A Comparative Analysis of the Role Functions of Dumbledore and Gandalf from a Narratological Perspective

Abstract

Based on narratological theory and employing A. J. Greimas’s actantial model, this study conducts a comparative analysis of the narrative functions exhibited by Gandalf in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings versus those manifested by Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series. The analysis reveals that while both characters fulfill the dual roles of “senders” and “helpers”, their functional orientations diverge significantly: Gandalf operates predominantly as a “catalyst” and “mediator”, in contrast to Dumbledore who primarily assumes the roles of “mentor” and “guardian”. Notably, Dumbledore demonstrates paradoxical characteristics of an “opponent” within specific narrative contexts. These functional divergences not only manifest Tolkien’s return to traditional epic paradigms but also embody Rowling’s critique of contemporary society, thus delineating the transformative trajectory of 20th-century fantasy literature from mythological narration to humanistic narration.