The Walking Dead Characters & Their Harry Potter Counterparts

   

The Walking Dead came to an end after 12 years, setting up various spin-offs that includes Dead City, whose trailer recently dropped. The series’ conclusion has led to an analysis of the main characters, which can be done uniquely by comparing their attributes to another popular franchise such as Harry Potter.

The Walking Dead Characters & Their Harry Potter Counterparts

Interesting details emerge when taking a look at the similarities between rebels like Daryl Dixon and Sirius Black or firm protagonists, such as Rick Grimes and Harry Potter. With both franchises having a dedicated list of characters, it’s worth looking at which ones can be seen as the other’s counterpart.

Shane Walsh & Bellatrix Lestrange

Split images of Shane shooting in The Walking Dead and Bellatrix looking scared in Harry Potter

While Shane is considered among the best characters in The Walking Dead, fans will admit that he wasn't a good guy, with his darkness rivaling that of Bellatrix's in Harry Potter. The two antagonists were completely dangerous, with both committing heinous deeds to show their love to Lori and Voldemort.

Shane and Bellatrix were also powerful characters who were seen as the muscle of their groups (although they only truly cared about a few people). The pair’s overt-the-top mannerisms and outbursts make them very comparable, especially as characters who shed all empathy when it comes to their unrequited love.

 

Judith Grimes & Lily Potter

Split images of Judith Grimes smiling in The Walking Dead and Lily Potter smiling in Harry Potter

Judith and Lily were shown as talented young girls who were wise beyond their years. They picked up new skills without much difficulty and could empathize with people around them. The two also act as moral compasses for their allies, guiding them on a more righteous path.

 

Judith’s survival in the zombie apocalypse came down to her ability to adapt, which was similar to Lily who was a newbie in the Wizarding World yet went on to become a great witch. The pair turned the likes of Negan and Snape into better people, which goes to show how charismatic and infectious their personalities were.

 

Ezekiel Sutton & Arthur Weasley

Split images of Ezekiel laughing in The Walking Dead and Arthur Weasley talking in Harry Potter

Ezekiel and Arthur are fatherly figures with jolly personalities, who try to be there for everyone involved. They enjoy running the affairs of the household and the community, never asking for anything in return and understanding - even if their feelings are hurt.

The two aren’t equipped to deal with the hurt that stings too close, though, as Ezekiel retreated to a shell when Carol left him and Arthur was speechless when Percy disowned him as his father. But the two are also very forgiving in nature, as Ezekiel and Arthur also came to terms with their loved ones and moved on.

 

Michonne Hawthorne & Minerva McGonagall

Split images of Michonne holding a katana in The Walking Dead and Minerva McGonagall holding a wand in Harry Potter

Michonne and Minerva McGonagall take up the role of chief lieutenants during times of crisis due to their aggressive approaches and natural talents. They also come across as strict at first glance but have genuine concern and care for the people under their care.

The pair is more than happy to defend those who can’t do it for themselves and are endlessly loyal to those they are closest to. They are also skilled in battle, with Michonne showing her talents with the katana and McGonagall showing their skills in Transfiguration magic.

 

Maggie Rhee & Molly Weasley

Split images of Maggie smiling in The Walking Dead and Molly Weasley smiling in Harry Potter 2

Maggie had to suffer some of the greatest losses in The Walking Dead, including her sister, father, and husband. Molly also lost both her brothers and her son in the Wizarding Wars, so she would certainly be able to understand Maggie’s pain.

Maggie and Molly are motherly figures who can comfort a person even if they’re not familiar with them. They bring out the fiery side of themselves when their loved ones are in trouble, which makes them people not to be trifled with. Maggie and Molly also have assertive personalities, which means most of the characters do what they say.

 

Glenn Rhee & Neville Longbottom

Split images of Glenn looking to his left in The Walking Dead and Neville Longbottom looking ahead in Harry Potter

Glenn was among The Walking Dead characters who had the most growth, going from a meek young man to a responsible husband and the moral center of the group. Neville had a very similar trajectory, in that he changed from a pushover to a brave youngster who was a driving force in the Battle of Hogwarts.

Glenn and Neville represent the goodness in a person that can still remain even in the worst of times, with Rick and Harry looking to these two whenever they started entertaining dark thoughts. Glenn and Neville weren’t the leaders, but they always made a difference whenever they spoke up.

 

Negan Smith & Severus Snape

Split images of Negan looking sad in The Walking Dead and Severus Snape looking sad in Harry Potter 7

There are plenty of great Walking Dead episodes based on Negan, but the ones that dealt with the backstory of him losing his wife are the most telling. Severus Snape’s arc also revolved around him losing Lily, which is how both these characters are bonded.

Negan and Snape both went over the dark side when they became allured by power and influence, doing many bad things before turning over a new leaf. Neither of the two got happy endings because of the magnitude of their past actions, but they both tried their best to redeem themselves.

 

Carol Peletier & Hermione Granger

Split images of Carol looking to her left in The Walking Dead and Hermione holding a wand in Harry Potter 7

Carol and Hermione are dark horses who can conjure a winning scenario for the heroes out of thin hair. While Hermione might seem by the book, she actually broke the most rules, becoming a wild card much like Carol, who changed from a frightened individual to the scariest one.

Carol and Hermione have a knack for making decisions all on their own, which can put them at odds with their friends for sometimes going behind their backs. However, they are largely the ones that make the biggest difference with their presence, making them arguably the most vital members of the group.

 

Daryl Dixon & Sirius Black

Split images of Daryl Dixon laughing in The Walking Dead and Sirius Black smiling in Harry Potter 4

Daryl and Sirius are the outliers, who somehow become the firmest allies of the main protagonists. The two had a rebellious mindset, where they only followed the leader of the group after they’d won their respect. However, Sirius and Daryl are two of the most loyal people anyone could find.

Daryl and Sirius came to view Rick and James as their brothers, with the two then seeing Judith and Harry as the godchildren they would do anything for. They also have an inner darkness fueled by their bad childhoods that they later use to empower themselves to be better than their family members.

 

Rick Grimes & Harry Potter

Split images of Rick Grimes looking angry in The Walking Dead and Harry Potter looking ahead

While Rick is a lot more trigger-heavy and willing to take lives, he shares Harry’s extreme devotion to his family and loved ones. The two become the de facto leaders of their group, burdened by responsibility, but doing whatever it takes to do right by them (including sacrificing themselves).

Rick and Harry's arcs constantly involved being in situations where they have to choose between what’s right and what’s necessary (and frequently losing their loved ones in the process). The two are primarily driven by love, which is what makes their conflicts against despicable villains like The Governor and Voldemort so interesting.