The boy wizard whose loveless existence under the stairs at the Dursleys' was transformed by the arrival of an invitation to study at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry's best friend who comes from a poor but loving family of wizards, hence the dilapidated state of his hand-me-down equipment
Hermione Granger (Emma Watson)
Smartest student at Hogwarts and doesn't she know it - Hermione completes the triumvirate with Harry and Ron
Dobby escapes from the Malfoy household to beg Harry not to go back to Hogwarts, but why?
Hogwarts' professors
Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith) is deputy headmistress and professor of transfiguration; Prof Sprout (Miriam Margolyse) teaches herbology, and Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris) is headmaster
Hogwarts' potions master who appears to harbour a grudge against Harry; also leader of Slytherin house
Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane)
Hagrid is the near giant-sized keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts; also lover of strange creatures big and dangerous
Draco Malfoy (centre) and his gang
Draco is a Slytherin and Harry's archenemy at Hogwarts. His two henchmen, Vincent Crabbe (Jamie Waylett) and Gregory Goyle (Joshua Herdman) do their utmost to make life hell for Harry
Draco Malfoy's father, was a Slytherin at Hogwarts. Dobby is his escaped house elf
Dumbledore and Fawkes
Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, helps Harry get out of a tight spot
Colin Creevey (Hugh Mitchell)
Harry Potter's greatest fan at Hogwarts, proving himself a pest as he runs underfoot trying to get Harry's picture and autograph
Tom Marvolo Riddle (Christian Coulson)
The former Hogwarts pupil whose diary becomes key to Harry unlocking the Chamber of Secrets
Gilderoy Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh)
Professor of defence against the dark arts in Harry's second year; also author of self glorifying autobiographies and five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming Smile Award
Argus Filch (David Bradley)
The caretaker at Hogwarts and his cat, Mrs Norris, are the bane of Harry's life