Severus Snape is a fictional character from the Harry Potter series of novels written by J.K. Rowling. He has always been one of the series’ most controversial characters, with fans divided about his personal loyalties since the beginning.

Snape is one of the most interesting characters in the Harry Potter books, a powerful dark wizard who may be hiding several secrets, and whose true motivations are not revealed until the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Snape is a key character in the overall story arc of the series, and is featured in all seven Harry Potter books.He has been described as hook-nosed, with black eyes, sallow skin, and shoulder-length black hair. Rowling has stated that his character was based on a teacher she disliked when she was in school, and he is named after the village of Snape in the English county of Suffolk.

Snape first appeared in the opening book of the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, as the teacher of a Potions class at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He was often rumoured to covet the job of teaching the Defence Against the Dark Arts class, which is finally confirmed in the fifth book. Snape is a malicious, sarcastic teacher who often antagonizes Harry and his friends, while favouring students of Slytherin House, where he is Head of Slytherin. Harry often suspects him of being the cause of problems he encounters, beginning with the first book in which Harry becomes convinced that Snape is trying to steal the Philosopher’s Stone. In later books, it is revealed that as a student, Snape and Harry’s father James Potter were bitter rivals, often at odds with one another, which may explain why he singles out Harry for what he feels is unfair treatment. Snape is highly skilled at potion-making and the Dark Arts, and is also adept at reversing or containing damage from dark curses.

Details of Snape’s family background were provided in the last 3 novels. His mother was a witch named Eileen Prince, and his father was a muggle, making him a half-blood. He spent his childhood at Spinner’s End, often neglected by his parents, and eagerly awaiting the chance to leave home and attend Hogwarts. The role of Severus Snape has been played by British actor Alan Rickman in all five Harry Potter films released so far. He will reprise this role in the upcoming movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, scheduled for release in the United Kingdom and United States on November 21, 2008.