Abstract :
This article considers limitations on agency for characters in the Harry
Potter novels, in particular, how far they are driven by an addictive yearning for
their beloved dead. As well as Harry’s yearning for his dead parents, Dumbledore’s
guilt, Snape’s longing and Slughorn’s craving can be read as evidence of addiction
rather than love, while the Sorting ritual throws into doubt agency among the
students in general.
