Which Hogwarts headmaster appears throughout most of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series?

Albus Dumbledore is the Hogwarts headmaster who appears throughout most of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

Dumbledore leads Hogwarts for much of Harry’s education and serves as a mentor, protector, and strategist in the struggle against Lord Voldemort. He is introduced in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as the school’s headmaster, although the books later reveal important details about his youth and earlier life.

Dumbledore is one of the most powerful wizards in the series. Before the main story, he defeated the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald in 1945. That earlier history becomes central to the Fantastic Beasts film series, which explores a younger version of the character.

The headmaster’s role changes over the novels. He is killed by Severus Snape near the end of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, but continues to influence the final book through memories, plans, and posthumous guidance. Michael Gambon played him in most films after Richard Harris died.