What can I say? Book fans will always notice discrepancies in book adaptations. I’ll admit the Harry Potter films are one of the better book adaptations, but I could never get over how dirty the youngest Weasley was done in the movies. Ginny has always been one of my favorite characters because of her strong will, bravery, and independent nature. I could go on about Ginny for pages, but for now, I’m just going to highlight some of the more notable differences between the books and the movies.
Personality
Ginny is headstrong, funny, and sassy. These qualities were diminished in the movie, leaving a stale character behind. Her screen time is limited, and most fans describe her movie presence as boring and unremarkable. The books showcase Ginny’s personality through witty comments, jokes, and action scenes.
Ginny asserts herself with confidence in her big family unafraid of any challenges that stand in her way. Growing up with six older brothers is enough to make anyone stubborn. Ginny herself says, “The Thing about growing up with Fred and George is that you sort of start thinking anything is possible if you’ve got enough nerve.” Ginny possesses a strong will that helps her overcome the many obstacles she faces at Hogwarts.
Ginny has a great sense of humor that is shown through small moments in the books. For example, she told Romilda Vane that Harry has a Hungarian Horntail tattooed on his chest while Ron has a Pygmy Puff tattoo. She can be seen laughing along with her friends and making those around her laugh as well. She does impressions of Umbridge and Ron and nicknames her brother’s fiancee a silly name. These little moments speak volumes about how fun her character is.
She is sassy and unafraid of facing anyone who speaks rudely to her. One example of this is when Harry refuses to speak to anyone after having Voldemort in his mind. Ginny is quick to remind him that she, too, suffered from Voldemort’s possession and knows exactly how it feels. This goes to show that even if she holds affection for Harry, she does not stay silent or tolerate disrespect from anyone.
Romance with Harry
Most movie fans don’t love Harry and Ginny together, but that’s because their drawn-out romance was stuffed into a few awkward movie moments. Ginny is portrayed as a convenient choice for a love interest instead of a well-developed heroine. The novels provide a more linear love story that shows how Harry’s affection for Ginny grows as their characters develop.
Harry and Ginny’s friendship develops throughout the novels, but Half-blood Prince is where the true beginning of their romantic relationship begins. This is the novel that Harry realizes that he is falling for Ginny, as seen through his jealousy towards her and Dean’s relationship. The movies depict Ginny as a love-struck girl who only focuses on Harry, whereas the books showcase her individuality and standing at Hogwarts outside of her affection for Harry.
One key moment that differs from book to movie that affected how their relationship was viewed was their first kiss. In the movie, their first kiss is a quick intimate moment in the Room of Requirement that leaves their relationship status open. In the book, their first kiss happens spontaneously during a Quidditch victory party. The two then begin dating before they decide to break it off before the events of Deathly Hallows. The books built a foundation for their relationship that was ignored in the film adaptation.
Dumbledore’s Army
Ginny’s bravery and prowess as a witch need to be recognized, and there is no better way to do so than to talk about her role in Dumbledore’s army. Order of Phoenix showcases Ginny’s talents with offensive and defensive spells, enough so to make her brothers envious. Ginny goes on the fight in multiple battles alongside her peers. We must mention her formidable Bat Bogey Hex that is responsible for defeating Draco Malfoy in Umbridge’s office and later gains her access to the Slughorn Club.
The movie Order of Phoenix does show her involvement as a core member of the army but doesn’t really showcase her efforts in reinstating the army in Deathly Hallows. Ginny, along with Luna and Neville, keeps the army alive at Hogwarts by continuing to help teach offensive and defensive spells, rebel against the new order, and even risk severe punishment by trying to steal the sword of Godric Gryffindor. Ginny, Luna, and Neville’s brave actions helped maintain morale during a dark time in Hogwart’s history. Ginny naming the group Dumbledore’s Army is an added bonus.
Her Friendship with Hermione
In the movies, it may seem like they’re just convenient female pairings, but the books will reveal a deeper friendship founded on mutual respect and sisterhood. The two grew close throughout the school years and their time spent at the burrow together. Hermione and Ginny confide in each other about their crushes, fears, and mutual dislike of Fleur.
The books reveal how much the girls confide in each other and refuse to divulge each other’s secrets. One example is when Ginny refused to reveal the identity of Hermione’s Yule Ball date. The movies make their friendship appear to be surface-level when it should be viewed as the well-developed sisterly bond it became.
Quidditch
It’s insulting to talk about Quidditch and not mention Ginny’s skill in the game. Harry was always viewed as the Hogwarts quidditch star, but Ginny steps into the spotlight in Half-blood Prince impressing everyone with her skills as a chaser and substitute seeker. Ginny’s quidditch skills came as a surprise to her siblings as she secretly practiced the game after her brothers left her out. Ginny even goes on to play professionally for the Holyhead Harpies.
I hope I have succeeded in shining a bright light on this courageous and inspiring witch. I know this has certainly made me want to reread the books just to experience Ginny’s story once more.
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