Harry Potter Wiki
Register
Harry Potter Wiki
(More logically incorrect "as-wel-as"s (I'm guessing this was from Jdogno?))
(added image)
Tag: Source edit
 
(399 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
  +
{{Spoiler|PAS|MA}}
{{Muggle individual infobox
 
  +
{{Individual infobox
|name=Dudley Dursley
 
  +
|theme = muggle
|image=[[File:DudleyDH.png|250px]]
 
  +
|image = Dudley DH.png
|born=[[23 June]], [[1980]]<ref name="lexicontimeline">[http://www.hp-lexicon.org/timelines/timeline_dudley.html#1 Harry Potter Lexicon - Timeline - Dudey Dursley]</ref>
 
  +
|name = Dudley Dursley
|blood=[[Muggle]]
 
  +
|born = [[23 June]] [[1980]]<ref name="lexicontimeline">[http://www.hp-lexicon.org/timelines/timeline_dudley.html#1 Harry Potter Lexicon - Timeline - Dudley Dursley]</ref>
|marital=Married
 
|title=
+
|died =
  +
|blood = [[Non-magic people|Muggle]]
|alias=*Dudders
 
  +
|marital =
*[[Harry Potter|Harry]] (by [[Rubeus Hagrid]])
 
  +
|nationality = [[England|English]]
*Big 'D' (by [[Dudley Dursley's gang|his friends]])
 
  +
|alias = *Dudders (by [[Petunia Dursley|Petunia]] and [[Vernon Dursley]])
*Ickle Diddykins
 
*Ickle Dudleykins
+
*Ickle Dudleykins (by [[Petunia Dursley]])
  +
*Popkin (by [[Petunia Dursley]])
*Dinky Duddydums
 
  +
*Diddy (by [[Petunia Dursley]])
*Popkin
 
  +
*Diddykins (by [[Petunia Dursley]])
*Pumpkin
 
  +
*My Neffy Poo (by [[Marjorie Dursley|Marge Dursley]])
*Diddy
 
*My Neffy poo (by [[Marge Dursley]])
+
*Big 'D' (by [[Dudley Dursley's gang|friends]] & [[Harry Potter]])
*A Pig in A Wig (by [[Harry Potter]])
+
*Dud (by [[Harry Potter]])
  +
*Dinky Diddydums (by [[Petunia Dursley]])
|gender=Male
 
  +
|title =
|hair=Blond<!-- DO NOT change to brown. Book canon has priority over the films. -->
 
  +
|signature =
|eyes=Blue
 
  +
|species = [[Human]]
|family=
 
  +
|gender = Male
*[[Vernon and Marjorie Dursley's mother|Mrs Dursley]] (paternal grandmother)
 
  +
|height =
*[[Evans sisters' father|Mr Evans]] (maternal grandfather) †
 
  +
|weight = Between 265 and 353 lbs (in 1994)<ref name="weight">In {{GOF|B|3}}, Dudley was stated to be "the size and weight of a young killer whale" [http://seaworld.org/en/animal-info/animal-infobooks/killer-whale/birth-and-care-of-young which was between 265 and 353 lbs].</ref>
*[[Evans sisters' mother|Mrs Evans]] (maternal grandmother) †
 
  +
|hair = Blond<ref name=appearance>{{PS|B|2}} - "He had a large pink face, not much neck, small, watery blue eyes, and thick blond hair that lay smoothly on his thick, fat head.</ref>
*[[Vernon Dursley]] (father)
 
  +
|eyes = Blue<ref name=appearance />
*[[Petunia Dursley|Petunia Dursley née Evans]] (mother)
 
  +
|skin =
  +
|family = *[[Vernon Dursley]] (father)
  +
*[[Petunia Dursley]] (née [[Evans family|Evans]]) (mother) †
  +
*[[Dudley Dursley's children|Two children]]
 
*[[Marjorie Dursley]] (paternal aunt)
 
*[[Marjorie Dursley]] (paternal aunt)
*[[Lily Evans|Lily Potter née Evans]] (maternal aunt) †
+
*[[Lily J. Potter]] (née [[Evans family|Evans]]) (maternal aunt) †
 
*[[James Potter I]] (maternal uncle by marriage) †
 
*[[James Potter I]] (maternal uncle by marriage) †
 
*[[Harry Potter]] (maternal first cousin)
 
*[[Harry Potter]] (maternal first cousin)
  +
*[[Dursley siblings' mother|Paternal grandmother]]
*[[Dudley Dursley's wife|Mrs Dursley]] (wife)
 
  +
*[[Evans sisters' father|Maternal grandfather]] †
*[[Dudley Dursley's children]] (children)
 
  +
*[[Evans sisters' mother|Maternal grandmother]] †
*[[Ginevra Weasley|Ginevra Potter née Weasley]] (maternal first cousin-in-law)
 
  +
*[[Dursley family]]
*[[James Potter II]] (maternal first cousin-once removed)
 
*[[Albus Potter]] (maternal first cousin-once removed)
+
*[[Evans family]] (maternal family)
  +
|romances =
*[[Lily Potter]] (maternal first cousin-once removed)
 
  +
|animagus =
|loyalty=*[[Dursley family]]
 
  +
|boggart =
  +
|wand =
  +
|patronus =
  +
|job =
  +
|house =
  +
|loyalty = *[[Dursley family]]
  +
*[[Evans family]]
 
*[[Smeltings Academy]]
 
*[[Smeltings Academy]]
*[[Dudley Dursley's gang|His gang]]
+
*[[Dudley Dursley's gang|His gang]] (formerly)
 
}}
 
}}
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Dudley Dursley|I don’t think you’re a waste of space.|Harry Potter|Well… er… thanks, Dudley.|You saved my life.|Dudley's farewell to his cousin, Harry Potter|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
+
{{Quote|I don't think you're a waste of space.|Dudley's farewell to his cousin Harry Potter|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
  +
'''Dudley Dursley''' (b. [[23 June]] [[1980]])<ref name="lexicontimeline" /> was the [[Non-magic people|Muggle]] son of [[Vernon Dursley|Vernon]] and [[Petunia Dursley]] and cousin of [[Harry Potter]]. He was obese and insolent as a result of his parents spoiling him throughout his childhood, although he became muscular in his teens. He and [[Dudley Dursley's gang|his gang]] often tormented Harry as well as other weaker and younger children in their neighbourhood and at school, taking after the example set by Dudley's parents.
   
'''Dudley Dursley''' (b. [[23 June]], [[1980]]<ref name="lexicontimeline" />) was the [[Muggle]] son of [[Vernon Dursley|Vernon]] and [[Petunia Dursley]] and cousin of [[Harry Potter]]. He was obese and insolent as a result of his parents spoiling him throughout his childhood. He and his [[Dudley Dursley's gang|gang]] often tormented Harry, taking after the example set by his parents, as well as other weaker and younger children in their neighbourhood and at school. In [[1995]], he faced [[Dementor]]s for the first time and was saved by Harry, after which he mellowed and became generally kinder to his cousin. He left his house in [[1997]], along with his family, to hide from [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eaters]], under the protection of the [[Order of the Phoenix]]. After the [[Second Wizarding War]], he married a [[Dudley Dursley's wife|woman]] and had two [[Dudley Dursley's children|children]]. He also remained in contact with Harry, as did his wife and children.
+
In [[1995]], he [[Attack in Little Whinging|faced]] [[Dementor]]s for the first time and was saved by Harry, after which he mellowed and became generally kinder to his cousin. He left [[4 Privet Drive]] in [[1997]], along with his parents, to be hidden from becoming the next victims of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eaters]] by the [[Killing Curse]], under the protection of the [[Order of the Phoenix]].
  +
  +
After the [[Second Wizarding War]], he had two [[Dudley Dursley's children|children]]. He also remained in contact with Harry, as did his family.
   
 
==Biography==
 
==Biography==
 
===Early life===
 
===Early life===
  +
[[File:DudleyBabyPhotos.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Photos of Dudley as a baby]]
  +
Dudley was born on [[23 June]] [[1980]],<ref name="lexicontimeline" /> about five weeks before his cousin [[Harry Potter]]. He was the son of [[Vernon Dursley]] and [[Petunia Dursley]], and the nephew of [[Marjorie Dursley|Marge Dursley]] and [[Lily J. Potter|Lily Potter]].
  +
  +
On [[1 November]] [[1981]], Dudley had a tantrum when Vernon was going to work. He physically abused Petunia when they went out, demanding she provide him with sweets, something that was witnessed by [[Minerva McGonagall]] in her [[Animagus]] form. Hours later, Harry was delivered to the Dursleys after the [[Attack at Godric's Hollow (1981)|attack on the Potters]] in [[Godric's Hollow]]. Over the following few weeks, Dudley took to prodding and pinching Harry,<ref name="PS1">{{PS|B|1}}</ref> whom he found weak. Likely around this time, Dudley was a member of the [[Cubs|Cub Scouts]].<ref name="CC">{{CC}}</ref>
  +
  +
In June [[1985]], his [[Marjorie Dursley|Aunt Marge]] was at [[Privet Drive]] to attend [[Dudley Dursley's fifth birthday|Dudley's fifth birthday party]]. She whacked Harry, who was four years old at the time, around the shins with her walking stick to stop him from beating Dudley at [[musical statues]].<ref name="POA2">{{POA|B|2}}</ref>
  +
  +
[[File:Harry-potter1-disneyscreencaps.com-1393.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The Dursleys treating [[Harry Potter]] as a servant]]
  +
Between [[1985]] and [[1990]], Aunt Marge spent [[Christmas]] at [[Privet Drive]]. She brought a [[Dudley Dursley's computerised robot|computerised robot]] for Dudley and a box of [[dog biscuits]] for Harry.<ref name="POA2" />
   
  +
During their years together at [[St. Grogory's Primary School]], Dudley frequently chose Harry as his favourite target with the help of his friends. Harry was much shorter than Dudley, so Dudley could easily hurt Harry, although Harry was often faster than Dudley.<ref name="PS2"/>
[[File:Dudleybaby.jpg|thumb|left|Dudley as a baby.]]
 
Dudley was born on [[23 June]], [[1980]],<ref name="lexicontimeline" /> about five weeks before his cousin [[Harry Potter]]. He is the nephew of [[Marge Dursley]] and the son of [[Vernon Dursley]] and [[Petunia Dursley]]. On the night of November 1st in 1981, Harry was delivered to the Dursleys after the [[Attack at Godric's Hollow (1981)|attack on the Potters]] in [[Godric's Hollow]]. Over the following few weeks, Dudley took to prodding and pinching his younger cousin.<ref name="PS">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]''</ref> At Dudley's fifth birthday party, his Aunt Marge whacked Harry around the shins so he would not beat Dudley at [[musical statues]].<ref name="POA">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''</ref> A few years later, Marge turned up at Christmas with a computerised robot for Dudley and a box of dog biscuits for [[Harry Potter|Harry]].<ref name="POA" /> During their years together at [[St. Grogory's Primary School]], Dudley frequently chose Harry as his favourite punching bag. Because of the pair's differing sizes, Dudley could easily hurt Harry, although Harry was often faster than his large cousin.
 
   
During one of Aunt Marge's visits, Dudley laughed himself silly when Harry, after having accidentally trodden on [[Ripper]]'s paw, was chased up a tree by the dog, and Marge refused to call him off until well past midnight.<ref name="POA" />
+
[[Marjorie Dursley|Aunt Marge]] was present again at [[Dudley Dursley's tenth birthday|Dudley's tenth birthday party]] when Harry was nine. Harry accidentally stepped on [[Ripper]]'s paw, causing the dog to chase Harry out into the garden and up a tree, while Dudley laughed himself silly. Marge refused to call the dog off until past midnight, much to the [[Dursley family|Dursleys']] delight.<ref name="POA2" />
   
===Eleventh birthday party===
+
===Summer of [[1991]]===
  +
====Eleventh birthday party====
[[File:Dudleyangry.jpg|thumb|left|An upset Dudley on his eleventh birthday.]]
 
{{Quote|Thirty-six. That's two less than last year|Dudley|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
+
{{Quote|Thirty-six. That's two less than last year!|Dudley's tantrum on his eleventh birthday|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}[[File:Dudleyangry.jpg|250px|thumb|An enraged Dudley on his eleventh birthday]]
Dudley celebrated his eleventh birthday on [[23 June]], [[1991]]. His presents included a new [[computer]], a second television, a [[Dudley Dursley's remote control aeroplane|remote control aeroplane]], sixteen new computer games, a gold wristwatch, a [[video recorder]], a [[cine-camera]], a [[Remote Control Crane|remote control crane]] and a [[Dudley Dursley's racing bike|racing bicycle]]<ref name="PS" /> (which Harry found odd, as Dudley was very fat and hated exercise if it didn't include punching someone). When Dudley counted his presents, he was mortified that he had two fewer than his last birthday: he was slightly cheered up when his mother showed him the present from his [[Marjorie Dursley|Aunt Marge]], but then he realised he still had one less present than last year. Before he could have a tantrum, Petunia promised that when the family went out, she would buy him two additional presents so he would have more than last year. Satisfied with this, Dudley did not throw a fit.
+
Dudley celebrated his eleventh birthday on [[23 June]] [[1991]]. His presents included a new [[computer]], a second television, a [[Dudley Dursley's remote control aeroplane|remote control aeroplane]], sixteen new computer games, a gold wristwatch, a [[video recorder]], a [[cine-camera]], a [[Remote Control Crane]], a [[Dudley Dursley's racing bike|racing bicycle]], (which Harry found odd, as Dudley was very fat and hated exercise if it did not include punching someone) and more. When Dudley counted his presents, he got enraged and claimed that he had two fewer than his last birthday, although he actually had one fewer than his last birthday. Petunia promised that when the family went out, she would buy him two more presents, and satisfied with this, he did not throw a tantrum.<ref name="PS2">{{PS|B|2}}</ref>
   
 
====The Vanishing Glass====
 
====The Vanishing Glass====
  +
When [[Arabella Figg|Mrs Figg]] called the Dursleys to tell them she could not take Harry for the day because she had broken her leg, Dudley was horrified. While Vernon and Petunia decided what to do with Harry, Dudley pretended to cry, playing on his mother's habit of giving him whatever he wanted. In between "sobs", Dudley commented that he did not want Harry to spoil his birthday by tagging along: when his mother was not looking, he shot Harry a nasty grin. When his friend [[Piers Polkiss]] arrived, he ceased his act immediately.<ref name="PS2"/>
[[File:Dudley_trapped_PS_1.png|thumb|234px|Dudley trapped behind the glass.]]
 
When [[Arabella Figg|Mrs Figg]] called the Dursleys to tell them she could not take Harry for the day because she had broken her leg, Dudley was horrified. While Vernon and Petunia decided what to do with Harry, Dudley pretended to cry, playing on his mother's habit of giving him whatever he wanted. In between "sobs," Dudley commented that he did not want Harry to spoil his birthday by tagging along: when his mother was not looking, he shot Harry a nasty grin. When his friend [[Piers Polkiss]] arrived, he ceased his act immediately.
 
   
With no other option, the Dursleys took Harry with them to the [[zoo]] for Dudley's birthday. At the entrance, his parents bought him and Piers large chocolate ice creams. Before they could hurry off, the saleswoman asked Harry what he would like, then Vernon and Petunia were forced to buy Harry a cheap lemon ice lolly, although he seemed to like it regardless. At lunch time, Dudley had a temper tantrum because his {{Wplink|knickerbocker glory}} was not big enough: his parents bought him another one and Harry was allowed to finish the first one.
+
With no other option, the Dursleys reluctantly took Harry with them to the [[zoo]] for Dudley's birthday (because they could not legally leave him home alone). At the entrance, his parents bought him and Piers large chocolate ice creams. Before they could hurry off, the saleswoman asked Harry what he would like, then Vernon and Petunia were forced to buy Harry a cheap lemon ice lolly, although he seemed to like it regardless. At lunch time, Dudley had a temper tantrum because his {{Wplink|knickerbocker glory}} was not big enough, as there was "not enough" ice cream on it: his father bought him another one and Harry was allowed to finish the first one though only because it would be a huge waste to throw out.<ref name="PS2"/>
  +
[[File:Harry-potter1-Dudley snake.jpg|left|thumb|250x250px|Dudley falls into the snake enclosure at the zoo]]
  +
After lunch, the group visited the reptile house and Dudley quickly found the largest snake in the place which was a sleeping [[Boa constrictor at the zoo|boa constrictor]]. Dudley pressed his nose against the glass and asked his father to make the snake wake up. After much rapping on the glass, it made no movements at all and Dudley walked away, easily bored. A few moments later, Piers drew Dudley's attention back to the snake when he saw Harry talking to it. Waddling over, Dudley quickly shoved Harry out of the way and onto the ground.
   
After lunch, the group visited the reptile house and Dudley quickly found the largest snake in the place. Dudley pressed his nose against the glass and asked his father to make the snake move. After much rapping on the glass, it made no movements at all and Dudley walked away, easily bored. A few moments later, Piers drew Dudley's attention back to the snake when he saw Harry talking to it: waddling over, Dudley quickly shoved Harry out of the way and onto the ground. Within a few moments, Dudley found the protective glass gone and he tumbled into the snake's habitat. As the snake uncoiled itself and slithered away, Dudley and Piers ran away, screaming. Harry had managed to do this with [[underage magic]], although he thought it had been an accidental misunderstanding at the time. Piers tattled on Harry saying that he had seen him talking to the snake. In the car on the way home, Dudley claimed that the snake had nearly bitten his leg off: Harry, on the other hand, only saw the snake playfully snapping at Dudley's heel as it went past.
+
Within a few moments, Dudley found the protective glass gone and he and Piers jumped backwards in shock. As the snake uncoiled itself and slithered off, Dudley and Piers ran away, screaming. Harry had managed to do this with [[underage magic]], although he thought it had been an accidental misunderstanding at the time. Piers tattled on Harry saying that he had seen him talking to the snake. In the car on the way home, Dudley claimed that the snake had nearly bitten his leg off; the snake had actually playfully snapped at Dudley's heel as it went past.<ref name="PS2" />
   
===Discovery of the wizarding world===
+
====Discovery of the wizarding world====
[[File:Dudley.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Dudley in his Smeltings uniform.]]
 
 
{{Quote|Who on earth wants to talk to you this badly?|Dudley, amazed about the number of letters sent to Harry|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
 
{{Quote|Who on earth wants to talk to you this badly?|Dudley, amazed about the number of letters sent to Harry|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
  +
[[File:Harry-potter1-dudley uniform.jpg|250px|thumb|Dudley in his [[Smeltings Academy|Smeltings]] uniform]]
  +
By the time the summer holidays had begun, Dudley had broken his video camera, crashed the remote-controlled aeroplane, and knocked an already injured Mrs Figg over with his racing bike. Near the beginning of July, Dudley was accepted into [[Smeltings Academy]], his father's alma mater. After returning from London with his new school uniform, Dudley paraded around the house in the get-up, which included a maroon tailcoat, orange knickerbockers, a [[wikipedia:Boater|boater]], and a [[Smelting stick|knobbly stick]]. He took to whacking everyone and everything within reach with this stick, which became extremely annoying to Harry.<ref name="PS3" />
   
  +
[[File:Vernon Dudley Sees Harry's Hogwarts Acceptance Letter.png|250px|thumb|left|Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley reading Harry's Hogwarts acceptance letter]]
By the time the summer holidays had begun, Dudley had broken his video camera, crashed the remote-controlled aeroplane, and knocked an already injured Mrs Figg over with his racing bike. Near the beginning of July, Dudley was accepted into [[Smeltings Academy]], his father's alma mater. After returning from London with his new school uniform, Dudley paraded around the house in the get-up, which included a maroon tailcoat, orange knickerbockers, a [[wikipedia:Boater|boater]], and a [[Smelting stick|knobbly stick]]. He took to whacking everyone and everything within reach with this stick, which became extremely annoying to Harry.
 
  +
The following morning when the post arrived, Dudley alerted his father that Harry had received a [[Hogwarts acceptance letter|letter]]. Seeing his parents' reactions to the letter's contents, Dudley demanded to see it. Not used to being ignored, Dudley rapped his father on the head with his Smelting stick. Dudley and Harry were thrown out of the kitchen, but overheard the conversation through the door: Harry forced to listen under the crack, while Dudley looked through the better position: the peephole in the doorknob.<ref name="PS3">{{PS|B|3}}</ref>
   
  +
When Vernon and Petunia gave [[Smallest Bedroom|Dudley's second bedroom]] to Harry, Dudley threw a temper tantrum, claiming that he needed the room. In an attempt to change his parents' minds: Dudley screamed, hit his father with his Smelting stick, threw up on purpose, kicked his mother, and threw his pet tortoise through the greenhouse roof. When the mail arrived, Dudley was sent to collect it (in an attempt by Vernon to be "nice" to Harry). From the hall, Dudley yelled that Harry had received another letter. Vernon wrestled Dudley to the ground and took the letter away, which was made difficult by Harry clinging on to Vernon's neck.<ref name="PS3" />
The following morning when the post arrived, Dudley alerted his father that Harry had received a [[Hogwarts acceptance letter|letter]]. Seeing his parents' reactions to the letter's contents, Dudley demanded to see it. Not used to being ignored, Dudley rapped his father on the head with his Smelting stick. Dudley and Harry were thrown out of the kitchen, but overheard the conversation through the door: Harry forced to listen under the crack, while Dudley looked through the better position: the peephole in the doorknob.
 
   
  +
[[File:Harry-potter1-dudley letters.jpg|250px|thumb|The Dursleys and Harry reacting in surprise, as Hogwarts letters pelted from the chimney]]
When Vernon and Petunia gave [[The Smallest Bedroom|Dudley's second bedroom]] to Harry, Dudley threw a temper tantrum, claiming that he needed the room. In an attempt to change his parents' minds: Dudley screamed, hit his father with his Smelting stick, threw up on purpose, kicked his mother and threw his pet tortoise through the greenhouse roof. When the mail arrived, Dudley was sent to collect it (in an attempt by Vernon to be "nice" to Harry). From the hall, Dudley yelled that Harry had received another letter. Vernon wrestled Dudley to the ground and took the letter away.
 
  +
Within a week, 24 or more letters arrived for Harry; Dudley wondered who on Earth would want to talk to Harry so badly. When so many letters for Harry arrived, Vernon, having had enough, told the family to get ready to leave. Dudley angered his father when he dawdled, trying to pack his television, VCR and computer into his bag. By nightfall, Dudley was in an unpleasant mood; he was hungry, had missed five TV shows he wanted to watch and had not gone so long without shooting an alien on his computer. At the [[Railview Hotel]], Dudley shared a room with Harry; while Harry remained awake, Dudley fell asleep almost immediately.<ref name="PS3" />
   
  +
====In the Hut-on-the-Rock====
[[File:HarryPooter.PNG|thumb|right|250px|The Dursleys and Harry react in surprise, as Hogwarts letters pelt from the chimney.]]
 
  +
[[File:Dudley tail.gif|250px|thumb|left|Hagrid giving Dudley a pig's tail]]
Within a week, no less than two dozen letters arrived for Harry. Dudley wondered who on Earth would want to talk to Harry so badly. When so many letters for Harry arrived, Vernon had had enough: he told the family to get ready to leave. Dudley drew his father's ire when he dawdled, trying to pack his television, VCR and computer into his bag. By nightfall, Dudley was in an unpleasant mood. He was hungry, had missed five TV shows he wanted to watch and had not gone so long without shooting an alien on his computer. At a gloomy-looking hotel, Dudley shared a room with Harry: while Harry remained awake, Dudley fell asleep almost immediately.
 
  +
The following day, Vernon brought Dudley and the family to the [[Hut-on-the-Rock]] well out in the sea. Using some mouldy blankets, Petunia made Dudley a bed on the couch, which he was ''very'' unhappy with, while she and Vernon took the second bedroom and Harry was left on his own to find comfort.<ref name="PS3" /> At midnight, when Harry's birthday came, Dudley was jerked out of his sleep by a loud crashing outside the hut, and asked sleepily where the cannon was; a few moments later, the hut's door was knocked off by [[Rubeus Hagrid]]. Dudley remained on the couch, frozen in fear. When Hagrid nudged him out of the way, Dudley ran and hid behind his mother.<ref name="PS4">{{PS|B|4}}</ref>
   
  +
When Vernon insulted [[Albus Dumbledore]] and after Hagrid informed him that Harry was going to [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], Hagrid used magic to [[Human to pig spell|sprout]] a [[pig]]'s tail from Dudley's bottom, which caused immense pain — something that Harry found enjoyment in.<ref name="PS4" />
The following day, Vernon brought Dudley and the family to the [[Hut-on-the-Rock|Hut on the Rock]] well out in the sea. Using some mouldy blankets, Petunia made Dudley a bed on the couch, which he was ''very'' unhappy with, while she and Vernon took the second bedroom and Harry was left on his own to find comfort. At midnight, when Harry's birthday came, Dudley was jerked out of his sleep by a loud crashing outside the hut: he 'stupidly' wondered where "the cannon" was. A few moments later, the hut's door was knocked off by [[Rubeus Hagrid]]. Dudley remained on the couch, frozen in fear. When Hagrid nudged him out of the way, Dudley ran and hid behind his mother.
 
   
  +
===Smeltings years===
{{Quote|Meant to turn him into a pig, but I suppose he was so much like a pig anyway there wasn't much left ter do.|Rubeus Hagrid, after giving Dudley a pig's tail.|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
 
  +
====Arrival at school====
  +
After dropping Harry off at [[King's Cross Station]] on [[1 September]], the Dursleys took Dudley to a [[London private hospital|private hospital]] in London to have the tail surgically removed before he went to Smeltings.<ref name="PS6">{{PS|B|6}}</ref> Over the course of the school year, he grew even more massive: so much so that his bottom drooped over each side of his chair.<ref name="COS1">{{COS|B|1}}</ref>
   
  +
====Summer vacation====
When Vernon insulted [[Albus Dumbledore]] after Hagrid informed him that Harry was going to [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], Hagrid used magic to sprout a [[Humans into Pigs|pig's tail]] from Dudley's bottom, which caused immense pain. After dropping Harry off at [[King's Cross Station]] on [[1 September]], the Dursleys took Dudley to a [[London private hospital|private hospital]] in London to have the tail removed.
 
  +
{{Quote|Today's your ''birthday''. How come you haven't got any cards? Haven't you even got any friends at that freak place?|Dudley taunting Harry on 31 July|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
  +
In June, Dudley accompanied his parents to [[King's Cross Station]] to pick Harry up for the summer holidays. In spite of his morbid weight, his clothes were curiously depicted as loose, as he had to hitch up his trousers "which were slipping down his fat bottom" during a conversation with Harry. One morning during breakfast, Dudley wanted more bacon. He asked Harry to pass the frying pan: when Harry said he forgot the magic word (meaning "please"), Dudley fell out of his chair with a crash that shook the whole kitchen.<ref name="COS1" /> Obviously, Dudley had been trained by his parents by that time to hate and fear anything that had anything ''at all'' to do with Harry and his world.
   
  +
[[File:Normal PDVD 1628.jpg|250px|thumb|Dudley and his parents getting ready for the Masons in July 1992]]
====1992====
 
  +
On 31 July, Dudley taunted Harry about not receiving any birthday presents from his friends. When Harry pretended that he was going to set a bush on [[fire]] by saying pretend magic words, Dudley ran to his mother, frightened. That night, the Dursleys (sans Harry) hosted a dinner party for [[Mason|clients of Vernon's]] — the Masons. At eight o'clock, Dudley was by the front door, waiting for Mr and Mrs Mason to arrive. He offered to take their coats and offered his arm to accompany Mrs Mason to the dining room a while later.<ref name="COS1">{{COS|B|1}}</ref>
{{Quote|Today's your ''birthday''. How come you haven't got any cards? Haven't you even got any friends at that freak place?|Dudley, taunting Harry on 31 July.|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
 
   
  +
In the early hours of the next morning, Dudley was dumbfounded when he and his parents witnessed Harry's escape with [[Fred Weasley|Fred]], [[George Weasley|George]], and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] in their father's [[flying Ford Anglia]].<ref name="COS3">{{COS|B|3}}</ref>
In June, Dudley accompanied his parents to [[King's Cross Station]] to pick Harry up for the summer holidays.
 
   
  +
====Learning about Sirius Black====
By the summer, Dudley had grown even more massive: so much so that his bottom drooped over each side of his chair. Somehow, even with his massiveness, his clothes were still depicted as loose, as he had to hitch up his trousers "which were slipping down his fat bottom" during a conversation with Harry.
 
  +
By the next summer, Dudley was even fatter. At some point, he complained about the walk between the living room and the kitchen, so his father installed a new TV in the kitchen as a welcome-home-for-the-summer present. Dudley sat at the TV all day, eating constantly. His face also gained a fat appearance and made him look like he had an unsightly double chin.<ref name="POA2">{{POA|B|2}}</ref>
[[File:Dursleys have visitors.jpg|thumb|275px|left|Dudley and his parents during the visit of the Masons in 1992.]]
 
One morning during breakfast, Dudley wanted more bacon. He asked Harry to pass the frying pan: when Harry said he forgot the magic word (meaning "please"), Dudley fell out of his chair with a crash that shook the whole kitchen.<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''</ref> Obviously Dudley had been trained by his parents by that time to hate and fear anything that had anything ''at all'' to do with Harry and his world.
 
   
  +
Along with his parents and Harry, Dudley learned one day of an escaped convict named [[Sirius Black]], who the newscasters warned was armed and dangerous. Vernon was constantly complaining about lack of security and punishment, stating that hanging was the only way to handle people like Black.<ref name="POA2" />
On 31 July, Dudley taunted Harry about not receiving any birthday presents from his friends. That night, the Dursleys (sans Harry) hosted a dinner party for [[Mason|clients of Vernon's]]- the Masons. At eight o'clock, Dudley was by the front door, waiting for Mr and Mrs Mason to arrive. He offered to take their coats and then offered his arm to accompany Mrs Mason to the dining room.
 
   
  +
[[File:Marge starts to inflate.gif|250px|thumb|left|Dudley witnessing Harry inflate Aunt Marge]]
In the early hours of the next morning, Dudley was dumbfounded when he and his parents witnessed Harry's escape with [[Fred Weasley|Fred]], [[George Weasley|George]], and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]] in their father's [[flying Ford Anglia]].
 
  +
On 31 July, Dudley's [[Marjorie Dursley|Aunt Marge]] came to visit their house. When Marge arrived, Dudley waddled into the hall to greet her. Marge seized him in a one-armed hug and kissed him on the cheek. Harry, sure that Dudley only put up with this treatment because he was well paid for it, noticed a twenty-pound note clenched in his fat hand behind his back. When Marge was blown up by Harry because of her voracious veracity, Dudley showed almost no emotion and continued watching TV. It can be assumed that he was used to the odd things that happened whenever his cousin was around.<ref name="POA2" />
   
====1993====
+
====Dudley's diet====
[[File:Marge_bribe.jpg|thumb|210px|Dudley with his Aunt Marge in 1993.]]
+
[[File:Dudley Dursley's gang.png|250px|thumb|Dudley and his gang]]
  +
By the summer of 1994, Dudley had grown so large that the school outfitters at [[Smeltings Academy]] did not stock knickerbockers big enough for him anymore; he had reached roughly the size and weight of a baby killer whale. To rectify the situation, the school nurse forced a diet regime upon Dudley, which emptied his eating habits of all the things he enjoyed: fizzy drinks, cakes, chocolate bars, burgers, doughnuts, chips, etc. and replaced them with fruits and vegetables — things that [[Vernon Dursley|Vernon]] called "rabbit food."
By summer, Dudley was even fatter. At some point, he complained about the walk between the living room and the kitchen, so his father installed a new TV in the kitchen as a welcome-home-for-the-summer present. Dudley sat at the TV all day, eating constantly. He gained five chins.
 
   
  +
Dudley was not pleased and threw numerous tantrums about it. To make Dudley feel better, [[Petunia Dursley|Petunia]] insisted that the whole family follow the diet, as well: to raise Dudley's morale, she also tended to give him more to eat than Harry (who, unbeknownst to Dudley, kept a secret stash of food in his bedroom). When Vernon left the kitchen to collect the post, Dudley stole his grapefruit quarter.<ref name="GOF3">{{GOF|B|3}}</ref>
Along with his parents and Harry, Dudley learned one day of an escaped convict named "[[Sirius Black|Sirius Black,"]] whom the newscasters warned was armed and dangerous. Vernon was constantly complaining about lack of security and punishment, stating that hanging was the only way to handle people like Black.
 
   
  +
[[File:B4C4M1 Weasleys bursting through 4 Privet Drive fireplace.png|250px|thumb|left|The Weasley family arriving in order to retrieve Harry for the World Cup]]
On 31 July, Dudley's [[Marjorie Dursley|Aunt Marge]] came to visit to their house. When Marge arrived, Dudley waddled into the hall to greet her. Marge seized him in a one-armed hug and kissed him on the cheek. Harry, sure that Dudley only put up with this treatment because he was well paid for it, noticed a twenty pound note clenched in his fat hand behind his back. When Marge was blown up by Harry because of her voracious veracity, Dudley showed almost no emotion and continued watching TV.
 
  +
The next day when the Weasleys arrived to take Harry to the [[Quidditch World Cup]], Dudley nervously ran his hands over his backside: remembering the incident with Hagrid in 1991, he was unwilling to present the same target to wizards again.<ref name="GOF3" />
   
  +
As the Weasleys returned to [[the Burrow]] through the [[Floo Network]], Fred "accidentally" dropped numerous sweets in brightly coloured wrappers on the floor, knowing Dudley would eat one of them. The sweet revealed to be a [[Ton-Tongue Toffee]], caused Dudley's tongue to expand greatly and cause him pain. Before allowing [[Arthur Weasley|Mr Weasley]] to fix it, Petunia tried to rip the tongue out of Dudley's mouth, which nearly suffocated him. His tongue was more than four feet long before the Dursleys allowed Mr Weasley to shrink it.<ref name="GOF3" />
====1994====
 
[[File:Dudley Dursley Gang.jpg|left|thumb|225px|Dudley and his gang in 1995.]]
 
By the summer of 1994, Dudley had grown so large that the school outfitters at [[Smeltings Academy]] did not stock knickerbockers big enough for him anymore. To rectify the situation, the school nurse forced a diet regime upon Dudley, which emptied his eating habits of all the things he enjoyed: fizzy drinks, cakes, chocolate bars, burgers, doughnuts, chips, etc. and replaced them with fruits and vegetables - things that Vernon called "rabbit food." Dudley was not pleased and threw numerous tantrums about it. To make Dudley feel better, Petunia insisted that the whole family follow the diet, as well: to raise Dudley's morale, she also tended to give him more to eat than Harry (who, unbeknownst to Dudley, kept a secret stash of food in his bedroom). When Vernon left the kitchen to collect the post, Dudley stole his grapefruit quarter.
 
   
  +
====[[Attack in Little Whinging|Dementor attack]]====
The next day when the Weasleys arrived to take Harry to the [[Quidditch World Cup]], Dudley nervously ran his hands over his backside: remembering the incident with Hagrid in 1991, he was unwilling to present the same target to wizards again.
 
  +
{{Quote|'Don't kill [[Cedric Diggory|Cedric]]!' Who's Cedric? Your boyfriend?|Dudley taunting Harry in 1995|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
  +
[[File:DudleyBoxing.jpg|250px|thumb|Dudley taking up boxing]]
  +
In 1995, Dudley took up boxing, which gave him even more prominence over other children. As a result, he lost weight and became less spoiled. However, he was still described as "vast as ever", but it was implied that his bulk was more muscle than fat because of the boxing. He would roam the streets with his gang, vandalising public property, taking up smoking and terrorising younger children. After taking up his workout regime, Dudley became boxing champion at his school. At one point they beat up a boy for "cheeking him".<ref name="OOTP1">{{OOTP|B|1}}</ref>
   
  +
[[File:Harry saves Dudley from a Dementor OOTPF.gif|250px|thumb|left|Harry stopping the Dementor from kissing Dudley]]
As the Weasleys returned to [[The Burrow]] through the [[Floo Network]], Fred "accidentally" dropped numerous sweets in brightly coloured wrappers on the floor, knowing Dudley would eat one of them. The sweet, revealed to be a [[Ton-Tongue Toffee]], caused Dudley's tongue to expand greatly and cause him pain. Before allowing [[Arthur Weasley|Mr Weasley]] to fix it, Petunia tried to rip the tongue out of Dudley's mouth, which nearly suffocated him. His tongue was more than four feet long before the Dursleys allowed Mr Weasley to shrink it.<ref name="GOF">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''</ref>
 
  +
Along with his parents, Dudley learned that [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] had returned to a physical body, with the intent of subjugating both the wizarding and Muggle communities once again. On his way home one night with his [[Dudley Dursley's gang|gang]], Dudley ran into Harry. He and Harry were attacked in the street by two [[Dementor]]s, sent by [[Dolores Umbridge]] to harm Harry (unknown to Harry).
   
  +
Harry's [[Deer|stag]] [[Patronus Charm|Patronus]] saved them from being [[Dementor's kiss|kissed]],<ref name="OOTP1" /> but Dudley, confused by what had happened, pinned the blame for the attack on his cousin, as he could not see the Dementors.<ref name="OOTP2">{{OOTP|B|2}}</ref> The encounter with the Dementors forced Dudley, for the first time, to recognise the kind of person he really was: a cruel bully. It was a terribly painful moment for him, and led to him changing his ways.<ref>http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2007/7/30/j-k-rowling-web-chat-transcript/</ref>
====1995====
 
{{Quote|'Don't kill [[Cedric Diggory|Cedric]]!' Who's Cedric? Your boyfriend?|Dudley taunting Harry in 1995.|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
 
[[File:DudleyBoxing.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Dudley takes up boxing.]]
 
   
  +
====Visited by Albus Dumbledore====
In 1995, Dudley took up boxing, which gave him even more prominence over other children. As a result, he lost weight and became less spoiled. However, he was still described as "vast as ever," but it was implied that his bulk was more muscle than fat because of the boxing. He would roam the streets with his gang, vandalising public property and terrorising younger children. After taking up his workout regime, Dudley became boxing champion at his school.
 
  +
{{Quote|The best that can be said is that he has at least escaped the appalling damage you have inflicted upon the unfortunate boy sitting between you.|Albus Dumbledore's damning assessment of Vernon and Petunia's spoiling of Dudley|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince}}
[[File:DementorDudley.jpg|thumb|left|300px|A [[dementor]] [[Dementor attack on Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley|attempts to]] [[Dementor's Kiss|kiss]] Dudley.]]
 
  +
[[File:Hbp.c03-will-and-wont.jpg|250px|thumb|Albus Dumbledore visiting the Dursleys]]
On his way home one night with his [[Dudley Dursley's gang|gang]], Dudley ran into Harry. He and Harry were attacked in the street by two [[dementor]]s, sent by [[Dolores Umbridge]] to harm Harry (unknown to Harry). They were saved from being [[Dementor's kiss|kissed]] by Harry's [[Deer|stag]] [[Patronus Charm|Patronus]], but Dudley, confused by what had happened, pinned the blame for the attack on his cousin, as he could not see the dementors.
 
  +
When [[Albus Dumbledore]] paid a personal visit to the Dursleys in [[1996]], he showed pity for Dudley, blaming the Dursleys for the "appalling damage" their parenting inflicted on their son. Dudley was very confused by this statement, and did not show any signs of planning to rectify his parents' "mistakes".
   
  +
As Harry and Dumbledore leave, Dumbledore told the Dursleys that in summer 1997 that they have to evacuate their house to protect themselves from becoming the victims of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and [[Death Eaters]].<ref name="HBP3">{{HBP|B|3}}</ref>
====1996====
 
When [[Albus Dumbledore]] paid a personal visit to the Dursleys in [[1996]], he showed pity for Dudley, blaimg the Dursleys for the "appalling damage" their parenting inflicted on their son. Dudley was very confused by this statement, and did not show any signs of planning to rectify his parents' "mistakes."
 
   
 
===Hiding from Death Eaters===
 
===Hiding from Death Eaters===
{{Quote|[[Vernon Dursley|Dad]] — I'm going with these [[Order of the Phoenix|Order]] people.|Dudley accepting protection from the [[Order of the Phoenix]]|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
+
{{Quote|[[Vernon Dursley|Dad]] — I'm going with these Order people.|Dudley accepting protection from the Order of the Phoenix|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}After Harry arrived at Number Four, in 1997, Dudley made at least one known attempt to reconcile with Harry. Dudley placed a cup of tea outside Harry's room. However, Harry initially misinterpreted the gesture as another prank, as Dudley had placed the cup on the floor and Harry stepped on it by accident. When Harry parted ways with the Dursleys, Dudley was the only member to bid Harry farewell.<ref name="DH3">{{DH|B|3}}</ref>
   
[[File:DH1 Dudley Dursley shakehand with Harry Potter.jpg|thumb|200px|Dudley shaking Harry's hand as they part ways at Number 4 [[Privet Drive]].]]
+
[[File:DH1 Dudley Dursley shakehand with Harry Potter.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Dudley shaking Harry's hand as they parted ways at Number [[Privet Drive|4 Privet Drive]]]]
  +
When Dudley was attacked by the [[Dementor]]s he saw himself, for the first time, as he really was. This was an extremely painful but ultimately salutary lesson and began the transformation in him. He shook Harry's hand and thanked him for saving his life. The members of the [[Order of the Phoenix]] escorting the Dursleys into hiding were not satisfied by this and thought a more adequate apology was in order, but the Dursleys left with nothing more to say, Harry himself noting that Dudley's awkward thanks was the Dursley equivalent of a heartfelt expression of gratitude.<ref name="DH3" />
After Harry arrived at Number Four, in 1997, Dudley made at least one known attempt to reconcile with Harry. Dudley placed a cup of tea outside Harry's room. However, Harry initially misinterpreted the gesture as another prank, as Dudley had placed the cup on the floor and Harry stepped on it by accident. When Harry parted ways with the Dursleys, Dudley was the only member to bid Harry farewell.
 
 
When Dudley was attacked by the dementors he saw himself, for the first time, as he really was. This was an extremely painful but ultimately salutary lesson and began the transformation in him. He shook Harry's hand and thanked him for saving his life (though it was his soul the dementor would have taken, there is little difference). The members of the [[Order of the Phoenix]] escorting the Dursleys into hiding were not satisfied by this and thought a more adequate apology was in order, but the Dursleys left with nothing more to say, Harry himself noting that Dudley's awkward thanks was the Dursley equivalent of a heartfelt expression of gratitude.
 
   
 
===Later life===
 
===Later life===
In Dudley's adult life, he got [[Dudley Dursley's wife|married]] and became a [[Dudley Dursley's children|father]] of two. He and Harry remained on "Christmas card terms," and Harry sometimes took his children to Dudley's when they were in the neighbourhood, occasions dreaded by [[James Potter II|James]], [[Albus Potter|Albus]] and [[Lily Potter|Lily]].<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20110827061839/http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=26 JK Rowling comments on Harry and Dudley's future relationship, available via Internet Archive]</ref> During these visits Dudley and Harry would sit silently together rarely talking while their children interacted and played together. It is unknown if Dudley ever returned to Little Whinging or if their family had stayed in the place they were relocated to.<ref name="mtv.com">[http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1572399/20071019/story.jhtml J.K. Rowling's comments at Carnegie Hall]</ref>
+
In Dudley's adult life, he became a [[Dudley Dursley's children|father of two]]. He and Harry remained on "Christmas card terms," and Harry sometimes took his children to Dudley's when they were in the neighbourhood, occasions dreaded by [[James Potter II|James]], [[Albus Potter|Albus]], and [[Lily L. Potter|Lily]].<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20110827061839/http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=26 JK Rowling comments on Harry and Dudley's future relationship, available via Internet Archive]</ref> During these visits, Dudley and Harry would sit silently together rarely talking while their children interacted and played together. It is unknown if Dudley ever returned to [[Little Whinging]] or if their family had stayed in the place they were relocated to,<ref name="mtv.com">[http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1572399/20071019/story.jhtml J.K. Rowling's comments at Carnegie Hall]</ref> or if they had moved elsewhere. By 2020, Dudley's mother had passed away.
   
 
==Physical description==
 
==Physical description==
  +
{{Quote|Aunt Petunia often said that Dudley looked like a baby angel — Harry often said that Dudley looked like a pig in a wig.|Dudley's appearance in his early years|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
[[File:Dudley_dursley_hp.jpg|thumb|left|140px|Dudley Dursley.]]
 
  +
[[File:Dudders dursley1.PNG|200px|thumb|Dudley, age 15]]
{{Quote|Aunt Petunia often said that Dudley looked like a baby angel — Harry often said that Dudley looked like a pig in a wig.|Dudley's appearance in his early years.|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
 
Dudley has watery blue eyes and thick blond hair. Growing up, Dudley was extremely fat, at least four times Harry's size.<ref name="PS" /> Harry often thought Dudley looked like a pig in a wig. In 1994, he had "reached the size and weight of a young killer whale."<ref name="GOF" /> Dudley was too large to fit in a school uniform, so was forced to go on a diet by his school, which was largely comprised of food which Vernon called "rabbit food" (fruits and vegetables) which Dudley rarely ate otherwise. Vernon and Petunia usually made excuses on why he was large, such as that his poundage was really "puppy fat" or that he was a "growing boy." Dudley mostly ate junk food, hated exercise, and often played video games. When Harry and the Dursleys ate breakfast Dudley's flab would often hang off the chair because he was too big and eventually a TV was bought for the kitchen after Dudley had complained about the distance from the living room to the fridge. He was also incredibly lazy. This may have had something to do with his weight problem.
+
Dudley had watery blue eyes and thick blond hair. Growing up, Dudley was extremely fat, at least four times Harry's size.<ref name="PS2" /> Harry often thought Dudley looked like a pig in a wig. In 1994, he had "''reached the size and weight of a young killer whale''"<ref name="GOF3" /> — somewhere between 265 and 353 pounds.<ref name="weight" /> Dudley was too large to fit in a school uniform, so was forced to go on a diet by his school, which was largely comprised of food which Vernon called "rabbit food" (fruits and vegetables) which Dudley rarely ate otherwise. [[Vernon Dursley|Vernon]] and [[Petunia Dursley|Petunia]] usually made excuses on why he was large, such as that his poundage was really "puppy fat" or that he was a "growing boy".
   
  +
Dudley mostly ate junk food, hated exercise, and often played video games. When Harry and the Dursleys ate breakfast Dudley's flab would often hang off the chair because he was too big and eventually a TV was bought for the kitchen after Dudley had complained about the distance from the living room to the fridge, which was an example of his great laziness. This may have had something to do with his weight problem.
However, by 1995 after he was attacked by Umbridge's dementors, Dudley had taken up boxing and weight lifting, and lost a great deal of weight. Prior to the Dursley's departure from Privet Drive, he appeared "large, blond, and muscular," wearing a leather jacket.<ref name="DH" />
 
  +
  +
However, by 1995 after he was attacked by [[Umbridge family|Umbridge]]'s dementors, Dudley had taken up boxing and weight lifting, and lost a great deal of weight.<ref name="OOTP1" /> Before the Dursleys left [[Privet Drive]], he appeared "large, blond, and muscular," wearing a leather jacket.<ref name="DH3" />
   
 
==Personality and traits==
 
==Personality and traits==
  +
{{Quote|We had to write an essay about our hero at school, [[Mason|Mr Mason]], and I wrote about you.|Dudley being paid to flatter the Masons when they arrive for dinner|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
[[File:Dudley eating.jpg|thumb|250px|A photograph of a very spoiled Dudley.]]
 
  +
[[File:Dudley eating.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A photograph of a very spoiled Dudley]]
{{Quote|We had to write an essay about our hero at school, [[Mason|Mr Mason]], and I wrote about you.|Dudley being paid to flatter the Masons when they arrive for dinner.|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
 
Dudley was an unpleasant and spoiled child. His parents spoiled him to the point of becoming grossly obese, demanding, selfish and manipulative, but most of all, he was extremely ungrateful. During his eleventh birthday, he screamed when he received one gift less than last year, making his parents promise to buy him two more, and pretended to cry when he realised Harry would have to come with him for his birthday trip to the zoo.
+
Dudley was an unpleasant and spoiled child. His parents spoiled him to the point of becoming grossly obese, demanding, selfish, and manipulative, but most of all, extremely ungrateful. During his eleventh birthday, he screamed when he received one gift fewer than the previous year, making his parents promise to buy him two more, and pretended to cry when he realised Harry would have to come with him for his birthday trip to the [[zoo]].<ref name="PS2" />
   
Dudley had a very bad habit of bullying kids who were weaker and as much as five years younger than he was, and when he forgot his fear of Harry's [[Magic|powers]], callously insulted him in any way possible, even jeering at Harry about his obviously disturbing nightmares.
+
Dudley had an awful habit of bullying children who were weaker and as much as five years younger than he was, and when he forgot his fear of Harry's [[Magic|powers]], callously insulted him in any way possible, even jeering at Harry about his obviously disturbing nightmares.<ref name="OOTP1" />
   
  +
Despite being fairly manipulative, Dudley appeared to have a low level of intelligence. In [[1991]], whilst [[Rubeus Hagrid]] was attempting to enter the [[Hut-on-the-Rock]], he foolishly quoted "Where's the cannon?" showing poor common sense.<ref name="PS4" /> In the school holiday of [[1994]], he received a dismal school report from [[Smeltings Academy]], which included very poor academic results as well as reports of bullying others.<ref name="GOF3" />
However, in [[1995]], Dudley faced [[dementors]] for the first time. Though a Dementor attack typically forced a person to re-live the worst moments of their life, Dudley's life-so-far of luxury and greed contained no "worst moments," and therefore, during the attack, Dudley saw himself the way he truly was: spoiled rotten and a cruel bully. He was thus forced, rather harshly, to realise he needed to change his ways. This led to him regretting his treatment of Harry and his later attempts at reconciliation.<ref name="mtv.com"/> The cousins would have a relatively good relationship by [[2017]]: Dudley and Harry visited each other, while their children played together.<ref>[http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=26 JK Rowling comments on Harry and Dudley's future relationship]</ref>
 
  +
  +
However, in [[1995]], Dudley faced [[dementor]]s for the first time. Though a Dementor attack typically forced a person to re-live the worst moments of their life, Dudley's life-so-far of luxury and greed contained no "worst moments," and therefore, during the attack, Dudley saw himself as the spoiled, rotten and cruel bully he truly was. He was thus forced, rather harshly, to realise he needed to change his ways. This led to him regretting his treatment of Harry and his later attempts at reconciliation.<ref name="mtv.com" /> The cousins would have a relatively good relationship by [[2017]]: Dudley and Harry visited each other, while their children played together.<ref>[http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=26 JK Rowling comments on Harry and Dudley's future relationship]</ref>
   
 
==Relationships==
 
==Relationships==
 
===Parents===
 
===Parents===
{{Quote|Little tyke wants his money's worth, just like his father.|[[Vernon Dursley]]|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
+
{{Quote|Little tyke wants his money's worth, just like his father.|Vernon Dursley regarding Dudley's tantrum|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
[[File:Vernon_Dursley_(Promo_pic_from_Order_of_the_Phoenix_movie).jpg|thumb|150px|His [[Vernon Dursley|father]].]]
+
[[File:Dursley Family.jpg|250px|thumb|Dudley with his parents, [[Vernon Dursley|Vernon]] and [[Petunia Dursley]]]]
  +
Vernon and Petunia Dursley spoiled and coddled their son as much as they neglected and abused their nephew [[Harry Potter|Harry]]. They appeared to buy Dudley anything he wanted, often apparently to waylay a tantrum (Vernon going so far as bribing him to accept a kiss from [[Marjorie Dursley|Aunt Marge]]). They indulged their son with treats and activities both out of blind adoration for the boy and as a means of emphasising to Harry what he was missing.
[[File:Petunia_dursley1.PNG|thumb|left|150px|His [[Petunia Dursley|mother]].]]
 
  +
[[Vernon Dursley|Vernon]] and [[Petunia Dursley]] spoiled and coddled their son as much as they neglected and abused their nephew [[Harry Potter|Harry]]. They appeared to buy Dudley anything he wanted, often apparently to waylay a tantrum (Vernon going so far as bribing him to accept a kiss from [[Aunt Marge]]). They indulged their son with treats and activities both out of blind adoration for the boy and as a means of emphasising to Harry what he was missing. They were generally in denial of the obesity brought on by Dudley's gluttony, which they wrote off as being either the healthy appetite of a growing boy or that his poundage was really "puppy fat" and were completely oblivious to the fact that Dudley did not have friends, so much as a schoolyard [[Dudley Dursley's gang|gang]] and victims.
 
  +
They were generally in denial of the obesity brought on by Dudley's gluttony, which they wrote off as being either the healthy appetite of a growing boy or that his poundage was really "puppy fat" and were completely oblivious to the fact that Dudley did not have friends, so much as a schoolyard [[Dudley Dursley's gang|gang]] and victims.
   
While Vernon consistently praised his son as if he was extremely masculine and robust, Petunia babied Dudley, calling him "Diddykins" well in to his teen years, appearing heartbroken to have to put Dudley on a much-needed diet and even bursting into tears when Dudley showed marginal affection for Harry.<ref name="DH">[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]</ref>
+
While Vernon consistently praised his son as if he was extremely masculine and robust, Petunia infantilised Dudley, calling him "Diddykins" well in to his teen years, appearing heartbroken to have to put Dudley on a much-needed diet and even bursting into tears when Dudley showed marginal affection for Harry.<ref name="DH3" />
   
 
===Harry Potter===
 
===Harry Potter===
  +
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Dudley|I don’t think you’re a waste of space.|Harry Potter|Well… er… thanks, Dudley.|You saved my life.|Harry’s farewell to the Dursleys and Dudley's gratitude|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
[[File:HarryPooter.PNG|thumb|right|250px|Harry Potter, his cousin.]]
 
  +
[[File:Harry Potter.jpg|200px|thumb|left|[[Harry Potter]], his maternal cousin]]
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Dudley|I don’t think you’re a waste of space.|Harry|Well… er… thanks, Dudley.|You saved my life.|Harry’s farewell to the Dursleys|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
 
   
Dudley and his cousin [[Harry Potter|Harry]] did not get along very well for most of their early lives. Like his parents, Dudley only thought of Harry as a huge burden to the family. While [[Vernon Dursley|Vernon]] and [[Petunia Dursley|Petunia]] treated Harry poorly, they spoiled Dudley to the extreme. Dudley constantly bullied his smaller cousin throughout their childhood, but did his best not to provoke him after he found out that Harry was a [[Wizards|wizard]], though the two still got into an occasional argument and trading of insults. This changed after Harry saved Dudley from a pair of [[dementor]]s that attacked them during the summer of [[1995]]. When the [[Order of the Phoenix]] placed the [[Dursley family|Dursleys]] into hiding to keep them safe during the height of the [[Second Wizarding War]], Dudley was the only member of the family to express concern for Harry's safety, asking his parents why Harry was not accompanying them and where he would go, if not with them. He also expressed remorse for his prior treatment of Harry and the two shook hands before the Dursleys left.
 
   
  +
Dudley and his cousin Harry did not get along very well for most of their early lives. Like his parents, Dudley only thought of Harry as a huge burden to the family. Whilst [[Vernon Dursley|Vernon]] and [[Petunia Dursley|Petunia]] treated Harry poorly, they spoiled Dudley to the extreme. Dudley constantly bullied Harry throughout their childhood, but did his best not to provoke him after he found out that Harry was a [[Wizardkind|wizard]], though the two still often argued and traded insults. This changed after Harry saved Dudley from a pair of [[dementor]]s that attacked them during the summer of [[1995]].
After the Second Wizarding War, Dudley would later become a cousin-in-law to Harry's wife [[Ginevra Weasley]] and a first cousin once removed to Harry and Ginny's children, [[James Sirius Potter]], [[Albus Severus Potter]] and [[Lily Luna Potter]]. Dudley and Harry eventually reconciled as adults, remaining on "Christmas card terms" and visiting each other occasionally. At these times, Harry's three children and Dudley's [[Dudley Dursley's children|children]] would all play together while their fathers would sit together quietly.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1572399/20071019/story.jhtml 19 October 2007 J.K. Rowling at Carnegie Hall]</ref>
 
  +
  +
When the [[Order of the Phoenix]] placed the [[Dursley family|Dursleys]] into hiding to keep them safe during the height of the [[Second Wizarding War]], Dudley was the only member of the family to express concern for Harry's safety, asking his parents why Harry was not accompanying them and where he would go, if not with them. He also expressed remorse for his earlier treatment of Harry and the two shook hands before the Dursleys left.<ref name="DH3" />
  +
  +
After the Second Wizarding War, Dudley later became a cousin-in-law to Harry's wife [[Ginevra Weasley]] and a first cousin once removed to Harry and Ginny's children, [[James Potter II|James]], [[Albus Potter|Albus]], and [[Lily L. Potter|Lily Potter]]. Dudley and Harry eventually reconciled as adults, remaining on "Christmas card terms" and visiting each other occasionally. At these times, Harry's three children and Dudley's [[Dudley Dursley's children|children]] would all play together while their fathers would sit together quietly.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1572399/20071019/story.jhtml 19 October 2007 J.K. Rowling at Carnegie Hall]</ref>
  +
  +
When his mother, Petunia, died, Dudley was still on good terms with Harry. Whilst cleaning out her possessions, he found the [[Harry Potter's blanket|blanket]] that Harry had been wrapped in when he arrived at 4 Privet Drive and [[Muggle Mail|mailed]] it to him, believing that Petunia wanted him to have it.<ref name="CC17">{{CC|B|1|7}}</ref>
   
 
==Media==
 
==Media==
 
<gallery widths="200" position="center" spacing="small" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
 
<gallery widths="200" position="center" spacing="small" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
File:Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Big D|Big D
+
File:Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1 Deleted Scene, Harry and Dudley Handshake|Harry and Dudley's Goodbye
File:Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Dudley demented|Dudley demented
 
File:Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Dudley in shock|Dudley in shock
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
 
==Etymology==
 
==Etymology==
Dudley means "''from the meadow''." It is also a [[Wikipedia:Dudley|large town]] located in the [[Wikipedia:West Midlands (county)|West Midlands]] county of England which, as with the town of Dursley, is known for its coal mining in the Victorian era.
+
Dudley means "''from the meadow''". It is also a {{W|Dudley|large town}} located in the {{W|West Midlands (county)|West Midlands}} county of England which, as with the town of Dursley, is known for its coal mining in the Victorian era. [[J. K. Rowling]] implied that she took the name from the town, commenting "''maps are a great source for names''", then adding "''[[Dursley family|Dursley]] and Dudley and [[Severus Snape|Snape]] are all places I can't visit anymore''".<ref>[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2001/0301-bluepeter.htm Accio Quote!: Blue Peter (cBBC) Interview with J. K. Rowling, 12 March, 2001]</ref>
   
[[Wikipedia:Dursley|Dursley]] is a town in Gloucestershire, England. [[J. K. Rowling]] has commented that she visited the place as a child and hated it, which likely affected her choice of surname for the awful family, remarking "I don't imagine I'm very popular in Dursley."<ref>[[Wikipedia:Dursley]]</ref><ref>[http://www.darkmark.com/c.c?l=interview2&t=J.K.%20Rowling:%20BBC%20Online%20Chat 2001 BBC Online Chat]</ref> The town is known for it's Victorian history in coal mining. Rowling chose the name because it sounded "dull and forbidding".
+
{{W|Dursley}} is a town in Gloucestershire, England. Rowling has commented that she visited the place as a child and hated it, which likely affected her choice of surname for the awful family, remarking "I don't imagine I'm very popular in Dursley".<ref>{{Wikilink|Dursley}}</ref><ref>[http://www.darkmark.com/c.c?l=interview2&t=J.K.%20Rowling:%20BBC%20Online%20Chat 2001 BBC Online Chat]</ref> Rowling chose the name because it sounded "dull and forbidding".
   
 
==Behind the scenes==
 
==Behind the scenes==
[[File:Dudley Dursley.png|thumb|Dudley Dursley as a [[LEGO Harry Potter|LEGO]] minifigure.]]
+
[[File:LegoDudley2020.jpg|200px|thumb|Dudley as a LEGO minifigure (2020)]]
  +
[[File:Dudley Dursley in PS Illustrated Edition.jpeg|200px|thumb|Dudley in his [[Smeltings Academy|Smeltings]] uniform, illustrated by [[Jim Kay]]]]
  +
[[File:DudleyDursley.jpg|200px|thumb|An illustration of Dudley by [[J. K. Rowling]]]]
 
*Dudley was portrayed by [[Harry Melling]] in the film series.
 
*Dudley was portrayed by [[Harry Melling]] in the film series.
*It is never made clear if Dudley was aware of Harry being a wizard before the latter read his Hogwarts letter. However, since he was said to avoid being in the same room with Harry after the truth was said, it can be assumed that Vernon and Petunia never told him. In addition, his parents probably did not want him to believe in [[magic]].
+
*It is never made clear if Dudley was aware of Harry being a wizard before the latter read his Hogwarts letter. However, since he was said to avoid being in the same room with Harry after the truth was said, it can be assumed that Vernon and Petunia never told him. In addition, his parents probably did not want him to believe in [[magic]].
*In one of Harry's several letters to [[Sirius Black]] in the summer of [[1994]], he says that Dudley threw his {{Wplink|PlayStation}} out of a window after he was caught sneaking doughnuts into his room. However, this is an {{Wplink|anachronism}}, as the Sony PlayStation was not released anywhere until December [[1994]] (in Japan) and in Britain until September [[1995]]. However, customers with influence could obtain a "test set" for a high cost. In any case, the film versions were kept consistent with the 21st century rather than the 1990s.
+
*In one of Harry's several letters to [[Sirius Black]] in the summer of [[1994]], he says that Dudley threw his {{Wplink|PlayStation}} out of a window after he was caught sneaking doughnuts into his room. However, this is an {{Wplink|anachronism}}, as the Sony PlayStation was not released anywhere until December [[1994]] (in Japan) and in Britain until September [[1995]]. However, customers with influence could obtain a "test set" for a high cost.
 
*Coincidentally, the real name of the actor who plays Dudley is Harry.
 
*Coincidentally, the real name of the actor who plays Dudley is Harry.
 
*Although not mentioned in the books, [[J. K. Rowling]] said during the Dementor attack, Dudley saw himself the way he truly was: spoiled rotten and a cruel bully, making him realise, rather harshly, that he needed to change. This led to him regretting his treatment of Harry and his attempt later at reconciliation.
 
*Although not mentioned in the books, [[J. K. Rowling]] said during the Dementor attack, Dudley saw himself the way he truly was: spoiled rotten and a cruel bully, making him realise, rather harshly, that he needed to change. This led to him regretting his treatment of Harry and his attempt later at reconciliation.
*In the books, Dudley's hair is blond, but in the [[Harry Potter films|films]] it is dark brown.
+
*In the books, Dudley's hair is blond, but in the [[Harry Potter (film series)|films]], it is dark brown.
*Dudley is portrayed as fat in the [[Harry Potter books|books]] and films. In an interview on the ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'' [[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)|film]] DVD, [[Harry Melling]] stated he had lost weight and had to wear a fat suit in order to show Dudley's chubbiness.
+
*Dudley is portrayed as fat in the [[Harry Potter (book series)|books]] and films. In an interview on the {{POA}} [[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)|film]] DVD, [[Harry Melling]] stated he had lost weight and had to wear a fat suit in order to show Dudley's chubbiness.
*J.K. Rowling has stated that she originally planned to have Dudley have a wizard child in the Epilogue but decided that no magical blood would ever get past Uncle Vernon's {{Wplink|DNA}}.<ref>J.K.Rowling Official Site [http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=26 Harry and Dudley: Future Hope?]</ref>
+
*J. K. Rowling has stated that she originally planned to have Dudley have a wizard child in the Epilogue but decided that no magical blood would ever get past Uncle Vernon's {{Wplink|DNA}}.<ref name="JKRS Harry and Dudley">{{JKRS}} [http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=26 Harry and Dudley: Future Hope?]</ref>
*Dudley did not appear in either the [[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)|film adaptation]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]'' nor the [[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)|film adaptation]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'', as the film script writers removed the [[Privet Drive]] matter to fit each book into one film.
+
*Dudley did not appear in either {{GOF|FA}} nor {{HBP|FA}}, as the film script writers removed the [[Privet Drive]] matter to fit each book into one film.
 
*Dudley and his [[Dudley Dursley's gang|gang]] once beat up a boy named [[Mark Evans]]. Though Dudley's maternal family are the [[Evans family|Evans]], Mark is not closely related to the Evans family, nor to Dudley: whether there is a distant link is unknown.
 
*Dudley and his [[Dudley Dursley's gang|gang]] once beat up a boy named [[Mark Evans]]. Though Dudley's maternal family are the [[Evans family|Evans]], Mark is not closely related to the Evans family, nor to Dudley: whether there is a distant link is unknown.
  +
*The scene where Dudley reconciles with Harry does not make it into the film, though it was filmed and is included as a deleted scene in the DVD of {{DH|F1}}.
*Coincidentally, Dudley's birthday is one month before the real birthday of [[Daniel Radcliffe]].
 
  +
*In {{PS|FA}}, [[Rubeus Hagrid]] mistakes Dudley for Harry when he comes to get Harry at the [[Hut-on-the-Rock]] and comments on his weight.
*The scene where Dudley reconciles with Harry does not make it into the film, though it was filmed and is included as a deleted scene in the DVD of ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]''.
 
  +
*In {{PS}}, when the [[Dursley family]] visit the zoo with Harry on Dudley's eleventh birthday they are accompanied by Dudley's best friend, [[Piers Polkiss]]. But in the film adaptation Piers Polkiss does not appear.
*In the [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|film version of]] ''Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone'', [[Rubeus Hagrid]] mistakes Dudley for Harry when he comes to get Harry at the [[Hut-on-the-Rock]] and comments on his weight.
 
  +
*Apart from the films, Melling also voiced Dudley in {{OOTP|GA}}.
*In the book [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]], when the [[Dursley family]] visit the zoo with Harry on Dudley's eleventh birthday they are accompanied by Dudley's best friend, [[Peirs Polkiss|Piers Polkiss]]. But in the film adaptation Piers Polkiss does not appear.
 
  +
*Dudley is similar to [[Draco Malfoy]] in some ways. Both are boys who are the only children of their parents. Both are spoiled, although [[Lucius Malfoy|Draco's father]] was firm at times and had high expectations for him. Draco has white-blonde hair and Dudley is blonde in the books. Both have mothers who are named after flowers ([[Petunia Dursley]] and [[Narcissa Malfoy]]). Both boys' parents enjoyed the idea of a prominent, wealthy social status - the Malfoys are a very wealthy Wizarding family, while the Dursleys have a goal of moving up in society. Draco and Dudley both lead a gang of friends, Draco being the leader of [[Draco Malfoy's gang]] and Dudley being the leader of [[Dudley Dursley's gang]]. Harry was bullied by both Draco and Dudley for years - Dudley in the Muggle world, Draco in the wizarding world - though he eventually reconciles with both of them.
*Apart from the movies, Melling also voiced Dudley in the [[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (game)|''Order of the Phoenix'' video game]]. [[File:Dudley Dursley.jpg|thumb|Dudley in the Order of the Phoenix video game.]]
 
  +
*In {{LEGO|Y2}}, Dudley (and Vernon) possess [[superhuman strength]], which allows them to pull special orange handles. Being both Muggles, this [[canon]]ically cannot be magical strength, but merely brute physical strength.
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==
 
{{Imagecat|Images of Dudley Dursley}}
 
{{Imagecat|Images of Dudley Dursley}}
  +
*{{PS}} {{1st}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' {{1st}}
 
  +
*{{PS|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{PS|G}} {{Photograph}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)]]'' {{Mention}}
 
  +
*{{COS}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''
 
  +
*{{COS|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{COS|G}} {{Mention}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]]'' {{Mention}}
 
  +
*{{POA}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''
 
  +
*{{POA|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{POA|G}} {{Mention}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)]]'' {{Mention}}
 
  +
*{{GOF}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''
 
  +
*{{OOTP}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''
 
  +
*{{OOTP|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]''
 
  +
*{{OOTP|G}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)]]''
 
  +
*{{HBP}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''
 
  +
*{{DH}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''
 
  +
*{{DH|F1}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]''
 
  +
*{{CC}} {{Flashback}}
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
 
  +
*{{CC|P}} {{Flashback}}
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7]]''
 
  +
*{{JKRS}} {{Mention}}
*''[[Harry Potter Trading Card Game]]''
 
  +
*{{PM}}
*''[[Pottermore]]''
 
  +
*{{WW}}
  +
*{{HPV|CH}}
  +
*{{HPV|CR}} {{Mention}}
  +
*{{TCG}}
  +
*{{LEGO}}
  +
*{{LEGO|Y1}}
  +
*{{LEGO|Y2}}
  +
*{{HPK}} {{Photograph}}
  +
*{{WU}} {{Indirect}}
  +
*{{PAS}}
  +
*{{MA}} {{Spell card}}
   
 
==Notes and references==
 
==Notes and references==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
 
 
{{Dudley's gang}}
 
{{Dudley's gang}}
  +
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dursley, Dudley}}
 
 
[[de:Dudley Dursley]]
 
[[de:Dudley Dursley]]
  +
[[de2:Dudley Dursley]]
  +
[[el:Ντάντλι Ντάρσλι]]
 
[[es:Dudley Dursley]]
 
[[es:Dudley Dursley]]
 
[[fr:Dudley Dursley]]
 
[[fr:Dudley Dursley]]
Line 232: Line 285:
 
[[pl:Dudley Dursley]]
 
[[pl:Dudley Dursley]]
 
[[ru:Дадли Дурсль]]
 
[[ru:Дадли Дурсль]]
[[Category:1980 births|Dursley, Dudley]]
+
[[pt-br:Duda Dursley]]
  +
[[Category:English individuals|Dursley, Dudley]]
 
[[Category:Dursley family]]
+
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:Evans family]]
+
[[Category:Blue-eyed individuals]]
[[Category:Males|Dursley, Dudley]]
+
[[Category:Dementor victims]]
[[Category:Muggles|Dursley, Dudley]]
+
[[Category:Dudley Dursley's gang]]
[[Category:Only children|Dursley, Dudley]]
+
[[Category:Dursley family|Dudley]]
[[Category:Smeltings students|Dursley, Dudley]]
+
[[Category:English individuals]]
[[Category:Dementor attacks|Dursley, Dudley]]
+
[[Category:Evans family descendants]]
[[Category:Married individuals|Dursley, Dudley]]
+
[[Category:Males]]
[[Category:Former Bullies]]
+
[[Category:Muggles]]
  +
[[Category:Only children]]
  +
[[Category:Parents]]
  +
[[Category:Smeltings students]]

Latest revision as of 22:16, 27 March 2024

"I don't think you're a waste of space."
— Dudley's farewell to his cousin Harry Potter[src]

Dudley Dursley (b. 23 June 1980)[1] was the Muggle son of Vernon and Petunia Dursley and cousin of Harry Potter. He was obese and insolent as a result of his parents spoiling him throughout his childhood, although he became muscular in his teens. He and his gang often tormented Harry as well as other weaker and younger children in their neighbourhood and at school, taking after the example set by Dudley's parents.

In 1995, he faced Dementors for the first time and was saved by Harry, after which he mellowed and became generally kinder to his cousin. He left 4 Privet Drive in 1997, along with his parents, to be hidden from becoming the next victims of Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters by the Killing Curse, under the protection of the Order of the Phoenix.

After the Second Wizarding War, he had two children. He also remained in contact with Harry, as did his family.

Biography

Early life

DudleyBabyPhotos

Photos of Dudley as a baby

Dudley was born on 23 June 1980,[1] about five weeks before his cousin Harry Potter. He was the son of Vernon Dursley and Petunia Dursley, and the nephew of Marge Dursley and Lily Potter.

On 1 November 1981, Dudley had a tantrum when Vernon was going to work. He physically abused Petunia when they went out, demanding she provide him with sweets, something that was witnessed by Minerva McGonagall in her Animagus form. Hours later, Harry was delivered to the Dursleys after the attack on the Potters in Godric's Hollow. Over the following few weeks, Dudley took to prodding and pinching Harry,[4] whom he found weak. Likely around this time, Dudley was a member of the Cub Scouts.[5]

In June 1985, his Aunt Marge was at Privet Drive to attend Dudley's fifth birthday party. She whacked Harry, who was four years old at the time, around the shins with her walking stick to stop him from beating Dudley at musical statues.[6]

Harry-potter1-disneyscreencaps

The Dursleys treating Harry Potter as a servant

Between 1985 and 1990, Aunt Marge spent Christmas at Privet Drive. She brought a computerised robot for Dudley and a box of dog biscuits for Harry.[6]

During their years together at St. Grogory's Primary School, Dudley frequently chose Harry as his favourite target with the help of his friends. Harry was much shorter than Dudley, so Dudley could easily hurt Harry, although Harry was often faster than Dudley.[7]

Aunt Marge was present again at Dudley's tenth birthday party when Harry was nine. Harry accidentally stepped on Ripper's paw, causing the dog to chase Harry out into the garden and up a tree, while Dudley laughed himself silly. Marge refused to call the dog off until past midnight, much to the Dursleys' delight.[6]

Summer of 1991

Eleventh birthday party

"Thirty-six. That's two less than last year!"
— Dudley's tantrum on his eleventh birthday[src]
Dudleyangry

An enraged Dudley on his eleventh birthday

Dudley celebrated his eleventh birthday on 23 June 1991. His presents included a new computer, a second television, a remote control aeroplane, sixteen new computer games, a gold wristwatch, a video recorder, a cine-camera, a Remote Control Crane, a racing bicycle, (which Harry found odd, as Dudley was very fat and hated exercise if it did not include punching someone) and more. When Dudley counted his presents, he got enraged and claimed that he had two fewer than his last birthday, although he actually had one fewer than his last birthday. Petunia promised that when the family went out, she would buy him two more presents, and satisfied with this, he did not throw a tantrum.[7]

The Vanishing Glass

When Mrs Figg called the Dursleys to tell them she could not take Harry for the day because she had broken her leg, Dudley was horrified. While Vernon and Petunia decided what to do with Harry, Dudley pretended to cry, playing on his mother's habit of giving him whatever he wanted. In between "sobs", Dudley commented that he did not want Harry to spoil his birthday by tagging along: when his mother was not looking, he shot Harry a nasty grin. When his friend Piers Polkiss arrived, he ceased his act immediately.[7]

With no other option, the Dursleys reluctantly took Harry with them to the zoo for Dudley's birthday (because they could not legally leave him home alone). At the entrance, his parents bought him and Piers large chocolate ice creams. Before they could hurry off, the saleswoman asked Harry what he would like, then Vernon and Petunia were forced to buy Harry a cheap lemon ice lolly, although he seemed to like it regardless. At lunch time, Dudley had a temper tantrum because his knickerbocker glory was not big enough, as there was "not enough" ice cream on it: his father bought him another one and Harry was allowed to finish the first one though only because it would be a huge waste to throw out.[7]

Harry-potter1-Dudley snake

Dudley falls into the snake enclosure at the zoo

After lunch, the group visited the reptile house and Dudley quickly found the largest snake in the place which was a sleeping boa constrictor. Dudley pressed his nose against the glass and asked his father to make the snake wake up. After much rapping on the glass, it made no movements at all and Dudley walked away, easily bored. A few moments later, Piers drew Dudley's attention back to the snake when he saw Harry talking to it. Waddling over, Dudley quickly shoved Harry out of the way and onto the ground.

Within a few moments, Dudley found the protective glass gone and he and Piers jumped backwards in shock. As the snake uncoiled itself and slithered off, Dudley and Piers ran away, screaming. Harry had managed to do this with underage magic, although he thought it had been an accidental misunderstanding at the time. Piers tattled on Harry saying that he had seen him talking to the snake. In the car on the way home, Dudley claimed that the snake had nearly bitten his leg off; the snake had actually playfully snapped at Dudley's heel as it went past.[7]

Discovery of the wizarding world

"Who on earth wants to talk to you this badly?"
— Dudley, amazed about the number of letters sent to Harry[src]
Harry-potter1-dudley uniform

Dudley in his Smeltings uniform

By the time the summer holidays had begun, Dudley had broken his video camera, crashed the remote-controlled aeroplane, and knocked an already injured Mrs Figg over with his racing bike. Near the beginning of July, Dudley was accepted into Smeltings Academy, his father's alma mater. After returning from London with his new school uniform, Dudley paraded around the house in the get-up, which included a maroon tailcoat, orange knickerbockers, a boater, and a knobbly stick. He took to whacking everyone and everything within reach with this stick, which became extremely annoying to Harry.[8]

Vernon Dudley Sees Harry's Hogwarts Acceptance Letter

Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley reading Harry's Hogwarts acceptance letter

The following morning when the post arrived, Dudley alerted his father that Harry had received a letter. Seeing his parents' reactions to the letter's contents, Dudley demanded to see it. Not used to being ignored, Dudley rapped his father on the head with his Smelting stick. Dudley and Harry were thrown out of the kitchen, but overheard the conversation through the door: Harry forced to listen under the crack, while Dudley looked through the better position: the peephole in the doorknob.[8]

When Vernon and Petunia gave Dudley's second bedroom to Harry, Dudley threw a temper tantrum, claiming that he needed the room. In an attempt to change his parents' minds: Dudley screamed, hit his father with his Smelting stick, threw up on purpose, kicked his mother, and threw his pet tortoise through the greenhouse roof. When the mail arrived, Dudley was sent to collect it (in an attempt by Vernon to be "nice" to Harry). From the hall, Dudley yelled that Harry had received another letter. Vernon wrestled Dudley to the ground and took the letter away, which was made difficult by Harry clinging on to Vernon's neck.[8]

Harry-potter1-dudley letters

The Dursleys and Harry reacting in surprise, as Hogwarts letters pelted from the chimney

Within a week, 24 or more letters arrived for Harry; Dudley wondered who on Earth would want to talk to Harry so badly. When so many letters for Harry arrived, Vernon, having had enough, told the family to get ready to leave. Dudley angered his father when he dawdled, trying to pack his television, VCR and computer into his bag. By nightfall, Dudley was in an unpleasant mood; he was hungry, had missed five TV shows he wanted to watch and had not gone so long without shooting an alien on his computer. At the Railview Hotel, Dudley shared a room with Harry; while Harry remained awake, Dudley fell asleep almost immediately.[8]

In the Hut-on-the-Rock

Dudley tail

Hagrid giving Dudley a pig's tail

The following day, Vernon brought Dudley and the family to the Hut-on-the-Rock well out in the sea. Using some mouldy blankets, Petunia made Dudley a bed on the couch, which he was very unhappy with, while she and Vernon took the second bedroom and Harry was left on his own to find comfort.[8] At midnight, when Harry's birthday came, Dudley was jerked out of his sleep by a loud crashing outside the hut, and asked sleepily where the cannon was; a few moments later, the hut's door was knocked off by Rubeus Hagrid. Dudley remained on the couch, frozen in fear. When Hagrid nudged him out of the way, Dudley ran and hid behind his mother.[9]

When Vernon insulted Albus Dumbledore and after Hagrid informed him that Harry was going to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Hagrid used magic to sprout a pig's tail from Dudley's bottom, which caused immense pain — something that Harry found enjoyment in.[9]

Smeltings years

Arrival at school

After dropping Harry off at King's Cross Station on 1 September, the Dursleys took Dudley to a private hospital in London to have the tail surgically removed before he went to Smeltings.[10] Over the course of the school year, he grew even more massive: so much so that his bottom drooped over each side of his chair.[11]

Summer vacation

"Today's your birthday. How come you haven't got any cards? Haven't you even got any friends at that freak place?"
— Dudley taunting Harry on 31 July[src]

In June, Dudley accompanied his parents to King's Cross Station to pick Harry up for the summer holidays. In spite of his morbid weight, his clothes were curiously depicted as loose, as he had to hitch up his trousers "which were slipping down his fat bottom" during a conversation with Harry. One morning during breakfast, Dudley wanted more bacon. He asked Harry to pass the frying pan: when Harry said he forgot the magic word (meaning "please"), Dudley fell out of his chair with a crash that shook the whole kitchen.[11] Obviously, Dudley had been trained by his parents by that time to hate and fear anything that had anything at all to do with Harry and his world.

Normal PDVD 1628

Dudley and his parents getting ready for the Masons in July 1992

On 31 July, Dudley taunted Harry about not receiving any birthday presents from his friends. When Harry pretended that he was going to set a bush on fire by saying pretend magic words, Dudley ran to his mother, frightened. That night, the Dursleys (sans Harry) hosted a dinner party for clients of Vernon's — the Masons. At eight o'clock, Dudley was by the front door, waiting for Mr and Mrs Mason to arrive. He offered to take their coats and offered his arm to accompany Mrs Mason to the dining room a while later.[11]

In the early hours of the next morning, Dudley was dumbfounded when he and his parents witnessed Harry's escape with Fred, George, and Ron Weasley in their father's flying Ford Anglia.[12]

Learning about Sirius Black

By the next summer, Dudley was even fatter. At some point, he complained about the walk between the living room and the kitchen, so his father installed a new TV in the kitchen as a welcome-home-for-the-summer present. Dudley sat at the TV all day, eating constantly. His face also gained a fat appearance and made him look like he had an unsightly double chin.[6]

Along with his parents and Harry, Dudley learned one day of an escaped convict named Sirius Black, who the newscasters warned was armed and dangerous. Vernon was constantly complaining about lack of security and punishment, stating that hanging was the only way to handle people like Black.[6]

Marge starts to inflate

Dudley witnessing Harry inflate Aunt Marge

On 31 July, Dudley's Aunt Marge came to visit their house. When Marge arrived, Dudley waddled into the hall to greet her. Marge seized him in a one-armed hug and kissed him on the cheek. Harry, sure that Dudley only put up with this treatment because he was well paid for it, noticed a twenty-pound note clenched in his fat hand behind his back. When Marge was blown up by Harry because of her voracious veracity, Dudley showed almost no emotion and continued watching TV. It can be assumed that he was used to the odd things that happened whenever his cousin was around.[6]

Dudley's diet

Dudley Dursley's gang

Dudley and his gang

By the summer of 1994, Dudley had grown so large that the school outfitters at Smeltings Academy did not stock knickerbockers big enough for him anymore; he had reached roughly the size and weight of a baby killer whale. To rectify the situation, the school nurse forced a diet regime upon Dudley, which emptied his eating habits of all the things he enjoyed: fizzy drinks, cakes, chocolate bars, burgers, doughnuts, chips, etc. and replaced them with fruits and vegetables — things that Vernon called "rabbit food."

Dudley was not pleased and threw numerous tantrums about it. To make Dudley feel better, Petunia insisted that the whole family follow the diet, as well: to raise Dudley's morale, she also tended to give him more to eat than Harry (who, unbeknownst to Dudley, kept a secret stash of food in his bedroom). When Vernon left the kitchen to collect the post, Dudley stole his grapefruit quarter.[13]

B4C4M1 Weasleys bursting through 4 Privet Drive fireplace

The Weasley family arriving in order to retrieve Harry for the World Cup

The next day when the Weasleys arrived to take Harry to the Quidditch World Cup, Dudley nervously ran his hands over his backside: remembering the incident with Hagrid in 1991, he was unwilling to present the same target to wizards again.[13]

As the Weasleys returned to the Burrow through the Floo Network, Fred "accidentally" dropped numerous sweets in brightly coloured wrappers on the floor, knowing Dudley would eat one of them. The sweet revealed to be a Ton-Tongue Toffee, caused Dudley's tongue to expand greatly and cause him pain. Before allowing Mr Weasley to fix it, Petunia tried to rip the tongue out of Dudley's mouth, which nearly suffocated him. His tongue was more than four feet long before the Dursleys allowed Mr Weasley to shrink it.[13]

Dementor attack

"'Don't kill Cedric!' Who's Cedric? Your boyfriend?"
— Dudley taunting Harry in 1995[src]
DudleyBoxing

Dudley taking up boxing

In 1995, Dudley took up boxing, which gave him even more prominence over other children. As a result, he lost weight and became less spoiled. However, he was still described as "vast as ever", but it was implied that his bulk was more muscle than fat because of the boxing. He would roam the streets with his gang, vandalising public property, taking up smoking and terrorising younger children. After taking up his workout regime, Dudley became boxing champion at his school. At one point they beat up a boy for "cheeking him".[14]

Harry saves Dudley from a Dementor OOTPF

Harry stopping the Dementor from kissing Dudley

Along with his parents, Dudley learned that Lord Voldemort had returned to a physical body, with the intent of subjugating both the wizarding and Muggle communities once again. On his way home one night with his gang, Dudley ran into Harry. He and Harry were attacked in the street by two Dementors, sent by Dolores Umbridge to harm Harry (unknown to Harry).

Harry's stag Patronus saved them from being kissed,[14] but Dudley, confused by what had happened, pinned the blame for the attack on his cousin, as he could not see the Dementors.[15] The encounter with the Dementors forced Dudley, for the first time, to recognise the kind of person he really was: a cruel bully. It was a terribly painful moment for him, and led to him changing his ways.[16]

Visited by Albus Dumbledore

"The best that can be said is that he has at least escaped the appalling damage you have inflicted upon the unfortunate boy sitting between you."
— Albus Dumbledore's damning assessment of Vernon and Petunia's spoiling of Dudley[src]
Hbp

Albus Dumbledore visiting the Dursleys

When Albus Dumbledore paid a personal visit to the Dursleys in 1996, he showed pity for Dudley, blaming the Dursleys for the "appalling damage" their parenting inflicted on their son. Dudley was very confused by this statement, and did not show any signs of planning to rectify his parents' "mistakes".

As Harry and Dumbledore leave, Dumbledore told the Dursleys that in summer 1997 that they have to evacuate their house to protect themselves from becoming the victims of Lord Voldemort and Death Eaters.[17]

Hiding from Death Eaters

"Dad — I'm going with these Order people."
— Dudley accepting protection from the Order of the Phoenix[src]

After Harry arrived at Number Four, in 1997, Dudley made at least one known attempt to reconcile with Harry. Dudley placed a cup of tea outside Harry's room. However, Harry initially misinterpreted the gesture as another prank, as Dudley had placed the cup on the floor and Harry stepped on it by accident. When Harry parted ways with the Dursleys, Dudley was the only member to bid Harry farewell.[18]

DH1 Dudley Dursley shakehand with Harry Potter

Dudley shaking Harry's hand as they parted ways at Number 4 Privet Drive

When Dudley was attacked by the Dementors he saw himself, for the first time, as he really was. This was an extremely painful but ultimately salutary lesson and began the transformation in him. He shook Harry's hand and thanked him for saving his life. The members of the Order of the Phoenix escorting the Dursleys into hiding were not satisfied by this and thought a more adequate apology was in order, but the Dursleys left with nothing more to say, Harry himself noting that Dudley's awkward thanks was the Dursley equivalent of a heartfelt expression of gratitude.[18]

Later life

In Dudley's adult life, he became a father of two. He and Harry remained on "Christmas card terms," and Harry sometimes took his children to Dudley's when they were in the neighbourhood, occasions dreaded by James, Albus, and Lily.[19] During these visits, Dudley and Harry would sit silently together rarely talking while their children interacted and played together. It is unknown if Dudley ever returned to Little Whinging or if their family had stayed in the place they were relocated to,[20] or if they had moved elsewhere. By 2020, Dudley's mother had passed away.

Physical description

"Aunt Petunia often said that Dudley looked like a baby angel — Harry often said that Dudley looked like a pig in a wig."
— Dudley's appearance in his early years[src]
Dudders dursley1

Dudley, age 15

Dudley had watery blue eyes and thick blond hair. Growing up, Dudley was extremely fat, at least four times Harry's size.[7] Harry often thought Dudley looked like a pig in a wig. In 1994, he had "reached the size and weight of a young killer whale"[13] — somewhere between 265 and 353 pounds.[2] Dudley was too large to fit in a school uniform, so was forced to go on a diet by his school, which was largely comprised of food which Vernon called "rabbit food" (fruits and vegetables) which Dudley rarely ate otherwise. Vernon and Petunia usually made excuses on why he was large, such as that his poundage was really "puppy fat" or that he was a "growing boy".

Dudley mostly ate junk food, hated exercise, and often played video games. When Harry and the Dursleys ate breakfast Dudley's flab would often hang off the chair because he was too big and eventually a TV was bought for the kitchen after Dudley had complained about the distance from the living room to the fridge, which was an example of his great laziness. This may have had something to do with his weight problem.

However, by 1995 after he was attacked by Umbridge's dementors, Dudley had taken up boxing and weight lifting, and lost a great deal of weight.[14] Before the Dursleys left Privet Drive, he appeared "large, blond, and muscular," wearing a leather jacket.[18]

Personality and traits

"We had to write an essay about our hero at school, Mr Mason, and I wrote about you."
— Dudley being paid to flatter the Masons when they arrive for dinner[src]
Dudley eating

A photograph of a very spoiled Dudley

Dudley was an unpleasant and spoiled child. His parents spoiled him to the point of becoming grossly obese, demanding, selfish, and manipulative, but most of all, extremely ungrateful. During his eleventh birthday, he screamed when he received one gift fewer than the previous year, making his parents promise to buy him two more, and pretended to cry when he realised Harry would have to come with him for his birthday trip to the zoo.[7]

Dudley had an awful habit of bullying children who were weaker and as much as five years younger than he was, and when he forgot his fear of Harry's powers, callously insulted him in any way possible, even jeering at Harry about his obviously disturbing nightmares.[14]

Despite being fairly manipulative, Dudley appeared to have a low level of intelligence. In 1991, whilst Rubeus Hagrid was attempting to enter the Hut-on-the-Rock, he foolishly quoted "Where's the cannon?" showing poor common sense.[9] In the school holiday of 1994, he received a dismal school report from Smeltings Academy, which included very poor academic results as well as reports of bullying others.[13]

However, in 1995, Dudley faced dementors for the first time. Though a Dementor attack typically forced a person to re-live the worst moments of their life, Dudley's life-so-far of luxury and greed contained no "worst moments," and therefore, during the attack, Dudley saw himself as the spoiled, rotten and cruel bully he truly was. He was thus forced, rather harshly, to realise he needed to change his ways. This led to him regretting his treatment of Harry and his later attempts at reconciliation.[20] The cousins would have a relatively good relationship by 2017: Dudley and Harry visited each other, while their children played together.[21]

Relationships

Parents

"Little tyke wants his money's worth, just like his father."
— Vernon Dursley regarding Dudley's tantrum[src]
Dursley Family

Dudley with his parents, Vernon and Petunia Dursley

Vernon and Petunia Dursley spoiled and coddled their son as much as they neglected and abused their nephew Harry. They appeared to buy Dudley anything he wanted, often apparently to waylay a tantrum (Vernon going so far as bribing him to accept a kiss from Aunt Marge). They indulged their son with treats and activities both out of blind adoration for the boy and as a means of emphasising to Harry what he was missing.

They were generally in denial of the obesity brought on by Dudley's gluttony, which they wrote off as being either the healthy appetite of a growing boy or that his poundage was really "puppy fat" and were completely oblivious to the fact that Dudley did not have friends, so much as a schoolyard gang and victims.

While Vernon consistently praised his son as if he was extremely masculine and robust, Petunia infantilised Dudley, calling him "Diddykins" well in to his teen years, appearing heartbroken to have to put Dudley on a much-needed diet and even bursting into tears when Dudley showed marginal affection for Harry.[18]

Harry Potter

Dudley: "I don’t think you’re a waste of space."
Harry Potter: "Well… er… thanks, Dudley."
Dudley: "You saved my life."
— Harry’s farewell to the Dursleys and Dudley's gratitude[src]
Harry Potter

Harry Potter, his maternal cousin


Dudley and his cousin Harry did not get along very well for most of their early lives. Like his parents, Dudley only thought of Harry as a huge burden to the family. Whilst Vernon and Petunia treated Harry poorly, they spoiled Dudley to the extreme. Dudley constantly bullied Harry throughout their childhood, but did his best not to provoke him after he found out that Harry was a wizard, though the two still often argued and traded insults. This changed after Harry saved Dudley from a pair of dementors that attacked them during the summer of 1995.

When the Order of the Phoenix placed the Dursleys into hiding to keep them safe during the height of the Second Wizarding War, Dudley was the only member of the family to express concern for Harry's safety, asking his parents why Harry was not accompanying them and where he would go, if not with them. He also expressed remorse for his earlier treatment of Harry and the two shook hands before the Dursleys left.[18]

After the Second Wizarding War, Dudley later became a cousin-in-law to Harry's wife Ginevra Weasley and a first cousin once removed to Harry and Ginny's children, James, Albus, and Lily Potter. Dudley and Harry eventually reconciled as adults, remaining on "Christmas card terms" and visiting each other occasionally. At these times, Harry's three children and Dudley's children would all play together while their fathers would sit together quietly.[22]

When his mother, Petunia, died, Dudley was still on good terms with Harry. Whilst cleaning out her possessions, he found the blanket that Harry had been wrapped in when he arrived at 4 Privet Drive and mailed it to him, believing that Petunia wanted him to have it.[23]

Media

Etymology

Dudley means "from the meadow". It is also a large town located in the West Midlands county of England which, as with the town of Dursley, is known for its coal mining in the Victorian era. J. K. Rowling implied that she took the name from the town, commenting "maps are a great source for names", then adding "Dursley and Dudley and Snape are all places I can't visit anymore".[24]

Dursley is a town in Gloucestershire, England. Rowling has commented that she visited the place as a child and hated it, which likely affected her choice of surname for the awful family, remarking "I don't imagine I'm very popular in Dursley".[25][26] Rowling chose the name because it sounded "dull and forbidding".

Behind the scenes

LegoDudley2020

Dudley as a LEGO minifigure (2020)

Dudley Dursley in PS Illustrated Edition

Dudley in his Smeltings uniform, illustrated by Jim Kay

DudleyDursley

An illustration of Dudley by J. K. Rowling

  • Dudley was portrayed by Harry Melling in the film series.
  • It is never made clear if Dudley was aware of Harry being a wizard before the latter read his Hogwarts letter. However, since he was said to avoid being in the same room with Harry after the truth was said, it can be assumed that Vernon and Petunia never told him. In addition, his parents probably did not want him to believe in magic.
  • In one of Harry's several letters to Sirius Black in the summer of 1994, he says that Dudley threw his PlayStation out of a window after he was caught sneaking doughnuts into his room. However, this is an anachronism, as the Sony PlayStation was not released anywhere until December 1994 (in Japan) and in Britain until September 1995. However, customers with influence could obtain a "test set" for a high cost.
  • Coincidentally, the real name of the actor who plays Dudley is Harry.
  • Although not mentioned in the books, J. K. Rowling said during the Dementor attack, Dudley saw himself the way he truly was: spoiled rotten and a cruel bully, making him realise, rather harshly, that he needed to change. This led to him regretting his treatment of Harry and his attempt later at reconciliation.
  • In the books, Dudley's hair is blond, but in the films, it is dark brown.
  • Dudley is portrayed as fat in the books and films. In an interview on the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban film DVD, Harry Melling stated he had lost weight and had to wear a fat suit in order to show Dudley's chubbiness.
  • J. K. Rowling has stated that she originally planned to have Dudley have a wizard child in the Epilogue but decided that no magical blood would ever get past Uncle Vernon's DNA.[27]
  • Dudley did not appear in either the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire nor the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, as the film script writers removed the Privet Drive matter to fit each book into one film.
  • Dudley and his gang once beat up a boy named Mark Evans. Though Dudley's maternal family are the Evans, Mark is not closely related to the Evans family, nor to Dudley: whether there is a distant link is unknown.
  • The scene where Dudley reconciles with Harry does not make it into the film, though it was filmed and is included as a deleted scene in the DVD of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
  • In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Rubeus Hagrid mistakes Dudley for Harry when he comes to get Harry at the Hut-on-the-Rock and comments on his weight.
  • In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, when the Dursley family visit the zoo with Harry on Dudley's eleventh birthday they are accompanied by Dudley's best friend, Piers Polkiss. But in the film adaptation Piers Polkiss does not appear.
  • Apart from the films, Melling also voiced Dudley in the video game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
  • Dudley is similar to Draco Malfoy in some ways. Both are boys who are the only children of their parents. Both are spoiled, although Draco's father was firm at times and had high expectations for him. Draco has white-blonde hair and Dudley is blonde in the books. Both have mothers who are named after flowers (Petunia Dursley and Narcissa Malfoy). Both boys' parents enjoyed the idea of a prominent, wealthy social status - the Malfoys are a very wealthy Wizarding family, while the Dursleys have a goal of moving up in society. Draco and Dudley both lead a gang of friends, Draco being the leader of Draco Malfoy's gang and Dudley being the leader of Dudley Dursley's gang. Harry was bullied by both Draco and Dudley for years - Dudley in the Muggle world, Draco in the wizarding world - though he eventually reconciles with both of them.
  • In LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7, Dudley (and Vernon) possess superhuman strength, which allows them to pull special orange handles. Being both Muggles, this canonically cannot be magical strength, but merely brute physical strength.

Appearances

Wiki
The Harry Potter Wiki has 120 images related to Dudley Dursley.

Notes and references

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Harry Potter Lexicon - Timeline - Dudley Dursley
  2. 2.0 2.1 In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 3 (The Invitation), Dudley was stated to be "the size and weight of a young killer whale" which was between 265 and 353 lbs.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 2 (The Vanishing Glass) - "He had a large pink face, not much neck, small, watery blue eyes, and thick blond hair that lay smoothly on his thick, fat head.
  4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 1 (The Boy Who Lived)
  5. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 2 (Aunt Marge's Big Mistake)
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 2 (The Vanishing Glass)
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 3 (The Letters from No One)
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 4 (The Keeper of the Keys)
  10. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 6 (The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters)
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 1 (The Worst Birthday)
  12. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 3 (The Burrow)
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 3 (The Invitation)
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 1 (Dudley Demented)
  15. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 2 (A Peck of Owls)
  16. http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2007/7/30/j-k-rowling-web-chat-transcript/
  17. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 3 (Will and Won't)
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 3 (The Dursleys Departing)
  19. JK Rowling comments on Harry and Dudley's future relationship, available via Internet Archive
  20. 20.0 20.1 J.K. Rowling's comments at Carnegie Hall
  21. JK Rowling comments on Harry and Dudley's future relationship
  22. 19 October 2007 J.K. Rowling at Carnegie Hall
  23. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Act One, Scene Seven
  24. Accio Quote!: Blue Peter (cBBC) Interview with J. K. Rowling, 12 March, 2001
  25. WP favicon Dursley on Wikipedia
  26. 2001 BBC Online Chat
  27. J. K. Rowling's official site Harry and Dudley: Future Hope?
Dudley Dursley's gang
Dudley Dursley's gang
Leader
Dudley Dursley
Members
Piers Polkiss · Dennis · Dudley Dursley · Gordon · Malcolm