Next up: Hermione Granger, from the Harry Potter series.
movie Hermione: I'm not quite as fond of her as the book version, but since you can't read my mind to get a visual of her, this will have to do.
Here's the thing: Hermione doesn't always know how to deal with others. She's one of the brightest people in both the wizarding and muggle world, but this doesn't guarantee her friends or appreciation. She's too much of a know-it-all. (I do have a soft spot for that myself, considering it's a tendency of mine as well.) She knows it, but can't help herself. Manifestation of insecurity, I think.
Yet when she has an opening (Harry and Ron helping to save her from a troll), she's clever enough to bluff her way with the adults and gain a small bit of friendship. This grew into what was one of the greatest strengths for the book's protagonist: Ron and Hermione's support was crucial to Harry accomplishing his mission throughout all seven books.
Hermione's talent in all areas of witchcraft makes her a formidable ally. Honestly, if defeating Voldemort didn't require something more outside the box, Hermione could have been the one to take him down. This isn't to say that Hermione lacks imagination or nerve. She's the one who made polyjuice potion for the trio. She used a time-turner so that she and Harry could save Buckbeak. Rita Skeeter knows exactly how ruthless Hermione can be, having spent time as a beetle trapped inside a jar.
Ultimately, she wasn't the chosen one. Even though I think Hermione as lead protagonist could be an awesome book series too.
Random notes: Hermione's lack of skill in the romance department makes me wince and laugh. Her bossiness, too. Those are tempered by her compassion and strong sense of justice. (At least most of the time.)
Book seven has two of my favorite Hermione moments:
1) She actually left school to help Harry in getting rid of the Horcruxes. That was just about the biggest sacrifice she could possibly have made...
...except for this. 2) She altered the memories of her own parents to send them to safety. It's absolutely ruthless, and frankly morally questionable, and may have some well-deserved horrible repercussions later, but wow. What a character moment, yeah?
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