Book characters are often seen differently by various readers. Severus Snape is a dynamic character from the famous series Harry Potter. He shows one static personality in the beginning from only Harry Potter's point of view, but as time goes on, events that occur could make one see him in multiple different ways. Most readers decide to think of him as a villain without seeing the full picture. If a reader focuses on the good and sees the full picture that surrounds Severus, he should be considered a hero.
Heroes often fight for what is right even though it could hurt them. Severus Snape had his heart broken at an early age. In his preteen years, he fell in love with a young witch named Lily and they attended Hogwarts together. The two were separated into different houses and they soon became distant. After being bullied by a Gryffindor named James Potter, Snape soon lost Lily's admiration which had turned to James. Even though Severus still loved Lily, he allowed Lily to marry James leaving Severus alone. Much like heroes do, Severus sacrificed his happiness for Lily's. He knew she would be much happier with James and made the selfless act of not interfering with their relationship. Because of this act, he was already beginning to show heroic qualities and actions by making sacrifices for what was right.
Snape is often misunderstood because of how he acted as a spy. During Snape's time at Hogwarts he was asked to be an undercover spy on the Death Eaters by Dumbledore. Because he took on this task, he was forced to act in a certain manner because of all the Death Eaters children attending Hogwarts. He is seen many times acting cruel when one of these children is near, especially Draco Malfoy (the son of the death eater Lucius Malfoy.) Many people misread his cruelness as acts of a villain when he is really just staying in character. He is still acting as a hero working for the good during these times even though he is showing an evil personality.
One major quality of being a hero is making sacrifices, and Severus Snape made the ultimate sacrifice. After Severus was headmaster at Hogwarts and the battle between good and evil had begun, Severus made the biggest sacrifice anyone could make. He became a martyr by letting Voldemort kill him through Nagini (Voldemort's snake). During his final moments he gives up acting as a spy when Harry, Hermione, and Ron find him. Before he dies, he gives them his final tears which hold his memories sacrificing all he had left in order for Harry to know the truth. He died fighting for what was right. There is no greater sacrifice a hero can make than that of Severus Snape.
Heroes come in many different forms. Severus Snape is a good example of a misunderstood unusual hero. He is often seen as a villain, but there are many different ways to view him. His many good traits are not overly emphasized, but they do appear. If one takes a look at these good traits they can see how Severus can be a hero. He constantly strived for the best and was always working for the good. Even though he could be a bit mean sometimes, Severus proves to be a hero through his constant works toward good.
