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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/5177
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

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Hi Standback,

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Good question. JK Rowling is a far better writer than people give her credit for.

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1. **Everyone's character is defined by their feelings towards D'dore.** He is a kind of compass for the others in the books. Hagrid shows him loyalty like a dog, showing his unambitious, straightforward nature. Harry respects him as a guru, showing his drive to learn and do the right thing. Voldemort fears him as an equal, showing his need to be superior.
2. **Dumbledore is down to earth even though he has otherwordly powers.** Examples: he likes sweets (lemon sherberts) and has an unpretentious mischief. We simultaneusly associate him with a grandfatherly and a grandmasterly figure.
3. **He understands and accepts peoples' weaknesses.** And he shows up at just the right moment to encourage them when they are feeling disempowered. 

4 + 5. **He bestows kick-ass gifts / He speaks in riddles / He 'outdoes' the rest of the story.** Dumbledore speaks in a harmless, lullaby way but his words always have real significance. And so do his actions, even when they're mysterious. The gifts he gives have almost mythic power. In short - Dumbledore's actions always has _meaning_.

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I hope you find this someway to being helpful.

Original score: 6