Harry Potter · Character
Igor Karkaroff
Also known as Karkaroff, Professor Karkaroff, Igor
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 4 · Ch. 14
Igor Karkaroff is a supporting character in Harry Potter (Book 4).
- Gender
- male
- Age
- middle-aged
- First appears
- Book 4 · Ch. 14
- Books
- 1
A former Death Eater who had escaped Azkaban by giving up the names of others, Karkaroff arrives at Hogwarts as headmaster of Durmstrang, all polished manners and guarded calculation. He favors Viktor Krum and treats the Tournament as a stage on which to display his school, yet the prospect of recognition by his former master leaves him visibly anxious. When Voldemort returns, Karkaroff flees rather than face the past he tried to bargain away. His careful self-preservation cannot protect him from the consequences of that choice.
Description
Karkaroff is tall and spare, with short white hair and a narrow, winding goatee that ends in a small curl. His cold blue eyes sit above a thin face, and his yellowing teeth appear in a steely smile that rarely softens his expression. Sleek silver furs, layered over wizard's robes, give him a carefully grand silhouette. He holds himself with watchful poise, though his fingers sometimes betray a restless, fidgeting tension.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Albus Dumbledorecounterpart
Dumbledore and Karkaroff are headmasters overseeing the international tournament. Karkaroff accuses Dumbledore of conspiring against him after Krum is attacked, while Dumbledore rejects the accusation and tries to calm the situation.
- BC
Barty Crouchaccused
Karkaroff gives evidence before Crouch’s council in an effort to obtain favorable treatment and avoid a return to Azkaban.
Severus Snapeconflicting source relationships
Karkaroff says Snape has been avoiding him and urgently seeks a private conversation, showing Snape a mark on his arm. Their past connection and the meaning of the mark remain unclear.
- VK
Viktor Krumstudent
Karkaroff is Krum’s headmaster and brings him to the champion-selection meeting. After Karkaroff protests Harry’s selection, he beckons Krum to leave with him.
Alastor Moodyadversary
Moody despises Karkaroff as a former Death Eater and believes he deserves to be returned to the Dementors rather than granted leniency.
Harry Potterconflicting source relationships
Sirius warns Harry that Karkaroff is a former Death Eater and may be connected to a plot against him. Karkaroff secretly spies on the dragon task preparations and later gives Harry a conspicuously low score.
- LV
Lord Voldemortformer supporter
Karkaroff says he deeply regrets having been one of Voldemort’s supporters and offers names of other Death Eaters to the Ministry in exchange for consideration of his case.
Rubeus Hagridadversary
Hagrid reacts violently when Karkaroff accuses Dumbledore of corruption, lifting him against a tree and demanding an apology. Dumbledore intervenes and orders Hagrid to escort Harry away.
Story so far
BOOK 4Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Key events
Appearances
Meet Igor Karkaroff in Bookworm
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