Did Ron know about the dragons in the first Challenge?
In both the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire book and movie, Harry Potter finds out that the first task of the Triwizard Tournament involves dragons. This report outlines the process of how Harry Potter learns about the dragons and compares the movie and the book, focusing on the differences in Ron Weasley's role.
Book: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
In the book, Harry is first alerted to the dragons by Rubeus Hagrid, who invites him to a stroll in the Hogwarts grounds. Hagrid leads Harry to the enclosure where the dragons are being kept, and together with Madame Maxime, they observe the dragons from a distance. Harry is able to see the four dragons, one for each champion.
Harry then informs Cedric Diggory about the dragons in an attempt to level the playing field, as the other champions already know about the task. Cedric is grateful for the information and later provides Harry with the clue to the second task.
Throughout this part of the story, Ron is not speaking to Harry due to his jealousy over Harry's selection as a champion in the Triwizard Tournament. Therefore, in the books, Ron did not know about the dragons until the first challenge actually happened. The tension between the two friends is prominent, and Ron only believes that Harry didn't put his name in the Goblet of Fire after he faces the dragon.
Movie: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
In the movie, the sequence of events leading to Harry finding out about the dragons is altered. Harry receives a note from Hagrid to meet him in the Forbidden Forest. Instead of a casual walk, Hagrid shows Harry, Ron, and Hermione the dragons during a Care of Magical Creatures class. Therefore, in the movie, Ron did find out about the dragons at the same time as Harry.
Harry then shares the information about the dragons with Cedric, who is appreciative of the gesture. The movie does not emphasize Ron's jealousy and subsequent disbelief in Harry as strongly as the book does. The tension between Harry and Ron is less intense, and they appear to resolve their issues more quickly.
Comparison: Ron's Role in Book vs. Movie
In the book, Ron's role is more complex, as he struggles with jealousy and resentment. Ron's disbelief in Harry's innocence drives a wedge between them, with their friendship only beginning to mend after Harry faces the dragon. The tension between the two is a significant aspect of the story, highlighting the challenges friends face as they grow and develop.
In contrast, the movie simplifies Ron's role, not emphasizing his jealousy and disbelief as heavily. The friendship between Harry and Ron remains mostly intact, and Ron accompanies Harry and Hermione to see the dragons. The film focuses more on the action and excitement surrounding the Triwizard Tournament, rather than the interpersonal dynamics between the characters.
In both the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire book and movie, Harry learns about the dragons from Hagrid, and he shares this information with Cedric Diggory. However, the role of Ron Weasley differs significantly between the two mediums. The book portrays a deeper exploration of Ron's jealousy and the subsequent strain on his friendship with Harry, while the movie maintains a more stable relationship between the characters, choosing to prioritize the action of the Triwizard Tournament.
