I think part of the problem is Rickman's powerful performance at key moments. And his putting himself between the Trio and Wolf-lupin in the 3rd movie.
No, after Lily's death, Snape turned into a fundamentally good human being. Of course, for the first 6 books, he was almost nothing but a huge jerk save for the very rare Pet the Dog moments that he maybe had, if it all, until Deathly Hallows revealed that he was a Jerk with a Heart of Gold after all.
Edited by rileybrant20
No he did not become a good man. That is my point. It is confirmed he never became a good man, he simply fights a worse evil. He does not have Pet the Dog moments in the slightest. He delights in tormenting the child he made an orphan. Deathly Hallows SOLIDIFIES this. Snape does NOT care for Harry, Dumbledore basically forced him to switch sides.
I think we need to move on from Rickman's masterful portrayal and actually look at the character in the books from an objective stance. Not influenced by the movie portrayal. Or at least separate them.
Edited by Dalahan
Have you not read the last 2 canonical installments of the Harry Potter books? Deathly Hallows reveals that Snape's unconditional love for Lily Potter is what spurred him to pull a Heel–Face Turn and oppose the Death Eaters, thereby beginning his path of redemption. Cursed Child further reveals that he had indeed grown to care for Harry and he also refers to him by his first name rather than his last in one alternate timeline where Harry was killed. Plus the fact that he did his utmost to protect the student of Hogwarts, displayed his unwavering loyalty to Dumbledore and earn both Harry's respect and love definitively paints Snape as a Jerk with a Heart of Gold.
I am AMBIGUOUS about Cursed Child. Since it contradicts canon TO much to be considered canon at all.
But Deathly Hallows is the final nail of the coffin. Prince Tale shows that Snape ALWAYS had serious racist and Death Eater Inclinations. He is the one that started the conflict with James. He DID NOT beg for James and Harry's protection, he only begged for Lily's (Disgusting Dumbledore) also his hatred for Harry is real, his caustic attitude is so honest, that no one is able to work with him. Snape did NOT volunteer to protect Harry. Dumbledore forced him. Also as a final thing, HE told Voldemort the Prophecy, and does not regret it.
Edited by Dalahan
Shouldn't we settle Snape with the trope "Jerk with a heart of Jerk"?
The guy regrets nothing. Except it affected him. And Rowlling herself calls him a Bad man, that was obssesed with Lily and Dumbledore had to manipulate him all the way to get him to do good. To have a Heart of Gold. You have to do good, cause good feels good.
Edited by Dalahan Hide / Show Replies