Harry Potter Characters Based on Real Life People!

Last Updated on 15th March 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

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Alohomora! Your complete guide to unlocking the truth behind Harry Potter characters based on real life- people (i.e. muggles as they are so-called in the wizarding universe)…

Considering that JK Rowling has so successfully created a fantasy universe inside her head, it may or may not come as a surprise to many that she sourced a lot of her inspiration for Harry Potter Characters from real life. From rude family members to school teachers to even herself, JK Rowling is no stranger to taking inspiration from wherever and whenever it may present itself.

And it’s worth noting that when it comes to the history of the inspiration for the Harry Potter universe, JK Rowling didn’t just take inspiration from people. Indeed, just like JK Rowling based a number of places in Harry Potter on real life people, she based places and locations in the series on real life

Some places that are alleged to have inspired Jk Rowling include various locations around Exeter (where Rowling went to university), around Edinburgh (where Rowling now resides), and around London.

A selection of the Harry Potter Characters Based on Real Life People:

Nicolas Flamel

Nicolas Flamel was a real person and he lived in Paris. Yep, let me just reiterate that: that guy Nicolas Flamel, who invented the philosopher’s stone (the secret of an immortal life) was real. Flamel, whom Voldemort wanted to kill.

Perhaps it should come as no surprise that Flamel makes an appearance in the books, considering that JK Rowling studied abroad in Paris during her time at university. Nicolas also happens to be one of Beauxbaton’s most famous alumni (one of the great 11 )

Furthermore, in reality, Flamel was a 14th Century shop-keeper who likely never even dabbled in alchemy. It wasn’t until centuries later that associations between Flamel and alchemy began to be made and rumours spread…

If you’re also interested in places that inspired places in Harry Potter (I mean, why wouldn’t you be?), then you can still visit Nicolas Flamel’s House in the heart of Le Marais.

Severus Snape

As one of the most complicated characters in the books, it shouldn’t be at all surprising that Snape is actually based on a number of real-life people and their various personality traits. I mean, how many real life people are as complex as Snape?

Well, apparently there is one guy, for the predominant inspiration for Snape is Rowling’s old Science Teacher, John Nettleship. Mr Nettleship still works as a science teacher at the very same school in South Wales that Rowling attended.

Well, apparently there is one guy, for the predominant inspiration for Snape is Rowling’s old Science Teacher, John Nettleship. Mr Nettleship still works as a science teacher at the very same school in South Wales that Rowling attended in South Wales.

When the news broke about Nettleship’s real identity, it was speculated at how evil the real life ‘Snape’ must be. And that’s because this news broke prior to the revelation that Snape was actually the bravest and most loyal of all the Harry Potter characters! (Shout out to my Mum who said Snape was good all along!)

Harry Potter

Fun fact: even Harry Potter was based on a real life person! In fact, he shares his last name with Ian Potter, the inspiration for Harry Potter. Ian was a childhood friend and neighbour of Rowling (who was also particularly mischievous).

JK Rowling and Harry Potter share a birthday, the 31st July.

Hermione Granger

Rowling says that Hermione Granger has a lot in common with her younger self. Rowling first saw the name ‘Hermione’ appear in the Shakespeare play ‘A Winter’s Tale’ and grew to love it.

Although Hermione first had the name ‘Puckle’, Rowling quickly decided to change it.

Ron Weasley

Just like the other two main characters, Ron Weasley is based on a real life person. Rowling stated that one of her closest friends, Sean Harris was the inspiration behind the character; “Although I never meant him to be like Sean, once I got Ron onto the page he often behaved like my oldest friend, who is both very funny and deeply loyal”.

Aunt Marge

Of all the Harry Potter Characters based on real life people, it may come as a particular surprise that Aunt Marge was based on someone in real life. Although Aunt Marge only appeared once in the books and films, it was definitely enough to have caused quite a stir in the Dursley-Potter household.

Apparently, Rowling isn’t the only one of her family with similarities to Harry Potter characters. Aunt Mage (otherwise known as Marjorie Dursley), was based on Rowling’s maternal grandma, Frieda Volant who also had a love of dogs! Rowling said on the subject “Frieda was a dog lover who seemed to prefer her four-legged friends to people“.

Gilderoy Lockhart

But the most surprising of all Harry Potter characters based on real life is the Gilderoy Lockhart ‘revelation’. Gilderoy Lockhart, a pompous professor who lied incessantly and even tried to wipe Harry’s memory. Altogether he was an odious man who didn’t deserve the fame he had received.

Rowling said on Lockhart “I assure you that the person on whom Gilderoy was modeled was even more objectionable than his fictional counterpart. He used to tell whopping great fibs about his past life, all of them designed to demonstrate what a wonderful, brave and brilliant person he was.“

Ultimately, although there has been a lot of speculation about the identity of Lockhart’s real life persona, Rowling has declined to comment…

That’s all on Harry Potter Characters Based on Real Life for now- shout out to all my fellow Ravenclaws!