Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling.

(Please note that this page isn't completely finished yet, very much a work in progress.)

Dark. Enigmatic. Secretive. Sarcastic. Elequent. Cruel.

These are just some of the adjectives to describe that mysterious Potions Master at Hogwarts. Part of his allure is his almost unknown character, all we are given are hints from the perspective of one preteenaged boy. No one but JKR really knows what this man is like, how he thinks and what his reasons are for anything.

Part of the reason why fandom Snape is so entertaining is because of all the twists and extremes of nature his character can portray while still being believeable and feasibly in canon. There is a lot of leeway to weave a web of explanations and different perspectives simply becasue it could be true! Readers love mystery and he's the living embodiment. We hardly know anything about him and it is very entertaining to see how he can be portrayed believably in all the extremes.

Evil and cruel, or just misunderstood and in need of love?

While only the most talented of writers can concoct the latter with any amount of believeability (PLEASE don't try it unless you are a master genious and were Given the plot and Understanding of Snape's character by a Muse that was so Profound that you Know it could never come from yourself) the sheer amount of takes and diverse avenues explored are incredible. I am surprised that fandom Snape hasn't popped all his joints out by now from all the different directions his character has taken!

There is a way to ruin him however. If he is fluffy, nice, cuddly or anything anti-Snape it had better be a parody of some Happy potion affecting him and making his behaviour out of his control.

So how can you write him right?

There are a few Mandatory requirements for any Snape: The eloquence, the sneers, the sarcasim, the glares and dark looks of anything he thinks below him. But there's much more than it than that. (add something about authors)

So how do those authors write such amazing Snapes? What did they do?

Well a big vocabulary with such words as 'elucidate' and would certainly help. The ability to structure sentences in a more formal way than your average High School senior is also necessary. I suggest you either read a lot of Historical fiction written by British authors and/or study the published fanfiction of people who have done fantastic jobs with Snape's speech. You could also juat study the english language a lot, there are plenty of volumes of materials to help you in doing so. :)

There's more to it than just adding sneers, barks and insults, though those certainly seem almost mandatory. The main thing to have in mind when writing Snape is his CHARACTER. His behaviours, the way he speaks and reacts.

It is your choice how to structure your version of Snape but at least consider this: His use of sarcasim is an art. His tounge-lashings are renoun. He appears to be a quick and intelligent individual. He is head of Slytherin, a house renown for it's cunning and craftiness... its ambition.

He is cruel towards Gryffindors, small children and small animals, sometimes maliciously. He seems to gain pleasure from the humiliation of others. He weilds his power as a teacher over the children like a sword. He is unfair. He is quick to anger and enjoys revenge. He's petty, cold, callous... Let me just make a list of some adjectives, I'll place it at the bottom for you to read later.

He can do what's right though, noble like a Gryffindor: he did protect Harry from life threatening danger, perhaps because of the life-debt he owed James (however irrecompensiable the way James incurred the life-debt was however). There is also a theory floating around that the reason why he never ate at Grimwald place was because refusing to eat is a matter of honor- you do not accept food in your enemy's house* (ouu! Archaic Traditions!). We can run away and have fun with this, flesh out Snape as this noble misunderstood character, perhaps Harry even owes Snape several life-debts but in his Nobility Snape never called on them (Uhhh.... no, I actually can't see that happening).

*This was in a post by sistermagpie on LJ.

And to view the other side of the spectrum, perhaps Snape really is evil and plans to stab everyone in the back at the most oppurtune moment. For all we know, Snape is really evil and wasn't eating at Headquarters because he was poisioning the Order through the food.

Research the character, or at least contemplate him.

Highly collared button-up robes- why? Is this his old fashionedness showing? A way for him to feel superiour and gain respect? Just the way he was raised? A Wizard fashion? A personal preference?

Is he a spy or not? I have no idea. Is he on the side of the light or not? Again, no idea although I suspect canon Snape is only because of circumstance or because it is in his best interests. If you decide to portray fandom Snape as some matryed spy who was only acting mean to play a role Be Careful! The Dark Lord was lost for almost a decade, how could Snape play such a draining and extreme role for so long on the not-concrete idea that the Dark Lord would come back? True, no one knew if he was really gone but for someone to completely control one's chararcter to appear and act the opposite of one's true self for so long and for such an uncertain reason - what a mad accomplishment! It's almost laughable it's so crazy! Or perhaps it's so maddingly crazy that Snape tried it at first and lost himself to the madness! Well there's an idea. (**redo last few sentences)

I digress. A nice Snape just playing a role all along is one of those extremes that only the very talented should try, for everyone else it immediately seems Out Of Character and gets you 2 frogs. Or worse, one.

He is used to relaying information in a concise manner both to his dunderhead students and for other things. He probably doesn't mind answering questions from the Slytherins although that might must be a rouse or his way of showing favouritism (pretending to enjoy answering their questions).

He is a teacher however, and as such either had the background, ability, or social standing to be one. Usually only British fans pick up that since Snape is a teacher he is probably poor and does not have a manor with a glass chandelier and expensive rugs (they actually laugh at the idea). I have to agree.. unless Snape's family has some ancient manor that has long fallen to diskempt(sp), or the family lost it to pay off debts or this is some Wizarding tradition where a Wizard can actually make a house with magic and not money, or it was given as a gift and the Snape family still has to work for living expenses, Snape should not have a manor. To say that he does not come from money should be obvious. He is teacher and sleeps in a grey nightshirt!

As for the redeemable thought people have about him... well that's muddy waters.

Here's an interesting essay on LJ about Snape: In Defence of "Snape the Hero" by junediamanti. Read it!
Another LJ Post: Why specifically does Dumbledore trust Snape? by eponis.
And another: Snape thoughts by Luthien.

Last thought: Just WHY does he save Harry again and again anyway?

Here's that pile of adjective I promised you earlier:

Sarcastic, cold, petty, malicious, flys into rages, spits, biting, rude, contemptouous, malicious, merciless, cruel, elequent, learned, intense, bitting, snapish, severe, ill-humored, sour, wronged, injustly, evil, brave, noble, strict, discilipaterian(sp), fast to anger, irrational, stubbron, resolute...

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Here's some tips from the experts:

Mike: (author of )

My recipe for Snape - I think of how Draco Malfoy would respond, then follow through with more intelligence, greater erudition and slightly campy style. He's intelligent, and mature in a worldy sense, but is a rigid thinker. At least that's how I see him. Erudite sarcasm, though. it's important.

Write the interply write itself.. go back and revise. Elements driving revision - 1. opportunity for self-aggrandisement. 2. opportunity to be nasty to Harry.

A working example from one of his stories:

Before- “What do I want?” Snape mocked. “I want to be anywhere but here. Instead, I’m about to waste my valuable time escorting you into a Muggle club. Thankfully, I shall leave as quickly as possible. Do you have any more foolish questions?”

Revised- “What do I want?” Snape mocked. “At present… larger chambers, competent students, world peace, and an umbrella. Regrettably, I stand before you with all my wants unfulfilled. My task this evening is simple, and an utter waste of my time and abilities. I am to escort you into a Muggle club, so that you may partake of loud music, consume questionable beverages, and writhe lasciviously. Thankfully, you will do so under the watchful eyes of others. I intend to take my leave as quickly as possible. Do you have any more ridiculous questions, or are you tapped out for the evening, Potter?”

Query - would snape become more mellow, or collapse in on himself? if his nastiness is a cover, then he might cover himself more completely as a means of self-defense

Mike: the next two lines illustrated what i meant about letting the interplay write itself:

[after snape's soliloquy...] “They could have sent someone else. Why *you*?” Harry snapped.

“Your grasp of the obvious is a testament to your house,” Snape mocked. “It appears that I blend in with the riffraff this evening, despite wearing perfectly normal attire.” He shook his head. “You’re expected inside. *Move*.” Snape swept to the front of the line with a sneer and a swish of his cloak, oblivious to the grumbling behind him.

A working example for my story, Muggleville

Mike: snape cast a withering glance. 'merlin, indeed. i'm so grateful for your expertise in the ways of muggles. as for *this*', he said as the bags acceeded to his will, 'whom, pray tell, is going to see what i'm doing?'

Mike: 'never heard of a tracking charm, have you?' hoppity smirked. the bags dropped rudely to the floor.

Molly Morrison, author of Lies and In The Way:

Molly: To write Snape, I have to forbid myself to think about anyone else's reactions. ;-)

Molly: That's why Snape is so fun, because he's *SO* full of himself.. ;-)

Jan's not so expert advice:

I visit a lot of websites and mailing lists that have a self proclaimed real "Snape" to study their reactions, statements and wording. When done right, Snape's sarcasim and hurtful comments can be hilarious! And they help you stay on track.

I also try to keep in mind or read a list of adjectives to remind myself of Snape's character.

From the Yahoo Group Ask Severus Snape: (keep in mind that this is a roleplay group where the professor doesn't mind talking to his students and answering questions)

From: "Jan AQ"
Date: Sun Sep 12, 2004 8:32 pm
Subject: Re: ? Question

Professor Snape,

If you have a moment, I have a question that would be best suited for your expertise.

I am currently writing a fictional story where as a minor plot device the somewhat desparing "only three true predictions" Seer has doused herself with something to increase the chance of successfully recieving another prophecy. She ends up giving predictions and prophecies but unfortunatly for her, they turn out to be about spilling milk at dinner or losing socks...

Are there any potent herbs or potions that would make someone more susceptible to visions or increase their sensitivity to such things? If there are, are there any other affect such as an accompanying smell or physical changes or damages/danger?

Thank you, :)

Jan

PS Whew I haven't been in here for awhile. Sorry, I was in the middle of a move. Gah.

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From: "severus_snape_phd"
Date: Mon Sep 13, 2004 7:25 pm
Subject: Re: ? Question

I do hope that your move went as smoothly as possible. You have been missed.

I'm pleased you're allowing yourself some leisure time to explore more relaxing mental challenges. You will certainly want to share your story with the group when you have completed it, I know we will all look forward to reading it.

As for herbals, you have many to select from, depending on what type of experience you want her to have. Yage or peyote are widely used by native people to have spiritual visions and or journeys. These are hard to dicepher and sometimes difficult phsycally on the user, so they may be something to avoid.

Mugwort has long been used to open the Ayurvedic eye, as well as Bay Leaves, Wormwood and Lemongrass. Some of these are of course not to be ingested but rather applied topically as an annointment oil.

In all I personally would suggest Mugwort as it is historically a favourite amoung seers, and easily obtainly. It is typically made into tinctures and applied to the forehead for meditative use.

I do hope this is of assistance.

Severus Snape

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From: "Jan AQ"
Date: Mon Sep 13, 2004 10:43 pm
Subject: Re: ? Question

Thank you. :) I am trying to go for an extreme thing in the story. I can always make something up but I would rather use something real and just increase the potency if needed, or have a reaction from constant use.

As for the story.. hmmm we'll see. :) I'm not quite so sure that it is the type that would be most appreciated here, as it deals with two characters that don't normally get along (coughUnderstatementCough), forced to get along in Muggle America. Yes, Muggle America. >.< And to further deter readers, one of the characters is deaged, and the unlikely (but increasingly popular in fandom) duo is joined by an original female character. And of course it is written by me, a very witty and clever Ravenclaw (at least I think so) who writes everything very thoroughly. Still want to read it? :P

And yes, thank you the move went well but I am not looking forward to doing it again *cries* which is looking like a possibility.

Another Question:

Bug bites... what can you use herbally or magically to get them to stop itching and go away?

Thanks,

Jan

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From: "severus_snape_phd"
Date: Thu Sep 16, 2004 9:49 pm
Subject: Re: ? Question

My apologies, this got buried in an onslaught of emails.

While your story may not be to everyone's taste, I'm certain there are many here who would love to read something you wrote. Please do place it in the Files section, amd I'm certain you'll get some good reviews. If you need any further assistance, you have but to ask.

For your bug bites, I always recommend Tea Tree Oil. It can be found in even Muggle pharmacies, is inexpensive and works well. Just a drop on a cotton ball applied to the bite and you shall soon have relief. Hopefully this being so late won't find you dead of your injuries.

Professor Snape