Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Many Harry Potter fans feel as though the play depicts characters in ways the novels did not. Ron Weasley is not taken seriously by his peers, Hermione is flustered and distracted, and Harry Potter is struggling as a parent. Besides character differences, the play is the first drama of the series; it trades pages of vivid descriptions for fast-paced stage performances. Although there are similarities in tone, do you think Harry Potter and the Cursed Child feels like it belongs to the world established by the seven original novels? As you develop your ideas, consider the following:

• Do the adult versions of the original characters demonstrate surprising or expected characteristics?
• Including character changes, what are some noticeable differences between the play and the novels?
• Do these changes feel like they add to or detract from the previously established Harry Potter narratives?

Teaching Suggestion: If students have not read the other Harry Potter texts, they can engage in discussion about the differences between film/stage adaptions and novels. Many plotlines, characterizations, and even themes are changed when translated to mediums for actors to perform. Students of all backgrounds can engage in this discussion by posing thoughtful questions about adaptations and characterization in general.