Harry Potter: It's his world, we're just living in it. If there's trouble, Harry, the teen wizard now entering his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, will find it. Harry was sent to stay with his aunt and uncle after his parents were murdered by the evil wizard Lord Voldemort. Voldemort tried to kill Harry as well, but failed, leaving him with a lightning-bolt-shaped scar on his forehead. He's reeling from the killing of his godfather, Sirius Black. Played by Daniel Radcliffe (far right, with wand) in the movie series.

Ron Weasley: Ron is one of Harry's two best friends at Hogwarts. He is sometimes envious of Harry's fame, and is embarrassed by his family's lack of wealth. He's now a Gryffindor prefect, on the Quidditch team and right there in the thick of things with Harry. Played by Rupert Grint in the movie series.

Hermione Granger: This Gryffindor, Harry's other best friend, is the smartest student of her year. She's despised by some — especially Hogwarts student Draco Malfoy — because her parents are Muggles (nonmagical). Played by Emma Watson in the movie series.

Albus Dumbledore: Headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore is reputed to be the only wizard Voldemort actually fears. Since Harry's arrival at Hogwarts, Dumbledore has kept an eye on him.

Lord Voldemort: The most heinous wizard of recent time, Voldemort had led a reign of terror in the magical world. He and his supporters, the Death Eaters, were responsible for torturing and killing many wizards, until the night he went after the Potters. He killed Lily and James, Harry's parents, but when he attempted to curse Harry, the curse bounced back and severely weakened him. He fled, his hold over magical society gone. But he has returned to physical form, sending the magical world into panic.

Severus Snape: Head of Slytherin House, Snape is professor of potions. From the minute Harry arrives at Hogwarts, Snape detests him. A former Death Eater, he left Voldemort's service and went to work for good. Played by Alan Rickman in the movies.

Rubeus Hagrid: Keeper of the Keys at Hogwarts and recently a professor of the care of magical creatures. Hagrid is larger-than-life thanks to his giant mother. He's besotted with dangerous animals. Played by Robbie Coltrane in the movies.

Draco Malfoy: Harry's most detested enemy among Hogwarts students. Malfoy considers himself superior to many students because he comes from one of the oldest pureblood wizard families. Played by Tom Felton in the movies.

The Dursleys: Vernon, Petunia and son Dudley are Harry's nasty, nonmagical relatives. Petunia was Lily's sister. The Dursleys have spent years mistreating Harry.

The Weasleys: Ron's parents, Arthur and Molly, have six other children — Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George and Ginny. Extremely loving and poor. They've somewhat adopted Harry, and are all very fond of him.

Lucius Malfoy: Draco's father, Lucius is a Voldemort supporter. He hates Muggles.