I got a lot of answers this time as well! Thank you very much! From what I know, lots of people really like this section of the site where they can express themselves! I myself enjoy seeing different point of views or things I hadn't pay attention to!
The looks and Alan Rickman
Incidentally, I'm afraid when I responded to your question about what attracts a person to Snape, I really didn't go much beyond the physical except for intelligence and education. Sorry, wasn't thinking clearly on the subject. I think Alan Rickman is an excellent actor and a very magnetic and charismatic man and it comes through in his acting, frankly I like him; that magnetism and charisma are almost irresistable, but I had no great focus on him until he took on the roll of Snape. Obviously, the blend of Rickman and Snape made something click in my mind. I remember one of my sisters-in-law showing me a picture in Time Magazine of Rickman as Snape, hadn't seen the movie yet, and my comment on Rickman being the actor who'd been given the role was "oh, good choice, very good choice." Of course, that voice doesn't hurt either.
My view of Snape is of someone disenchanted with life as he finds it. Probably why he turned to the dark side and then found he didn't care for it either. I see him as a strong, powerful individual, who is basically good but has been forced by circumstances to commit unspeakable atrocities. Oh god, all that angst. I find that Snape sometimes irritates me with his behavior towards Harry Potter. The character was interesting to me, but I didn't personally care for him until Rickman got the role. I still don't appreciate that behavior even with Rickman in the role. I think the main reason I dislike his behavior is because I feel it is unseemly and lowering for someone of his stature to abuse a young child. He is far too powerful in mind, body and magic to use his position for the purpose of bullying children in general and Harry Potter specifically. Yes, Snape didn't like Harry's father, but the child is not the father. I hope that's a better answer than before.
The looks
Snape's strange soul
Interesting point about "Black appearance" and female. It's true that black is always a classic, powerful and strong colour in our occidental cultures.
By the way, Sever(us) in Russian means the "North"...
And as a future sociologist I can explain why most teenagers love negative characters with "black" appearance. First of all it's Atari (Lady Claudia: I have no clue who this is! He seems a character on Russian TV) against parents with their conservative thoughts and dead ideals. On TV this strange hero is cultivated. One more reason (probably, it's true only for my country): most girls read a famous French novel called "Angelique". The ideal man in it also has black hair , is dressed in black and in an impossible to understand person. It's similar to Severus. 80% of female love persons with black hair and black eyes. (Lady Claudia: I can't say if this statistic is true or not!)
I'm interested in why Snape is such a sad person. Of course the world hates him, but... what about facts? I think J K Rowlings should give him a girlfriend with such an opened soul and kind heart (doesnt matter whether she's beautiful or not). And this girl could make Snape's soul open for people, for good and for heaven... And Ialso like the way Snape is described in the book. J K Rowlings is a very talented and clever lady. I do respect her.
And that's a pity that I don't have a boyfriend with Snape's appearence and soul :( I really love Severus Snape!!!
Mysterious and dark
me want to learn more and I'm just magnetized to him.
Snape's grumpy for good reasons
Mysterious
in my life before. But confirming to them, I would rather have Snape then any
of them again. The fact is, that if I personally must make a comparing, Snape is
not that evil, he is just a bit grumpy caused by his past, and caused by some
Saint Potter, who reminds him of his disregard towards the father, about a
silly joke which almost caused his death.
Then we can go on fantasizing about a missing love life,ect. But I think it
will take a whole lot of special potion to find his weak spot. But is it not
so, that we find ourselves attracted, to exactly that sphere of mystery
around him?
Snape reaches people's character
Alan Rickman fan
The looks, especially the eyes
Alan Rickman also is a good hearted, manly and
nice person of Old English nature, like Snape
of course!
First of all, I am simply amazed by the fact that Alan has so much fans!
I have watch a few fansites, before coming to this one,and I was also stunned about how some fans reply at his person, goodness.
There was much 'drooling', for instance, and they even called him a 'sexgod' (How do they know? )
I have had a good laugh too: What if our dear,and probably more sincere and moral Alan, would go and sit at his computerdesk and just would go to one of those sites, and read it?
How would his reaction be? I'm curious...
For myself , I am not such a drooler to be honest.Snape/Alan is a goodlooking ager, and a wonderful actor. Most people do not seem to know, he also had a leadpart in Rasputin( '96 ) and Judas Kiss ( '98, with Emma Thompson,from 'Sense & Sensibility' ), but, I am as much as enthusiastic about his appearances as any other Rickman-lover. For instance, I would like to thank him, because he has helped me improve my English, he has such a beautiful language-line! And then of course his eyes, I fell for his eyes. Not the lenses he is wearing to play Snape, and he is, because his own eyes are hazel, and not brown-black like in the Potter movies. And his real hair is copper coloured -light-brown, not really black as far as I know.
Why him. Well, for the fact that he is a very nice, good-hearted, manly person, with a certain Old-English flair, which makes this role fits him perfectly. He has just that, what makes Snape the book character come alive as pure Snape. And maybe,as we confirming to Snape, his dominant looks gives him a rare kind of sensuality over him. That attracts sensible woman just as much,as AXE. ( For as far as I can see, Alan,you can throw away all of your aftershaves by now.. Rasputin had also quit a reputation,and he did not even washed himself frequently.) This historic figure is also one special in spiritual way to me by the way, I have a very nice photograph of him hanging next to my selfmade extra large Potter poster ( With Alan in front of course ) Its amazing how those two look a lot like each other. Again a perfect role for Alan.
Snape's no fool
He's not evil
Snape's reserved side
Cleverness and talents
Envies Snape for his drive and determination
He does thing his own way, but it ends up a
benefit for others too (I like this view
very much because that's a fact stated often
in the books!)
Snape is a model because he always gives his
best at everything
Snape would have been a good teacher: demanding
Courageous and tough
Snape's a hero
Please, read the following analysis. I think it's a very good one indeed! It explains a lot why Snape is loved outside of the book but not in it!
This is a powerful and truthful statement! One of Snape's worst fault!
Being intelligent myself and loving to confront stupid people, I can testimony that I am indeed not liked for that trait of character myself!
This statement is also so true! It's the bane of my life however! I think people should not be envious so much! It's murderous to people like me and Snape for sure!
I would really love to tell you why I’m
fascinated of Severus Snape, but it’s actually hard to put in words. Unlike you
(I read your confession ;-) I’m not very much like Snape. Well, we all have our
snapish traits (I for example can be extremely sarcastic, when hurt) but
usually, I’m more or less the friendly and sociable guy. Interestingly so, I
admire Snape for his reservedness. Although, he might not be very popular, he
is respected and no one ever questions his talent and cleverness. You might
believe it or not, but being nice and responsive doesn’t always pay off, since
many people confound friendliness with naivity.
I’m now 26 and still trying to become more
like Snape (someone who is always giving 150 percent). It might be hard to
understand, but giving my very best is not always easy, since I’ve
[unwillingly] learned for many years that I can also be quite successful
without much effort. But, unlike in former times, when I didn’t know that I
could do better, not giving the best is now making me feeling guilty. Being
praised for a second-rate work is, however, even worse, because it shows me
that the other person is obviously convinced, I couldn’t have done it any
better. Lady Claudia: I think this fan has a point!
A point which easily explains why Snape
hates company or doesn't seek compliments so
much. Being a perfectionist, being praised
for second-rate work or even good work is bad
for him because he could have done better. I'm
a true perfectionist and I always feel so when
people praise me. I like it, but at the same
time, my head tells me I could have done better.
Also, when I am praised for something easy for
me or that I think stupid, I feel bad for the
people in front of me. Somehow, I easily imagine
Snape feeling so as well and being Snape, he
would think little of praisers. In this regard Professor Snape would have been the perfect teacher for
me. By setting high standards and not accepting anything less, he would
certainly have helped me to develop my full potential. [Why can’t there be more
like him?]
I also admire Snape for his exceptional
courage and toughness. [Frankly, I’ve never had a lot of patience with
squeamish people.] Snape, however, is quite a hero, helping others even under
great personal risk. JKR once said in a television interview that the following
books will mostly be about decisions. People will have to decide between what
is right and what is easy. Now, we can certainly expect Snape to do the right
thing. All we know about him so far makes clear that he [unlike Lucius, as I
would imagine] is not the one to back away from problems and difficulties.
Unpopular Snape…
You have also wondered why Snape is so
unpopular with his students and the other teachers, but at the same time so
much loved as a book character. Well, I guess there are a couple of reasons for
this phenomenon.
1.
Reading the book and not being personally
involved is, however, quite different. The reader can and should judge Snape’s
behavior pretty much unbiased and therefore should see things that are not
visible at first sight and especially not to his annoyed and emotionally
involved students. They just hate him and don’t feel a need to understand him –
pretty much like Snape himself doesn’t want to understand others like e.g.
Sirius and therefore sees no need to pay attention.
2.
The looks
Snape is the dominant type
Independant
Unconventional
Refuses to be excited by the mundane
Snape's character is interesting to me. Even though he works for other people- Voldemort in the past and now supposedly spying for Dumbledore- I sense that he's not afraid to be his own man.
He's unconventional, refusing to be excited by the mundane. This doesn't mean he doesn't get pleasure out of anything. He's just not the shallow sort that can be fobbed off with all the usual things people are supposed to do to have a good time, that everybody else does and looks at him like a psycho, just because he's not grinning from ear to ear. He enjoys solitary pursuits. I get the feeling if one spied upon him in his dungeon late at night as he brewed potions, you'd see one relaxed, contented man. He's just happy in his own company and doesn't have to rely on others to amuse him all the time. Lady Claudia: I really like that point of view. I often get the feeling of it myself. That Snape likes it that way as well. He doesn't like the usual. I am myself the perfect proof of that: I hate to be surrounded by people for too long. I need to get back to my books when I've spent a long time with normal people! The books portray him as a loner, but of course JK Rowling only writes what will be interesting to readers. You never know, he might visit Dumbledore every Wednesday for tea and biscuits but it wouldn't exactly be an exciting read then would it.
Well I think Snape in the right conditions would be lovely, fluffy and cuddly. It's a pity he's fictional really.
Sexy
Distinguished
Dark attraction to Snape
Alan Rickman's delivery of the role
Snape could be a Pisces (I have to mention
I saw a survey once about Snape's most probable
astrological sign, and it was Scorpio. I'm
surprised this reader says Pisces. From my experience,
Pisces are like sheep: they follow)
The looks
Intelligent
Snape knows what evil is
Lady Claudia: I'm glad that point came up because I've talked about it in my book analysis, but nobody has ever said anything else about it! That's mainly why I love Snape myself, yet this part is often overlooked!
We look up to Snape because we don't know him
personally, unlike the characters of the book.
(Very nice thinking! It's true it might explain
a lot of things!)
Intelligent and witty
Bad misunderstood men type
Snape's expected to act like that (I find
that point fascinating. It calls up to
the Pygmalion effect!)
Snape is human like any of us: he has
faults.
So why do I love Snape? Well, he's intelligent, witty and mysterious for one, but I think there is more to it than that.
There are two reasons that I can fathom of the reason I love Snape. The first is that I have always had an affiliation with the bad guys. Especially the misunderstood ones. I think it began with being cast as the evil bad person in the roleplaying games that were played in my primary school years. It was either that or I was by myself, lonely. I was cast as evil even though my character hadn't actually performed any evil deeds. My character (not me personally) hated the characters my friends played for no reason than that it was expected of her to do so. So I believe it is the same with Snape.
The second reason is that Snape is human. I love Harry Potter, but lets face it, he can do no evil. he is couragous, friendly and honest, and the people love him for it. Whereas Snape, although he is basically a good guy, does bad things. He bully's Neville Longbottom, and he has a past he would rather forget. Don't we all? And Harry Potter? He has no regrets. He is a perfect angel who has been deeply wronged by his muggle family, but finds a home and soulmates in Ron and Hermione.
Mysterious
Sexy
Resembles every little girl's bad-tempered dad
(Interesting point of view in its different
approach!)
If you look at the things that make Snape grin, then I think it is pretty sure that this man is sour right through .. very little chance of him ever changing. No hidden core of sweetness there, for the information of all the heaving bosoms!
Snape's not your black or white hero or antagonist!
(I love this analysis, it's true for me!
I am always bored by characters who are too
perfect)
Defies categorization!
(I like this comment about the Gryffindor/Slytherin
rivalty)
Stricking eyes and voice
Commands attention
Alan Rickman too!
Qualities:
While the books are charming, they are rather straightforward. The good guys are very good and the bad guys are very bad. Malfoy and the Dursleys have no redeeming qualities; Dumbledore has no faults and Harry has no serious faults. Well, perhaps this doesn't bother the books' youngest readers, but I'm past my teens and I like to think I'm old enough to appreciate a little complexity, some grey areas, in my reading. I'd like either a sympathetic villain, or a less-than-sympathetic hero, to spice up this black-and-white mixture.
Severus Snape provides that complexity, via the latter route. He defies categorization. He's an ally, but he's not a brave-clean-and-thrifty Gryffindor like all the rest of them. He's bitter and cruel; his hatred for James Potter and Sirius Black is practically tangible. Mind you, I like Harry and Sirius. But I positively *revel* in Snape's virulent hatred for them, because it represents the blurring of a hitherto solid line between Slytherin and Gryffindor, nasty/evil and nice/good.
The descriptions of Snape in the novels are quite fascinating. On the one hand he is physically unattractive; greasy, sallow, hook-nosed, etc. On the other hand, he has striking eyes ("fathomless", "dark corridors") and a compelling voice; which can be silky as well as strident. He commands attention. You cannot dismiss him, overlook him, or ignore him. His intensity practically leaps off the page. I'd rather have a dark, intense character than a nice bland one. (I should add here that I'm a huge Alan Rickman fan and he has the absolute perfect voice for the role :)
Snape's good qualities are incredibly compelling and attractive, even though they aren't "warm fuzzy" qualities. He is incredibly intelligent, he is intensely emotional, he is honorable (he repays a debt to a man he hates), he is loyal, he is brave.
I will certainly be getting "Order of the Phoenix" the minute it comes out... and my number one wish for the book (and the two after it) is that they be rich in Severus Snape.
Alan Rickman
Snape's mean, dark and hateful
Woman dream of being THE one to change him
Alan Rickman
The looks
Irradiating power
Not completely evil
Author can identify with Snape's values Bad
type
Tormented character
Hides his pain
Need for the reader to help/save him
I’m naturally attracted to this type of character; call me a freak (you wouldn’t be far off) but I find tormented characters so attractive. But what makes Snape stand apart from the rest is the fascinating way in which he cloaks his pain. On the outside he seems nasty and snobbish, but underneath he is very insecure, and it’s out of this insecurity that springs his nastiness and his need to hold grudges. He may be aware of his intelligence, but he’s certainly not aware of his worth as a person. He puts on a self-assured air, but underneath he seems very self-loathing and self-doubting. The reason for his insecurity and self-loathing remains unanswered, which makes him all the more dark and mysterious. He finds it easy to express his feelings of hatred, but deep down I don’t think he truly hates anyone (except Voldemort of course); he is simply cruel to boost his own low self-esteem. Other than hatred, he has a very hard time expressing his emotions, or revealing who he truly is. There’s something so downtrodden about Snape, something that makes you want to just give him a hug and tell him everything will be alright… that he doesn’t have to live in misery. I guess that’s why I like him.
I've had some very interesting analysis since last time! Please, read!
Snape's
a good villain!
Well
characterised
Snape
is both his nasty and human side
But if Snapes were just a nasty piece of work, we wouldn't have much use for him.
Let me give a "popularized" reason why I ... um ... am in "like" with Severus, through two comparisons.
(1) Frank Burns and Charles E. Winchester (III).
(2) Lex Luthor (through the courtesy of Michael Rosenblum)
Burns and Winchester, for those of you who do not get endless reruns of Amyrrhican (American written with a strong accent!) "sit.coms.", were two characters on the TV version of M*A*S*H. Burns was a wretched soulless git with the moral integrity of a periwinkle. Nothing became him so much as his departure from the series. Enter the snotty, acid tongued, quick witted, well disciplined and short tempered (ring any bells?) Major Winchester. Sonorous, long-winded, pompous, didactic, self-absorbed, and yet ... and yet ... so human, so tender on the inside, so noble in his own peculiarly snotty way. We LIKED Charles. I don't think anybody really like Frank. He wasn't likeable. "Chas" was. There you go.
And Lex. In the new U.S. series "Smallville", Clark Kent is in high school, doesn't wear glasses, and has no idea where all this "strange visitor from another planet" jazz is going. And Lex, of all people, is in town, on his own, trying to break clear of dear old dad, and become his own man. In this show, Lex looks at Clark, and sees a living disproof of the cynicism and amoralism he's been taught he should embrace. Clark is proof to Lex that decency, and altruism, and devotion to a Greater Whole, CAN triumph and make a real, lasting difference. This Lex is torn in half. Half of him is the dark, power-hungry sociopath we all "know" he "has" grown into. And half of him is somebody we cheer for, who we want to grab at the shoulders and scream "Do the right thing! You know it's what you really want to see happen!"
And so our beloved Severus. He struts, he sneers, he glowers, he relishes in letting his rage burn freely. But somewhere underneath all the fertilizer is one solid, real, good man, for whom we can root, and fervently pray that the Authoress does the Right Thing about him.
Tri-dimensional
character
Anti-hero
type
Snape
is the dominant type, not a follower
It
may sound strange or shocking for some people, but I'm sure
this fan holds a big element why many people
love Snape! Not only because of sado/maso relasionship,
but rather the power Snape irradiates. Snape's
the most passionate teacher with high expectations.
So much he hates bad students. (I agree!) Funerary
voice Honourable
When I first started reading Harry Potter books, I was almost immediately intrigued by the character of Severus Snape. This was no two-dimensional villain, but a sarcastic, cruel, intelligent man with a passion for his work and a strange, secret past. And lovely, let's be honest.
I'm usually attracted to antiheros, as it were. Hannibal Lector. Dracula. The Vampire Lestat.
But I never questioned that so much...why Snape?
I am a dom,(dominant/master) for the time being, only a cyber-dom (which is unfortunate), although most of us refer to one another as 'teachers', because it suits polite society much better. Now, as my dear pet was telling me, how he adores me, because he would do anything to please me, and that he is hopelessly in love with...because he knows that I don't care at all about him, and because I am generally cold and blunt with him. Of course, I do care about him, but one must maintain one's roles. He wants me to control him. Naturally, since I am a dom, I'm rather compelled to be aloof, cruel, and strong. Certainly not masochistic. I don't typically want to be.
But, ah, Snape...Snape could make me do anything that he wanted. The first time that his disdainful black eyes sneered at me, I would be lost. The crueler that he was, the more critical, the more hateful-- the more I would adore him and seek to please him. The more I would treasure even the slightest sign of kindness. I would do everything that I could to please him.
Alright, maybe I've disturbed you with my twisted little personality...but...furthermore...
Of the teachers at Hogwarts, Snape is the most passionate. He hates that the clumsy students cannot live up to his expectantions. He wants them to learn, even if he has to beat it into them. He's an intelligent, wounded man. Anyone who's ever been the butt of cruel classmates would certainly not resent his bitter desire for vengeance.
He's morbid to the point of being ludicrous. He dwells in a damp, gloomy dungeon, wears layers of black, and speaks in a funerary voice tinted with 'dark sarcasm in the classroom', to paraphrase Pink Floyd rather badly.
To me, it doesn't matter if he cares about Harry. Oh, I like Harry... but it doesn't matter if Snape does. The fact that Severus can save Harry shows that he is truly honourable, which is much better a thing to be than kind.
I only hope that dear Ms. Rowling can give us what we need now...a little bit more compassion for the man. She needs to understand that we love him and need more of him. But if she will not give us that...we always have dreams...*smiles* which is really, all that we had in the first place...
Alan
Rickman is a beautiful actor, but that's not
all
Straight,
honest and has a high level of ethics
He's
a hero and never wants praise for it Snape's
not unfair, he gives what he gets Dumbledore
is lucky to have Snape! (that's so true!)
I'm truly touched by this mother's testimony! Reminds me of my own reactions!
I read your essays about Snape and about yourself with great interest. It´s
nice to see that I´m not the only one who truly feels for Snape! I mean, there
are quite a lot of girls or women who just find him "sexy",
because Alan Rickman is a beautiful actor. But that´s not what I mean (although
it is true <g>). I really like the character, in the books as well
as in the films. From the beginning of my reading "Harry Potter", I
felt about Snape like you did: I respect, even admire him for being such a
straight and honest being, and for his very high level of ethics (It´s much
harder to save somebody you don´t like!), and at the same time pitying
him for his loneliness. I mean, he is even a hero, saving Harry´s life or
facing "Fluffy" and having his leg seriously wounded in order to save
the others from Voldemort. Who would have done this without ever mentioning it?
Snape would never praise himself for his deeds like a Gilderoy Lockhart! But
does anyone ever say "thank you" to him? No, because he is just the
freaky, unpopular Snape. They suspect him of the most terrible crimes (theft,
even murder), but when they see it isn´t true, they never feel a need to
apologize. When Harry first sees that Snape´s leg is injured, he wishes it to
be painful - I don´t think he ever regrets it or asks himself how this man is
feeling, not even when he knows that he owns his life to him. Snape is "unfair"?
But who was ever fair towards him? Sadly enough, Snape is right when he thinks
he can´t trust anyone. It´s still the same as in his childhood: Who cares if
Snape is gonna be killed? It´s a fun. The only person who understands him and
cares for him, is Dumbledore. Therefore Dumbledore has made himself the most
loyal friend anyone can wish for: Snape.
I, too, know the feeling of being "different" very well. And like you,
I have been searching for "soulmates" in literature from my early
childhood. And it´s always been the dark and misunderstood creatures. Vampires
for example: In my fantasy I created a whole society of them, as a contrast to
the society I lived in and which would never just accept me for what I am. I
have grown up, and I have two sons now, 6 and 3 years old. The older one is an
extreme "Snape", more than I have ever been! He is extremely
intelligent (according to the tests several psychologists made) and extremely
lonely. He feels the difference between himself and the other children, he sees
that they will never be his friends or have the same interests, and he reacts
with a very aggressive behaviour - which makes him even more unpopular. At the
moment, I am reading the "Harry Potter" books to him, and from the
beginning he loved Snape. He said: "Snape is not a bad guy, he is a good
guy. And this is very difficult for him, because he is a bit evil inside, but he
wants to be good. He is like me! I try, but sometimes I just cannot be good."
Snape'
similar to ourselves
Seductiveness
of characters like Hannibal Lecter (a lot of
people have referred to him. I will add him
in my Snape list soon!) Snape
knows evil is dangerous
Snape's
sensitive and insecure.
Interesting
comparison! I've made it myself the first time
I read the book!
Now, on to discuss the character of Severus Snape. I was just thinking that his seductiveness to so many readers is similar to why we cheer for Hannibal Lecter, but this comes more from reading Thomas Harris's books (especially "Hannibal") while the movies serve to complement the books. Similarly, Anthony Hopkins seduced us with his portrayal of Lecter just as Rickman fleshed out Snape's creepy allure and barely-contained bitter insecurity. In Harris's book "Hannibal" we learn a lot more about Hannibal's childhood and feelings, including his attraction to Clarice Starling, and his pain than we do in the movies. I'm going to end the comparison of Lecter and Snape there, because Lecter very easily sidles over to the side of evil while Snape has discovered (sometime previous to the time the books take place) that evil is too powerful and dangerous of a force to be reckoned with....in a nutshell, Snape doesn't eat people's faces.
Sometimes it's hard to like Snape, especially after reading some of the horrible and cruel things he said to Harry in the 3rd and 4th books. It's one thing to taunt a student about messing up a potions experiment, but it is quite another to berate Harry's murdered parents. That's when I want to step in and say, "Hey, does picking on a child make you feel better about yourself?" Snape is terribly insecure and sensitive, as you stated on your site. He avoids opening up to people because he is so afraid of getting hurt (again?). Perhaps he trusted Harry's father and finally felt that he had a good friend that the strange betrayal (i.e., Potter saving Snape from a trick that was going to be played on him) cut so deeply that he hasn't gotten over the anger. Also, was he in love with Lily Potter? I've seen that question on other sites, and I don't think we are wrong to ask it. As a student of literature, I don't think that we are just wanting to figure out "what the author meant" to fill in the blanks on a quiz. It can mean many things to many different people, and that is what makes it so wonderful and timeless. I thought the Death Eaters were especially haunting and horrible because they remind me of the blatant racism that still exists in the United States, especially in the Ku Klux Klan in the Deep South (Missouri, Arkansas, etc.). Someone looking for a more spiritual slant could use the old analogy of good and evil, which almost all religions have at their basis. Others can compare it to Star Wars!--Harry's inescapable connection with Voldemort, the scar, speaking Parseltongue....I think Harry will be tempted more seriously than he has been in years to come. Anyway, back to Snape, he has to crack one of these days or his pain and anger will eat him up inside, and I sincerely hope that J.K. Rowling doesn't let that happen to one of her best characters. I don't think she will--look at how she had us all fooled with the first book!
Anyway, I could go on for hours about Snape and all the characters in the Harry Potter books. Sometimes I just can't wait until he slinks into a scene while I'm reading one of the books. :)
NOTE: I love this e-mail because it reflects
the majority of what most Snape fans see in
him!
Read
this reader's first impression of Snape!
Snape's
older. I think this is a reason why a lot of
fans love him.That makes him more mature and
sophisticated! However, I'm sure Snape was always
like that. Perfect
English gentleman His
looks: clothing, eyes, etc
Alan
Rickman did a good job indeed!
Rickman
did not only pretend to be a bad teacher! Great
comment!
Snape's
dark and negative sides seem to be appealing
for a lot of people! She
feels sorry for Snape, which is often seen in
a Snape-fan. People
can identify to Snape Snape
can handle conflicting emotions within himself
The
mystery and suspense surrounding Snape! He's
enigmatic. (You know, I often hear that women
are more attracted to men they consider "mysterious"
on tv. Maybe that's part of the phenomena!)
Superior
register (register is a powerful tool isn't
it?)
Snape's
subject
Snape's
astrological sign would be Scorpio. (I saw a
web-survey about that, and it's true people
all said he was a Scorpio. He has a strong-headed
sign that's for sure!)
Why do I love Snape? What a question! It is a topic I could go on for hours about. But I'll try to condense my reasons into something of reasonable length. The very moment I fell in love with Snape/Alan Rickman was early one morning, while watching the movie at a friend's house. Until then I had never thought much of Harry Potter and had no desire to read the books, which I thought would be too long to be worth it. I couldn't imagine there was such a fascinating, intriguing, and downright adorable character who would soon become my obsession. When I saw him I immediately said he was gorgeous...but more than that, he was a dark, mysterious man who was obviously a bundle of controversies and who had experienced a most interesting past. So I hurried home and dug into those books, and lo and behold, Snape had hooked me before I knew it. Not that J K Rowling's rampant imagination couldn't have addicted me without him, but yes, it is mainly Snape who keeps me reading the books and watching the movies over and over till the next ones! For one thing, being a fifteen year old, it seems somewhat odd to most people that the love of my life is so much older than me. But I tend to love older men because they are so mature and sophisticated. Snape is a perfect example of this. Suave and usually soft-spoken, he is a perfect English gentleman. His deep, sexy voice doesn't hurt either. I adore Snape's physical appearance. Long hair isn't always necessary for me in men; sometimes it does it and sometimes it doesn't. With Snape, it does it, and it REALLY does it. His sleek, jet-black hair always looks well-combed and (I think) well-kept. Contrary to Harry's opinion, I don't think it's terribly greasy, and even if grease is the word, baby! Now, if eyes are the window to the soul, then Snape must have the most beautiful and seductive soul of all time. His obsidian-like, penetrating eyes make me want to melt every time I see a picture of him, particularly the ones from the movie. As practically everyone seems to believe, Alan Rickman is a wonderful actor who embodies Snape perfectly. He obviously took JK Rowling's description of the character to heart and used it to portray Snape in the best way possible. He didn't just pretend to be a mean teacher who likes to yell at students. Snape is a multi-faceted character with so many secrets and aspects to his personality, it would be impossible to describe him briefly, and certainly "a nasty teacher" would never cut it. His looks are fantastic; what else can I say? He's no scrawny wimp, but heavy-set men don't appeal to me either, so I find his in-between build just right. Strong, yet thin. Probably fast. Graceful. Excellent. And being a black-wearer myself, it just doesn't get much better! Would I like Snape if I knew him? Absolutely. Darkness and negativity make me happy (at least sometimes! I'm quite strange.) But I think if I knew him, not only would I want to get close to him in ways I won't mention, I'd want to get close emotionally too. He's obviously not a sunny, cheerful guy because his life has been pretty cloudy. While definitely threatening and able to hold his own in any argument (his biting wit and sarcasm can certainly hurt), his actual self-esteem is doubtful, and I truthfully feel a bit sorry for him. I'd want to know him so I could be close to him in a sort of motherly way, help him with this problems, and not just a girlfriend or friendly way. In a lot of ways, Snape is like me. Anger control is something we could both work on (actually, it's something a lot of people could work on.) Snape tends to fly off the handle after keeping too much rage and fury bottled up. He is, in a certain way, insane, like me and yet he is very mature, as I said, and sophisticated, and cunning, and intelligent, and sensible so once again he demonstrates his ability to be many conflicting things at once. The mystery surrounding him is particularly intriguing. With every book we learn something new about him. Snape is connected to virtually every character in the story and is a highly pivotal person, making him fascinating to think about. As much as we know, there is so much we don't. Why did he become a Death Eater, and why did he switch sides, knowing the consequences Voldemort would surely wish to bestow on him? What does he have against Harry, and then, why would he save his life? Why is he so fond of Malfoy? Why was he so displeased that James Potter saved his life? And most importantly ¦who is he going to fall in love with? Did a broken bond with Lily Potter leave him deeply scarred and bitter? There are so many questions one can't help but ask about Snape. His relationship to the Marauders is interesting too; it makes me wonder about what his school days were like. Who can help but love such an enigmatic character? Snape as a whole is just wonderful. His superior vocabulary, intellect, and verbal skills are a plus, especially to someone like me, who values good speech. It is amazing that a character made out to be so evil comes off to me as someone who is actually a good, virtuous person, who is only misunderstood. Strong-willed, Snape is the kind of guy you would feel safe with. As for what he teaches, I like that he works with some things that a lot of people would consider "gross." Sissy people who wouldn't like the contents of his classroom annoy me sometimes. He is probably a snake lover, like me, so that ties in with it, and while I don't know his attitude toward animals in general, I would expect that he has a respect for them. He is a true Scorpio, from an astrological point of view (just ask Trelawney), but he combines a lot of the best qualities from all the signs (and a few less-than-desirable ones.) But altogether Snape is simply fabulous.
Cruel,
but passionate
Snape can be cruel but he's passionate and nice deep inside. Also, his voice is hot!
Reminds
us of some teachers
I must say it's my favorite character... I guess it maybe because he remind me some of these teachers we all had once !
NOTE: (I think Snape does remind us of some teachers, but I want to warn everybody that Snape's not any teacher. A cruel teacher is not automatically a Snape. Please, see my explanations on Mrs. Tingle on my Myth or Reality page.
Alan
Rickman!
I honestly like him because I saw the movie first. Alan Rickman is fine, I must admit. That's my honest reason. His voice is so smooth and silky. After I watched the movie and read the books, and everytime I read a Snape encounter, I pictured Rickman walking around in that doggone black robe!
She
identifies to Snape to a certain degreeSnape
has qualities we lack and that we want! (That's
true, I think this is a good point!)
Sarcasm
Nobody acknowledges his good efforts! That's
heroic!
(This is an important point! It's like a vicious
circle for the kid. But from my experience,
kids will act the same in high school, college
and university! They're not serious! I'm
as serious as Snape when it comes to study,
so I understand Snape perfectly!)
I believe the main reasons why I'm so fond of the character is that: 1. I am able to identify with him to a certain degree. I share some character traits with him and can relate. 2. On the other hand, Snape has character traits which I lack but I wish I had. He's someone that I can look up to. Let's make a short trip to MBTI-land. (Click here to learn more about the MBTI which is a personality type indicator) Clearly Snape is an INTJ, no doubt about that. Me, being an INTP, lack exactly what Snape surely has enough of and that is endless confidence in himself and his abilities. That's one of the reasons I always find myself drawn to INTJs. Gil Grissom of CSI or Hannibal Lecter manage to "mesmerize" me in the same way. One thing I particularly actually love about him is the character's gift for sarcasm. It stings. It bites. A weapon that if used properly can hit right home and hurt more than any physical damage. And as long as it's not directed at oneself it can be hysterical. ;) Snape really is "Harry Potter"'s tragic hero. He fights against stupidity, incompetence, indifference and lack of common sense but still nobody seems to acknowledge him for what he's doing, instead everybody seems to hate him for it. Yet he keeps going, stands up to everyone and defends his principles, no matter what. That is truly heroic and earns my deepest respect. The reason why so many detest him? Well, look above. It all adds up to plainly being misunderstood which is a shame but in the end also is a part of what makes him exactly who he is. Would I like him if I were at Hogwarts? Can't say. Maybe now, yes, because knowing what intentions lie behind his teaching methods, I'd respect him and wouldn't have too much trouble with him (or he wouldn't have too much trouble with me, that is :)). But would I if I were a 12 year old kid again? Probably not. My grades were often not better than average mostly due to disinterest which would be enough for Snape to "teach me a lesson", causing me to be furious. Problem is, at that age I wouldn't have understood that it's for my own good and therefore only would have gotten madder at him. But I probably would have payed attention to his class from then on and just kept my mouth shut. :)
Snape
as a whole
Nothing comes in his way
Intelligent
Well Snape what can I say? I love him
because he has all of the characteristics I like in a bloke, long dark hair, big
nose, domineering presence. He has the perfect personality to deal with anything
that comes his way and I always value intelligence in men, any man with brains
is good enough for me (bonus if they have the afore mentioned characteristics)
Snape is wonderful and perfect the way he is. I think he is the best character in
the books and he makes me go weak at the knees.
Snape is the best
Neither all good or bad
Very loyal
Knows the difference between good and evil
"He has evil inside him, but he fights
it" (I love the phrasing!)
Snape's true
He is a hard worker and competent at it!
I love Snape because he is interesting. He is neither clearly good (like Dumbledore) nor clearly evil like Malfoy. He has a strong sense of loyalty to Dumbledore, someone he respects and who helped him in a crucial time of is life (who would have hired a former death eater just after Volemorts fall ?) (Correction here: in the second book, in the pensive, we are told that Severus became a spy BEFORE Voldermort's fall). He has a very stong sense of good and evil. He protects Harry and other students, he helps making the potion for Lupin, although he doesn`t like either of them. He is protective. In GoF I sense he is really angry with Barty Crouch and Fudge when he says " When we caught the death eater responsible for tonight's events ..." (what a cool and distant description for the horrific things going on that night). He has evil inside him but he fights it. He is a fighter for good, even though he is more than a little bit cruel and cold. I think this is the thing that endears him most to me: He doesn`t give up like Lucius who just does the wrong thing, he seems to fight against his own demons, his lust at cruelty. He likes to have control. Very ironic it is, that in this aspect he is very much like Harry: In Goblet he investigates (how cute :)) the wailing of the egg and the unforgivable happening of somebody breaking into his office. And so does Harry who wants to know who is in Snapes office. From Snape's point of view he always seems to get in the way. Maybe this is one of the reasons why Snape hates him. Furthermore he is extremely distrusting and even paranoid: He never believes Harry even if he is telling the truth. On the other hand, Snape is true. He is willing to stick up for Harry`s story at the end of Goblet even though it means he has to admit he has been mistaken about his suspicions about Harry. He is capable of cruelty. You see it in the pleasure he gets out of keeping Harry from seeing Dumbledore in Goblet and his bullying of a poor boy like Neville. He wants to prove himself and get respect like in his obvious pleasure and pride when Fudge announces he wants to give him the Order of Merlin. (Lady Claudia: I'm not totally agreeing to this) He is very bitter. We don`t know yet for what reasons but I assume that he is very lonely. This would be supported by the obvious jealousy he felts for James and his "strutting around with friends and admirers". He only had friends in Slytherin who became Death Eaters. How loyal friends are Death Eaters ? He is hardworking and extremely competent. This is the reason for his despise for less able people like himself. He is allowed to be arrogant because he really knows his remedies (both potions and Dark Arts).
She wants to see Snape redeemed (that's the
feeling I got from a lot of people too)
Snape's a good character for a woman to want
to nurture and take care of, in a motherly way
(I also think a lot of women out there feel
the same!!)
Snape may contain echoes of her parents
Snape's a good challenge for someone who wants
to impress
A relationship with Snape would be too draining
NOTE: Read this one, I think it tells a lot about unconscious feelings most Snape fan have towards him. Her reflections are deep and they make a lot of sense to me, truly!
It's proving very difficult to pinpoint the reasons for my fascination for, or obsession with Severus Snape. Maybe it's impossible to rationalise something that is purely emotional. However, after much thought, I can offer a couple of slender clues as to why the Snape character is so special to me. But first some facts. I'm sure I don't love Severus Snape, nor even like him. My fascination with him results in a drive to seek out images of him and read stories about him. No other character has ever produced such a strong reaction. One other thing I'm sure of - the fascination is with J. K. Rowling's creation, not with the actor. I enjoy Alan Rickman's acting but I'm not that obsessive about him - only with him as Snape. Most of all I want to see Severus redeemed I.e. emotionally and sexually fulfilled / happy / no longer angry / no longer cruel / healed of his own hurts which presumably are emotional. This gives me Clue 1 - the fascination might relate to the nurturing side of my own personality that simply wants to be a healer I.e. to see everyone healed, not just Severus. I grew up in an atmosphere of family rows. Consequently I hate rows and anger. This gives me Clue 2 - despite my hatred of destructive anger, Severus' personality might contain echoes of my parents. After all, even though I didn't like some aspects of my parents' personalities they still remained my parents and so had a major impact on my development, and of course I share their characteristics. Some of my Snape fascination is to do the fact that Severus is not easily impressed and perhaps I long to impress him - this again could have its roots in parent/child relationships. I hate Shape's cruelty to the pupils, particularly to Neville Longbottom - if Severus was a real person in my life I would probably find his unwarranted cruelty unforgivable and would have to tackle him about it, no doubt leading to a permanent rift between us. Sometimes Severus' appearance attracts me but I honestly can't say why. He doesn't look anything like people I usually find attractive. Being in the wrong doesn't seem to stop Severus bouncing back - I admire that strength, as I wouldn't have enough self-belief to act that way. But that's hardly enough to explain my Snape obsession. I probably would not enjoy knowing someone who was really like Severus. I suspect that in reality he would destroy any emotional relationship anyone tried to form with him, and that his company would quickly become demoralising or tiresome, and in the longer term possibly depressive to those close to him. Apart from my two clues I can't find anything that is exclusively Snapish to explain my obsession. For example I adore his voice when it is a velvet purr, but so what?, many actors have lovely voices. And Severus pushes his authority to the absolute limit - I admire that, but again it's not exclusive to Snape. Thanks for the opportunity to comment and for such a lovely website. I do enjoy reading what others suggest as their reasons for their fascination with this gorgeous villain.
Gothic looks!
Wants to nurture him
I love Snape because of his very gothic appeal. Not to mention his sexy voice. I just wanna squeeze him and make him feel better.
Sweeps you off your feet
Byronic aura
Challenge!
He is a great challenge for any woman and if you would succeed he would probably be the most passionate of all lovers, physically as well as mentally.
He seems like the type of man who would absolutely deny to fall in love, but if he does and if he accepts it, there would be no turning back. He would live and die for the woman of his heart.
Intense verbal firepower
Demands
respect
Complex
character
Smart
Sure
of himself
Can
take care of himself
Extremely
picky Knows
himself enough to control his emotions
Interesting point of view!
Loyal
He's
a survivor
Alan
Rickman
person with his speech faster than a chainsaw on a sapling. Being rather
sarcastic myself and having sarcastic coworkers/friends, I enjoy a good
match of wits and words. Snape brings them out in a smoking goblet. On the
other hand, he also knows not to waste words when a sneer or scowl will do.
Second, for being a disliked teacher at Hogwarts, he demands some respect.
How would you like to put up with a class of Potters, Grangers, and Weasleys
for about 10 months out of every year--and all of them hate your guts? I'd
be rather caustic too!
Third, he is very complex. Just when you think you figured him out, he turns
out another face, adds another twist, and sends you down yet another path
trying to ascertain who he really is. He still has a lot of secrets and
uncertainties hidden under his swishing black cloak, adding to his mysticism.
This is, I think, a big credit to Rowling's writing skills.
Fourth, he's smart. Not just book smart, but street smart as well. Add his
cunning and ability to think on his feet, and he becomes the Coyote, the
trickster in Native American tales that not only fooled others with his
conniving and deception, but sometimes fooled himself.
Fifth--and despite some opinions to the contrary--I don't see Snape as
self-loathing; in fact, quite the opposite. He is extremely sure of himself.
He knows what he needs to do, and he knows how he can do it. Even though he
has that tragic, lonely, melancholy presence that anyone with an inkling of
caretaking in their personality would just want to swoon over (Here,
Severus, let me do ___, it'll help you feel better), he can take of
himself, thank you very much. If he wants you, he'll let you know.
He's extremely picky because he knows he deserves to be. He knows himself enough
to have control over his emotions. Even if it doesn't take much to make him
livid, he doesn't blast someone through a wall at the first insult.
(Otherwise, Rowling wouldn't have much of a story, since Harry wouldn't
survive the first book!) I can pull a Trelawney and predict if Snape has
any kind of romantic interest any time soon, it'll be with someone who's
more Snape than Snape.
Sixth--he stands by those who he really trusts, even when it appears they
have gone completely mental. There's been many a time he could've wrote
Dumbledore off as a senile bumblehead, but he is loyal to the point of doing
good deeds for those he detests, and risking his life--because Dumbledore
said so. (Of course, by reason Three, in the next book he could twist again
and betray Dumbledore..who knows?)
Seventh--he's a survivor. I'm a survivor, too. Pretty self-explanatory.
I've seen a lot of positive comments about Alan Rickman's performance in the
movie. Yes, Alan did a smashing acting job and is a heartthrob to me no
matter what he does. However, in the books Snape is, as James Potter
mentions in The Prisoner of Azkaban, "an ugly git." You can't make Alan ugly
enough (though he almost succeeded in Galaxy Quest).
Physical Mysterious
Intelligent,
educated
Villain type Alan
Rickman's handsome self
Hidden
broken heart
I never knew that what drove me wild about him
drove everyone else wild as well. I’ve always had a thing for villains. Alan Rickman plays my favorite villains. They all have that cute accent, that deep unique
voice, and of course those handsome looks about them. Snape has to be my absolute favorite though. He gives the
dirtiest looks, he’s got the greatest costume, and he’s just so MEAN. Yet, you
know that a broken heart lies within him. The thing about these men who have been hurt
in the past is that just maybe, if I was to get to know him, I could help him
show him love again. But, I doubt J.K. Rowling would ever do that because then
that mystery and darkness would disappear and he would be just like any other
character. But it’s the dreaming that makes it so fun. J
Mysterious Intense Remains
alone
Physical Author
relates to him
At the other side I like him because I´m like him.
I often feel like he is described in the books . I´ve the same point of view about humor, what kind of pupils we should take in and about the way we should teach ( I´m a teacher at a private school) . However, almost none of my fellow teachers agree with me.
And, I´ve an habit to love mystical long haired man . Lestat was the first, Snape is the next . (Lestat is from Interview with a Vampire)
Pseudo-evil appearances Dark
anti-hero kind
Author associates with Snape Complexity
of character
Snape characters all appear evil on the outside, but once you examine their psyches you see that they have a rationale for their behavior and that in reality they may actually be the true hero. Even their most heinous acts can be explained away and the reader begins to sympathize with the dark anti-hero.
I believe love is narcissistic. I love Snapish characters because I see a little of myself in them. They are also very complex characters - they do not appeal to casual readers. They are not necessarily what they appear to be.
Death Eater past
Contradicting
His past/childhood
Potential lover life =
What would happen if Snape
fell for Ginny Weasley? (funny)
The sexiest thing about Snape is his potential. He has been a death-eater. One can only imagine the atrocities he has committed in his past. There is an underlying anger that seethes from him through the cold exterior: the contradiction of fire and ice in one person. If he were to lose control of himself, as he did at the end of #3, he would be a force to be reckoned with. If that loss of control were aimed at a woman, he would be the type of insatiable, passionate lover that would leave a woman breathless. Unfortunately, due to his solitary nature and tendancy to withdraw from emotion and feeling, it would only be a night to remember, and would leave both of them hurt.
Snape's sexiness stems from a meeting of a woman's nurturing nature and the fantasy of being swept off her feet by a rogue. Gracious treatment in public, animal treatment in the bedroom, with quiet moments when he divulges bits about himself that a kindhearted touch from a lover can only heal on the surface.
(As an aside, I think it would be highly amusing were he to fall for Ginny Weasley. Can you imagine the conflict, not only of the forbidden teacher/student relationship, but of a man falling for a woman who has six older brothers who loathe him?)
Mystery
Alan Rickman
While dark and mysterious is usually appealing, I think this really boils down to Snape being portrayed by Alan Rickman. Who doesn't go for the intensity he brings to all his characters? And of course the voice... well cast indeed.
Alan Rickman acting
Intelligence
Snape's role in the story
Not emotional
The truth is, I was never really interested in the whole "Harry Potter" series since it seemed to be getting annoying after seeing it everywhere and in everything. However, I like to think that I have an open mind so I rented it recently and absolutely loved it. I think what I made me so interested in it afterwards was Snape and how well Alan Rickman portrayed the character. Snape seems so intelligent and always aware of his surroundings. No one - not even the famous Harry Potter - was able to realize who was really after the stone. In the end it was Snape's keen sense of intuition and ability to catch evil in its tracks that were correct; not Potter's theory that Snape was the one who was after it. Snape seemed suspicious because he knew what was going on, which put Potter on his trail. Snape lead him to finding out the truth. Without Snape, Harry probably would've died. Beside's his intelligence, I like the fact that Snape isn't distracted by emotion nor is he attached to students, unlike some of the other teachers. Also, Alan Rickman is pretty damn cute, so that's definitely a big plus.
His role in the story
His eyes
Alan Rickman
To me, he is a very entertaining person in the movie. I love to watch him, he just takes my breath away. I find Alan Rickman to be a outstanding actor. I just love to watch him act.
His mystery
Hair
His kind heart
His intelligence
I love the kind of person who is such a mystery to everyone, I love "cracking the code" I love getting to know people that nobody else really knows, it is just something I can't resist.
Snape has this mystery that I so long to understand that it is addicting!
I also LOVE guys with great hair, and Snape has great hair, I think it sets the whole ensemble.
One more thing about the
personality, though Snape seems cold and distant, he has got to
have a heart of gold,
I mean, he was the one trying to save Harry! That means that there
is so much more to him than we understand.
He also has this wit that is wonderful, it is sarcastic but tame,
and that is so attractive, he is not a dunce, he is completely
educated and he uses it to teach people lessons.
I don't really understand what it is about him that really makes
me this nuts about him, I have to confess I haven't read the
books, I'm sorry, so I can't say if I liked him or not in the
books.
I think he is sophisticated, powerful, mysterious, seductive,
intense, and I can't figure out why. I came to this site hoping to
find out. and I really think it helps and does a world of good to
write it all down and at least get it out of your system."
Snape as a whole
Snape's committed to teaching
Why people hate him:
" It's not sexual. It's not romantic. It's deep down inside in the guts. It hurts. It's all about him. Dark, mysterious, long black hairs, it's already my kind. Those black eyes that reach you deep in your soul, coldly, can run a shiver down to your spine. He's been hurt, right trough the heart. His hate, it's all about that. He can't give his trust to anyone. He's so lonely because he's so scared to let go... He's so rigid! When nobody seems to look at him, we can see a deep sadness in his eyes. But, he has no one to talk to. Remember, he's been on the dark side. It's not easy to come back like nothing has happened. That leaves a mark. Snape has a dark, sad past. It grasps him by the throat. He's not an evil man, he's a sad man who protects with stiffness the bit of sanity he still have. If he let go, he may crash down and have no one to help him. When I think of him, I see myself as a friend for him. A dark strange friend who's there when he needs to. Not a lover, but a confident; the confident of his tormented soul. I like him for his pain and the way he tries to overcome it. And... so much more...
We walk with determination; the burden of his past lives only in his sad eyes. He has a great commitment to teaching. It's all that's left. I see him alone in his dungeon, reading old dusty books by the candlelight. Not much more for a life. He's an intelligent man, but he's a prisoner too. He has a kind of distinction. And his voice... low but not quite a whisper, slow but not drawling. All of Snape, the way he moves his hands, his voice, his eyes, are parts of his dark and rich personality. And all of that grabbed my heart and intellect.
But why everybody (or almost) hates him? We must reconsider that for a moment. First, the other teachers respect him, a polite kind of respect. We don't know much about the relationship between the teachers. It's seems that Snape is a little bit alone out there. But he has the respect of the students of the Slytherin house. He's scary, he's stiff, it's why he's feared and hated by most of the students of Hogwarts. So, I think Snape is alone because it's easier for him. He's uneasy with feelings. It's better to be alone and never show his weakest parts. Snape don't want to appear hurt or weak. He's a proud, too proud, man. He likes to scare his student because it gives him a sensation of power. It's only to ease the pain. He's human. Even though he hates Harry, he helped him (the Quidditch match). The same with the werewolf professor (Remus Lupin). Even though Snape is jealous of him, he still helps him with his curse. It's the tricky part! It's the details that make Snape so human and not so bad. He is very dedicated with his work and responsibilities. Even when it might hurt him!
That's why I love Snape. That's why I read the books and see the film over and over and over. That's why I found your web site! Thank you for loving him too :)"
Snape's dark side
His choice to remain on the good side
He is complex
Alan Rickman's interpretation
"I love Snape especially since book 4, where his character becomes deeper and more complex. I have closed book four wondering who he really was, and hoping to learn more about him in book five. Before, I didn't realize how much this character was interresting.
In book 3, I was amazed, because his hate for Sirius was so strong that it made him act stupidly at the end, quite madly, and it is a surprise that an intelligent man could lose his intelligence only by hate.
I love Snape because he is intelligent, complex, sarcastic, lonely, brave, strong minded,...and also because actor Alan Rickman is very handsome and good as Snape...:o)"
Tragic hero
Cunning
Artistic side (hidden)
Alan Rickman's interpretation
Why people hate him:
He also is very complex -you feel like you could know him for years and never really know him. You get the feeling that somehow there is an artist hidden behind his callousness--just the way he speaks about potions makes it obvious that he has some poetic quality.
Then of course, Alan Rickman brought to the part in the movie so much. He was just unbelieavably sexy. Those piercing eyes and that great hair and the incredibly menacing voice. He has a look in his eyes like he knows everything you are thinking. A great quote I read on a page said "his face is a study in annoyance." His reactions are so subtle they are almost over the top.
Finally, my theory on why someone so damn cool in a book isn't loved is this. The people who like him, I am speaking generally here, are all people who are pretty intellegent and who are artistically inclined (try to find a Snape page without fanfic/fanart and theories). The one person who I've met who was Snape-like was generally disliked by mostly everyone, except for the few students who actually got his sarcastic jokes and obscure references to whatever. I think that Snape can't stand people who aren't as intellegent as he is, but if you are smart enough to understand him then he becomes an entirely different person. A really funny one."
Mystery
Loneliness
His courage
Bravery
Why people love him:
"Why do I love Snape? God that's a hard one! I think my obsession with him started ay the end of book 1 when we discover that Snape's been protecting Harry all year. I thought "aww love him, he does care really, very very VERY deep down!". The most attractive thing about his character though has to be that he's the biggest mystery at Hogwarts, and that's incredibly sexy! He comes across as such a cruel, sarcastic person (actually he's a right bastard at times!), which is why he is so disliked and the object of suspiscion among the non-slytherin students. You sort of feel sorry for him don't you? He doesn't seem to have any friends, hardly ever leaves the castle,and never appears to enjoy himself (although I'm sure there's no shortage of muggle women out there who'd like to show him a good time!).
He's always being put down, bless him, and suffers disappointments (e.g. the loss of the Order of Merlin), probably why he's always in such a bad temper. But despite this Dumbledore and Hagrid are protective of him. Dumbledore is the only person he trusts and respects (he must do to have shaken hands with Sirius!), and also Dumbledore is the only person who knows why Snape turned to their side. The suspense is killing me! There are so many missing pieces to our delicious Potions Master that need filling in. Will Voldemort really kill him? Will he EVER be nice to poor Harry? Will he settle his differences with Remus and Sirius? Why does he favour Draco Malfoy when he knows his father's a Death Eater? Why did he flinch in book 4 when Harry named Lucius Malfoy as a Death Eater? And will he fall in love in book 5, 6, or 7?
Hmm....what have I missed? Oh yes, he's sooo brave! He faced Fluffy for a start, and then there's the spying against Voldemort thing. That's very sexy! And even though he's often the object of ridicule among the students, and sometimes unpopular with the Hogwarts staff, he's still on their side! He's also extremely bright and talented, though he's not perfect. He has a tendancy to get a little excitable (that "look of suppressed triumph") whether he's catching Harry or cornering Sirius, which is cute. He's also so serious he's funny, and I'm sure I'd fancy him even if I was a Gryffindor student at Hogwarts. I'd be getting detention in his office every lesson!
Another reason I think he's got so many adoring female fans is that he's not real, so you can't be disappointed by him (unless J.K. Rowling sends him back to the Dark Side, but that's not going to happen). I'm so addicted to the intriguing personality that is Severus Snape, I just know I'll be queuing outside the book shop at midnight to get my hands on book 5 when it's released! Although I've promised myself I'll get out a bit more before then...."
His hidden goodness
His heroism
Alan Rickman's interpretation
I think there's more to Severus Snape than just a cold manner and witty, cynical remarks. I think that in him, deep inside, there's suppose to be some good. We know he'd never let anything hurt Harry even though he loathes the boy, and we know he has his loyalty were it belongs when it comes to choosing Dumbledore over the Death Eaters. I think he's a very well planned-out character with many dimensions to his personality. He's bitter, sarcastic, dark, but these are only walls built up around a heart that is actually made of gold.
Rowling's characters seem to be based on real personalities of people. They have more than just your sterotypical villian way to them or your typical hero and Severus Snape is a bit of both.
When we first look at him, we believe he's evil and in his past, with the Death Eaters, he probably was rather ruthless; but something in his past got to him. Something in his past made him change his mind and repledge his loyalty, consider his true values, and what really is the right thing to do and now, he is a hero even though a very unlikely one at that.. Yet, if you look at what he does and what he most likely had to put up in his past with the Death Eaters and such, you can see why he acts so heartless. People do that when they've had it hard and it can easily be assumed that Severus Snape has indeed had a hard struggle through his life.
Then as far as what attracts girls to him, he's tall, dark, and in our minds, handsome. The books describe him as greasy with a hooked nose but then again, we may be looking at him from Harry's point-of-view and MY point-of-view was sparked by the fact that they casted Alan Rickman, tall, talented, respectalbly good-looking, and charming... that doesn't help us see Severus Snape as ugly. He's dangerous, mysterious, and his voice is silky and low. So basically what I'm saying is the reason I like Severus Snape is because there is more there to him than some greasy, cynical, git with a horrible rep to match."
His whole personality
One can relate to Snape
Snape possesses qualities some would like to have themselves
Would you like him if you were one of his
students?
Snape reminds me of myself in many ways. He's a loner. He prefers his own company and doesn't spend much time with others. He's bitter and resents certain people. Mostly the popular ones who really aren't that much more special then any other human being but everyone likes to put them on a pedestal anyway. The man is a perfectionist and doesn't seem to like to rely on other people. And he has little patience for most people, especially those who lack common sense. And deep down, it seems like he wants to be noticed for his efforts. Like he wants to appreciated for what he does, and probably, dare I say it, loved.
These are characteristics I understand all too well, since I have them myself. And because of that I can relate to him and that makes him a favorite. Snape also possesses characteristics that I myself wish I had.
First is his sarcasm. I love it. I wish I could be more sarcastic and beat someone down with a witty response. Also, he has no problem stating how he feels, and isn't held back by worrying about another person's feelings. While harsh, this is still one trait I admire because I feel like I get walked all over because I don't always stand up for myself. The man is also very clever and can figure things out quickly and is correct (most of the time) in his deductions.
And Snape is not a procrastinator. He gets things done and does so very well. And I love the way he controls his emotions. Sure this comes across as cold to many people, but he is able to keep his cool and not allow other
people to ruffle his feathers. Granted, Harry seems to really get him at times, especially at the end of book 3, but overall Snape cool, confident, and in control. God, I wish I could be that way.
Now if he were a real person and I actually encountered him at Hogwarts, would I still feel the same way? Hard for me to say. I admit that if I was pushed hard, I wouldn't be appreciative of it at first. And if I wasn't a Slytherin, I don't know if I'd really appreciate his bias towards his own house. I'm not always good about trying to understand other people or why
they are the way they are. Perhaps it's my own arrogance, or maybe I just need to work with my way of thinking more, but it would get in the way of truly understanding a person. As the years progressed and I got to see more of Snape and perhaps tried to understand him more, I do believe I would develop an appreciation for his talents and his intelligence. Then again, given my liking for dark and serious characters, I could just develop a crush based on his nature. ^_~
Anyway, that is why I adore Snape. Yes, I am very fond of him. He is an intriguing character and I do hope to learn more about him in the books to come."
Snape's sexy in his pseudo-evil waysWell, he might be a right nasty pasty but that's one of the sexy things about him - he's a bad guy but not really a bad guy! He's a teacher.. that might be a bit kinky but I like it. He also has the sexiest voice in the whole world, the way he talks so.. very... slowly...YUM!
I can't really explain my fascination with him. It started in Book 1 and then with the film everything just fell into place - Severus Snape is just so damn sexy it's incredible!"
The complexity of his character within the story
His contradicting ways
His concern for others
Snape is misunderstood
The hidden facts about Snape's life
"
I think it boils down to the fact that there is such a dichotomy about him, we know him almost exclusively from his relationships with other characters in the story and their OPINIONS of him...he speaks very little on his own behalf. Since opinions differ it's hard to decide what Snape is really all about. For example, there is the contradiction between his relationships to the children and his interactions with Hogwarts staff. He seems to have the respect of his colleagues, no one on the staff fears him, and he is in place at Hogwarts presumably because he has valuable knowledge that is necessary for the children to learn and that he presumably wants to teach even the dunderheads. Yet, it is entirely understandable why the students don't like him and tremble in his presence, (particularly Neville, whose most feared thing in "Chamber of Secrets" boggart lesson was Snape). If Snape were indeed as bad as the children think, we can be sure that Dumbledore would not allow him to work there. I don't think Hagrid would defend him either, and I trust Hagrid's judgement of character in people (if not beasts) because Hagrid is just that kind of guy you have to love and trust. Hagrid also seems to be able to see the good in people and express it in a way that convinces you he is right. We also know that Snape often appears to be doing the exact opposite of what he is really doing. Several times, the children in the story made the mistake of suspecting that Snape was doing evil when in fact he was battling it and protecting the children from it. We know, too, that Snape is deeply concerned for Hogwarts and all who reside there when we are led to believe that he is a conniving man who uses his position on the faculty at the school to stroke his own ego or bring ruin to Hogwarts from the inside. Another contradiction about Snape is when you think about it, he embodies all the characteristics of all the Hogwarts houses...he is academically brilliant enough to be a Ravenclaw, he is passionate and concerned enough to be a Hufflepuff, courageous enough to be a Gryffindor, and secretive enough to be a Slytherin. However, I would say that from what we know about Snape as an honest, tell-it-like-it-is kind of guy, he is least of all Slytherin-like, and yet there he is, leading the group which has produced every dark wizard so far and the group that is known for being deceptive and calculatingly mean. Actually, I suppose that Snape appeals to me in many ways because of this, because he is misunderstood by the reader AND all of the children in the story. Being misunderstood is definitely a situation that brings forth a certain amount of going against the grain and therefore, courage. I have to respect that Snape sticks to his identity even if we don't fully understand him, and no matter what other people think of him. But perhaps the most appealing thing about Snape's character to me is that I know there is more to his story...and that if I keep reading, I may learn the facts behind the mystery of Snape's character. I can't wait to find out more about him, and I am wondering what will happen with him in later HP installments, particularly to the relationship between Snape and Potter. I must admit I am quite torn between the two possible outcomes: it would be nice to understand Snape's past, to see him go a little soft, and to see him give Harry a break if not reconciling fully with him, since after all, Harry is relatively new at this wizarding stuff...on the other hand, if you respect Snape's backbone at all, it's easy to hope that he doesn't change a bit. All this has peaked my curiosity to see what Snape is really all about and I am looking forward to hearing more of his story in the future. Alas, once Mrs. Norris is out of the bag, will I really be glad I found out what kind of guy Snape is? Is it the thrill of wondering about the mystery or the unveiling of it?"