Dobby

Grew Up… as the resident house elf in Malfoy Manor. He’s spent his whole life serving the cruel family of Death Eaters, who treat him like vermin and often abuse him. Dobby wears his uniform of a ratty old tea towel while performing any and all household chores that the Malfoys ask of him. Because house elves are magically bound to the family into which they’re born, Dobby can only be freed if his master presents him with proper clothes.

Living… as a free elf, thanks to Harry Potter. When Dobby hears of a plot to reopen the Chamber of Secrets at Hogwarts, he makes it his mission to warn and protect Harry Potter, whom he deeply admires for vanquishing the evil Voldemort as a baby, because it made the wizarding world a better place for oppressed races like house elves. During Harry’s second year at Hogwarts, Dobby makes many (often vain) attempts to “help” him, like trying to get him injured during a Quidditch match so he would be sent back home. Even though his attempts to protect Harry were a bit counterproductive, Harry still appreciates his loyalty and eventually repays him by tricking Lucius Malfoy into handing Dobby a sock, effectively freeing him.

Profession… house elf working at Hogwarts, where he frequently visits Harry Potter in the Gryffindor Common Room. When Harry is in his fourth year, Dobby begins work at Hogwarts after a year off. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore offers him pay and sick days (though he shudders at Dumbledore’s initial offer and negotiates it down), much to the horror of the other house elves, who would never accept payment for their work. It’s in the nature of his species to love being servants, and Dobby’s fellow house elves are appalled that he enjoys having no master. Dobby’s work is more of a hobby than a career, though he is still a dutiful and loyal servant to Dumbledore and Harry.

Interests… socks, his favorite article of clothing. Dobby collects socks, and often wears several mismatched pairs at once. He is elated when Harry and Ron give him socks as a Christmas gift one year, and spends a large portion of his wages buying even more pairs.

Relationship Status… single. Dobby is a bit eccentric and many of his peers stay away from him for fear that they’ll be ‘infected’ with the crazy desire to be paid for their work. However, he is friends with one tiny female elf named Winky, who starts working at Hogwarts after being dismissed by her beloved master, Barty Crouch, Sr.

Challenge… protecting Harry Potter, whom he admires and respects above all others. Dobby does everything in his power to help Harry, whether that means helping him survive the Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament or rescuing him and his friends from the dungeon of Malfoy Manor. Dobby also has difficulty fitting in with his peers, because he’s determined to convince them that freedom is great despite the habits ingrained in his species over the course of thousands of years of servitude. Even Dobby still struggles with his newfound freedom, often attempting to punish himself for his “disobedience.”

Personality… loyal, brave and quirky. Dobby is as selfless as they come, and often puts himself at risk in order to protect Harry and his friends. When he knows it’s the right thing to do, Dobby will always stand up for what he believes in, even if it’s dangerous. He considers Harry Potter his best friend, and exhibits unwavering loyalty to him. Despite his quirky behavior, Harry comes to regard him as a friend as well, and enjoys his many visits with Dobby.