Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Summary and Complete Study Guide

**Harry Potter**: The Boy Who Lived starts as an abused orphan living in a cupboard under the stairs. The Dursleys treat him terribly while spoiling their son Dudley. Harry is famous in the wizarding world but knows nothing about it—ultimate fish-out-of-water. His humility and kindness despite his celebrity make him likeable. He's brave but not reckless in this first book (that comes later). His defining trait is loyalty to friends and willingness to face danger to protect others. The scar connects him to Voldemort in ways that become crucial later. **Hermione Granger**: The know-it-all who becomes the group's research department and moral compass. Initially friendless because she's bossy and corrects everyone, she becomes loyal after Harry and Ron save her from a troll. Her Muggle-born status makes her work twice as hard to prove herself. She represents intelligence and preparation as forms of magic—she solves most problems through reading and logic. **Ron Weasley**: Poor, overshadowed by successful older brothers, but becomes Harry's first real friend. His family's warmth contrasts with Harry's abusive home life. He teaches Harry about the wizarding world while Harry shares fame and adventure. Their friendship is the emotional core. Ron's fears about being ordinary in an extraordinary family drive later books but here he's just supportive and loyal. **Albus Dumbledore**: The wise mentor archetype who guides without directly solving Harry's problems. His"twinkle" and love of sweets make him seem benign, but he's strategically putting Harry in situations to build his courage. Later books complicate him significantly, but here he's straightforwardly good—powerful, kind, and mysterious.

**Love as Magic**: Lily Potter's sacrifice created protection that saved Harry and still protects him. Voldemort can't understand love, which is why he loses. Dumbledore explains that love is the most powerful magic, setting up the series' central theme. This resonates with kids: your parents' love protects you even when they're gone.