Exploring the Wizarding World: A Social Network

Analysis of the Harry Potter Movie Series

Zulfiqar Ali Shaikh M. Phil (Data Science) Scholar.
Dr. A. H. S. Bukhari Postgraduate Centre of Information and Communication
Technology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract Results
This research presents a comprehensive social network analysis of the Harry Potter The Wizarding World network analysis reveals a moderate connectivity with a
movie series, offering valuable insights into the intricate web of relationships graph density of 0.160. Most characters are moderately connected, as indicated by
among the beloved wizarding characters. Leveraging a dataset of 65 characters and a degree centrality of 0.75. The maximum shortest path between characters, the
their interactions, we explore into the social structure of the Wizarding World, network diameter, is 4. The top 10 characters with the highest degrees, including
unveiling the presence of distinct communities and the pivotal roles of specific Node 39, Node 58, Node 21, and Node 45, play central roles in the network. Node
characters within these communities. 39, with a betweenness centrality of 0.282, acts as a crucial bridge between
Key findings include a moderate modularity score, illustrating the network's characters, signifying significant influence.
modular nature, and visual representations that highlight the interconnectedness
of characters. Centrality measures reveal characters of significant influence, while High closeness centrality in Node 39 (0.8) positions it centrally in the network, as
clustering coefficients emphasize the tightly-knit groups within the Wizarding do characters like Node 58, Node 21, and Node 45. The global clustering coefficient
World. Our analysis provides a deeper understanding of the complex social fabric of is 0.612, reflecting a strong tendency for characters to form tightly-knit groups or
the Harry Potter universe, offering a foundation for further exploration into the communities. The binary global clustering coefficient (0.413) suggests a moderate
dynamics of this magical realm. level of transitivity in connections, indicating some interconnectedness among
characters. The average binary local clustering coefficient (0.612) aligns with the
global coefficient, indicating the tendency for characters to form tightly-knit groups
Introduction on average.
The Harry Potter movie series, based on J.K. Rowling's novels, has captivated global
audiences since its debut in 2001. This magical world has not only entertained but The network is divided into various communities, each representing distinct social
also sparked academic interest, leading to research in various aspects of the series. groups within the Wizarding World. Community 0 is the largest and most
interconnected, while smaller communities like Community 6, Community 2, and
Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a method to study relationships in a narrative. In Community 4 depict more isolated or specialized groups based on character
the case of Harry Potter, SNA uncovers complex character connections and their interactions and relationships.
roles in the storyline. This research delves into the wizarding world through SNA in
the movies. The goal is to identify key characters, explore their interactions, and TOP 10 NODES WITH HIGHEST DEGREE
understand the social structure within this magical universe, including the Node 39 58 21 45 11 1 55 53 54 56
importance of characters, the strength of relationships, and their impact on the Degree 48 37 36 36 32 23 18 17 17 17
plot.
TOP 10 NODES WITH HIGHEST BETWEENNESS CENTRALITY (BC)
Node 39 45 11 58 21 28 29 1 22 25
This study contributes to the growing SNA research in fiction and popular culture.
BC 0.282 0.203 0.1 0.099 0.094 0.045 0.031 0.028 0.019 0.017
The Harry Potter series, with its intricate character relationships and rich narrative,
offers a compelling context for analysis. Through this exploration, valuable insights TOP 10 NODES WITH HIGHEST CLOSENESS CENTRALITY
into social connections, character dynamics, and narrative complexity are expected. Node 39 58 21 45 11 1 55 53 54 56
CC 0.8 0.703 0.696 0.688 0.653 0.593 0.571 0.566 0.566 0.566
SNA is a potent tool to study social structures by representing them as nodes
(characters) and edges (relationships). This analysis enhances our understanding of
the Harry Potter series and social dynamics in the wizarding world, while also
contributing to the broader application of SNA in popular culture and literary
studies.
Table 1. Shows Nodes and Edges in the network.

Nodes (Characters) Edges (Relationships)

65 333

Methods and Materials

To conduct this analysis, we utilized a publicly available dataset from GitHub,
specifically the repository maintained by efekarakus[1]. This dataset is comprised of
two main files:
1. characters.csv: This file contains a comprehensive list of 65 Harry Potter
characters. Each entry includes essential information such as character id, name,
label, and a brief character biography. This data forms the foundation for the
Figure 1. Network graph of Harry Potter Characters. Figure 2. Network Graph with respect to modularity
nodes in our network. classes.
2. relations.csv: This file contains undirected character relations, marked as
alliances (+) or enemies (-). Each entry includes the source character, target
character, and relationship type, forming the network's edges. Conclusions
The Harry Potter movie series' social network analysis in the provided dataset
Python, a potent programming language, was employed with libraries like unveiled insights into the characters' relationships. Centrality metrics, clustering
NetworkX, Matplotlib, Numpy, and Pandas for Social Network Analysis. In the coefficients, and modularity classes revealed the network's structure and character
analysis we have covered network construction, centrality metrics, community communities. Visualizations aided in understanding connections. The analysis
detection, and result interpretation, revealing intricate relationships in the Harry shows a complex, interconnected Wizarding World, providing a foundation for
Potter series. further exploration.

Contact References
Zulfiqar Ali Shaikh 1. GitHub Repository: Potter Network
2. Harry Potter - Wikipedia
M. Phil (Data Science) 3. List of Harry Potter cast members | Harry Potter Wiki | Fandom
Email: shaikhzulfiqar95@gmail.com