In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, 11-year-old orphan Harry Potter learns he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends and enemies, discovers secrets about his parents, and faces challenges that test his bravery. Guided by friends Ron and Hermione, Harry uncovers the mystery of the Sorcerer's Stone and encounters dark forces linked to his past.

J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone captivates with rich world-building and endearing characters, making it a favorite among children and adults. Its imaginative plot and themes of friendship and bravery resonate widely. However, some critics note formulaic elements and simplistic prose. Overall, a magical start to a beloved series.

Readers who enjoy Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling are typically fans of imaginative, adventurous, and character-driven stories. Similar to C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia and J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, they appreciate rich world-building, magical elements, and themes of friendship and bravery.

Adventurous / Fantastical / Mysterious / Emotional / Humorous

**Harry Potter**  
The main protagonist of the series, known for his lightning-shaped scar and being the only survivor of Voldemort's attack. Raised by his neglectful aunt and uncle, Harry finds belonging at Hogwarts and is renowned for his bravery and Quidditch skills.

**Hermione Granger**  
A Muggle-born student with a deep dedication to her studies and knowledge of the wizarding world. Known for her intelligence and strict adherence to rules, she becomes an essential part of Harry's journey, learning the importance of friendship and bravery.

**Ronald Weasley**  
Harry's first and best friend at Hogwarts, coming from a large, pureblood wizard family. Known for his loyalty, bravery, and strategic thinking, Ron plays a crucial role alongside Harry in many adventures, despite often feeling overshadowed by his brothers.

**Voldemort**  
The primary antagonist, feared by all in the wizarding world and known as You-Know-Who. Having failed to kill Harry as an infant, he becomes a weakened spectral figure dependent on others to regain his power, epitomizing the battle between good and evil.

**Albus Dumbledore**  
The powerful and wise headmaster of Hogwarts, serving as Harry's mentor. Known for his whimsical appearance and strategic thinking, he guides Harry subtly, preparing him to face Voldemort with necessary tools and knowledge.

**Rubeus Hagrid**  
Hogwarts' gamekeeper and Harry's first friend from the wizarding world. Known for his size and affection for magical creatures, Hagrid is a paternal figure to Harry and introduces him to the magical world, representing family and acceptance.

**Draco Malfoy**  
A schoolyard rival of Harry, known for his Slytherin cunning and prejudices against Muggle-borns. Malfoy often tries to trouble Harry and his friends, embodying the petty cruelties of school bullies.

**Minerva McGonagall**  
The stern but fair Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts. Head of Gryffindor House, she looks out for Harry's wellbeing and balances rule enforcement with support for her students.

**Severus Snape**  
The Potions professor with a complicated past, known for his harsh demeanor and bias toward Slytherin. He appears antagonistic to Harry but has motivations beyond initial perceptions.

**Professor Quirrell**  
The Defense Against the Dark Arts professor with a timid front, who ultimately serves as a host for Voldemort. Initially perceived as cowardly, his true allegiance becomes clear as the story unfolds.

**Vernon and Petunia Dursley**  
Harry's Muggle uncle and aunt, known for their neglectful and cruel treatment of him. They represent the oppressive, non-magical side of Harry's life prior to Hogwarts.

**Dudley Dursley**  
Harry's spoiled cousin, who bullies him during their childhood. Dudley is described as gluttonous and entitled, mirroring his parents' disregard for Harry.

**Neville Longbottom**  
A fellow Gryffindor student, who begins the series as clumsy and unsure of himself. Over time, he shows bravery and stands up for his friends, contributing to Gryffindor's success.

**Fred and George Weasley**  
Ron's older, twin brothers known for their humor and pranks. They attend Hogwarts with Harry and Ron, adding levity and mischief to the school environment.

**James and Lily Potter**  
Harry's deceased parents, former Gryffindors who stood against Voldemort. Their legacy and sacrifice are crucial to Harry's story, influencing his place in the wizarding world.

**Argus Filch**  
The caretaker of Hogwarts, often seen as a figure of authority who enforces school rules strictly. He is frequently on the lookout for students breaking rules and is accompanied by his loyal cat, Mrs. Norris.

- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was J.K. Rowling's debut novel and the beginning of a seven-book series that has become one of the best-selling book series in history.
- The book was published under the title Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in the United Kingdom, but was changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for the American audience to better convey the theme of magic.
- The manuscript of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was initially rejected by 12 different publishers before it was finally picked up by Bloomsbury, a decision that later proved to be enormously successful.

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