The Youngest Weasley Boy

Throughout the series so far, Ron Weasley has developed very much as a character. In the beginning of the books, Ron is just another Weasley. He is the youngest brother, and feels overshadowed by the other Weasley boys. Bill and Charlie have been successful after Hogwarts, working in exciting and dangerous tracts such as with goblins at Gringott's and studying dragons. Percy the Prefect may be on the outs at the moment but there is no doubt that his standards are high to live up to. Even Fred and George are envied by Ron, being the lovable class clown's and now successful business owners. We see Ron's deepest desires in the Mirror of Erised, with Ron as Head Boy, Quidditch Captain and having won the Quidditch Cup.

Ron also feels outshined by his own friends Harry and Hermione. He feels as though people just know him as the-famous-Harry-Potter's friend. Hermione is known for her own qualities, specifically being top of her class and a know-it-all, but Ron is really only known as being another red head and their sidekick. Ron starts to show his own moments of strength. At the end of the first book, he contributes to helping Harry by being an excellent chess player, however Ron yearns to be noticed, and this act would be one that only Harry and Hermione witness.

In the later books, Ron begins to come into his own. He not only makes the Quidditch team, but wins the match for Gryffindor to win the Cup! He remains loyal to Harry, but an important development for me was the fact that he and Harry had their first fight (over Harry's name being in the Goblet of Fire). Although things work out in the end, that to me signified that Ron was finally forming his own opinion and growing a back bone rather than just always agreeing with Harry and Hermione. He also is forced to face more dangerous situations with Harry, from flying on thestrals to dueling with Death Eaters, all of which he faces with bravery to continue to build his best characteristic: being a loyal and supportive bestfriend to Harry.