Great essay, as usual. Ron is definitely my favorite of the Trio because he's not perfect. You have to really appreciate how difficult it must be for him to be Harry's BF (and there's really no competing with Harry's status, I don't care who you are) and care about Hermione, who's destined for intellectual greatness. It would be hard for anyone in that circumstance to not feel inadequate even with the highest of self-esteem. I'm not sure that his chess/strategy skills will really matter in the end, but regardless, his role is clearly Hero Support.

Draco tries so hard, and is really pretty clever, but still fails. I think he fails many times simply because Harry is favored, but that could just be Draco-prejudice talking.

And you're spot on with Snape. For whatever reason, he needs to feel special and he needs recognition for what he's done. I expect him to not only tell Harry everything he's done, but anyone else who will listen is he lives to have the chance.

As I said, wonderful. I'm off to read Draco the Nutter.