Virtue Ethics – Historical Figures and Fictional Characters

Fictional Character: Hermione Granger from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling

Personal Background:
Hermione Granger is a Muggle-born witch who becomes one of the central characters in the
"Harry Potter" series. She hails from a non-magical family and enters the wizarding world when
she receives her acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Virtuous Moral Qualities:

Intelligence and Knowledge: Hermione is known for her exceptional intellect and dedication to
learning. Her thirst for knowledge leads her to study and excel in various subjects.
Loyalty: Hermione is fiercely loyal to her friends, always standing by their side and supporting
them in times of need.
Bravery: She demonstrates bravery by fearlessly facing dangerous situations and standing up
against injustice, even when it puts her at risk.

Challenges in Life:
Hermione faces several challenges throughout the series, including discrimination against
Muggle-born witches and wizards, the pressure to excel academically, and the constant threat of
dark forces. She also struggles with the expectations of being a role model and balancing her
personal life with her studies.

Achievements:
Hermione's achievements are numerous and significant. She plays a vital role in helping Harry
Potter and Ron Weasley in their quests, using her intelligence and knowledge to solve complex
problems. She co-founds and leads numerous social justice initiatives, fights against oppressive
systems, and helps bring about positive change in the wizarding world.

Historical Figure: Nelson Mandela

Personal Background:
Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. He became
involved in anti-apartheid activism and joined the African National Congress (ANC). Mandela's
activism led to his imprisonment in 1962, where he spent the next 27 years.

Virtuous Moral Qualities:

Forgiveness: Mandela embodied forgiveness by promoting reconciliation and unity in South

Africa, despite having spent 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism.
Perseverance: He demonstrated tremendous perseverance and resilience in his fight against racial
inequality and oppression, never giving up on his vision of a democratic South Africa.
Leadership: Mandela was a charismatic and inspirational leader, guiding his country through a
peaceful transition from apartheid to a democratic society.

Challenges in Life:
Mandela faced numerous challenges, including racial discrimination, political persecution, and
imprisonment. He endured physical and emotional hardships during his time in prison, separated
from his family and the outside world. Despite these challenges, Mandela remained steadfast in
his commitment to justice and equality.

Achievements:
Mandela's achievements are profound and transformative. Upon his release from prison in 1990,
he played a pivotal role in negotiating an end to apartheid and leading South Africa towards
democratic elections. In 1994, he became the country's first black president, working tirelessly to
dismantle institutionalized racism and promote reconciliation. Mandela's leadership and vision
continue to inspire people around the world.

Conclusion:
These examples showcase the virtues, backgrounds, challenges, and achievements of fictional
character Hermione Granger and historical figure Nelson Mandela. They highlight the diverse
range of virtuous qualities and the impact individuals can have in fictional and real-life contexts.