TotalFilm has published their list of the 50 Greatest Harry Potter Characters and why they believe those characters are the best. The list includes the likes of Firenze (50), Minerva McGonagall (14), Ginny Weasley (30), Neville Longbottom (13), Luna Lovegood (16), Horace Slughorn (28), Oliver Wood (39), Cedric Diggory (45), Filch (36), Gilderoy Lockhart (22), Peeves (37), and even The Sorting Hat (46)! The top 10 characters (in order from 10-1) are: Remus Lupin, Hagrid, Sirius Black, Draco Malfoy, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Tom Riddle, Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter, and finally, Severus Snape!  Visit TotalFilm to see the full list!

Dobby (22)
The Character: The self-lacerating House Elf (witness the moment when he irons his hands as penance for disobeying the Malfoys) with an abiding love for Harry Potter, Dobby is something of an acquired taste, his constant clowning taking him perilously close to Jar-Jar territory in Chamber Of Secrets. However, his bravery at the battle of Malfoy Manner is enough to redeem him in our eyes, and anyone who wasn’t choking back a sniffle at his eventual death clearly has a heart of stone.
Key Quote: “Dobby has no master… Dobby is a free elf!”

Lucius Malfoy (18)
The Character: The elder Malfoy was one of Voldemort’s closest supporters first time around but managed to wriggle his way out of a spell in Azkaban when the Dark Lord was defeated. It’s that slippery nature that best sums him up, alongside his snobbery and cowardice. Indeed, it’s no surprise to see him and his wife down tools once the final battle begins to swing away from Voldemort… although their desire to find Draco should probably be flagged as another contributing factor.
Key Quote: “Potter, your race is run. Now hand me the prophecy like a good boy… ”

Fred & George Weasley (12)
The Characters: Mildly irritating in the big-screen version (largely thanks to the wooden delivery of the Phelps boys, who appear to have bagged the roles largely by virtue of being twins), Fred and George provide many of the books’ funnier moments, as well as supplying one of the major emotional hits of the final battle. The scene in which they escape Umbridge’s regime by flying their brooms over the school wall is a punch-the-air moment of pure teenage rebellion.
Key Quote: “George? I think we’ve outgrown a full-time education…”

Severus Snape (1)
The Character: The saga’s tragic hero, Snape has lived a profoundly unhappy life, watching his beloved shack up with the man who made his school days a misery, before eventually giving his life to protect the couple’s son. Once the story’s revelations have been made in full, his character takes on a whole new complexion, demonstrating just how selfless a man he really is. As Harry puts it, “he’s probably the bravest man I ever knew.”
Key Quote: (On Harry) “Mediocre, arrogant as his father, a determined rule-breaker, delighted to find himself famous, attention-seeking and impertinent.”