Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany offers a magical stage experience that extends the beloved series. Praised for its impressive special effects and nostalgic elements, it faces criticism for its complex plot and deviation from the original characterizations. Despite mixed feelings, fans appreciate its theatrical innovation.

Fans of the original Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, as well as readers who enjoy fantasy dramas like J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings or Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians, will appreciate Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for its nostalgic return to the wizarding world and its new, compelling adventures.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child follows Albus Potter, Harry's son, as he navigates life at Hogwarts and struggles with his father's legacy. Albus and his friend Scorpius Malfoy use a Time-Turner to try to fix past events, but their actions lead to unintended changes in reality, revealing the complexities of time travel, relationships, and identity.

Nostalgic / Emotional / Adventurous / Mysterious / Bittersweet

- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child premiered as a stage play at the Palace Theatre in London in July 2016 and quickly garnered critical acclaim for its innovative theatrical effects and compelling storytelling.
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was the recipient of nine Laurence Olivier Awards in 2017, including Best New Play, and went on to win six Tony Awards in 2018, including Best Play.
- The script book of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was released in July 2016 and became an immediate bestseller, appealing to fans who could not attend the live performances.

**Albus Severus Potter**  
The protagonist, Albus is Harry Potter's middle son, and struggles with expectations and identity while attending Hogwarts. He has black hair, green eyes, and eventually befriends Scorpius Malfoy.

**Harry Potter**  
Albus's father, known for defeating Lord Voldemort, and now works in Magical Law Enforcement. Navigates his complex relationship with his son while dealing with his own past.

**Scorpius Malfoy**  
Albus's best friend and Draco Malfoy's son, who is clever and studious. Their friendship mirrors but ultimately diverges from their fathers' historical rivalry.

**Delphini**  
A mysterious young woman who manipulates events surrounding time travel. Known for her distinct silver and blue hair.

**Draco Malfoy**  
Scorpius's father and former rival of Harry Potter, now a more subdued figure who cares deeply for his son. Works to protect Scorpius from rumors and harm.

**Hermione Granger-Weasley**  
Harry Potter's longtime friend and now the Minister for Magic, known for her intelligence and leadership. She is married to Ron Weasley and a supportive figure for her friends.

**Ron Weasley**  
Harry's longtime friend, working alongside his brother at a joke shop. Offers a supportive and humorous presence and is married to Hermione.

**Ginny Potter**  
Harry's wife and a former Quidditch player, now working as a sports reporter. She is a caring and protective mother, especially concerned about Albus.

**Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape**  
Former headmasters of Hogwarts, both deceased, who appear in limited capacities. They provide historical context and impact Harry's current life and decisions.

**Lord Voldemort**  
A dark wizard defeated by Harry Potter, mentioned frequently due to his connection to the plot. His presence is noted through others' references more than direct involvement.

**Amos and Cedric Diggory**  
Amos is the father of Cedric, a student who died during the Triwizard Tournament, which continues to influence events. Amos's character is linked to themes of loss and mourning.

J. K. Rowling

Jack Thorne

John Tiffany

Middle grade

Play

Harry Potter

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore Harry Potter and the Cursed Child reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Summary and Study Guide

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Scene Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Act I

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Part 1, Act I Scene Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Act II

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Part 1, Act II Scene Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Act III

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Part 2, Act III Scene Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Act IV

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Part 2, Act IV Scene Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Character Analysis

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Themes

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Essay Topics

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Teaching Unit

Introduction

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Activities

Essay Questions

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Exam Answer Key

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Before You Read

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Who Should Read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?

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Book Details