As fans mourn Alan Rickman’s death, his portrayal of Snape leaves lasting lessons

The music faded as I awaited the line. With endlessly rehearsed timing, I repeated the famous last word: “Always.” In that moment, I was simultaneously captivated by the life of the character and in awe of the truth and beauty framed by the actor. As the world mourns the loss of Alan Rickman, I remember the scene as if I lived it, and I contemplate the wisdom he left behind.

Harry Potter taught the world many lessons. Readers who wanted to be heroes learned from Harry. Hermione taught wisdom, Ron taught friendship and Neville taught courage. Each of these characters in turn became relatable to people searching for different qualities. But rarely did a reader hope to become the bad guy.

The quality Snape had that so few people remembered is not any moral quality. Readers did not forget his heroism, kindness or love. Rather, they forgot his humanity. Only when Alan Rickman personified the man behind the dark cloak did readers remember he was, in fact, a man. Through this role, Rickman taught me many other lessons as well.

In the first few films, Rickman taught humility. No matter what Snape did for better or for worse, he kept himself out of the equation. When he saved Harry’s life, he did so with no words or change in expression. When students, teachers and former friends speculated about his goodness, he allowed them to do so. He never spoke out in defense of himself or his actions. When reading this, I saw him as a monster, incapable of mercy or compassion. When Alan Rickman brought him to life, however, I saw him as perhaps the most compassionate character of all, only too humble to say so. Suddenly I found myself wanting to be like him.

In the final films, Rickman taught sacrifice. Contrary to Dumbledore, who wanted to sacrifice others for the good of all, Snape willingly sacrificed himself. He chose to ignore all consequences and give up his life of following Voldemort, his life of teaching what he always wanted to teach, and ultimately life itself, all for the belief that Harry could destroy evil once and for all. When reading this, I saw him as the accidental hero. Surely a monster like Snape did not mean to give up anything for the greater good. Only when I could see Rickman’s purpose-driven eyes and resolute posture in every action did I understand his intentional sacrifice, and I wanted to be like him even more.

Throughout all the films, Rickman taught perhaps his most important lesson: love conquers evil. As I read the books, I believed Snape acted as he did out of love for Lilly. I grew in frustration knowing the world was at stake and all he cared about was his childhood sweetheart. After watching the films, however, I understood his true motive. It was love, as I knew from the beginning, but not for Lily. Snape’s actions were a result of his love for Harry, for the goodness in him and the redemption Snape knew he would bring. That was when I realized I didn’t want to be like Snape. I AM like Snape.

I may never know Rickman’s motive in personifying Snape so perfectly. Maybe he just wanted to go down in history as a phenomenal actor, and he certainly has. But more than that, I hope he died knowing he changed lives. He did not merely teach values such as humility and sacrifice as the other characters did. In bringing Snape to life and to death, Rickman served as a reminder of the importance of faith. Faith that evil can be destroyed, faith that good can reign the victor, faith that all things can be restored and redeemed. And for that, I will always be thankful.