO.