Gollum vs. Snape

Attribute	Gollum	Snape
Character	Complex, tortured soul	Complex, morally ambiguous
Appearance	Small, wiry, pale, with large eyes	Tall, thin, with greasy black hair
Allegiance	Obsessed with the One Ring	Initially loyal to Voldemort, later conflicted
Role	Antagonist turned anti-hero	Antagonist turned tragic hero

Background

Gollum, also known as Smeagol, is a fictional character from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" series. He was once a hobbit-like creature who was corrupted by the One Ring, turning him into a twisted and deceitful creature obsessed with the ring's power. Severus Snape, on the other hand, is a character from J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series. He is a complex and morally ambiguous character who serves as both an antagonist and a hero throughout the series.

Physical Appearance

Gollum is described as a small, wiry creature with pale skin, large eyes, and a hunched posture. He has long, stringy hair and sharp teeth, giving him a feral and animalistic appearance. Snape, on the other hand, is a tall and thin man with greasy black hair and a hooked nose. He is often described as having a sallow complexion and a sneering expression, which adds to his intimidating presence.

Personality

Gollum is characterized by his split personality, with his alter ego Smeagol representing his more innocent and compassionate side. However, Gollum is consumed by his desire for the One Ring, leading him to betray and manipulate others in order to possess it. Snape, on the other hand, is a complex character who is driven by his love for Lily Potter and his desire for redemption. He is often portrayed as cold and aloof, but his actions are ultimately motivated by his loyalty and love for others.

Motivations

Gollum's primary motivation throughout "The Lord of the Rings" is his obsession with the One Ring. He is willing to do anything to possess it, even if it means betraying Frodo and Sam, the hobbits who are trying to destroy the ring. Snape, on the other hand, is motivated by his love for Lily Potter and his guilt over her death. He is willing to make difficult and morally ambiguous choices in order to protect Harry Potter, Lily's son, and fulfill his promise to her.

Relationships

Gollum's relationships are characterized by manipulation and deceit. He forms a complicated bond with Frodo and Sam, alternately helping and hindering their quest to destroy the One Ring. However, his true loyalty lies with the ring itself, leading him to ultimately betray them. Snape, on the other hand, forms complex relationships with several characters throughout the "Harry Potter" series. He is initially portrayed as an antagonist to Harry and his friends, but his true loyalty and love for Lily Potter are revealed over the course of the series.

Redemption

Gollum's story is ultimately a tragic one, as he is unable to overcome his obsession with the One Ring. He meets a tragic end when he falls into the fires of Mount Doom while trying to possess the ring. Snape, on the other hand, is able to achieve redemption through his actions in the final book of the "Harry Potter" series. His sacrifices and loyalty to Harry Potter ultimately lead to his redemption and his legacy as a hero.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gollum and Snape are both complex and morally ambiguous characters with unique attributes and motivations. While Gollum is driven by his obsession with the One Ring and ultimately meets a tragic end, Snape is motivated by love and redemption, ultimately achieving hero status. Both characters serve as compelling examples of the power of redemption and the complexity of human nature in literature.