The Harry Potter series is a vast universe full of interesting characters, and there were several important people who were never featured in the film adaptations. However, just because they weren’t seen does not mean they didn’t find a way to make an impact off-screen. Take Ron’s older brother, Charlie Weasley, for instance. Charlie never appeared in the movies, but he certainly made an impact in the books. Of Molly and Arthur Weasley’s seven children, Charlie is the second eldest. Though Harry becomes an honorary member of the Weasley family, he never actually meets Charlie until he and Hermione join the Weasleys to attend the Quidditch World Cup at the beginning of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. As a dragon trainer, Charlie was also present for the first task in the Triwizard tournament. Despite his absence from the films, Charlie played a significant role in a number of major events, including the Battle of Hogwarts and the final confrontation with Lord Voldemort.
Who Is Charlie Weasley?
Charlie is described as short, stocky and muscular. He is also covered in freckles, and his face is weather-beaten as a result of his work with dragons. His defining trait is his love of magical creatures, specifically dragons. He played a key role in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when Harry and Hermione smuggle Norbert out of Hogwarts with some of his friends and send the baby dragon to Charlie’s sanctuary in Romania.
Even though Harry and his friends don’t actually smuggle Norbert out of the castle in the movie, Charlie is mentioned by name and plays a role in the plot. For instance, Ron explains he is staying at Hogwarts with Harry over Christmas because his parents are visiting Charlie in Romania and won’t be at the Burrow for Ron to go home to. This means Harry has a friend to spend Christmas with, and Ron is waiting when Harry discovers the Mirror of Erised for the first time. Later, in The Goblet of Fire, Charlie arrives at Hogwarts as one of the dragon trainers brought in to help with the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. He talks to Hagrid when he sneaks Harry near the enclosures under his invisibility cloak and points out that Hagrid’s “date” for the evening, Madame Maxime, will likely tell her champion the first task is dragons. Harry doesn’t speak to Charlie here, but he does recognize him. The two reconnect after the first challenge when Charlie congratulates the champion on his handling of the Hungarian Horntail.
Charlie Weasley Was an International Order of the Phoenix Member
Charlie’s absence is most notable at Bill’s wedding to Fleur Delacour in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. No one makes a comment about him missing his brother’s wedding; however, in the novel, he is Bill’s best man, taking a break from his work for the Order of the Phoenix as an international member who is furthering the cause outside of Britain. The movie, on the other hand, doesn’t mention him, and it doesn’t make a point of replacing him as Bill’s best man. While Charlie Weasley is mentioned by name and contributes to the plot in an indirect way in the movies, he is not as present in the adaptations as he is in the novels. Charlie is known for his love of magical creatures and has made dragon studies and training his profession. He unfortunately never shows up in the films, but he does not go unnoticed nor unmentioned, making his presence known as part of the Weasley family.
