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Sirius Black (Gary Oldman)

Character Analysis

The Dogfather

Sirius's so determined to get what he wants, he's like a dog with a bone—or maybe we should say he's like a dog with a shape-shifting rat.

Until we see Sirius in the flesh (instead seeing him in the fur), he exists as a mystery surrounded by rumors. Check out some of the goss surrounding Mr. Black:

STAN SHUNPIKE: That is Sirius Black, that is. Don't tell me you've never been hearing of Sirius Black. He's a murderer. Got himself locked up in Azkaban for it.

RON: Except no one's ever broken out of Azkaban before and he's a murderous, raving lunatic.MCGONAGALL: Sirius Black may not have put his hands to the Potters but he's the reason they're dead.

Quick recap: dude betrayed the Potters. He wants to kill Harry. And he's escaped from Azkaban to do it.

But only one of those is true, and only partially. Yep, Sirius wants revenge, but not on Harry Potter. Sirius wants to catch the true traitor: Peter Pettigrew.

Sirius's judgment as a dog is very, very poor. He frightens Harry early on in the park by looking like a snarling, growling mongrel. (Doesn't he know the meaning of puppy dog eyes?) And instead of just biting Scabbers from Ron's hand, killing Pettigrew instantly, Sirius drags Ron about half a mile through the base of a tree, injuring him in the process.

Bro, you need to work on your critical thinking skills.

In human form…well, Sirius still doesn't plan things out very well. He promises Harry that his godson can live with him, and then soon reneges on that promise:

SIRIUS: One day, perhaps. For some time, my life will be too unpredictable. And besides, you're meant to be here.

After finally escaping, Sirius makes it up to Harry by purchasing him a broomstick. We know from later installments that Sirius and Harry will grow closer, but just judging from this movie, Sirius isn't a very good guardian.

But we'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Being imprisoned for so long would make anyone impulsive and desperate, and Sirius is looking out for Harry the best way he can. We won't put him in the doghouse just yet.