15 Facts About Arabella Figg (Harry Potter Character) (2024)

You might not remember her.

But Arabella Figg was 1 of the people who made Harry’s life way more manageable.

Especially during his younger years.

In fact, she played a bigger role in the story than most fans realize…

And it’s time we gave her a chance under the spotlight.

Continue reading to discover:

• Why Arabella Figg’s a lot braver than you remember.
• What job did Albus Dumbledore give to Arabella Figg.
• How Arabella ended up saving Harry Potter from being expelled.
• And so much more…

About Arabella Figg

Arabella Figg background

Ms. Arabella Figg was born long before 1980.

And she was a Squib.

Someone who came from a magical family…

But didn’t possess any of the magical powers to cast spells.

Unfortunately, we don’t know much about her life growing up.

Because the Harry Potter series never explored her backstory.

Arabella Figg occupation

Ms. Arabella Figg was a cat breeder.

But she didn’t sell your ordinary pets…

She cross-bred Kneazles and regular cats. A magical cat such as Hermione Granger’s pet, Crookshanks.

Ms. Figg had an album full of part-Kneazles.

And she always showed their photos to Harry Potter when he was around.

However, her most important job was working for Albus Dumbledore.

Because she was in charge of staying undercover…

And keeping an eye on Harry Potter as he grew up.

Although fans now think it wasn’t the best idea…

Because she wouldn’t be capable of helping Harry Potter if somebody did try to attack.

Arabella Figg character

Arabella Figg was an older woman.

She had grey hair that flew away to the sides…

And she always wore her signature pair of fluffy carpet slippers.

However, don’t let her looks fool you.

Because she’s 1 of the most clever people in the wizarding world.

On top of that, she’s also brave and has quite a temper…

Since she wasn’t afraid to tell off authorities for offending her during Harry’s trial.

More facts about Arabella Figg

#1: Felt bad about hiding her identity

Sure, most fans know that Arabella Figg was loyal to Dumbledore.

And she couldn’t risk revealing her identity to Harry at a young age…

Because he wouldn’t understand his place in the wizarding world just yet.

But did you know she actually felt bad about it the whole time?

Arabella Figg simply held back from doing so…

Because she knew Dumbledore understood things much better.

So she couldn’t risk anything at all…

Even the slightest hint of being connected to magic.

And when Harry asked her about it.

This was how Arabella Figg answered:

“Dumbledore’s orders. I was to keep an eye on you but not say anything, you were too young. I’m sorry I gave you such a miserable time, Harry, but the Dursleys would never have let you come if they’d thought you enjoyed it. It wasn’t easy, you know…”

Plus, research shows being honest can reinforce positive feelings.

So it must’ve really been hard on Ms. Figg to keep the magical world a secret…

Especially from Harry Potter.

Plus, you should see when Ms. Figg first revealed herself too:

#2: An original member of the Order of the Phoenix

Look, I know how it sounds…

How’s a Squib supposed to help the Order of the Phoenix, right?

They’re an elite wizard organization that fought the evil Lord Voldemort‘s rise…

So where does Ms. Figg fit into all of that?

Well, while we don’t have the specifics…

It’s actually true.

Because Albus Dumbledore said it himself in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:

“Sirius, I need you to set off at once. You are to alert Remus Lupin, Arabella Figg, Mundungus Fletcher — the old crowd. Lie low at Lupin’s for a while; I will contact you there.”

Some fan theories suggest she could’ve been a spy…

Or helped pass information going unnoticed.

Because she was exceptional at keeping her identity a secret.

#3: The 1 person who saved Harry Potter during his trial

Although Albus Dumbledore played a big role…

It was Arabella Figg’s testimony that saved Harry Potter from being expelled.

You see, she was the only one there to witness the attack on Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley.

So how she would describe the Dementors would make or break everything.

In fact, Cornelius Fudge argued that Squibs couldn’t see these dark creatures.

But when Figg said that they looked:

“big and wearing cloaks…”

She managed to convince Amelia Bones…

And other unbiased members in the trial.

So if you’re ever feeling down…

Always remember Ms. Arabella Figg.

Because she didn’t need to use magic to save Harry Potter.

And sometimes, all it takes is a bit of bravery to make a huge impact.

#4: She fought in The Battle of Hogwarts

I know it might sound crazy.

And even if it were true…

It also comes off as extremely reckless.

However, Arabella Figg was present during The Battle of Hogwarts.

And while she wasn’t casting spells in the frontline against dark wizards…

She helped around the wizarding school in other ways.

Like tending to the sick and wounded…

Alongside Argus Filch and Madame Pomfrey.

In fact, research shows that courage is all about facing your fears…

Not to mention, accepting difficult situations and knowing what must be done.

And Ms. Figg had to be 1 of the bravest souls during that day…

Choosing to help where she could despite having no way to defend herself.

#5: There’s a lot more to her name than you think

I’m not saying that Arabella Figg’s a bad name.

But ‘Figg’ could simply be a J.K. Rowling’s play on words for the fig tree.

And while it doesn’t sound that interesting…

Did you know that fig leaves were a symbol for poorly kept secrets?

As a result, it starts to make a lot more sense…

Especially since secrecy was Ms. Figg’s job.

And she wasn’t the best at hiding her identity.