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{{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.|Dudley's farewell to his cousin, Harry Potter|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
 
{{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.|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 [[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 the [[Dementor|Dementors]] 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]].
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'''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.
 
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.
   
 
==Biography==
 
==Biography==
===Early Life===
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===Early life===
 
[[File:Dudleybaby.jpg|thumb|left|Dudley as a baby]]
 
[[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 was the nephew of [[Marge Dursley]] and the son of Vernon Dursley and Petunia Dursley.
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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 1 November 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>
 
On the night of 1 November 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>
   
===Dudley's Fifth Birthday Party===
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===Fifth birthday party===
In June [[1985]], Dudley's Aunt Marge was at [[Privet Drive]] to attend [[Dudley Dursley's fifth birthday party|her nephew's (Dudley) fifth birthday party]]. She whacked Harry Potter, a then-four year old, around the shins with her walking stick to stop him from beating Dudley at [[musical statues]].<ref name="POA">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''</ref>
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In June [[1985]], his Aunt Marge was at [[Privet Drive]] to attend [[Dudley Dursley's fifth birthday party|her nephew's (Dudley) fifth birthday party]]. She whacked [[Harry Potter]], a then-four year old, around the shins with her walking stick to stop him from beating Dudley at [[musical statues]].<ref name="POA">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''</ref>
   
 
====Christmas====
 
====Christmas====
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.<ref name="POA" />
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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.<ref name="POA" />
   
 
===School===
 
===School===
 
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 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.
   
===Dudley's Tenth Birthday Party===
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===Tenth birthday party===
Aunt Marge was present again at Dudley's tenth birthday party, when Harry was nine. Harry accidentally stepped on [[Ripper]]'s paw, which caused 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="POA" />.
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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 [[Dursley family|Dursleys']] delight.<ref name="POA" />.
   
===Dudley's Eleventh Birthday Party===
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===Eleventh birthday party===
 
{{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|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
   
[[File:Dudleyangry.jpg|thumb|An upset Dudley on his Eleventh Birthday|217x217px]]
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[[File:Dudleyangry.jpg|thumb|An upset Dudley on his eleventh birthday|217x217px]]
   
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 became slightly angry at being corrected even though there was still one less present. 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 one more than last year. Satisfied with this, Dudley did not throw a fit.
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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 became slightly angry at being corrected even though there was still one less present. 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 one more than last year. Satisfied with this, Dudley did not throw a fit.
   
 
==== 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.
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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 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.
   
[[File:Dudley_trapped_PS_1.png|thumb|234px|Dudley trapped behind the Brazilian Boa Constrictor glass exhibit at the zoo |left]]
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[[File:Dudley_trapped_PS_1.png|thumb|234px|Dudley trapped behind glass at a zoo |left]]
   
 
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.
 
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.
   
 
===Discovery of the wizarding world===
 
===Discovery of the wizarding world===
{{Quote|Who on earth wants to talk to you this badly?|Dudley, amazed about the number of letters that were sent to Harry|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
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{{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:Dudley.jpg|thumb|211x211px|Dudley in his Smeltings uniform]]
 
[[File:Dudley.jpg|thumb|211x211px|Dudley in his Smeltings uniform]]
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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.
 
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 both 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.
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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.
   
When Vernon and Petunia gave [[The Smallest Bedroom|Dudley's second bedroom]] to Harry, Dudley threw a temper tantrum, and claimed 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 onto his neck.
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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, which was made difficult by Harry clinging on to Vernon's neck.
   
 
[[File:HarryPooter.PNG|thumb|235x235px|The Dursleys and Harry react in surprise, as Hogwarts letters pelt from the chimney|left]]
 
[[File:HarryPooter.PNG|thumb|235x235px|The Dursleys and Harry react in surprise, as Hogwarts letters pelt from the chimney|left]]
   
Within a week, no less than two dozen letters had 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 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 that he had 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.
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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 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.
   
 
[[File:Hutontherock.png|thumb|231x231px|The [[Hut-on-the-Rock|Hut on the Rock]]]]
 
[[File:Hutontherock.png|thumb|231x231px|The [[Hut-on-the-Rock|Hut on the Rock]]]]
   
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 moldy 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.
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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.
   
When Vernon insulted [[Albus Dumbledore]] after Hagrid had 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 they dropped 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 before he went to Smeltings.
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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 before he went to Smeltings.
   
 
===1992===
 
===1992===
 
{{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}}
 
{{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.
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In June, Dudley accompanied his parents to [[King's Cross Station]] to pick Harry up for the summer holidays.
   
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. 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.
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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.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.
   
 
[[File:Dursleys have visitors.jpg|thumb|220x220px|left|Dudley and his parents during the visit of the Masons in 1992]]
 
[[File:Dursleys have visitors.jpg|thumb|220x220px|left|Dudley and his parents during the visit of the Masons in 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.
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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.
   
 
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]].
 
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]].
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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.
 
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.
   
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, and stated that hanging was the only way to handle people like Black.
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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:Marge_bribe.jpg|thumb|229x229px|Dudley with his Aunt Marge in 1993]]
 
[[File:Marge_bribe.jpg|thumb|229x229px|Dudley with his Aunt Marge in 1993]]
   
On 31 July, Dudley's 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 had 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.
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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.
   
 
===1994===
 
===1994===
 
[[File:Dudley Dursley Gang.jpg|left|thumb|235x235px|Dudley and his gang ]]
 
[[File:Dudley Dursley Gang.jpg|left|thumb|235x235px|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 — somewhere between 265 and 353 pounds<ref>[http://seaworld.org/en/animal-info/animal-infobooks/killer-whale/birth-and-care-of-young]</ref>. 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.
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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 — somewhere between 265 and 353 pounds<ref>[http://seaworld.org/en/animal-info/animal-infobooks/killer-whale/birth-and-care-of-young]</ref>. 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.
   
 
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.
 
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.
   
As the Weasleys returned to [[The Burrow]] through the [[Floo Network]], Fred "accidentally" dropped numerous sweets in brightly coloured wrappers on the floor, and knew that Dudley would eat one of them. The sweet, revealed to be a [[Ton-Tongue Toffee]], caused Dudley's tongue to expand greatly and caused him pain. Before she allowed [[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 back to normal.<ref name="GOF">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''</ref>
+
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>
   
 
===1995===
 
===1995===
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[[File:DudleyBoxing.jpg|thumb|right|210x210px|Dudley takes up boxing.]]
 
[[File:DudleyBoxing.jpg|thumb|right|210x210px|Dudley takes 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 and terrorising younger children. After taking up his workout regime, Dudley became the boxing champion at his school.
+
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.
   
[[File:DementorDudley.jpg|thumb|left|235x235px|A Dementor attempts to kiss Dudley]]
+
[[File:DementorDudley.jpg|thumb|left|235x235px|A [[dementor]] [[Dementor attack on Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley|attempts to]] [[Dementor's Kiss|kiss]] Dudley]]
   
On his way home one night with his gang, Dudley ran into Harry. He and Harry were [[Dementor attack on Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley|attacked]] in the street by two [[dementor|Dementors]] that were sent by [[Dolores Umbridge]] to harm Harry (unknown to him). 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. The encounter with the Dementors forced Dudley, for the first time, to recognize the kind of person that he really was. It was a terribly painful moment for him, although it did lead to him changing his ways, which we eventually saw played out when he interacted with Harry before the entire family went into hiding in 1997.<ref>http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2007/7/30/j-k-rowling-web-chat-transcript/</ref>
+
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. The encounter with the Dementors forced Dudley, for the first time, to recognize the kind of person he really was. It was a terribly painful moment for him, although did lead to him changing his ways, which we eventually see play out when he interacts with Harry before the entire family goes into hiding in 1997.<ref>http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2007/7/30/j-k-rowling-web-chat-transcript/</ref>
   
 
===1996===
 
===1996===
When Albus Dumbledore paid a personal visit to the Dursleys in [[1996]], he showed pity for Dudley, and blamed the Dursleys for the "appalling damage" their parenting had inflicted on their son. Dudley was very confused by this statement, and did not show any signs of planning to rectify his parents' "mistakes."
+
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."
   
===Hiding from the Death Eaters===
+
===Hiding from Death Eaters===
{{Quote|Dad — I'm going with these 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 of the Phoenix|Order]] people.|Dudley accepting protection from the [[Order of the Phoenix]]|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
   
After Harry had arrived at Number Four, in 1997, Dudley made at least one known attempt to reconcile with Harry. Dudley placed a cup of tea outside of 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.
+
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.
   
[[File:DH1 Dudley Dursley shakehand with Harry Potter.jpg|thumb|235x235px|Dudley shaking Harry's hand as they parted ways at [[4 Privet Drive|Number 4 Privet Drive]]]]
+
[[File:DH1 Dudley Dursley shakehand with Harry Potter.jpg|thumb|235x235px|Dudley shaking Harry's hand as they part ways at Number[[Privet Drive| 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 (though it was his soul that the Dementor would have taken, there was little difference). The members of the Order of the Phoenix that were escorting the Dursleys into hiding were not satisfied by this and thought that a more adequate apology was in order, but the Dursleys left with nothing more to say. Harry himself noted that Dudley's awkward thanks was the Dursley equivalent of a heartfelt expression of gratitude.
+
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 married and 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 that were 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 and rarely talked while their children interacted and played together. It was unknown if Dudley ever returned to [[Little Whinging]] or if their family had stayed in the place that 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 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>
   
==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}}
 
{{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|201x201px|Dudley Dursley, age 13]]
 
[[File:Dudley_dursley_hp.jpg|thumb|left|201x201px|Dudley Dursley, age 13]]
   
Dudley had 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 he 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 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.
   
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," and wore a leather jacket.<ref name="DH" />
+
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" />
   
==Personality and Traits==
+
==Personality and traits==
{{Quote|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.|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
+
{{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|203x203px|A photograph of a very spoiled Dudley]]
 
[[File:Dudley eating.jpg|thumb|203x203px|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, he was extremely ungrateful. During his eleventh birthday, he screamed when he received one gift fewer than the previous year, made his parents promise to buy him two more, and pretended to cry when he realised that 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, he was 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]].
   
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, and even jeered at him about his obviously disturbed 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.
   
Despite being fairly manipulative, Dudley appeared to have a low level of intelligence. In 1991, while Rubeus Hagrid was attempting to enter the Hut-on-the-Rock, he foolishly quoted "Where's the cannon?" which showed poor common sense. 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.
+
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. 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.
   
However, in [[1995]], Dudley faced the 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 that 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 [[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>
   
 
==Relationships==
 
==Relationships==
Line 185: Line 185:
 
{{Quote|Little tyke wants his money's worth, just like his father.|Vernon Dursley regarding Dudley|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
 
{{Quote|Little tyke wants his money's worth, just like his father.|Vernon Dursley regarding Dudley|Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone}}
   
[[File:Petunia Dursley.jpg|left|thumb|188x188px|Petunia Dursley, his mother]]
+
[[File:Petunia Dursley.jpg|left|thumb|188x188px|[[Petunia Dursley]], his mother]]
   
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 that 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.
+
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.
   
[[File:Vernon_Dursley_(Promo_pic_from_Order_of_the_Phoenix_movie).jpg|thumb|150px|Vernon Dursley, his father]]
+
[[File:Vernon_Dursley_(Promo_pic_from_Order_of_the_Phoenix_movie).jpg|thumb|150px|[[Vernon Dursley]], his father]]
   
While Vernon consistently praised his son as if he was extremely masculine and robust, Petunia babied Dudley, called him "Diddykins" well in to his teen years, appeared heartbroken to have to put Dudley on a much-needed diet, and even burst 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 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>
   
 
===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|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
 
{{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|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
   
[[File:PromoHP7 Harry Potter.jpg|left|thumb|195x195px|Harry Potter, his maternal cousin ]]
+
[[File:PromoHP7 Harry Potter.jpg|left|thumb|195x195px|[[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. While Vernon and 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 the trading of 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, and asked 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. 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.
   
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, remained on "Christmas card terms", and visited 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.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1572399/20071019/story.jhtml 19 October 2007 J.K. Rowling at Carnegie Hall]</ref>
+
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>
   
 
==Media==
 
==Media==
Line 217: Line 217:
 
[[File:Dudley Dursley.png|thumb|Dudley Dursley as a [[LEGO Harry Potter|LEGO]] minifigure.]]
 
[[File:Dudley Dursley.png|thumb|Dudley Dursley as a [[LEGO Harry Potter|LEGO]] minifigure.]]
 
*Dudley was portrayed by [[Harry Melling]] in the film series.
 
*Dudley was portrayed by [[Harry Melling]] in the film series.
*It was 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 could 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, said 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. In any case, the film versions were kept consistent with the 21st century rather than the 1990s.
*Coincidentally, the real name of the actor who played 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, and made 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 was blond, but in the [[Harry Potter films|films]] it was dark brown.
+
*In the books, Dudley's hair is blond, but in the [[Harry Potter films|films]] it is dark brown.
*Dudley was 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 that 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 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.
*J.K. Rowling stated that she had 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>J.K.Rowling Official Site [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 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 and his gang once beat up a boy named [[Mark Evans]]. Though Dudley's maternal family were the [[Evans family|Evans]], Mark was not closely related to the Evans family, nor to Dudley: whether there was a distant link was 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.
*Coincidentally, Dudley's birthday was one month before the real birthday of [[Daniel Radcliffe]].
+
*Coincidentally, Dudley's birthday is one month before the real birthday of [[Daniel Radcliffe]].
*The scene where Dudley reconciled with Harry did not make it into the film, though it was filmed and was included as a deleted scene in the DVD of ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]''.
+
*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 [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|film version of]] ''Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone'', Rubeus Hagrid mistook Dudley for Harry when he came to get him at the Hut-on-the-Rock and commented on his weight.
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*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.
*In the book, [[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]], when the Dursley family visited 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 did not appear.
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*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.
*Apart from the movies, Harry 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.]]
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*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.]]
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==

Revision as of 08:25, 21 August 2015

Dudley: "I don’t think you’re a waste of space."
Harry Potter: "Well… er… thanks, Dudley."
Dudley: "You saved my life."
— 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. He and his 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 Dementors 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 Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters, under the protection of the Order of the Phoenix.

After the Second Wizarding War, he married a woman and had two children. He also remained in contact with Harry, as did his wife and children.

Biography

Early life

Dudleybaby

Dudley as a baby

Dudley was born on 23 June, 1980[1], 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 1 November in 1981, 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 his younger cousin.[2]

Fifth birthday party

In June 1985, his Aunt Marge was at Privet Drive to attend her nephew's (Dudley) fifth birthday party. She whacked Harry Potter, a then-four year old, around the shins with her walking stick to stop him from beating Dudley at musical statues.[3]

Christmas

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.[3]

School

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.

Tenth birthday party

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.[3].

Eleventh birthday party

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

An upset 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 and a racing bicycle[2] (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 became slightly angry at being corrected even though there was still one less present. 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 one more than last year. Satisfied with this, Dudley did not throw a fit.

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.

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 knickerbocker glory was not big enough: his parents bought him another one and Harry was allowed to finish the first one.

Dudley trapped PS 1

Dudley trapped behind glass at a zoo

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.

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]
Dudley

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.

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.

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.

HarryPooter

The Dursleys and Harry react in surprise, as Hogwarts letters pelt from the chimney

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 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.

Hutontherock

The Hut on the Rock

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. 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.

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 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 private hospital in London to have the tail removed before he went to Smeltings.

1992

"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.

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.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.[4] 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.

Dursleys have visitors

Dudley and his parents during the visit of the Masons in 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.

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.

1993

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.

Along with his parents and Harry, Dudley learned one day of an escaped convict named "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.

Marge bribe

Dudley with his Aunt Marge in 1993

On 31 July, Dudley's 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.

1994

Dudley Dursley 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 — somewhere between 265 and 353 pounds[5]. 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.

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.

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.[6]

1995

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

Dudley takes 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 and terrorising younger children. After taking up his workout regime, Dudley became boxing champion at his school.

DementorDudley

A dementor attempts to kiss Dudley

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). They were saved from being kissed by Harry's stag Patronus, but Dudley, confused by what had happened, pinned the blame for the attack on his cousin, as he could not see the dementors. The encounter with the Dementors forced Dudley, for the first time, to recognize the kind of person he really was. It was a terribly painful moment for him, although did lead to him changing his ways, which we eventually see play out when he interacts with Harry before the entire family goes into hiding in 1997.[7]

1996

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."

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.

DH1 Dudley Dursley shakehand with Harry Potter

Dudley shaking Harry's hand as they part 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 (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

In Dudley's adult life, he got married and 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.[8] 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.[9]

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]
Dudley dursley hp

Dudley Dursley, age 13

Dudley has watery blue eyes and thick blond hair. Growing up, Dudley was extremely fat, at least four times Harry's size.[2] 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."[6] 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.

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.[10]

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, he was 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.[9] The cousins would have a relatively good relationship by 2017: Dudley and Harry visited each other, while their children played together.[11]

Relationships

Parents

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

Petunia Dursley, his mother

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.

Vernon Dursley (Promo pic from Order of the Phoenix movie)

Vernon Dursley, his father

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.[10]

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[src]
PromoHP7 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. While Vernon and 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 wizard, though the two still got into an occasional argument and trading of 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 prior treatment of Harry and the two shook hands before the Dursleys left.

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 children would all play together while their fathers would sit together quietly.[12]

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.

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."[13][14] The town is known for its Victorian history in coal mining. Rowling chose the name because it sounded "dull and forbidding".

Behind the scenes

Dudley Dursley

Dudley Dursley as a LEGO minifigure.

  • 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. In any case, the film versions were kept consistent with the 21st century rather than the 1990s.
  • 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.[15]
  • 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.
  • Coincidentally, Dudley's birthday is one month before the real birthday of Daniel Radcliffe.
  • 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 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.
  • 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, Piers Polkiss. But in the film adaptation Piers Polkiss does not appear.
  • Apart from the movies, Melling also voiced Dudley in the Order of the Phoenix video game.
    Dudley Dursley

    Dudley in the Order of the Phoenix video game.

Appearances

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

Notes and references

Dudley Dursley's gang
Dudley Dursley's gang
Leader
Dudley Dursley
Members
Piers Polkiss · Dennis · Dudley Dursley · Gordon · Malcolm