5 best things about Ron from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

We're excited to come back to Year 1 of the Harry Potter series, especially with a possible announcement of the Dumbledore casting for the HBO adaptation. Last time, we paid homage to the cleverest witch of Harry's year, but it's only fair to look at the freckle-faced wizard who was his friend from the first Hogwarts Express ride. Here are five ways Ron Weasley stood out in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

1. His sharing spirit

Ron comes from a life he wouldn't choose for himself. In his first long speech, we find out that he's "got a lot to live up to" because he is the sixth kid in a family of talented and popular people. He's got "Bill's old robes, Charlie's old wand, and Percy's old rat."

The one thing he seems to have that isn't second-hand is his lunch. But he establishes himself as willing to share what he can. Chocolate frog cards are a commonplace thing, but Ron makes sure Harry benefits from his collection.

In a less tangible way, he is generous with his sympathy. He listens to Harry's concerns and doesn't dismiss them and that's a fairly simple mark of a good friend.

2. His impulsive loyalty

It's clear that Ron knows the theory behind being tough, but hasn't had a chance to put it into practice. When Draco Malfoy challenges Harry to a duel, Ron immediately steps up as Harry's second. This is probably the first time he's intentionally gotten himself involved in a fight, but that doesn't matter when a friend's honor and safety is involved.

We all need someone who acts first and works out a plan afterwards at times. His attempt to give dueling advice is both entertaining and endearing.

3. His inclusive instinct

I didn't remember until my latest reading of this boo that Ron has a tendency to draw people into conversations. It stood out to me when everyone was eagerly discussing their families and Ron invited Neville to participate. At the first Quidditch match, he's named as one of the people who painted the Potter for President banner and involved Dean Thomas by having him use his artistic skills to make a contribution.

The best example, of course, is almost by accident. Ron includes in his correspondence with his mother that Harry doesn't expect anyone to remember him for Christmas and this results in years of Harry being adopted as an unofficial Weasley.

4. His extra effort

If we look at the later part of the book, Ron doesn't exactly need any more things to do. He's anxious about his exams and busy trying to solve the mystery of what is going on with Snape and Quirrell. But then he realizes that Hagrid needs help and this becomes something he can't leaave alone.

I feel bad when Ron gets bitten by Norbert(a) the Norwegian Ridgeback. He was just trying to help with the feeding and instead made a tense situation worse. But he was still interested in doing what he could to make Hagrid's life a little less awful.

5. His tactical priorities

Of course I can't make this list without thinking about the magical chess game on the way to the Philosopher's Stone. Ron has demonstrated a knack for knowing how to direct his chess pieces throughout the book and it's a good thing that he volunteered to help Harry go through the trapdoor.

He knows how to use his resources, but he doesn't hesitate to put Harry's needs ahead of his own when he is the one in peril. He is described as "pale, but determined" and his sacrifice is appropriate to someone older than an ickle firstie.