Severus Snape

Severus Snape is a fictional character in the Harry Potter series of novels by J. K. Rowling. In the first five novels, he is the professor of Potions at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In the sixth book, he teaches Defence Against the Dark Arts, and in the seventh book he ascends to the position of headmaster before his death. Snape is hostile, yet heroic towards Harry Potter throughout the series; Harry eventually learns that Snape was bullied by Harry's father, James Potter, and was in love with Harry's mother, Lily Evans.

This causes Snape to have mixed feelings towards Harry, who resembles his father greatly, but has his mother's eyes. As the series progresses, Snape's character becomes more layered and enigmatic. A central mystery is unravelled concerning his loyalties. Snape dies at the hands of Lord Voldemort in the seventh book, at which time his back story is revealed.

Quick Facts

Series: Harry Potter
First: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997)
Creator: J. K. Rowling
Also known as: The Half-Blood Prince
Family: Tobias Snape (father); Eileen Snape (mother)
Nationality: British

Lore & Background

Snape's life is defined by his love for Muggle-born Lily Evans, Harry's mother, which eventually compelled him to defect from the Death Eaters. Despite his attraction to the Dark Arts and Voldemort's ideology of wizard supremacy, he became a double agent for Albus Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix. The fact that Lily chose James Potter, Harry's father, only fuels Snape's hostility towards Harry. Rowling described Snape as an 'antihero' and a 'gift of a character', whose story she had known since the first book.

She drew inspiration for Snape's character from a disliked teacher from her own childhood, and described Snape as a horrible teacher, saying the 'worst, shabbiest thing you can do' as a teacher is to bully students. However, she does suggest in the books that he is generally an effective teacher. Snape was reportedly based, at least in part, on John Nettleship, who taught Rowling chemistry and employed her mother as an assistant at Wyedean School near Chepstow.

Rowling based Snape's given name on 'Severus Road' in Clapham, and his surname is borrowed from the name of a village in England.

Reader's Guide

Severus Snape is a complex character whose true loyalties are not revealed until the final book. Rowling hinted numerous times at Snape's important role, suggesting that people should 'keep their eye on Snape'. After the completion of the series, Rowling said 'the series is built around [the Dumbledore and Snape storylines]', and maintained that she always knew what Snape would turn out to be at the end and that she carefully plotted his storyline throughout the series.

Rowling further said in an interview that she wanted Snape to find redemption and forgiveness: 'Snape is a complicated man...he was a flawed human being, like all of us. Harry forgives him...Harry really sees the good in Snape ultimately... I wanted there to be redemption.' Alan Rickman portrayed Snape in all eight Harry Potter films, released between 2001 and 2011. Paapa Essiedu will portray the character in the upcoming HBO TV adaptation.

Did You Know?

Elizabeth Hand of The Washington Post explained that Snape's life 'is the most heartbreaking, surprising and satisfying of all of Rowling's achievements'.
In 1999, one female fan guessed Snape loved Lily Potter, making Rowling wonder how she had given herself away.
Rowling said that after the publication of Prisoner of Azkaban, she was surprised by a fan's foresight regarding Snape's love life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Severus Snape?

Severus Snape was the Potions Master and later Headmaster at Hogwarts, secretly serving as a double agent for Albus Dumbledore against Lord Voldemort. A former Death Eater from Slytherin House, he is depicted as cold, calculating, sarcastic and bitter.